ATI RN
ATI RN Pharmacology 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 5
The patient is receiving escitalopram (Lexapro) for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. The patient asks the nurse, 'I am just nervous, not depressed. Why am I taking an antidepressant medicine?' What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Escitalopram, an SSRI, boosts serotonin, easing both anxiety and depression-shared neurochemistry (e.g., limbic dysregulation), per psychiatry. Calling it masked depression assumes unstated symptoms. Doctor's choice plus safety is true but less explanatory. Disorders don't always coexist-serotonin explains use, answering directly.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following does NOT describe a local anesthetic drug:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Local anesthetic drugs typically contain an aromatic residue linked to an amine group, giving them a weak base property. They are usually soluble in water when converted into soluble salts, most commonly in the form of hydrochlorides. Additionally, local anesthetics are classified based on their chemical structure, with the key component being an ester or amide linkage. Therefore, choice D, which suggests an acidic group in the structure of a local anesthetic drug, is not accurate.
Question 3 of 5
A patient looks up the drug he is taking in a drug guide. The patient asks the nurse why the physician prescribed a medication that has a lethal dose measure. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lethal dose (e.g., LD50) from research guides safe dosing by showing toxicity thresholds, reassuring the patient it informs, not dictates, prescription. It's not just research trivia-doctors use it indirectly. Side effect watching doesn't explain it. Deferring to the doctor avoids education. Research value ties to safety, clarifying its relevance.
Question 4 of 5
What is a severe adverse effect of iron?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A severe adverse effect of iron is the development of iron toxicity, which can lead to symptoms such as seizures. Iron toxicity can occur when there is an excessive accumulation of iron in the body, usually from overdose or prolonged use of iron supplements. Symptoms of iron toxicity can range from mild to severe, with seizures being a serious and potentially life-threatening complication. It is important to seek medical help immediately if symptoms of iron toxicity, including seizures, occur.
Question 5 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.