ATI RN
Test Bank Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 9
Drugs which antagonizes the anticoagulant effects of heparin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Protamine sulfate is a medication that can antagonize the anticoagulant effects of heparin. Heparin works by binding to antithrombin III to enhance its activity, which leads to the inhibition of factor Xa and thrombin. Protamine sulfate, a positively charged molecule, binds to heparin to form a stable complex, neutralizing the anticoagulant effects of heparin. This makes protamine sulfate a useful antidote for heparin overdose or in situations where rapid reversal of heparin is necessary to reduce the risk of bleeding complications. The other options listed - acetylcysteine, naloxone, warfarin sodium, and phenindione - do not have a direct antagonistic effect on the anticoagulant effects of heparin.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is preparing to give a potassium supplement. Which laboratory test should be checked before the patient receives a dose of potassium?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Before administering potassium supplements to a patient, it is essential to check the patient's serum potassium level. This allows the healthcare provider to assess the current potassium level in the body and determine if supplementation is necessary. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial because both low potassium (hypokalemia) and high potassium (hyperkalemia) levels can have serious health implications. Administering potassium supplements without checking the serum potassium level could lead to adverse effects or complications, so it is important to confirm the need for supplementation based on this laboratory test.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse manages care for several clients receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT). What will the priority assessment by the nurse include as related to side effects?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: HRT, often involving estrogen, increases thrombophlebitis risk due to enhanced clotting factors. Calf pain signals possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a life-threatening side effect requiring immediate assessment, as it could lead to pulmonary embolism. Decreased libido , low-back pain , and fatigue may occur with HRT but are less urgent and not specific to its most dangerous complications. The nurse prioritizes calf pain due to its association with thromboembolism, a well-documented HRT risk, especially in smokers or those with vascular issues, making choice A the critical focus for safety.
Question 4 of 9
The client is about to start the treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Before the administration of etanercept (Enbrel), it is important for the nurse to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Etanercept is administered via injection, and some formulations may contain latex in the packaging or delivery system. Assessing for a latex allergy is crucial to prevent allergic reactions. While vaccinations and travel plans are important considerations, they are not as critical as ensuring the client's safety regarding potential allergens. Avoiding people who recently received etanercept is not a standard precaution.
Question 5 of 9
A patient was prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) for the treatment of depression and anxiety. The patient's spouse calls the clinic and reports the patient is increasingly moody and seems 'disconnected with life.' What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Worsening mood and disconnection on sertraline signal risk-e.g., suicidal ideation, per SSRI warnings-needing urgent clinic assessment. Benadryl is inappropriate-sedation won't fix. Holding meds risks withdrawal. Doubling dose escalates danger. Immediate evaluation ensures safety, per protocol.
Question 6 of 9
A 22-year-old female accounting student requires a daily cup of coffee upon arising and another cup as she finishes her first class of the day. She prefers to drink caffeinated products. Which of the following is the most plausible mechanism of action of this product?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Caffeine's stimulant effect in coffee relies on adenosine receptor blockade . By inhibiting adenosine's sedative action, caffeine increases alertness, fitting her routine. Option , decreasing cAMP, contradicts caffeine's phosphodiesterase inhibition, which raises cAMP. Option , decreasing cGMP, is unrelated. Option , stimulating phosphodiesterase, opposes caffeine's action. Option (E), calcium transport, isn't primary. Adenosine antagonism drives caffeine's wakefulness, supporting her daily use to combat fatigue during study.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse will administer medication to a school-age child. What is the preferred action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: School-age kids (6-12) can understand drug purpose and side effects-e.g., 'This fights infection, you might feel sleepy'-fostering cooperation via cognitive growth. Threats like no recess breed resentment, not trust. Beverage choice helps but lacks education. Play delays, not enhances, administration. Teaching leverages development, improving adherence.
Question 8 of 9
The following drugs are contraindicated in asthma:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Propranolol, a nonselective beta-blocker, can exacerbate asthma symptoms by causing bronchoconstriction.
Question 9 of 9
A 25-year-old male comes to the emergency department with crushing, substernal chest pain. The pain radiates up to his jaw and down to his right arm. He has never had chest pain like this before. An ECG shows ST elevations in leads I, II, and AVF. A detailed history reveals that he had used cocaine 2 h prior to the onset of chest pain. Which of the following medications is contraindicated in the treatment of myocardial infarction caused by his cocaine use?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cocaine-induced MI (ST elevations) contraindicates β-blockers . They exacerbate coronary vasospasm via unopposed α-stimulation. ACE inhibitors , aspirin , calcium channel blockers , and nitroglycerin (E) are safe. β-Blockers worsen this unique MI etiology.