ATI RN
Pharmacology Cardiovascular Drugs Test Questions
Question 1 of 5
Therapeutic uses of calcium antagonists include the following EXCEPT:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 2 of 5
A client has bipolar I disorder. She has been taking lithium carbonate 300 mg three times daily for maintenance therapy. Her mother reports that the client stopped taking her lithium about 3 months ago because it caused her to gain weight. In the psychiatric unit, the client is agitated, pacing back and forth, talking loudly and abusively as if in response to an unseen person, and flailing her arms in exaggerated gestures. She is begun on lithium carbonate and olanzapine (Zyprexaâ) immediately. What is the rationale for the olanzapine order?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Olanzapine (Zyprexa) will calm her hyperactivity until the lithium takes effect. Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic used to manage acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder. In this scenario, the client is presenting with symptoms of acute mania, such as agitation, loud and abusive speech, and hyperactivity. Olanzapine can help to quickly reduce these manic symptoms while waiting for lithium, which is used for long-term maintenance therapy, to reach therapeutic levels in the body. It does not cure manic symptoms (Choice A), prevent extrapyramidal side effects (Choice B), or solely ensure a good night's sleep (Choice C). Olanzapine's primary role in this case is to provide immediate relief from acute manic symptoms until the lithium fully takes effect.
Question 3 of 5
A patient who began haloperidol (Haldol) therapy 24 hours ago tells the nurse that he feels jittery and unable to sit or stand still. The nurse can hypothesize that this report is related to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Akathisia. Akathisia is a common side effect of haloperidol characterized by an inner feeling of restlessness, jitteriness, and an inability to sit or stand still. This typically occurs within the first few days of starting antipsychotic medication, such as haloperidol. Dystonia (choice A) presents with sustained muscle contractions causing abnormal postures or repetitive movements. Serotonin syndrome (choice C) is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin levels and typically presents with symptoms like agitation, confusion, and hyperthermia. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (choice D) is a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotic medications characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is prescribed a beta blocker. Beta blockers are as effective as antianginals because they do what?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because beta blockers decrease heart rate and myocardial contractility, which reduces myocardial oxygen demand and improves symptoms of angina. Choice A is incorrect as beta blockers do not directly increase oxygen supply. Choice B is incorrect as beta blockers actually decrease heart rate. Choice D is incorrect because beta blockers decrease, not increase, myocardial contractility to decrease workload on the heart.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse wants to assess a patient with major depression for disturbances in circadian rhythms. Select the best question for this aspect of the assessment.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because asking about the patient's worst and best times of day can provide insight into disturbances in circadian rhythms commonly seen in major depression. This question directly addresses the patient's sleep-wake cycle, energy levels, and mood fluctuations throughout the day. It helps identify patterns of insomnia, hypersomnia, and diurnal mood variations which are common in depression. Choice A is incorrect as it pertains to hallucinations, not circadian rhythm disturbances. Choice C is irrelevant to assessing circadian rhythms. Choice D focuses on thoughts related to sadness, not specifically related to circadian rhythm disruptions.