ATI RN
ATI RN Pharmacology 2023 Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving an adrenergic blocking agent. While writing the care plan for this patient what nursing diagnoses would be most appropriate concerning comfort?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: All four options would be appropriate nursing diagnoses for a patient receiving an adrenergic blocking agent. However, acute pain would be the only nursing diagnosis related to the patient’s comfort level. The nurse should address pain management as a priority to improve the patient’s quality of life and adherence to treatment.
Question 2 of 5
In the case of an intramuscular injection of a drug:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Exercise increases blood flow to muscles, enhancing absorption of intramuscularly injected drugs.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is NOT an ester type of local anesthetics:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cocaine is not an ester type of local anesthetic. While procaine, amethocaine, benzocaine, and etidocaine are all ester type local anesthetics, cocaine belongs to the group of local anesthetics known as ester anesthetics. Even though cocaine has local anesthetic properties, it is specifically classified as a "amide type" local anesthetic, not an ester type. Therefore, the correct choice among the given options is D. Cocaine.
Question 4 of 5
When administering the drug lithium, name one important side effect to watch for:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: One important side effect to watch for when administering the drug lithium is seizures. Lithium is commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, but it can lower the seizure threshold and increase the risk of seizures in some patients. It is crucial to monitor individuals taking lithium for any signs of seizures or seizure activity and to promptly address any such occurrences. Regular monitoring of lithium levels and adjusting the dosage as necessary can help minimize the risk of seizures in patients receiving this medication.
Question 5 of 5
A patient comes to the ER with a painful stab wound. The ER resident administers pentazocine for the pain. Soon after administration the patient experiences sweating, restlessness, and an increase in pain sensations. What is the most likely explanation for his symptoms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pentazocine, a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist, acts as a kappa receptor agonist and a partial mu receptor agonist, providing analgesia in opioid-naive patients. However, in a heroin addict with high mu receptor tolerance, pentazocine's partial antagonism at mu receptors can displace full agonists like heroin, precipitating withdrawal symptoms—sweating, restlessness, and heightened pain perception. Tolerance to pentazocine itself wouldn't typically increase pain; it would reduce efficacy. Pentazocine is an effective analgesic in appropriate contexts, so ineffectiveness isn't the issue. Incorrect dosing might alter efficacy or toxicity but wouldn't specifically cause this withdrawal-like reaction. The patient's history of heroin use explains this response, as pentazocine's antagonist properties disrupt the opioid equilibrium, unmasking withdrawal in a dependent individual.