ATI RN
ATI VATI Pharmacology Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse will monitor a patient for signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia if the patient is taking which of these diuretics?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that works by blocking the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys while retaining potassium. This mechanism can lead to an increased risk of hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by high levels of potassium in the blood. Therefore, patients taking spironolactone should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and abnormal heart rhythms. In contrast, diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (choice A), furosemide (choice B), and acetazolamide (choice C) are not typically associated with the risk of hyperkalemia.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse administers narcotics to surgical patients. Which statement represents the nurse's best understanding as it relates to the potency of different narcotics?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Morphine's higher potency than codeine means less is needed for equal pain relief, a pharmacodynamic fact-e.g., 10 mg morphine matches 60 mg codeine. Allergy isn't potency-related. More adverse effects assume dose equivalence, not potency. Pain relief ties to dose, not potency alone. Potency drives dosing, key for surgical pain control.
Question 3 of 5
A 46-year-old businessman of Caribbean origin is found to have a total serum cholesterol concentration of 6.2 mmol/L, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) of 0.7 mmol/L and triglycerides of 9.4 mmol/L. He drinks no alcohol (ethanol) during the week but admits to eight pints of lager and up to one bottle of rum at weekends. Other chemistries are notable only for a serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) level of 72 (upper limit of normal -42 u/L) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) level of 128 (upper limit of normal = 51 u/L). Which of the following is correct?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: High triglycerides (9.4 mmol/L) and low HDL (0.7 mmol/L) with binge drinking suggest alcohol-induced dyslipidemia. Alcohol typically raises HDL, not lowers it, so that's incorrect. Elevated triglycerides (>5.6 mmol/L) risk pancreatitis, a true statement, worsened by alcohol. Fibrates treat hypertriglyceridemia, but statins address total cholesterol (6.2 mmol/L) first in mixed dyslipidemia. Ezetimibe lowers LDL, not relevant here. Eicosapentaenoic acid reduces triglycerides, not total cholesterol primarily. Pancreatitis risk drives urgent management, linked to his lipid profile and drinking pattern.
Question 4 of 5
What route can ondansetron be given? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ondansetron, which is commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting, can be administered via three routes: Orally (PO), Intravenously (IV), and Rectally (Rectal). These routes allow for flexible administration based on the patient's condition and needs. Intramuscular (IM) administration is not a recognized route for ondansetron administration.
Question 5 of 5
A pregnant woman is experiencing hypertension. The nurse knows that which drug is commonly used for a pregnant patient who is experiencing hypertension?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Methyldopa (Aldomet) is commonly used for managing hypertension in pregnant women. It is considered safe during pregnancy and is often the first-line treatment for hypertension in pregnancy. Methyldopa acts by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors in the central nervous system, leading to a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance, which helps to lower blood pressure. Other antihypertensive drugs, such as Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide, are not recommended during pregnancy as they can cause harm to the fetus. Mannitol is a diuretic used for managing cerebral edema and intraocular pressure but is not typically used for hypertension in pregnancy. Therefore, Methyldopa is the preferred choice for managing hypertension in pregnant patients.