ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Exam Practice Questions
Question 1 of 5
Pregnancy advise is given in what Part of the MIMS:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pregnancy advice is typically provided under the "Preg. Cat." section in the MIMS (Monthly Index of Medical Specialities) guide or database. This section specifically categorizes medications based on their safety profiles during pregnancy, providing healthcare professionals with essential information to make informed decisions regarding drug use in pregnant patients. It includes details on pregnancy categories that classify drugs according to their potential risks during pregnancy, guiding healthcare providers on the appropriateness of prescribing certain medications to pregnant individuals. Therefore, for pregnancy-related advice in the context of medication safety, referring to the "Preg. Cat." section in the MIMS is the most relevant source of information.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following most accurately describes the antibacterial mechanism of penicillin:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Penicillin is a type of antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Peptidoglycan is a critical component of the bacterial cell wall, providing structural support and preventing the cell from bursting. Penicillin specifically targets the final step in peptidoglycan synthesis, known as cross-linking, by binding to and inhibiting the enzyme transpeptidase. Without proper cross-linking of peptidoglycan, the bacterial cell wall becomes weak and compromised, leading to cell lysis and bacterial death. This mechanism makes penicillin highly effective in combating bacterial infections.
Question 3 of 5
A patient diagnosed with cancer is scheduled to receive vincristine. Which nursing assessment will have the highest priority when providing care for this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vincristine is known to cause peripheral neuropathy, a common and potentially debilitating side effect. The nurse should prioritize assessing for signs of neuropathy, such as tingling, numbness, or weakness in the extremities. Alopecia, while distressing, is not as critical as neuropathy, which can affect the patient's mobility and quality of life. Vincristine does not typically cause significant changes in digoxin or phenytoin levels, making these assessments less relevant. Early detection of neuropathy allows for dose adjustments or supportive interventions to minimize long-term damage.
Question 4 of 5
A patient was admitted to the emergency department with a pulse oximeter reading of 85% after a successful prehospital resuscitation from cardiac arrest due to an asthma attack. What is the most important initial drug to administer as ordered?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Oxygen is the most important initial intervention for a patient with a low pulse oximeter reading (85%) to correct hypoxia and prevent further complications. While epinephrine (A) and albuterol (C) are used to treat asthma, oxygen is the priority to address the immediate hypoxia. Sodium bicarbonate (B) is not indicated unless there is severe metabolic acidosis.
Question 5 of 5
Assessing a patient after intravenous morphine administration, the nurse notes cold, clammy skin; a pulse of 40 beats/min; respirations of 10 breaths/min; and constricted pupils. Which medication will the patient likely need next?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient's symptoms—cold, clammy skin, bradycardia, respiratory depression, and constricted pupils—are classic signs of opioid overdose. Naloxone is the antidote for opioid overdose and should be administered immediately to reverse the life-threatening effects of morphine. Meloxicam, pentazocine, and propoxyphene are not appropriate in this situation. Nurses must recognize the signs of opioid toxicity and act quickly to administer naloxone, ensuring the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation are supported.