ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Study Guide Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. The nurse will anticipate administering which medication to this patient to help prevent thrombus formation caused by slow venous blood flow?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is commonly administered to postoperative patients to help prevent thrombus formation caused by slow venous blood flow. LMWH works by inhibiting the activity of certain clotting factors, ultimately preventing the formation of blood clots. As a result, it is often used in the prevention and treatment of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in surgical patients. LMWH is preferred over traditional heparin due to its longer half-life, allowing for once or twice daily dosing, and reduced risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
Question 2 of 5
A patient is receiving fluid replacement. The nurse's health teaching with this patient includes which suggestions? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Monitoring weight daily (A) helps assess fluid balance, as sudden changes may indicate fluid retention or loss. Thirst (B) is an early sign of mild dehydration. Monitoring intake and output (C) is essential to evaluate fluid status. Avoiding calcium and chloride supplements (D) is not relevant to fluid replacement. Reviewing electrolyte labs (E) is important but not part of routine health teaching for fluid replacement.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is preparing to administer an injection to a preschool-age child. Which approaches are appropriate for this age group? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Preschool-age children benefit from brief, concrete explanations about medical procedures, as they have limited understanding of abstract concepts. Encouraging participation, such as allowing the child to choose a bandage or hold a toy, can reduce anxiety and increase cooperation. Providing comfort measures, such as praise or a small reward, after the injection helps reinforce positive behavior. While magical thinking is characteristic of this age group, it is not an appropriate strategy for explaining medical procedures. Therefore, the nurse should focus on concrete explanations, participation, and comfort measures.
Question 4 of 5
A male patient needs to receive a unit of whole blood. What type of intravenous (IV) device should the nurse consider starting?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A large-bore catheter is recommended for whole blood transfusions to allow for the rapid administration of blood products and to prevent hemolysis. Smaller catheters may not accommodate the viscosity of whole blood and could increase the risk of complications. While patient comfort and past experiences are important, the primary consideration is the safe and effective delivery of the transfusion. Therefore, a large-bore catheter is the best choice.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following is most suitable for migraine prophylaxis in an otherwise healthy 30-year-old woman?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Migraine prophylaxis reduces attack frequency. Ergotamine treats acute migraines, not prophylaxis, risking vasoconstriction. Paracetamol relieves pain but doesn't prevent migraines. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, reduces migraine frequency via vascular and CNS effects, proven effective and safe in healthy adults. Carbamazepine suits trigeminal neuralgia, not migraines. Sumatriptan is acute, not preventive. Propranolol's efficacy makes it first-line, balancing prevention and tolerability.