ATI RN
Cardiovascular Pharmacology Drug Class Questions
Question 1 of 5
Sertraline (Zoloft) has been prescribed for a client complaining of poor appetite, fatigue, and anhedonia. Which consideration should the nurse recognize as influencing this prescriptive choice?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Zoloft has less adverse side effects than other antidepressants. This is because Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) known for having a favorable side effect profile compared to other antidepressants. SSRIs are generally well-tolerated and have fewer side effects such as sedation, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction. This makes Zoloft a suitable choice for clients experiencing poor appetite and fatigue. A: Zoloft being less expensive is not a primary consideration when choosing an antidepressant for a client as efficacy and side effect profile are more crucial. B: Zoloft is not extremely sedating, so it may not be the best choice for addressing sleep disturbances. D: While Zoloft may start to improve depressive symptoms relatively quickly, this is not the main influencing factor in this prescriptive choice.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse observes a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tapping both feet, smacking both lips, and making contorted faces while speaking to another patient. These behaviors prompt the nurse to suspect the patient is experiencing:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements such as lip smacking, facial grimacing, and tapping feet. These symptoms are often seen in patients on long-term antipsychotic medications, like those used to treat schizophrenia. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (choice A) presents with fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status. Parkinson syndrome (choice B) is characterized by tremors, bradykinesia, and rigidity. Torticollis (choice D) is a condition where the neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing the head to twist or turn to one side.
Question 3 of 5
The physician tells the nurse, 'The medication I’m prescribing for the client enhances the GABA system.' Evaluation will be facilitated if the nurse correctly interprets this statement to mean the medication is expected to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decrease anxiety. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxiety and stress. Enhancing the GABA system means increasing its activity, which would result in a calming effect, reducing anxiety. A: Increasing alertness is unlikely because GABA is associated with relaxation, not alertness. C: GABA's role is not primarily in reducing hallucinations. D: While GABA may indirectly influence mood, its primary role is in anxiety regulation.
Question 4 of 5
Before a patient receives triptans for the treatment of migraines, the nurse will assess for the presence of which condition, which is a contraindication if present?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Cardiovascular disease. Triptans can cause vasoconstriction, potentially worsening cardiovascular conditions. Assessing for cardiovascular disease is crucial to prevent adverse effects. A: Hypotension is not a contraindication for triptans. B: Renal disease does not directly interact with triptans. C: Liver damage is not a direct contraindication for triptans.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is reviewing discharge teaching for a patient who will be taking digoxin (Lanoxin) therapy. The nurse will teach the patient to avoid which foods when taking the digoxin?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Digoxin interacts with high-fiber foods like bran muffins, decreasing its absorption. Step 2: Bran muffins can reduce the effectiveness of digoxin, leading to subtherapeutic levels. Step 3: Avoiding bran muffins can help maintain optimal digoxin levels for therapeutic effect. Summary: A - Leafy greens are okay; B - Dairy products don't interact significantly; C - Grapefruit juice can interact with certain medications, but not digoxin.