ATI RN
Pharmacology ATI Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
Epinephrine is administered to a female patient. The nurse should expect this agent to rapidly affect:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Epinephrine is a potent agonist of adrenergic receptors, which are part of the sympathetic nervous system. It rapidly affects alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to increased heart rate, vasoconstriction, and bronchodilation. Muscarinic and cholinergic receptors are part of the parasympathetic nervous system and are not directly activated by epinephrine. Nicotinic receptors are found in the neuromuscular junction and autonomic ganglia but are not the primary target of epinephrine. The rapid action of epinephrine makes it a critical drug in emergencies such as anaphylaxis.
Question 2 of 5
Methylergonovine (Methergine) is prescribed to a patient who is having postpartum bleeding. Prior to giving the medication, the nurse contacts the physician who prescribed the medication if which of the following condition is documented in the patient’s chart?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Methylergonovine (Methergine) is contraindicated in patients with ischemic heart disease because it can cause vasoconstriction, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction or other cardiac complications. Hypotension is not a contraindication, and uterine atony is the indication for the medication. Acute gastroenteritis is unrelated to the use of methylergonovine. Therefore, ischemic heart disease is the condition that requires the nurse to contact the physician.
Question 3 of 5
A 62-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, renal impairment (creatinine 146 μmol/L) and mild congestive cardiac failure has poor diabetic control (HbA1c = 10.5 per cent), despite treatment with maximum doses of a sulfonylurea. Her body mass index (BMI) is 26. Which of the following would be most appropriate pharmacotherapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Poor glycemic control (HbA1c 10.5%) despite max sulfonylurea in type 2 diabetes with renal impairment and CHF needs escalation. Insulin replaces sulfonylurea, offering precise control without renal clearance issues, most appropriate here. Rosiglitazone risks fluid retention, worsening CHF. Bisoprolol, a beta-blocker, and rimonabant (withdrawn) don't address glycemia. Metformin is contraindicated with creatinine 146 μmol/L (eGFR <30-45) due to lactic acidosis risk. Insulin's flexibility and safety in this complex case optimize outcomes, critical for reducing complications.
Question 4 of 5
Local anaesthetic agents:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine) block sodium channels, not potassium, halting depolarization, so that's false. They prevent depolarization, not repolarization, making that false. Vasoconstrictors (e.g., epinephrine) prolong action, not vasodilators, which shorten it, so that's incorrect. High extracellular potassium enhances activity by depolarizing membranes closer to threshold, a true statement. High calcium reduces efficacy by stabilizing membranes. The potassium effect is a subtle but real modulator of anesthetic potency, relevant in tissue conditions.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse administers a vaccine to a child. What is the best understanding of the nurse as it relates to the manufacture of this vaccine?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vaccines are typically produced using animal cells (e.g., eggs) or microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, yeast) to grow antigens, mimicking natural pathogen processes for immunity. Plant extracts aren't standard-most use biological systems. Combination products are rare; animal/microbial methods dominate. Lab synthesis applies to small molecules, not complex vaccines. This understanding reflects standard bioprocessing, ensuring effective immune response.