ATI RN
Pharmacology Assessment 2 ATI Capstone 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 is commonly administered to postoperative patients to help prevent thrombus formation caused by slow venous blood flow. This medication works by inhibiting the formation of blood clots. It is considered safer and more effective than unfractionated heparin in preventing venous thromboembolism in surgical patients. Aspirin and clopidogrel are antiplatelet medications that are more commonly used for preventing arterial thrombosis rather than venous thrombosis. Alteplase is a thrombolytic medication used to dissolve existing blood clots, rather than prevent their formation.
Question 2 of 5
A 57-year-old man with a history of intermittent angina normally takes sublingual nitroglycerin when attacks occur. He states that he does not take this medication because it makes him feel 'funny... itch uncontrollably... and have pain radiating to his toes.' These symptoms have never been witnessed by his family members who are with him all the time. What is the best course of action for the treating physician to take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Unusual nitroglycerin reactions (itching, toe pain) unwitnessed by family suggest noncompliance or psychogenic issues. Encourage use and explore reasons . Psychiatric or behavioral consults are premature. Switching or antipsychotics (E) ignores clarification. This approach ensures proper angina management.
Question 3 of 5
A patient wants to take garlic tablets to improve his cholesterol levels. Which condition would be a contraindication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Scheduled surgery would be a contraindication for taking garlic tablets because garlic has blood-thinning properties that could potentially increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery. This can interfere with the blood's ability to clot properly, leading to excessive bleeding and other complications during the surgical procedure. It is important to inform healthcare providers about all supplements being taken, including garlic tablets, before undergoing any surgery to ensure patient safety.
Question 4 of 5
The patient accidentally takes too much of the prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) and is readmitted to the hospital with bleeding. Which drug can the nurse anticipates administrating?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the scenario described where the patient has accidentally taken too much warfarin (Coumadin) and is experiencing bleeding, the nurse can anticipate administering Vitamin K. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. By administering Vitamin K, it helps reverse the anticoagulant effect of warfarin by supplying the needed vitamin K for the production of clotting factors. This aids in the clotting process and helps to stop the bleeding that may occur due to excess warfarin in the system. Other medications listed (such as Protamine sulfate, Alteplase, Reteplase) are not specific antidotes for warfarin overdose-related bleeding but are used for different therapeutic purposes.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following adverse effects is specific to the biguanide diabetic drug metformin (Glucophage) therapy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin (Glucophage) is a biguanide medication used to manage type 2 diabetes. While it is generally well-tolerated, one of its rare but serious adverse effects is lactic acidosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream. This can occur in patients with renal impairment or other risk factors. Hypoglycemia is uncommon with metformin alone, and GI distress, though common, is not life-threatening. Somnolence is not typically associated with metformin. Therefore, lactic acidosis is the most specific and serious adverse effect.