ATI RN
ATI RN Pharmacology Proctored Exam 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 5
It is rational and advised therapeutic practice to commence treatment with the following drug using a loading dose if a rapid onset of action is required:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A loading dose achieves therapeutic levels quickly for drugs with long half-lives or urgent needs. Clozapine's slow titration avoids agranulocytosis, not rapid loading. Zolmitriptan, for acute migraine, acts fast without loading due to short half-life. Amiodarone, with a half-life of weeks, uses loading doses (e.g., 800-1600 mg/day) to rapidly control arrhythmias, rational for urgent onset. Levodopa's short half-life and titration in Parkinson's don't require loading. Doxazosin, for hypertension, starts low to avoid first-dose hypotension. Amiodarone's pharmacokinetics and arrhythmia urgency make loading advised, balancing efficacy and toxicity risks.
Question 2 of 5
A 13-year-old boy with moderate asthma presents to the clinic for follow-up. His symptoms appear to be better controlled since adding salmeterol to his regimen. He has had to use his rescue inhaler once over the past 2 weeks during exertion. His breathing at night has improved as well. How does salmeterol exhibit its beneficial effects for asthma?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Salmeterol improves asthma as a long-acting β2-agonist , relaxing bronchial smooth muscle for 12 hours. β1 agonism (A, C) affects the heart. β1 antagonism or β2 antagonism (E) worsen asthma. Salmeterol's specificity enhances control.
Question 3 of 5
A month after receiving a blood transfusion an immunocompromised male patient develops a fever,
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A month after receiving a blood transfusion, the development of a fever in an immunocompromised patient can be indicative of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD is a condition where the donor immune cells attack the recipient's tissues, manifesting as fever, rash, liver dysfunction, and gastrointestinal symptoms. It typically occurs a few weeks to several months after a blood transfusion, especially in immunocompromised individuals. An allergic response to medication or myelosuppression would typically present earlier after the transfusion, while nothing related to the blood transfusion does not explain the fever in this context.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following is NOT a therapeutic effect of Montelukast?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Montelukast is a medication commonly used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. Its therapeutic effects include decreased frequency and severity of acute asthma attacks, decreased severity of allergic rhinitis, and decreased attacks of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. However, Montelukast is not associated with treating anxiety attacks. Anxiety is a mental health condition that is typically managed with appropriate therapy and medication specifically designed for anxiety disorders.
Question 5 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: Taking niacin with a full glass of water on an empty stomach can help reduce the risk of flushing or pruritus, which are common side effects of niacin. Additionally, starting with a low initial dose and increasing gradually as tolerated can also help minimize these side effects. Niacin can cause vasodilation, leading to flushing and itching, so taking it with water and on an empty stomach can help alleviate these symptoms.