ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Book Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 (normal saline) is the standard solution used to flush IV devices before and after blood transfusions. It is isotonic and compatible with blood products, preventing hemolysis or clotting. Dextrose solutions and sterile water are not used because they can cause hemolysis of red blood cells. Heparin sodium is used for maintaining patency in certain IV lines but is not suitable for blood transfusions. Therefore, normal saline is the correct choice for flushing IV devices in this context.
Question 2 of 5
A patient has been ordered the powdered form of the bile acid sequestrant colestipol. Which of the following does the nurse identify as true?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct statement is that the colestipol should be administered 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after any other oral medication. Bile acid sequestrants like colestipol can bind to other medications, reducing their absorption and effectiveness. Therefore, they should be taken separately from other medications to prevent any interactions. Additionally, colestipol should ideally be administered with meals to improve tolerability and adherence, although this was not one of the options given in the question.
Question 3 of 5
The patient is complaining of a severe headache. The physician orders aspirin. Which action by the nurse will result in the fastest relief of the patient's headache?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Aspirin on an empty stomach absorbs fastest, speeding headache relief by avoiding food delays-fatty meals like peanut butter slow gastric emptying, reducing onset. Alkaline foods may alter pH but don't hasten absorption significantly. Enteric-coated forms delay release for GI protection, not speed. Empty stomach delivery maximizes bioavailability quickly, aligning with pain relief urgency.
Question 4 of 5
When taking Digoxin, low levels of what can cause
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When taking digoxin, low levels of potassium can cause an increased risk of digoxin toxicity. This is because digoxin and potassium compete for binding sites on the sodium-potassium pump in cardiac cells. Low potassium levels can lead to enhanced binding of digoxin to these pumps, resulting in increased concentrations of digoxin within the cells and potential toxicity. Therefore, it is important to monitor potassium levels regularly while taking digoxin to prevent complications.
Question 5 of 5
Tricyclic antidepressants:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline have a high volume of distribution due to lipophilicity, not low, making that false. They're not useful in urinary retention (they cause it as a side effect) but are effective for chronic pain via monoamine modulation, so that's partially false. They can prolong the QT interval by blocking cardiac sodium channels, a true statement and significant risk factor for arrhythmias. They don't block monoamine oxidase (MAO) but inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, increasing synaptic levels, so that's false. They treat severe depression, even with suicidal ideation, though caution is needed. The QT prolongation is a critical electrophysiological effect, requiring ECG monitoring in clinical use to prevent torsades de pointes.