ATI RN
ATI RN Pharmacology 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 5
The patient has been prescribed dextromethorphan (Delsym). What medication information should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dextromethorphan suppresses cough but with alcohol or overdose can cause CNS effects like slurred speech . Smoking isn't directly relevant. It acts within 15-30 minutes, not an hour . Choice D instructs on recognizing toxicity, ensuring safety and prompt reporting.
Question 2 of 5
A 38-year-old man with hypertension experiences a first ever attack of acute pain, redness and tenderness in the left first metatarsophalangeal joint ('podagra'). His medication is furosemide, calcium carbonate and irbesartan. Serum uric acid is 0.78 mmol/L (upper limit of normal for men 0.48 mmol/L). Which of the following is most appropriate pharmacotherapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Acute gout (podagra) requires rapid inflammation relief. Paracetamol offers analgesia but no anti-inflammatory effect, inadequate here. Aspirin, at low doses, retains uric acid, worsening gout; at high doses, it's uricosuric but not ideal acutely. Probenecid lowers uric acid long-term, not for acute attacks. Allopurinol prevents gout but can precipitate attacks if started now. Diclofenac, an NSAID, reduces inflammation and pain fast, the most appropriate acute treatment. Its efficacy targets gout's pathophysiology, critical for symptom control.
Question 3 of 5
What serious adverse reaction can occur with the loop diuretic Furosemide?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe and potentially life-threatening adverse reaction associated with the use of Furosemide, a loop diuretic. It is characterized by a severe skin reaction that can cause rashes, blisters, and mucous membrane involvement. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate discontinuation of the offending medication. Monitoring and management should be promptly initiated to prevent serious complications. Other side effects of Furosemide include electrolyte imbalances, ototoxicity, and dehydration, but Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a particularly serious adverse reaction that requires immediate attention.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse assumes care of a patient in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). The patient had abdominal surgery and is receiving intravenous morphine sulfate for pain. The patient is asleep and has not voided since prior to surgery. The nurse assesses a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute and notes hypoactive bowel sounds. The nurse will contact the surgeon primarily to report which condition?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary concern in this scenario is respiratory depression. The patient receiving intravenous morphine sulfate with a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute indicates hypoventilation, which can progress to respiratory failure. This poses a critical risk to the patient's safety and requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications, such as respiratory arrest. Contacting the surgeon to report this condition is essential for prompt assessment and appropriate management. While paralytic ileus, somnolence, and urinary retention are also potential concerns, respiratory depression takes precedence due to its life-threatening nature.
Question 5 of 5
A female patient's central venous access device (CVAD) becomes infected. Why would the physician order antibiotics be given through the line rather than through a peripheral IV line?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Administering antibiotics through an infected central venous access device (CVAD) is often done to attempt to sterilize the catheter and salvage it, avoiding the need for removal and replacement. This approach is particularly useful for certain types of infections. While peripheral IV administration may be less painful or reduce infiltration risks, the primary goal in this scenario is to treat the infection directly at the source. Therefore, the correct rationale is to sterilize the catheter.