ATI RN
Pharmacology Final ATI Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
The patient has been receiving amitriptyline (Elavil) for 2 weeks. He tells the nurse he doesn't think this medicine is working, as he is still depressed. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Amitriptyline requires 2-6 weeks for full antidepressant effect, increasing neurotransmitters gradually. After 2 weeks, persistent depression is expected, so 'It can take several weeks' educates on the timeline, encouraging adherence. Choice B dismisses feelings, risking trust. Choice C assumes failure prematurely. Choice D exaggerates to months, discouraging patience. A provides accurate, supportive guidance, aligning with tricyclic pharmacology, making it the best response.
Question 2 of 5
What assessment finding indicates to the nurse that timolol (Timoptic) has been effective?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Timolol and carteolol are available in an ophthalmic form of the drug for reduction of intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma. A decrease in intraocular pressure would indicate it has been effective. Timolol can also be used to treat hypertension but an increase in blood pressure would indicate the drug was not effective. Reduced pulse rate and reduced angina would not be related to this drug, especially if it was given in ophthalmic form when very little of the drug is absorbed systemically.
Question 3 of 5
A patient arrives in the emergency department with severe chest pain. The patient reports that the pain has been occurring off and on for a week now. Which assessment finding would indicate the need for cautious use of nitrates and nitrites?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A blood pressure of 88/62 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which is a contraindication for nitrates and nitrites use. Nitrates and nitrites are vasodilators that can further lower blood pressure, potentially leading to severe hypotension and cardiovascular collapse in a patient with already low blood pressure. Therefore, caution should be exercised in administering nitrates and nitrites to a patient with hypotension. In this case, the presence of severe chest pain may be indicative of a myocardial infarction, which would typically warrant the consideration of nitroglycerin (a nitrate) administration for chest pain relief. However, in the presence of hypotension, alternative treatment options may need to be considered first to stabilize the blood pressure before nitrate administration.
Question 4 of 5
The patient tells the nurse, 'I thought I was just depressed, but my doctor says I have bipolar disorder. What is that?' What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Bipolar disorder features mood cycles-depression and mania (hyperactivity)-per DSM-5, distinct from unipolar depression. It's not just cyclic depression, nor ADHD-linked. Seasonal shifts are separate (SAD). Mania-depression cycles define it, clarifying diagnosis.
Question 5 of 5
What is levothyroxine's pharmacologic classification?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine belongs to the pharmacologic classification of thyroid preparations. It is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) and is used to treat hypothyroidism by supplementing or replacing the body's own thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine works to normalize thyroid hormone levels in the body and help regulate metabolism. It is not a metabolic inhibitor, analgesic, or loop diuretic.