ATI RN
Pharmacology Final ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
Epinephrine can compromise the stability of formed blood clot because it is a:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Epinephrine can compromise the stability of a formed blood clot because it is a fibrinolytic agent. Fibrinolysis is the process of breaking down fibrin, the main protein component of blood clots, and promoting the dissolution of the clot. Epinephrine is a hormone that acts on adrenergic receptors, including beta-2 adrenergic receptors, which can trigger the activation of fibrinolysis pathways. By promoting fibrinolysis, epinephrine can weaken and compromise the stability of a formed blood clot, leading to potential clot breakdown and increased risk of bleeding. This mechanism is important to consider when using epinephrine in situations where clot stability is crucial, such as in patients with bleeding disorders or undergoing surgery.
Question 2 of 5
In severe renal failure:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In severe renal failure, the clearance of digoxin is reduced, requiring smaller maintenance doses to avoid toxicity.
Question 3 of 5
The patient receives imipramine (Tofranil) as treatment for depression. He is admitted to the emergency department following an intentional overdose of this medication. What will the priority assessment by the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, is cardiotoxic in overdose, causing dysrhythmias (e.g., widened QRS) due to sodium channel blockade. The priority assessment is cardiac status to detect life-threatening arrhythmias, guiding urgent interventions like sodium bicarbonate. Liver and renal effects are secondary in acute overdose. Neurological issues like seizures occur but are less immediately lethal than cardiac collapse. The nurse focuses on cardiac monitoring, aligning with toxicology priorities, making A the critical assessment.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse should teach a patient to take their own pulse with which medication? (Hint: if pulse is <60 or >100, the patient should contact their health care provider before taking the medication)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Digoxin is a medication commonly prescribed to patients with heart conditions, such as heart failure and certain types of irregular heartbeats. It primarily works by slowing down the heart rate and increasing the strength of the heart's contractions. This is why patients taking digoxin are typically taught to monitor their own pulse regularly to ensure it stays within a safe range.
Question 5 of 5
Which explanation best indicates why barbiturates are rarely used to treat anxiety and insomnia?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital) cause serious adverse effects-respiratory depression, dependence-limiting use versus safer options like benzos, per pharmacology. Cost isn't higher. Allergies aren't notable. They're effective but risky. Side effects drive rarity, a safety shift.