ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Practice B Questions
Question 1 of 9
This drug when taken orally reverses the hepatic necrosis effect of paracetamol :
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Acetylcysteine is the antidote for acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose. Acetaminophen overdose can lead to hepatic necrosis, and acetylcysteine is effective in preventing or reversing this hepatotoxicity. It works by replenishing depleted hepatic stores of glutathione, which is essential for detoxifying the reactive metabolite of acetaminophen. This helps to protect the liver cells from damage caused by the toxic metabolite of acetaminophen. Naloxone, vitamin K, warfarin, and diphenhydramine are not effective in reversing the hepatic necrosis caused by paracetamol overdose.
Question 2 of 9
A patient diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a skin cancer, is treated with interferon alfa-2a. The nurse teaches this patient about which side effect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Flulike syndrome, characterized by fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle aches, is a common side effect of interferon alfa-2a. This occurs because the drug stimulates the immune system, mimicking the body's response to a viral infection. While gastrointestinal symptoms may occur, they are less common than flulike syndrome. Interferon alfa-2a does not typically cause an increase in white or red blood cells. The nurse should educate the patient about managing flulike symptoms, such as using antipyretics and staying hydrated.
Question 3 of 9
While on pentamidine (Pentam) infusion therapy. The nurse must anticipate doing which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pentamidine (Pentam) infusion therapy is associated with potential ocular toxicities, including retinal damage. Therefore, the nurse must closely monitor the client for signs and symptoms of retinal damage during the therapy. These may include changes in visual acuity, blurred vision, floaters, or any other visual disturbances. Timely detection of retinal damage is crucial for preventing further complications and ensuring appropriate management.
Question 4 of 9
A severely immunocompromised female patient requires a blood transfusion. To prevent GVHD, the physician will order:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In order to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in a severely immunocompromised patient receiving a blood transfusion, the physician will order irradiation of the donor blood. GVHD is a rare but serious complication that can occur when the donor's T lymphocytes attack the recipient's tissues. Irradiation of the blood eliminates the T lymphocytes, thereby reducing the risk of GVHD in immunocompromised patients. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are commonly used to manage transfusion reactions but do not specifically prevent GVHD. Administering the transfusion slowly over several hours does not directly address the risk of GVHD.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following is used to calculate the loading dose of a drug required to reach an initial target blood concentration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The loading dose of a drug required to reach an initial target blood concentration is based on the volume of distribution (Vd) of the drug. The volume of distribution represents the theoretical volume that would be necessary to contain the total amount of the administered drug at the same concentration as in the blood plasma. The loading dose is calculated by multiplying the target blood concentration by the volume of distribution of the drug. This initial dose helps to rapidly achieve the desired drug concentration in the body, especially when a drug has a long half-life or when steady-state levels need to be reached more quickly. Understanding the volume of distribution of a drug is crucial in dosage calculation to ensure therapeutic efficacy and avoid potential toxicity.
Question 6 of 9
The following drugs obey non-linear (dose-dependent) elimination pharmacokinetics:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Phenytoin exhibits non-linear kinetics because its elimination pathways become saturated at therapeutic doses, leading to a disproportionate rise in plasma levels with dose increases.
Question 7 of 9
What is the maximal response a drug can produce?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Efficacy refers to the maximal response a drug can produce, regardless of the dose. It is a measure of how well a drug can produce its desired effect. Potency, on the other hand, refers to the amount of drug required to produce a specific effect and is not related to the maximal response. An agonist is a drug that binds to and activates a receptor. Bioavailability is the fraction of the administered dose of a drug that reaches the systemic circulation.
Question 8 of 9
The client takes a bisphosphonate for osteoporosis. Which assessment is best in determining the effectiveness of the medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate) halt bone loss-bone density scans measure improvement, per efficacy standard. Calcium levels don't reflect bone strength. Fractures or pain absence helps but isn't direct-density shows progress, per treatment.
Question 9 of 9
A child is experiencing absence seizures that interrupt his ability to pay attention during school and activities. Which of the following therapies would be most appropriate for this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ethosuximide treats absence seizures by blocking T-type calcium channels in thalamic neurons, reducing 3 Hz spike-and-wave discharges that disrupt attention, ideal for school-aged children. Carbamazepine, a sodium channel blocker, controls focal and tonic-clonic seizures but worsens absence seizures. Diazepam manages acute seizures, not chronic absence. Carbamazepine plus primidone targets other seizure types, not absence. Watchful waiting risks educational impact. Ethosuximide's specificity, efficacy, and pediatric safety make it the most appropriate, per guidelines.