ATI RN
Advanced Pharmacology Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse administers IV push hydralazine (Apresoline) to a client with severe hypertension. Which assessment finding requires immediate action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hydralazine, a vasodilator, lowers blood pressure but triggers reflex tachycardia. A heart rate of 110 bpm indicates significant compensation, risking ischemia or strain, requiring immediate action (e.g., slowing infusion, notifying physician). BP of 140/90 is improved, not critical. Headache and flushing are expected from vasodilation, less urgent. Tachycardia's potential to destabilize circulation, especially in severe hypertension, aligns with hydralazine's pharmacology'arteriolar relaxation prompts sympathetic response. This finding demands swift intervention to prevent cardiovascular collapse, making B the priority over manageable side effects.
Question 2 of 5
A patient asks how to apply transdermal nitroglycerin. What is the nurse™s best response?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Transdermal nitroglycerin patches should be applied to clean, dry, hairless areas of the body to ensure proper absorption of the medication. Hair can interfere with the absorption of the medication through the skin. Commonly recommended areas for application include the chest, upper arm, or abdomen. It is important to rotate application sites to prevent skin irritation and to follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse administering the phosphodiesterase inhibitor milrinone (Primacor) recognizes that this drug will have a positive inotropic effect. Which result reflects this effect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Milrinone is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that works by increasing the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) within cardiac myocytes. This leads to enhanced calcium influx into the cells, ultimately resulting in increased force of cardiac contractions (positive inotropic effect). This increased contractility helps improve cardiac output without necessarily increasing heart rate or affecting blood vessel dilation.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with extremely high blood pressure (BP) is in the emergency department. The physician will order therapy with nitroglycerin to manage the patient™s BP. Which form of nitroglycerin is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the emergency management of a patient with extremely high blood pressure, intravenous (IV) administration of nitroglycerin is the most appropriate form of delivery. IV infusion provides rapid and precise control of blood pressure by allowing the medication to take effect quickly and be titrated to the desired blood pressure level. This route of administration is crucial in acute settings like the emergency department, where immediate blood pressure management is needed. Other forms of nitroglycerin, such as sublingual spray, transdermal patch, or oral capsule, may not provide the rapid onset of action required in this critical situation.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has been taking digoxin at home but took an accidental overdose and has developed toxicity. The patient has been admitted to the telemetry unit, where the physician has ordered
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is to inform the patient that the medication, likely an antiarrhythmic agent such as digoxin immune fab (Digibind), helps to convert the irregular heart rhythm caused by digoxin toxicity to a more normal rhythm. This explanation provides a clear understanding of why the medication is being administered in cases of digoxin toxicity. It is important for the nurse to educate the patient about the purpose of the medication and how it will help manage the symptoms of digoxin toxicity.