ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Assessment 2 Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse will be administering an antitussive medication containing codeine to a patient. What is the priority assessment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Codeine, an opioid antitussive, can cause respiratory depression as a side effect. The nurse must assess the patient’s respiratory rate before administration to ensure it is within a safe range (typically >12 breaths per minute). While lung sounds (B) and sputum consistency (D) are important, they are not the priority when administering a medication that can suppress respiration. Pulse oximetry (A) is useful but secondary to direct respiratory rate assessment.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is giving instructions to a client receiving phenytoin (Dilantin). The nurse concludes that the client has a sufficient knowledge if the client states that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Monitoring serum phenytoin levels is essential to ensure therapeutic efficacy and avoid toxicity. Wearing a medical alert tag is recommended for clients on phenytoin. Alcohol should be avoided, and taking the medication with milk can interfere with absorption. Therefore, the correct statement indicating sufficient knowledge is about monitoring serum levels.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following antibacterials is most suitable for treatment of a lower urinary tract infection in a 28-year-old woman who is 10 weeks pregnant?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: UTI in pregnancy needs safe, effective antibiotics. Amoxicillin, a penicillin, is safe (category B), effective against common pathogens (e.g., E. coli), and suitable in early pregnancy. Trimethoprim risks folate antagonism, avoided in first trimester. Tetracycline causes fetal bone/teeth damage, contraindicated. Erythromycin and flucloxacillin are less targeted for UTI. Amoxicillin's safety and efficacy make it ideal, protecting mother and fetus.
Question 4 of 5
Toxicity of nicotine containing products:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nicotine toxicity can cause neuromuscular blockade (late phase), but atropine treats muscarinic effects, not paralysis, so that's false. It causes hypertension initially via catecholamine release, not hypotension, making that false. It harms the fetus (e.g., growth restriction), so that's incorrect. Benzodiazepines control agitation and seizures symptomatically, a true statement, useful in acute poisoning. Nausea/vomiting resolve faster than days. Benzodiazepines' symptomatic relief is a practical approach, addressing CNS overstimulation in nicotine overdose.
Question 5 of 5
The client says to the nurse, 'My wife and I take the same drug, but we have different side effects. Are we doing something wrong?' What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sex differences affect drug metabolism (e.g., liver enzymes, body fat), leading to varied side effects, a normal pharmacodynamic variation, reassuring the client they're not at fault. Checking the drug delays a clear answer. Generic vs. brand typically doesn't alter side effects-bioequivalence is required. Uncertainty muddies education. Sex-based differences offer a concise, accurate explanation, normalizing their experience and enhancing understanding.