ATI RN
Pharmacology ATI Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
Component added to local anesthetic solution to reduce the systemic uptake of the anesthetic agent:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: One of the most common components added to local anesthetic solutions to reduce the systemic uptake of the anesthetic agent is a vasoconstrictor. Vasoconstrictors, such as epinephrine, work by causing constriction of blood vessels at the site of injection. This constriction reduces blood flow to the area, which in turn reduces the systemic absorption of the anesthetic agent. By limiting systemic absorption, vasoconstrictors can help to prolong the duration of local anesthesia and minimize potential side effects associated with high systemic levels of the anesthetic agent, such as cardiovascular effects.
Question 2 of 5
A 79-year-old patient is taking a diuretic for treatment of hypertension. This patient is very
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse will know that it is important to teach the patient to take extra precautions when standing up because of the potential risk of orthostatic hypotension and falls while taking a diuretic for hypertension. Orthostatic hypotension is a common side effect of diuretics, which can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness when changing positions, particularly when standing up quickly. This can increase the risk of falls and injury, especially in elderly patients like this 79-year-old individual. Therefore, the teaching point about taking extra precautions while standing up is crucial for the safety and well-being of the patient.
Question 3 of 5
The patient was receiving haloperidol (Haldol), a dopamine antagonist. The psychiatrist changed the order to aripiprazole (Abilify), a partial dopamine antagonist. Which statement best describes the effect of the change of medication on the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Aripiprazole, a partial dopamine agonist, balances receptor activity versus haloperidol's full block, reducing side effects like extrapyramidal symptoms, common in schizophrenia treatment. Compliance isn't directly tied to this switch. Efficacy or symptom reduction varies-side effect profile drives the change. Fewer side effects align with aripiprazole's design, improving tolerability.
Question 4 of 5
A 33-year-old man spends the morning outside gardening in the sun on a warm spring day. He develops a tension headache, and the only medication he has at home is aspirin. After taking two regular-sized aspirin tablets, there was an increase in his respiration rate. What is the reason for the increased respirations?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aspirin (salicylates) at standard doses (two tablets) can cause respiratory changes. Option , CO2 receptor agonism, is incorrect-salicylates don't target carotid bodies directly. Option , direct stimulation of the respiratory center, is correct-salicylates stimulate the medullary respiratory center, increasing respiration rate, a known early effect in salicylate toxicity. Option , shifting the oxygen dissociation curve, is unrelated to aspirin's action. Option , uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation, occurs in overdose, causing metabolic acidosis and compensatory hyperventilation, but not at this dose. Here, the mild increase in respiration aligns with central stimulation, not severe metabolic disruption. This reflects aspirin's pharmacological effect on brainstem respiratory control, distinct from overdose scenarios, explaining the observed hyperventilation in this otherwise healthy man.
Question 5 of 5
A 75-year-old male patient was admitted to the unit with angina. He was started on nadolol (Corgard). The patient asks why he is taking this medication because he does not have high blood pressure. What is the nurse’s best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Decreased heart rate, contractility, and excitability, as well as a membrane-stabilizing effect, lead to a decrease in arrhythmias, a decreased cardiac workload, and decreased oxygen consumption. The juxtaglomerular cells are not stimulated to release renin, which further decreases the blood pressure. These effects are useful in treating hypertension and chronic angina and can help to prevent reinfarction after a myocardial infarction by decreasing cardiac workload and oxygen consumption. Corgard will not prevent blood pressure problems, arrhythmias, or glaucoma in the future. Corgard is not used to treat BPH.