ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Practice A Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 5
Amiodarone:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic that affects sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and calcium (Ca2+) channels, prolonging repolarization, so the statement excluding Ca2+ effects is false. It has antianginal effects by reducing myocardial oxygen demand through heart rate and afterload reduction, a true statement and its correct attribute. Its half-life is exceptionally long (weeks to months), not short, due to extensive tissue distribution, making that false. It decreases, not increases, peripheral resistance via vasodilation, so that's incorrect. It also affects the lungs, causing potential pulmonary toxicity, not minimal impact. The antianginal property is key to its use in angina alongside arrhythmias, reflecting its broad ion channel blockade and hemodynamic benefits, necessitating careful monitoring for side effects.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse plans to teach a class on anabolic steroids to a group of high school athletes. What will the best plan by the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Anabolic steroids, synthetic testosterone derivatives, suppress natural hormone production, including spermatogenesis, leading to infertility-a critical risk for young athletes to understand. They also impact the entire body, notably causing liver damage (e.g., hepatotoxicity or tumors), a systemic effect worth noting. However, while effective for muscle growth, weight training surpasses steroids in safety and sustainability, debunking the ‘most effective' claim. Aggression, or ‘roid rage,' is a well-documented behavioral change due to hormonal imbalance, making it another key point. Infertility stands out in education, as it's a direct, long-term consequence tied to reproductive health, resonating with teens' future planning, and is supported by evidence of testicular atrophy and reduced sperm count, distinguishing it from broader effects or myths about efficacy.
Question 4 of 5
The patient comes to the emergency department following an overdose of aspirin, an acidic drug. What will the best plan of the nurse include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Aspirin overdose, an acidic drug, causes metabolic acidosis; sodium bicarbonate alkalinizes urine, enhancing excretion by ionizing aspirin, reducing toxicity. IV fluids support hydration but don't target pH. Ammonium chloride acidifies, worsening acidosis. Proteins don't bind aspirin effectively in this context-albumin's role is minimal. Bicarbonate addresses salicylate poisoning directly, a standard emergency approach.
Question 5 of 5
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.