ATI RN
ATI Proctored Exam Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
The patient is receiving zolpidem (Ambien) for treatment of short-term insomnia. What is the primary safety concern of the nurse when the patient takes this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 2 of 5
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.
Question 3 of 5
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 4 of 5
A 40-year-old man was given a drug that binds to a subunit of the GABA A receptor. When used at a high dose, the drug can open Cl- channels independent of GABA. What drug was the man given?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Phenobarbital, a barbiturate, binds to a distinct site on the GABA_A receptor, enhancing GABA's inhibitory effects by prolonging chloride channel opening. At high doses, it uniquely can directly open these channels without GABA, leading to profound CNS depression—useful in anesthesia or seizure control but risky due to overdose potential. Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, also acts on GABA_A receptors but only enhances GABA's effect, not independently opening channels, limiting its action to GABA availability. Ethanol affects GABA_A receptors indirectly and lacks this specific high-dose capability. Baclofen targets GABA_B receptors, influencing potassium channels, not chloride, and is unrelated to this mechanism. Dronabinol, a cannabinoid, has no GABA_A activity. Phenobarbital's ability to independently activate chloride channels at high doses distinguishes it, aligning with the scenario described and explaining its utility and risks in clinical settings.
Question 5 of 5
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.