ATI RN
Learning Cardiovascular Drugs Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
The patient is receiving digoxin for treatment of heart failure. Which finding would suggest to the nurse that the heart failure is improving?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Absence of peripheral edema. Improvement in heart failure is indicated by reduced fluid retention, leading to decreased peripheral edema. This suggests better cardiac function and reduced congestion in the body. Pale and cool extremities (A) can indicate poor circulation. Urine output of 60 mL every 4 hours (C) may be inadequate for adequate fluid removal. Complaints of increasing dyspnea (D) suggest worsening heart failure.
Question 2 of 5
During a home visit with a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia the patient tells the community health nurse, “I’m going to stop going to the clinic for my fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin) shots because I think I’m okay now.” Which statement represents the best understanding of the effect of the patient’s decision on the prognosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates therapeutic communication and empathy by acknowledging the patient's perspective and inviting further discussion. By exploring the patient's reasons for wanting to stop the medication, the nurse can address underlying concerns and provide education on the importance of medication adherence in managing schizophrenia. Choice B is incorrect as it undermines the patient's autonomy and fails to address the patient's reasons for stopping the medication. Choice C is partially correct in acknowledging the patient's perspective but lacks the active engagement needed to assess and address the patient's decision. Choice D is incorrect as it expresses fear without exploring the patient's beliefs and reasons, which can lead to resistance and non-compliance.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with depression tells the nurse, 'I don’t think I want to take that SSRI medication the doctor told me she would prescribe. I don’t understand what it will do.' Which of the following would be the most helpful response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it provides the patient with a clear and concise explanation of how the medication works to address their depression by correcting a chemical imbalance. This response educates the patient on the purpose of SSRI medications, which helps them understand the potential benefits of treatment. Choice A is incorrect because it oversimplifies the mechanism of action of SSRIs and may not effectively address the patient's concerns. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses more on the general benefits of SSRIs rather than directly addressing the patient's lack of understanding. Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide the patient with the information needed to make an informed decision about medication.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with the diagnosis of schizophrenia is hospitalized and is taking a phenothiazine drug. Which statement by this patient indicates that he is experiencing a common adverse effect of phenothiazines?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: “My mouth has been so dry lately.” This statement indicates the patient is experiencing xerostomia, a common adverse effect of phenothiazines due to their anticholinergic properties. Xerostomia results in decreased salivary flow, leading to dry mouth. Choices A, B, and C are less likely to be related to phenothiazine use. A is a common symptom of schizophrenia, B could indicate increased appetite which is not a common side effect, and C is not a typical side effect of phenothiazines.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse notes in a patient’s medical record that nesiritide (Natrecor) has been ordered. Based on this order, the nurse interprets that the patient has which disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acutely decompensated heart failure with dyspnea at rest. Nesiritide (Natrecor) is a medication used specifically for the treatment of acutely decompensated heart failure with dyspnea at rest. This medication helps to reduce cardiac filling pressures and improve symptoms in patients experiencing acute exacerbation of heart failure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because nesiritide is not indicated for these conditions. Atrial fibrillation (Choice A) is a cardiac arrhythmia, systolic heart failure (Choice C) involves impaired heart muscle contraction, and long-term treatment of heart failure (Choice D) typically involves different medications like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics.