ATI RN
ATI Capstone Pharmacology Assessment 2 Questions
Question 1 of 5
If a bacteria were susceptible to both penicillin and erythromycin, then it would not be appropriate to treat the patients with both antibiotics at the same time because:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Penicillin is inactivated by erythromycin. Penicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic which acts by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in bacteria. However, erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic which can inactivate beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin. When given together, erythromycin can inactivate penicillin, reducing its efficacy and potentially leading to treatment failure. Therefore, it is not appropriate to use both penicillin and erythromycin simultaneously to treat a bacterial infection.
Question 2 of 5
Upon preparing to administer activated charcoal by mouth to treat a patient who took an overdose of aspirin and several unknown drugs, the nurse notes that the patient has become very somnolent and eyes open only to a noxious stimulus. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate at this point?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient's decreased level of consciousness (somnolence and only responding to noxious stimuli) indicates a potential deterioration in their condition, possibly due to the overdose. Activated charcoal is contraindicated in patients with an altered mental status due to the risk of aspiration. The nurse should immediately consult the nurse practitioner to reassess the patient's condition and determine the appropriate intervention, such as securing the airway or considering alternative treatments.
Question 3 of 5
For the patient who is taking nalbuphine, what should the nurse do? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nalbuphine is an opioid agonist-antagonist used for pain management. Like other opioids, it can cause respiratory depression, so monitoring respirations is critical. Bradycardia is another potential side effect that patients should report. Administering nalbuphine undiluted is not standard practice, as it can increase the risk of adverse reactions. Excessive urine output is not associated with nalbuphine use. Therefore, the nurse should focus on monitoring respirations and educating the patient to report bradycardia.
Question 4 of 5
The most serious adverse effect of Alprostadil (Prostin VR pediatric injection) administration in neonates is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Apnea is the most serious adverse effect of alprostadil in neonates, requiring close monitoring and respiratory support. Alprostadil is used to maintain ductus arteriosus patency in congenital heart defects, but its use carries significant risks. Bleeding, hypotension, and fever are also possible but are less critical than apnea.
Question 5 of 5
Estimation of plasma/serum drug concentrations are most useful in optimizing the therapeutic dose required of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Plasma concentration monitoring optimizes drugs with narrow therapeutic indices or variable pharmacokinetics. Warfarin uses INR, not plasma levels, for anticoagulation control. Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, relies on symptom relief, not levels. Salbutamol, a bronchodilator, is titrated by response, not plasma monitoring. Olanzapine's dosing is guided by efficacy and side effects, not routine levels. Ciclosporin, an immunosuppressant, requires plasma monitoring (e.g., 100-400 ng/mL) due to its narrow therapeutic range, interindividual variability, and risk of toxicity or rejection in transplant patients. This ensures efficacy while minimizing nephrotoxicity, a cornerstone of therapeutic drug monitoring.