ATI RN
Pharmacology Practice Exam ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse assumes care of a patient in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). The patient had abdominal surgery and is receiving intravenous morphine sulfate for pain. The patient is asleep and has not voided since prior to surgery. The nurse assesses a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute and notes hypoactive bowel sounds. The nurse will contact the surgeon primarily to report which condition?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary concern in this scenario is respiratory depression. The patient receiving intravenous morphine sulfate with a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute indicates hypoventilation, which can progress to respiratory failure. This poses a critical risk to the patient's safety and requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications, such as respiratory arrest. Contacting the surgeon to report this condition is essential for prompt assessment and appropriate management. While paralytic ileus, somnolence, and urinary retention are also potential concerns, respiratory depression takes precedence due to its life-threatening nature.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse routinely includes health teaching about vitamins to patients. Vitamin D has a major role in which process?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism, promoting bone health by enhancing intestinal absorption of these minerals. Night blindness (A) is associated with vitamin A deficiency. Growth and development (C) are influenced by multiple vitamins, not just vitamin D. DNA and prothrombin synthesis (D) are unrelated to vitamin D.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is being counseled for possible participation in a clinical trial for a new medication. After the patient meets with the physician, the nurse is asked to obtain the patient's signature on the consent forms. The nurse knows that this 'informed consent' indicates which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Informed consent is a legal and ethical requirement that ensures the patient understands the purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and alternatives of participating in a clinical trial. The patient must be fully informed before agreeing to participate, and they have the right to withdraw at any time. The consent process does not prevent the patient from suing for damages if harm occurs, nor does it withhold information to ensure the trial's success. Therefore, the nurse's role is to confirm that the patient has received all necessary information and voluntarily agrees to participate.
Question 4 of 5
A female patient's central venous access device (CVAD) becomes infected. Why would the physician order antibiotics be given through the line rather than through a peripheral IV line?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Administering antibiotics through an infected central venous access device (CVAD) is often done to attempt to sterilize the catheter and salvage it, avoiding the need for removal and replacement. This approach is particularly useful for certain types of infections. While peripheral IV administration may be less painful or reduce infiltration risks, the primary goal in this scenario is to treat the infection directly at the source. Therefore, the correct rationale is to sterilize the catheter.
Question 5 of 5
A 38-year-old man with hypertension experiences a first ever attack of acute pain, redness and tenderness in the left first metatarsophalangeal joint ('podagra'). His medication is furosemide, calcium carbonate and irbesartan. Serum uric acid is 0.78 mmol/L (upper limit of normal for men 0.48 mmol/L). Which of the following is most appropriate pharmacotherapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Acute gout (podagra) requires rapid inflammation relief. Paracetamol offers analgesia but no anti-inflammatory effect, inadequate here. Aspirin, at low doses, retains uric acid, worsening gout; at high doses, it's uricosuric but not ideal acutely. Probenecid lowers uric acid long-term, not for acute attacks. Allopurinol prevents gout but can precipitate attacks if started now. Diclofenac, an NSAID, reduces inflammation and pain fast, the most appropriate acute treatment. Its efficacy targets gout's pathophysiology, critical for symptom control.