ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Assessment 2 Questions
Question 1 of 5
The patient has been depressed, and the physician plans to begin treatment with an antidepressant medication. In performing the initial assessment, what is the most important question for the nurse to ask?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Suicide risk is critical in depression-antidepressants may increase it early (e.g., energy before mood lifts), per black box warnings. Alcohol use, allergies, and duration matter but aren't immediate life threats. Suicidal thoughts guide urgent intervention, per psychiatric priority.
Question 2 of 5
A 48-year-old man presents to the emergency department in the morning with urticaria and difficulty breathing following a bee sting received while gardening. He is treated, recovers, and is sent home. Later that evening, his symptoms return and he is treated again in the emergency department. He denies having been stung again. What should have been given to this patient to avoid his return to the emergency department?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Recurrent allergic symptoms post-bee sting suggest ongoing inflammation. Prednisolone , a corticosteroid, reduces late-phase reactions. Diphenhydramine and Loratadine treat acute symptoms. Epinephrine is for anaphylaxis but short-acting. Prednisolone prevents biphasic reactions, avoiding his return.
Question 3 of 5
A 29-year-old man with recurrent allergic rhinitis presents to his primary care physician for evaluation. He states that his symptoms are more problematic lately and desires treatment. He has begun on fexofenadine. Which of the following adverse reactions is possible in this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fexofenadine, a non-sedating antihistamine, may cause headache , a common side effect. Anxiety , cough , otitis , and respiratory infection (E) are less frequent. Its minimal CNS penetration suits rhinitis, but headache requires awareness.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following combinations of antiparkinsonian drugs is appropriate treatment plan?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Levodopa, the cornerstone of Parkinson's treatment, converts to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa inhibits peripheral dopa decarboxylase, increasing levodopa's CNS availability and reducing side effects. Entacapone, a COMT inhibitor, prolongs levodopa's half-life by preventing its peripheral breakdown, enhancing efficacy. This trio targets dopamine synthesis and metabolism synergistically, a standard advanced-stage regimen. Amantadine lacks synergy with carbidopa/entacapone, focusing on NMDA antagonism. Pramipexole (dopamine agonist) with carbidopa/entacapone is less common, as carbidopa pairs with levodopa. Ropinirole and selegiline boost dopamine but miss levodopa's direct effect; entacapone's role weakens without levodopa. The levodopa-carbidopa-entacapone combination optimizes dopamine delivery, making it a clinically proven and appropriate plan.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse has completed medication education with the patient who is receiving risperidone (Risperdal). The nurse evaluates that the education has been effective when the patient makes which statement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, can cause agranulocytosis, a rare but life-threatening drop in white blood cells, necessitating regular blood monitoring . This statement reflects understanding of a critical safety measure, indicating effective education. Nightmares aren't a primary concern with risperidone. Weight loss contrasts with its common side effect of weight gain, making it less relevant. Metallic taste isn't associated with this drug. The nurse evaluates learning based on recognition of monitoring for severe adverse effects like agranulocytosis, ensuring patient safety, making choice B the best indicator of comprehension.