ATI RN
ATI RN Pharmacology Online Practice 2023 B Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving warfarin (Coumadin) and notes bruising and petechiae on the patient's extremities. The nurse will request an order for which laboratory test?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bruising and petechiae on a patient's extremities are signs of potential thrombocytopenia, which is a decrease in platelet count. Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant that works by interfering with the body's ability to use vitamin K to form blood clots. While the International normalized ratio (INR) is often used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy, and PTT and aPTT may also be relevant in certain cases, the presence of bruising and petechiae suggest a potential issue with platelet levels. Therefore, checking the patient's platelet level with a laboratory test is appropriate in this situation to assess for thrombocytopenia.
Question 2 of 5
The patient receives antibiotics for a serious infection. The patient asks the nurse, 'Why don't you just give me more of that drug to cure this infection faster?' What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Antibiotics have a maximum dose beyond which efficacy plateaus-more risks toxicity (e.g., ototoxicity), not faster cure, a pharmacodynamic limit. Checking with the doctor delays a clear answer. Interactions aren't the sole issue-toxicity is. Time-based increase lacks basis. Maximum dose explains efficacy ceiling, educating safely.
Question 3 of 5
Before administering Digoxin, the nurse should complete which task?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Before administering Digoxin, the nurse should count the apical pulse for 1 minute. Digoxin is a cardiac medication that primarily works by increasing the force of contractions of the heart muscle. It is important to assess the patient's heart rate to ensure it is within the recommended range before administering Digoxin. This is because Digoxin can cause serious complications such as heart arrhythmias if given when the heart rate is too low. Counting the apical pulse for a full minute provides a more accurate assessment of the heart rate compared to shorter durations.
Question 4 of 5
A 43-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis has not been treated with medication because of only having mild symptoms. Now, she has bilateral lower extremity weakness and urinary complaints. She has begun on mitoxantrone. Which of the following adverse effects must the treating physician be aware of?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mitoxantrone for MS progression risks hepatitis . This chemotherapeutic damages liver cells, requiring monitoring. Anxiety , hypopyrexia , muscle strength , and leukocytosis (E) aren't primary. Hepatotoxicity, with cardiotoxicity, is a key concern in this worsening MS case.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following is the priority nursing diagnosis for a client undergoing chemotherapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Altered nutrition is often the priority nursing diagnosis for clients undergoing chemotherapy because the treatment can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and mucositis, leading to malnutrition and weight loss. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining strength, supporting the immune system, and promoting recovery. While fear, anxiety, and decreased cardiac output are valid concerns, addressing nutritional deficits is critical to the client's overall well-being and ability to tolerate treatment.