ATI RN
NCLEX Pharmacology Cardiovascular Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
The patient’s serum digoxin level is 3.0 ng/mL. What does the nurse know about this serum digoxin level?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a serum digoxin level of 3.0 ng/mL is considered high or elevated. The therapeutic range for digoxin is typically 0.5-2.0 ng/mL, so a level of 3.0 ng/mL indicates potential toxicity. Symptoms of digoxin toxicity include nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and cardiac arrhythmias. Choice B is incorrect because a level of 3.0 ng/mL is not in the low range. Choice C is incorrect because it is above the normal therapeutic range. Choice D is incorrect because it implies the level is average, when in fact it is above the therapeutic range.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient who was recently prescribed an antipsychotic medication. Which side effects could the nurse expect to observe?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Antipsychotic medications commonly cause anticholinergic side effects such as constipation due to decreased GI motility. Step 2: Antipsychotics can also lead to decreased sweating, causing the patient to be more sensitive to heat. Step 3: These side effects (constipation, decreased sweating, and increased sensitivity to heat) are commonly seen with antipsychotic medications. Summary: Choice B: Increased moisture around the eyes, vomiting, and frontal headache are not typical side effects of antipsychotic medications. Choice C: Slurred speech, hand tremors, and severe occipital headache are more indicative of other medication classes, such as sedatives or migraine medications. Choice D: Sleeplessness, irritability, and muscle weakness are not commonly associated with antipsychotic medications.
Question 3 of 5
The wife of a client with paranoid schizophrenia tells the nurse, 'I’ve learned that my husband has several close relatives with the same disorder. Does this problem run in families?' The response based on recent discoveries in the field of genetics would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because recent research has indeed identified a gene linked to schizophrenia, indicating a genetic component in the disorder. This response acknowledges the genetic basis of schizophrenia and provides an accurate and up-to-date explanation. Other choices are incorrect: A dismisses the genetic link, C jumps to discussing the children without addressing the genetic aspect, and D is false as both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have genetic components.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has been taking the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sertraline (Zoloft) for about 6 months. At a recent visit, she tells the nurse that she has been interested in herbal therapies and wants to start taking St. John’s wort. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is D: “Taking St. John’s wort with Zoloft may cause severe interactions and is not recommended.” Rationale: 1. St. John's wort is known to affect serotonin levels, similar to SSRIs like Zoloft. 2. Combining St. John's wort with SSRIs can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. 3. The nurse should advise against combining these medications due to the risk of adverse interactions. 4. This response prioritizes patient safety and provides clear guidance on the potential harm of the combination. Summary: A: Incorrect. This response is too casual and does not address the potential interactions between St. John's wort and Zoloft. B: Incorrect. Encouraging the patient to stop Zoloft abruptly is not safe and overlooks the risk of interactions. C: Incorrect. This response is vague and does not emphasize the seriousness of potential interactions.
Question 5 of 5
When administering digoxin immune Fab (Digibind) to a patient with severe digoxin toxicity, the nurse knows that each vial can bind with how much digoxin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 0.5 mg. Digoxin immune Fab binds to digoxin in a 1:1 ratio, meaning each vial can bind with 0.5 mg of digoxin. This is crucial in the treatment of severe digoxin toxicity as it helps to neutralize the toxic effects of digoxin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the 1:1 binding ratio between digoxin immune Fab and digoxin, which is essential in determining the appropriate dose needed for effective treatment.