ATI RN
Pharmacology Final ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
The student nurse asks the nursing instructor why drug plateaus occur with medications. What are the best responses by the nursing instructor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Plateaus occur when receptors are saturated-max effect is reached (e.g., morphine), a pharmacodynamic limit. 100% relief isn't guaranteed-plateau is effect ceiling. Resistance (tolerance) builds over time, not instant. Losing efficacy implies degradation, not saturation. Receptor occupancy explains the plateau, a core concept.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is taking a cephalosporin. The nurse anticipates which appropriate nursing intervention(s) for this medication? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cephalosporins are antibiotics that can cause nephrotoxicity, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Monitoring renal function is essential to detect any decline in kidney function early. Liver function studies are also important because cephalosporins can occasionally cause hepatotoxicity. Intravenous cephalosporins should be infused over 30 minutes to ensure proper absorption and minimize adverse effects. Mouth ulcers are not a common side effect of cephalosporins, but monitoring for superinfections, such as oral thrush, is important. Advising the patient to stop the medication when they feel better is incorrect, as it can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Question 3 of 5
Epinephrine can compromise the stability of formed blood clot because it is a:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Epinephrine can compromise the stability of a formed blood clot because it is a fibrinolytic agent. Fibrinolysis is the process of breaking down fibrin, the main protein component of blood clots, and promoting the dissolution of the clot. Epinephrine is a hormone that acts on adrenergic receptors, including beta-2 adrenergic receptors, which can trigger the activation of fibrinolysis pathways. By promoting fibrinolysis, epinephrine can weaken and compromise the stability of a formed blood clot, leading to potential clot breakdown and increased risk of bleeding. This mechanism is important to consider when using epinephrine in situations where clot stability is crucial, such as in patients with bleeding disorders or undergoing surgery.
Question 4 of 5
A client with diabetes is prescribed metformin (Glucophage). Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin lowers blood glucose by reducing hepatic production and improving insulin sensitivity, best taken with meals to minimize GI upset (e.g., nausea), a common side effect, while aligning with food intake for glycemic control. Reporting muscle pain relates to rare lactic acidosis, not a primary instruction unless symptomatic. Avoiding carbohydrates is incorrect'diabetes management balances carbs, not eliminates them. Bedtime-only dosing ignores twice-daily norms. Taking it with meals enhances tolerance and efficacy, critical for adherence in type 2 diabetes, where metformin is first-line. This instruction reflects its pharmacokinetics and practical use, making A the key teaching point.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse should teach a patient to take their own pulse with which medication? (Hint: if pulse is <60 or >100, the patient should contact their health care provider before taking the medication)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Digoxin is a medication commonly prescribed to patients with heart conditions, such as heart failure and certain types of irregular heartbeats. It primarily works by slowing down the heart rate and increasing the strength of the heart's contractions. This is why patients taking digoxin are typically taught to monitor their own pulse regularly to ensure it stays within a safe range.