ATI RN
ATI Proctored Exam Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 9
The patient has been prescribed oxymetazoline (Afrin). What medication information should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Oxymetazoline relieves congestion quickly but risks rebound if overused. 'Take this medication exactly as directed as there is no antidote if you overdose' emphasizes adherence to prevent misuse . Hand washing and not swallowing reduce risks. It acts fast, not over days . Choice D ensures safe use, critical for nasal decongestants.
Question 2 of 9
Which finding would most accurately indicate that a therapeutic range for a medication had been reached?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Therapeutic range balances efficacy-treating the condition (indication)-with safety, avoiding serious side effects, a clinical goal. No adverse effects alone doesn't confirm efficacy. Dose amount doesn't ensure range. Effectiveness with lethal effects exceeds range. Achieving indication safely defines therapeutic success, per pharmacology.
Question 3 of 9
A patient comes to the office with a chief complaint of hair loss and peeling skin. The nurse notes many vitamins and minerals are on the medication list. The patient reports using vitamins to treat liver disease. The patient's complaint may be caused by an excess of which vitamin or mineral?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Excessive vitamin A can cause hypervitaminosis A, leading to symptoms such as hair loss, peeling skin, and liver toxicity. Zinc (B), vitamin C (C), and vitamin D (D) are not typically associated with these symptoms. The nurse should assess the patient's vitamin A intake and advise moderation.
Question 4 of 9
A 19-year-old man is brought to the emergency room after being found by the police to be disruptive in a shopping mall. He states that he is hearing voices and seeing Jesus Christ. The police apprehended him because he was acting violently. He arrives in the emergency department and is combative. His blood pressure is 190/90 mm Hg. His core body temperature is 39°C. The most likely explanation for these findings is overdose of which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hallucinations, violence, hypertension, and hyperthermia suggest phencyclidine (PCP) overdose . PCP, an NMDA antagonist, causes dissociative psychosis and sympathetic stimulation. Alcohol sedates, cocaine lacks hallucinations, marijuana doesn't cause violence, and Quaaludes (E) sedate. PCP's unique profile fits this acute, agitated presentation.
Question 5 of 9
The client has MRSA and receives vancomycin (Vancocin) intravenously (IV). The nurse assesses an upper body rash and decreased urine output. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat serious infections like MRSA, but it can cause significant adverse effects, including nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and hypersensitivity reactions, such as rashes. The symptoms of an upper body rash and decreased urine output suggest a possible allergic reaction or renal impairment, both of which are potentially life-threatening if the drug continues to be administered. Holding the next dose prevents further exposure to the drug, which could exacerbate the reaction or damage, while notifying the physician ensures prompt medical evaluation and intervention. Obtaining an X-ray or urine specimen might provide additional data but doesn't address the immediate risk. Administering an antihistamine could mask symptoms without addressing the underlying issue, potentially delaying critical treatment. Thus, the priority is to stop the drug and seek physician guidance, making choice A the most appropriate action.
Question 6 of 9
What is the pharmacological action of metformin?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin is a first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Its primary pharmacological action is to decrease hepatic glucose production by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver. This helps to lower blood glucose levels. Metformin also increases insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues like muscle and fat, allowing tissues to better respond to insulin and take up glucose from the blood. This dual mechanism of action makes metformin an effective medication for managing blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Question 7 of 9
A patient is taken to the trauma unit after a motorcycle accident. It is estimated that he has lost 30% of his blood volume and he is in hypovolemic shock. The nurse anticipates a transfusion with which blood product?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the case of a hypovolemic shock due to significant blood loss, the primary concern is to restore the lost blood volume quickly. Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs) contain a high concentration of red blood cells and are used to replenish oxygen-carrying capacity in cases of hemorrhage. PRBCs are the most appropriate blood product in this scenario as they can effectively increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood without overloading the patient with excess fluid volume like whole blood. Whole blood contains not only red blood cells but also plasma and other components, which may not be necessary for immediate volume resuscitation. Cryoprecipitate and Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) are usually indicated for specific coagulation factor deficiencies and are not the primary choice for treating hypovolemic shock. Thus, in this case, PRBCs are the most suitable blood product to address the acute blood loss and restore
Question 8 of 9
The client is prescribed a nasal decongestant spray. What information should the nurse include when educating the client about how to use this medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nasal decongestants risk rebound beyond 5 days; spitting excess avoids systemic effects (correct answers: 1, 3, 5). Water isn't relevant. D ensures safe use, making it key.
Question 9 of 9
A 78-year-old woman with ovarian cancer and pancreatitis is hospitalized for acute treatment of a massive pulmonary embolism. She is immediately given an intravenous dose of alteplase once the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was made. Characteristics of this agent include which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Alteplase treats pulmonary embolism by dissolving clots. Success at clot resolution is correct-it converts plasminogen to plasmin, breaking fibrin. Option , free plasminogen, is less specific than its fibrin-bound action. Option , high antigenicity, and , low specificity, are false-alteplase is fibrin-specific and recombinant. Option (E), long half-life, isn't true. Its efficacy in clot lysis is key in this acute setting.