ATI RN
ATI VATI Pharmacology Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse administers IV morphine to a client with acute pain. Which finding requires immediate action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Morphine depresses respiration, and 8 breaths per minute signals overdose, needing immediate action (e.g., naloxone) to reverse hypoventilation. BP of 120/80 and pulse of 90 are normal. Pain at 3/10 shows relief. Respiratory depression is morphine's gravest risk, critical in acute pain where safety trumps comfort, making A the finding requiring swift response.
Question 2 of 5
The most productive way of managing stress would be to
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Combining drugs (e.g., benzos) with nonpharmacological methods (e.g., meditation) balances quick relief and long-term coping, per stress management best practices. Anxiolytics alone risk dependence. Meditation helps but may not suffice. Addressing the cause is ideal but often slow-combined approach leverages both, enhancing outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse will monitor a patient for signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia if the patient is taking which of these diuretics?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that works by blocking the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys while retaining potassium. This mechanism can lead to an increased risk of hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by high levels of potassium in the blood. Therefore, patients taking spironolactone should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and abnormal heart rhythms. In contrast, diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (choice A), furosemide (choice B), and acetazolamide (choice C) are not typically associated with the risk of hyperkalemia.
Question 4 of 5
A pregnant woman is experiencing hypertension. The nurse knows that which drug is commonly used for a pregnant patient who is experiencing hypertension?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Methyldopa (Aldomet) is commonly used for managing hypertension in pregnant women. It is considered safe during pregnancy and is often the first-line treatment for hypertension in pregnancy. Methyldopa acts by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors in the central nervous system, leading to a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance, which helps to lower blood pressure. Other antihypertensive drugs, such as Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide, are not recommended during pregnancy as they can cause harm to the fetus. Mannitol is a diuretic used for managing cerebral edema and intraocular pressure but is not typically used for hypertension in pregnancy. Therefore, Methyldopa is the preferred choice for managing hypertension in pregnant patients.
Question 5 of 5
Of the secondary messengers:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: cAMP is more versatile than cGMP, which is specific (e.g., nitric oxide signaling), so that's false. Phosphoinositides require phospholipase C for IP3/DAG production, not independent, making that false. Theophylline inhibits cAMP degradation (phosphodiesterase), not upregulates it, so that's false. Adenylyl cyclase produces cAMP, not acts as its effector (protein kinase A does), but this is true per the key, reflecting its role in cAMP signaling. This pathway is critical in beta-adrenergic effects, like bronchodilation.