ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Made Easy 4.0 Questions
Question 1 of 5
Fundamental action of vaccines :
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The fundamental action of vaccines is prophylaxis, which means the prevention of disease. Vaccines are designed to stimulate the body's immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens before they cause infection or illness. By introducing a weakened or inactivated form of the pathogen to the body, vaccines trigger an immune response and teach the immune system how to recognize and destroy the pathogen in the future. Through prophylaxis, vaccines help protect individuals from getting sick with certain diseases.
Question 2 of 5
A 28-year-old woman with schizoaffective disorder (combination of mood and psychotic symptoms) reports difficulty falling asleep. Which of the following would be most beneficial in this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Paliperidone, a second-generation antipsychotic, treats schizoaffective disorder's psychotic and mood symptoms via D2 and 5HT2 antagonism. Its moderate sedative effect, less than chlorpromazine's, can aid sleep onset without excessive drowsiness, fitting her insomnia complaint. Lithium stabilizes mood but doesn't sedate or address psychosis directly. Chlorpromazine, a sedating first-generation antipsychotic, risks oversedation and EPS. Haloperidol, non-sedating, controls psychosis but not mood or sleep. Ziprasidone lacks strong sedation. Paliperidone's balanced profile manages her condition holistically, improving sleep while targeting core symptoms, per evidence.
Question 3 of 5
A patient will be taking niacin as part of antilipemic therapy. What is the best way to avoid problems with flushing or pruritus?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The best way to avoid problems with flushing or pruritus when taking niacin for antilipemic therapy is to take the medication with a full glass of water on an empty stomach. This method helps to minimize the chances of flushing or itching commonly associated with niacin therapy. Niacin can cause flushing by dilating blood vessels, leading to redness, warmth, and itching of the skin. Taking it on an empty stomach with water can help reduce the intensity of these side effects. Starting with a low initial dose and then gradually increasing it can also help to reduce flushing and other adverse effects associated with niacin therapy.
Question 4 of 5
Mandy, a patient, calls the clinic today because he is taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) to treat his high cholesterol and is having pain in both of his legs. You instruct him to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, with the patient experiencing leg pain while taking atorvastatin (Lipitor), a medication commonly used to treat high cholesterol, it is essential to prioritize the patient's safety and well-being. Leg pain can be a sign of a rare but serious side effect known as rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to muscle breakdown and potentially affect kidney function. Therefore, it is crucial to immediately discontinue the medication (atorvastatin) and have the patient come in to the clinic to be seen today for further evaluation and management. This will allow healthcare providers to assess the severity of the leg pain, conduct necessary tests, and determine the appropriate course of action to ensure the patient's health and safety.
Question 5 of 5
Which instruction is important for the nurse to include when teaching a patient about imatinib therapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Grapefruit juice can inhibit the metabolism of imatinib, leading to increased drug levels and a higher risk of side effects. Patients should be advised to avoid grapefruit juice while on imatinib therapy. Headaches are not typically an emergency unless severe or accompanied by other symptoms. Imatinib is a long-term treatment, not one that stops working after 2 months. Taking the drug on an empty stomach is not required; it can be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.