ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Practice A Questions
Question 1 of 9
The most serious adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are associated with a high risk of toxicity in overdose, with cardiac arrhythmias being the most serious and life-threatening complication. TCAs can block sodium channels in the heart, leading to prolonged QRS intervals, ventricular tachycardia, and even cardiac arrest. Hyperpyrexia, seizures, and metabolic acidosis can also occur, but cardiac arrhythmias are the primary concern due to their potential to cause sudden death. Immediate medical intervention is required to manage TCA overdose, including cardiac monitoring and administration of sodium bicarbonate.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse teaching a pre-conception class would tell participants that they should be most careful about exposure to drugs during which stage of pregnancy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The embryonic stage (weeks 3-8) is peak risk-organogenesis makes fetuses vulnerable to teratogens (e.g., alcohol causing FAS), per developmental biology. Equal risk ignores stages. Pre-implantation (pre-week 3) has less organ impact. Third trimester affects growth, less malformation. Embryonic caution is critical, shaping warnings.
Question 3 of 9
An 18-year-old college student is hanging shelves in his dorm room. He accidentally hits his thumb with the hammer, which subsequently becomes swollen and red. He takes some aspirin for the pain. Many enzymes and other proteins are activated in response to injury leading to inflammation. Production of which of the following mediators is inhibited by aspirin?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Aspirin reduces inflammation from injury. PGE2 , a prostaglandin, is inhibited by aspirin's COX blockade. HAT , IκB , and NF-κB are unrelated. NO isn't primarily affected. PGE2's reduction explains aspirin's analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Question 4 of 9
A 40-year-old patient experiencing periods of mania and periods of depression would most likely benefit from which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Carbamazepine, a mood stabilizer, treats bipolar mania/depression-per psychiatry-unlike atomoxetine (ADHD), amitriptyline (depression), or methylphenidate (ADHD). It fits cycles, per evidence.
Question 5 of 9
What is the most important patient/family teaching for patients that are taking Digoxin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most important patient teaching for patients taking Digoxin is to regularly monitor and take their pulse. Digoxin is a medication used to treat certain heart conditions by helping the heart beat stronger and more regularly. Monitoring the pulse is important because Digoxin can affect the heart rate, and if the pulse is too slow or irregular, it may indicate an adverse reaction to the medication. Patients should be taught how to check their pulse and to contact their healthcare provider if they notice any significant changes in their heart rate while taking Digoxin. Taking the pulse is crucial in ensuring the medication is being tolerated well and is working effectively.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is aware that the following solutions are routinely used to flush an IV device before and after the administration of blood to a patient is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 0.9 percent sodium chloride, also known as normal saline, is routinely used to flush an IV device before and after the administration of blood to a patient. Normal saline is isotonic, meaning it has a similar concentration of salt and water as the body's cells. This makes it compatible for use in various medical procedures, including flushing IV devices to ensure patency and prevent clotting. Other solutions like 5 percent dextrose in water, sterile water, and heparin sodium are not typically used for flushing IV devices before and after blood administration.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client receiving isoniazid (INH) for tuberculosis. Which instruction should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Isoniazid treats TB but risks hepatotoxicity, causing jaundice (yellowing skin, choice C), a serious sign needing immediate reporting to prevent liver failure. Food is optional'INH can be taken either way. Tyramine relates to MAOIs, not INH. Bedtime isn't specific'dosing is flexible. Reporting jaundice aligns with INH's side effect profile, critical in TB therapy where long-term use is common, making C the essential instruction for early detection and safety.
Question 8 of 9
The client receives beclomethasone (Beconase) intranasally as treatment for allergic rhinitis. He asks the nurse if this drug is safe because it is a glucocorticoid. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Beclomethasone, an intranasal corticosteroid, treats allergic rhinitis with minimal systemic absorption, reducing risks like adrenal suppression seen with oral steroids. The response 'Intranasal glucocorticoids produce almost no serious adverse effects' reassures the client accurately, as side effects (e.g., nasal irritation) are mild and rare. Swallowing isn't a significant concern due to low bioavailability. Prolonged use might increase minor risks (e.g., epistaxis), but isn't the primary safety factor. Once-daily use aligns with dosing but doesn't define safety. The nurse's best response (A) addresses the client's fear with evidence-based reassurance, emphasizing the drug's localized action and safety profile.
Question 9 of 9
Phenytoin is an antiarrhythmic and anticonvulsant that has an unlabeled use for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Phenytoin is primarily known as an antiarrhythmic and anticonvulsant medication. However, it also has an unlabeled or off-label use for the management of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is a condition that arises from damage or dysfunction affecting the nerves and can be challenging to treat. Phenytoin's mechanism of action in the central nervous system makes it potentially effective for neuropathic pain conditions, even though it is not its primary indication. It can help alleviate nerve-related pain, such as that associated with conditions like diabetic neuropathy or post-herpetic neuralgia. It is important to note that using medications for off-label purposes should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional familiar with the drug's properties and potential side effects.