ATI RN
ATI Proctored Pharmacology Test Questions
Question 1 of 5
Before administering lithium to a client with bipolar disorder who has been taking the medication for 1 year, the nurse should check to see that which of the following tests has been completed?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the thyroid hormone assay. Long-term lithium use can result in thyroid dysfunction, making it crucial to monitor the client's thyroid function regularly to detect any abnormalities early and prevent potential complications. Liver function tests (choice B) are not specifically associated with lithium therapy. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (choice C) is a nonspecific test for inflammation and not directly related to lithium therapy. Brain natriuretic peptide (choice D) is a test used to diagnose heart failure and is not relevant to monitoring lithium therapy.
Question 2 of 5
A client has a fungal infection and a new prescription for amphotericin B. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider before initiating the medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An elevated BUN level of 55 mg/dL should be reported before starting amphotericin B due to its nephrotoxic effects. Amphotericin B can cause kidney damage, and an elevated BUN indicates impaired kidney function, increasing the risk of further renal damage with this medication. Sodium, potassium, and glucose levels are not directly associated with the nephrotoxic effects of amphotericin B, making choices A, B, and D incorrect.
Question 3 of 5
A client has an infection and a prescription for gentamicin intermittent IV bolus every 8 hr. A peak and trough is required with the next dose. Which of the following actions should be taken to obtain an accurate gentamicin serum level?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To obtain an accurate gentamicin serum level, the trough should be drawn immediately before administering the medication, and the peak level should be drawn 30 minutes after the dose. This timing allows for the assessment of the lowest and highest drug concentrations in the bloodstream, ensuring therapeutic levels are achieved while minimizing the risk of toxicity. Choice A is correct as it follows this timing protocol. Choices B and D have incorrect timing for peak and trough levels, which would not provide an accurate representation of the drug's concentration in the bloodstream.
Question 4 of 5
A client has anemia and a new prescription for ferrous sulfate liquid. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Taking ferrous sulfate with orange juice can help increase the absorption of iron. Orange juice contains vitamin C, which aids in the absorption of iron from the medication. This combination can enhance the effectiveness of the iron supplement for a client with anemia. Option A is incorrect because taking iron on an empty stomach can cause gastrointestinal upset. Option C is incorrect because calcium in milk can inhibit iron absorption. Option D is irrelevant to enhancing iron absorption.
Question 5 of 5
When a client reports urticaria and dyspnea after receiving amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, which medication should be administered first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the scenario described, the client is experiencing symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. The priority intervention is to administer epinephrine. Epinephrine acts quickly to reverse the effects of the allergic reaction and can be life-saving in cases of anaphylaxis. Albuterol is used for bronchodilation and may help with respiratory symptoms but is not the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Diphenhydramine and prednisone are used for allergic reactions but are not as rapid-acting as epinephrine and should be considered after administering epinephrine in this situation.