ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Practice Exam B Questions
Question 1 of 5
The patient is receiving lithium (Eskalith) and asks the nurse why he has to have blood drawn so often. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lithium's narrow therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) requires frequent blood draws to ensure levels stay safe and effective, preventing toxicity (e.g., tremors) or subtherapeutic dosing. Side effects are monitored clinically, not just by blood. Effectiveness and response tie to levels, but ‘correct amount' is precise, addressing the patient's query directly about monitoring's purpose.
Question 2 of 5
The client has osteomalacia, and the physician has ordered a treatment to restore calcium balance. What will the nurse plan to administer to the client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the case of a client with osteomalacia, a condition characterized by softening of the bones due to a lack of vitamin D or calcium, the correct treatment plan involves restoring calcium balance. The nurse should plan to administer calcium supplements and vitamin D to the client. The correct answer is option D because vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium in the intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D, the body cannot effectively utilize the calcium from dietary sources or supplements. Administering both calcium supplements and vitamin D addresses the underlying deficiency causing osteomalacia and helps restore calcium balance in the body, promoting bone health and strength. Option A (calcium supplements and dark green, leafy vegetables) is incorrect because while dark green, leafy vegetables are sources of calcium, they do not provide the necessary vitamin D for proper calcium absorption in the context of osteomalacia. Option B (calcium supplements and milk products) is also incorrect because while milk products are good sources of calcium, they do not address the vitamin D deficiency, which is crucial in treating osteomalacia. Option C (calcium supplements and potassium) is incorrect as potassium is not directly related to the treatment of osteomalacia, which primarily involves addressing calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. In an educational context, it is essential for nurses to understand the interplay between nutrients like calcium and vitamin D in maintaining bone health and how deficiencies can lead to conditions like osteomalacia. Proper treatment interventions should address the specific deficiencies to effectively restore balance and promote optimal health outcomes for the client.
Question 3 of 5
An 18-year-old woman presents to her primary care physician after experiencing a one-sided headache for the fourth time in the last 2 years. Her headaches have all been similar in nature. She says the pain is worst right behind her eye and that she feels nauseous and cannot stand bright lights or loud noises while she is having a headache. The physician prescribes sumatriptan. What is the mechanism of action of this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Migraine symptoms (unilateral pain, photophobia, nausea) respond to sumatriptan, a 5-HT1B/1D agonist. Option , blocking serotonin-mediated nociceptive signaling, is correct-sumatriptan constricts cranial vessels and inhibits trigeminal pain pathways. Option , COX blockade, is NSAIDs' mechanism. Option , prostaglandin synthesis, is similar. Options and (E), opioid receptor stimulation, are unrelated. Sumatriptan's serotonin action targets migraine-specific pathophysiology, relieving this patient's symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
A 31-year-old woman smoker expresses a desire to quit smoking. She has a 10 pack-year history of smoking but no other health issues. She wants to try varenicline, a drug she recently heard about, to help her quit. Which of the following side effects of varenicline is she most likely to encounter?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option A) Abnormal dreams. Varenicline is a medication commonly used to aid smoking cessation by reducing the pleasure associated with smoking. One of the common side effects of varenicline is abnormal dreams, which can range from vivid dreams to nightmares. This side effect is usually mild and transient. Option B) Gastric ulcers is an incorrect choice because varenicline is not known to cause gastric ulcers as a side effect. Option C) Pancreatitis is also incorrect as varenicline is not associated with pancreatitis. Option D) Photosensitivity is not a common side effect of varenicline either. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand the common side effects of medications used for smoking cessation to provide accurate information to patients. By knowing the side effect profile of varenicline, healthcare providers can better educate patients on what to expect and how to manage potential side effects, thereby improving medication adherence and treatment outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
A 13-year-old boy with moderate asthma presents to the clinic for follow-up. His symptoms appear to be better controlled since adding salmeterol to his regimen. He has had to use his rescue inhaler once over the past 2 weeks during exertion. His breathing at night has improved as well. How does salmeterol exhibit its beneficial effects for asthma?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Long-acting β2-agonist. Salmeterol is a long-acting β2-agonist, which means it acts on the β2-adrenergic receptors in the lungs to cause bronchodilation. By activating these receptors, salmeterol relaxes the smooth muscles in the airways, leading to improved breathing for patients with asthma. Option A, Long-acting β1-agonist, is incorrect because salmeterol primarily acts on β2 receptors in the lungs, not β1 receptors. Option B, Long-acting β1-antagonist, is incorrect because salmeterol is an agonist, not an antagonist. Option C, Long-acting β1-and β2-agonist, is incorrect because salmeterol predominantly acts on β2 receptors rather than both β1 and β2 receptors. Educationally, understanding the mechanism of action of different medications is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about treatment options for patients with asthma. Knowing that salmeterol is a long-acting β2-agonist helps clinicians understand how this medication works to improve asthma symptoms and guides appropriate prescribing practices.