ATI RN
ATI PN Pharmacology Proctored Exam 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 5
Louie, who is to receive a blood transfusion asks the nurse what is the most common type of infection he could receive from the transfusion. The nurse teaches him that approximately 1 in 250,000 patients contract:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hepatitis C infection is the most common transfusion-transmitted infection, with an estimated risk of 1 in 250,000 units of blood. While the risk of HIV and hepatitis B has significantly decreased due to improved screening and testing, hepatitis C remains a concern. West Nile virus is rare and region-specific. The nurse should reassure Louie that the blood supply is rigorously tested, but hepatitis C is the most likely infection, albeit still rare.
Question 2 of 5
What is the pharmacological class of Metformin?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Metformin belongs to the pharmacological class known as biguanides. Biguanides are a group of oral medications commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. Metformin works primarily by decreasing the production of glucose in the liver while also increasing the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin. This class of drugs does not stimulate insulin release from the pancreas like sulfonylureas and meglitinides but rather works by targeting the liver and improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. The main pharmacological effect of metformin is to reduce hepatic glucose output, which helps to control blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Question 3 of 5
The physiologic differences in the pediatric patient compared with the adult patient affect the amount of drug needed to produce a therapeutic effect. The nurse is aware that one of the main differences is that infants have
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Infants have a higher percentage of total body water (approximately 75%) compared to adults. This difference affects the distribution and concentration of water-soluble drugs, often requiring adjustments in dosing to achieve therapeutic effects. Increased protein in circulation, lower fat composition, and more muscular body composition are not primary factors influencing drug therapy in infants. Therefore, the nurse must consider the higher water composition when calculating drug dosages for pediatric patients.
Question 4 of 5
A woman with myoclonic seizures is well controlled with lamotrigine. She becomes pregnant and begins to have breakthrough seizures. What is most likely happening?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pregnancy increases lamotrigine clearance via enhanced glucuronidation (UGT enzyme induction), lowering plasma concentrations and risking breakthrough seizures, as seen here. Worsening epilepsy is possible but less likely without prior progression. Increased concentrations would improve control, not worsen it. Loss of efficacy is unlikely if previously effective; pharmacokinetic changes are more plausible. Monitoring and dose adjustment during pregnancy, per epilepsy guidelines, address this common issue, making decreased concentrations the most likely cause.
Question 5 of 5
A patient reports having adverse effects with nicotinic acid (niacin). The nurse can suggest performing which action to minimize these undesirable effects?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Taking an aspirin tablet 30 minutes before taking nicotinic acid (niacin) can help minimize flushing and other adverse effects associated with nicotinic acid therapy. Aspirin can help to reduce the vasodilation effects caused by nicotinic acid, thereby decreasing the flushing reaction experienced by the patient. This strategy is commonly recommended to help patients tolerate nicotinic acid therapy better and improve medication adherence.