ATI RN
Virtual ATI Pharmacology Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse notes in the patient™s medication orders that the patient will be starting anticoagulant therapy. What is the primary goal of anticoagulant therapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary goal of anticoagulant therapy is to prevent the formation of blood clots or thrombi. Anticoagulants work by inhibiting the clotting process in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of clot formation in the blood vessels. This helps to prevent conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and other thromboembolic events. Anticoagulants do not dissolve existing clots (thrombus), they work to prevent new clots from forming. So, the main objective of starting anticoagulant therapy in a patient is to prevent the development of thrombi.
Question 2 of 5
An elderly woman took a prescription medicine to help her to sleep; however, she felt restless all night and did not sleep at all. The nurse recognizes that this woman has experienced which type of reaction or effect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An idiosyncratic reaction is an unusual or unexpected response to a medication that is not related to the drug's known pharmacological effects. In this case, the elderly woman experienced restlessness instead of sedation, which is contrary to the expected effect of a sleep aid. Idiosyncratic reactions are unpredictable and can vary widely among individuals. Allergic reactions involve the immune system, mutagenic effects involve genetic changes, and synergistic effects involve interactions between multiple drugs. Since the woman's response was unexpected and not consistent with the drug's intended effect, it is classified as an idiosyncratic reaction.
Question 3 of 5
A month after receiving a blood transfusion an immunocompromised male patient develops a fever, liver abnormalities, a rash, and diarrhea. The nurse would suspect this patient has:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a potential complication in immunocompromised patients after receiving blood transfusions. It occurs when donor lymphocytes attack the recipient's tissues, leading to symptoms such as fever, rash, liver dysfunction, and diarrhea. This condition typically arises weeks to months after transfusion. An allergic response to medication would not explain the systemic symptoms. Myelosuppression is unrelated to transfusion. Therefore, GVHD is the most likely diagnosis in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is reviewing new medication orders for a patient who has an epidural catheter for pain relief. One of the orders is for enoxaparin (Lovenox), a low“molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). What is the nurse™s priority action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's priority action in this situation is to contact the prescriber because LMWHs like enoxaparin should not be given to a patient with an epidural catheter due to the increased risk of bleeding. Giving LMWH to a patient with an epidural catheter can lead to epidural hematoma, a serious complication that can result in permanent paralysis. It is important to clarify this order with the prescriber to ensure patient safety and prevent potential harm.
Question 5 of 5
A client with osteoporosis is prescribed alendronate (Fosamax). Which instruction should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Alendronate, a bisphosphonate, treats osteoporosis but risks esophageal irritation. Taking it with water and staying upright prevents reflux, ensuring safety and absorption. With meals reduces uptake via calcium binding. Crushing increases irritation risk. Bedtime heightens reflux. This instruction aligns with alendronate's administration guidelines, critical in osteoporosis where adherence prevents fractures, making A the key teaching point.