ATI RN
Pharmacology Assessment 1 ATI Capstone Questions
Question 1 of 5
The patient and his wife receive the same medication for hypertension. The patient's wife asks the nurse why she is receiving a higher amount of the medication. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Individual variation-metabolism, weight, genetics-dictates dose differences, a pharmacokinetic truth explaining her higher amount. Female metabolism isn't universally higher. Hormones affect response, but not broadly dose. Body fat impacts distribution, not directly dose here. Uniqueness covers all factors, reassuring and accurate.
Question 2 of 5
A 29-year-old male patient is being treated with an antidepressant drug, and his mood is improving. However, he complains of feeling 'jittery' and agitated at times, and if he takes his medication in the afternoon he finds it difficult to get to sleep at night. He seems to have lost weight during the 6 months that he has been taking the drug. He has been warned not to take other drugs without consultation because severe reactions have occurred with opioid analgesics including meperidine. This patient is probably taking
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Paroxetine, an SSRI, treats depression by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, often improving mood. Its side effects include agitation and insomnia (especially if taken late), due to serotonin's stimulating effects, and weight loss can occur initially, unlike TCAs which cause gain. A critical clue is the warning against opioids like meperidine: SSRIs can cause serotonin syndrome when combined with MAOIs or other serotonergic drugs, though meperidine's risk is notable in polypharmacy. Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, sedates rather than agitates. Chlorpromazine, an antipsychotic, causes sedation and weight gain. Amitriptyline, a TCA, is sedating and linked to weight gain, not loss. Trazodone promotes sleep. Paroxetine's profile—activation, insomnia, weight loss, and drug interaction risks—matches the patient's experience.
Question 3 of 5
A 34-year-old man with allergic rhinitis presents to his primary care physician for treatment. He is prescribed diphenhydramine and develops dry eyes and mouth within 2 days. His symptoms of rhinitis are approximately 75% better. He calls his physician asking what he should do. The most appropriate management for this patient is which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diphenhydramine's anticholinergic effects (dryness) are tolerable given 75% rhinitis improvement. Continue at current dose . Discontinuing loses benefit. Adding chlorpheniramine increases side effects. Surgery (D, E) is excessive. Balancing efficacy and mild side effects favors continuation.
Question 4 of 5
A patient on diuretic therapy calls the clinic because he™s had the flu, with terrible vomiting and
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct statement by the nurse is to instruct the patient to "stop taking the diuretic for a few days, and then restart it when you feel better." This is because the patient has been experiencing vomiting due to influenza, which can cause dehydration. Continuing the diuretic while experiencing such significant fluid loss can lead to further dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. It is important for the patient to pause the diuretic temporarily to allow the body to recover and then resume once the vomiting has subsided and hydration has improved. It's always best for patients to follow specific instructions given by healthcare providers in such situations.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following is the priority nursing diagnosis for a client undergoing chemotherapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a client is undergoing chemotherapy, the priority nursing diagnosis would be related to potential complications from the treatment. Decreased cardiac output is a critical concern because certain chemotherapy drugs can have cardiotoxic effects, leading to reduced heart function. Monitoring and addressing any changes in cardiac output are vital for the overall well-being of the client during chemotherapy. While the other options may also be relevant, such as managing fear, anxiety, and altered nutrition, decreased cardiac output takes precedence due to its immediate impact on the client's cardiovascular health.