ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Practice A Questions
Question 1 of 9
The pharmacokinetic elimination half-life of the following drugs mirrors their pharmacodynamic duration and intensity of action:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dobutamine's pharmacodynamic effects closely match its short half-life, as it is rapidly metabolized and its action declines quickly.
Question 2 of 9
The client receives beclomethasone (Beconase) intranasally as treatment for allergic rhinitis. He asks the nurse if this drug is safe because it is a glucocorticoid. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Beclomethasone, an intranasal corticosteroid, treats allergic rhinitis with minimal systemic absorption, reducing risks like adrenal suppression seen with oral steroids. The response 'Intranasal glucocorticoids produce almost no serious adverse effects' reassures the client accurately, as side effects (e.g., nasal irritation) are mild and rare. Swallowing isn't a significant concern due to low bioavailability. Prolonged use might increase minor risks (e.g., epistaxis), but isn't the primary safety factor. Once-daily use aligns with dosing but doesn't define safety. The nurse's best response (A) addresses the client's fear with evidence-based reassurance, emphasizing the drug's localized action and safety profile.
Question 3 of 9
Which patient would benefit from administration of simvastatin (Zocor) 80 mg?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A patient who has already been taking simvastatin (Zocor) for 12 months with no evidence of myopathy would benefit from administration of simvastatin 80 mg. This is because patients who have been on a stable dose of simvastatin without experiencing muscle-related side effects are considered to be tolerating the medication well. Increasing the dose to 80 mg may provide additional benefits in terms of lowering cholesterol levels without significant risk of myopathy.
Question 4 of 9
A patient with a new prescription for a HMG-CoA (statin) drug is instructed to take the
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The best response among the options provided is "This timeframe correlates better with the natural diurnal rhythm of cholesterol production." Statins work by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme responsible for cholesterol production in the liver. Cholesterol synthesis follows a diurnal rhythm, with higher levels produced at night. Therefore, taking a statin medication in the evening aligns with the body's natural pattern of cholesterol synthesis, optimizing the drug's effectiveness. This explanation helps the patient understand the rationale behind the timing of taking the medication and promotes better adherence to the prescribed regimen.
Question 5 of 9
A 34-year-old man with seasonal allergic rhinitis that has been refractory to oral antihistamines is now placed on Singulair, a leukotriene receptor blocker, to see if this will improve symptoms. Important interactions with this medication include which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Singulair (montelukast) interacts with rifampin , a CYP3A4 inducer that reduces montelukast levels, decreasing efficacy. Ampicillin , chloramphenicol , and tetracycline lack significant interactions. Rifampin's effect is key in refractory rhinitis.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is performing a health history on a patient who is ordered to begin therapy with valproic
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Valproic acid is known to have potential hepatotoxicity, meaning it can damage the liver. Therefore, if a patient already has liver disease, it can increase the risk of further liver damage when taking valproic acid. The nurse needs to be particularly cautious when a patient with pre-existing liver disease is prescribed this medication, as close monitoring of liver function tests will be necessary to detect any signs of liver damage early on. It is important to assess and consider the patient's liver condition before initiating valproic acid therapy to prevent potential adverse effects.
Question 7 of 9
What is the most important patient/family teaching for patients that are taking Digoxin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most important patient teaching for patients taking Digoxin is to regularly monitor and take their pulse. Digoxin is a medication used to treat certain heart conditions by helping the heart beat stronger and more regularly. Monitoring the pulse is important because Digoxin can affect the heart rate, and if the pulse is too slow or irregular, it may indicate an adverse reaction to the medication. Patients should be taught how to check their pulse and to contact their healthcare provider if they notice any significant changes in their heart rate while taking Digoxin. Taking the pulse is crucial in ensuring the medication is being tolerated well and is working effectively.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse teaching a pre-conception class would tell participants that they should be most careful about exposure to drugs during which stage of pregnancy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The embryonic stage (weeks 3-8) is peak risk-organogenesis makes fetuses vulnerable to teratogens (e.g., alcohol causing FAS), per developmental biology. Equal risk ignores stages. Pre-implantation (pre-week 3) has less organ impact. Third trimester affects growth, less malformation. Embryonic caution is critical, shaping warnings.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is aware that the following solutions are routinely used to flush an IV device before and after the administration of blood to a patient is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 0.9 percent sodium chloride, also known as normal saline, is routinely used to flush an IV device before and after the administration of blood to a patient. Normal saline is isotonic, meaning it has a similar concentration of salt and water as the body's cells. This makes it compatible for use in various medical procedures, including flushing IV devices to ensure patency and prevent clotting. Other solutions like 5 percent dextrose in water, sterile water, and heparin sodium are not typically used for flushing IV devices before and after blood administration.