ATI LPN
LPN Pharmacology Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
To reduce medication errors, the Institute of Safe Medication Practices recommends:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is correct because the ISMP recommends avoiding error-prone abbreviations (e.g., ‘U' for units) to prevent misinterpretation and errors, a proven safety strategy. Choice A is incorrect as brand names alone don't reduce errors—generics are standard. Choice B is wrong because ‘tall man' lettering (e.g., LisinOPRIL) helps, not harms. Choice D is incorrect since decimals can confuse (e.g., .5 vs. 0.5)—whole numbers are safer.
Question 2 of 9
A client with a history of angina pectoris complains of substernal chest pain. The nurse checks the client's blood pressure and administers nitroglycerin 0.4 mg sublingually. Five minutes later, the client is still experiencing chest pain. If the blood pressure is still stable, what should the nurse do next?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client with angina pectoris continues to experience chest pain despite initial nitroglycerin administration and stable blood pressure, the appropriate next step is to administer another nitroglycerin tablet. This helps to further dilate coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle and relieving chest pain. Applying oxygen via nasal cannula (Choice B) may be necessary if the client displays signs of respiratory distress or hypoxemia, but in this case, the priority is addressing the unresolved chest pain. Calling for a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) (Choice C) is important to assess for any changes in the client's cardiac status, but administering another nitroglycerin tablet takes precedence in managing the ongoing chest pain. Waiting an additional 5 minutes before giving a second nitroglycerin tablet (Choice D) may delay symptom relief and potentially worsen the client's condition if the chest pain persists.
Question 3 of 9
Risks to the fetus in the second trimester include:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because the second trimester involves growth, and tobacco restricts it via vasoconstriction, a key risk then. Choice A is incorrect as teratogens primarily affect organ development in the first trimester. Choice C is wrong because hypertension's placental effects are more third-trimester prominent. Choice D is incorrect since B is the specific second-trimester concern.
Question 4 of 9
A client with a history of coronary artery disease is prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor). What side effect should the nurse instruct the client to immediately report?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Muscle pain or tenderness.' This can be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect of statins like atorvastatin (Lipitor). Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which muscle breakdown releases a protein that can damage the kidneys. Therefore, it is crucial for the client to report any muscle pain or tenderness immediately to prevent further complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are not typically associated with atorvastatin (Lipitor) use or indicative of a serious adverse effect that requires immediate reporting.
Question 5 of 9
A client in the emergency department is bleeding profusely from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. In what position should the nurse immediately place the client to promote maintenance of the client's blood pressure above a systolic pressure of 90 mm Hg?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a client with profuse bleeding from a gunshot wound to the abdomen, maintaining the client in a supine position is essential to manage blood pressure. This position helps in reducing diaphragmatic pressure and allows for proper visualization of the wound, aiding in prompt assessment and intervention to control the bleeding and stabilize the client's condition. Placing the client in a 45-degree Trendelenburg position (Choice A) could worsen the bleeding by increasing intrathoracic pressure and venous return, potentially leading to further hemorrhage. Turning the client prone (Choice B) may not be feasible in this situation and can delay essential interventions. Placing the client on the right side (Choice D) does not address the immediate need to manage the bleeding and stabilize the client's condition.
Question 6 of 9
Drugs that should be avoided in the elderly include:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, is avoided in the elderly (per Beers Criteria) due to anticholinergic effects causing confusion, constipation, and falls. Choice A is incorrect as acetaminophen is safe. Choice C is wrong because amoxicillin is appropriate with dose adjustment. Choice D is incorrect since only amitriptyline fits.
Question 7 of 9
An NP is prescribing a medication for a 6-month-old infant. The medication comes in the following formulations. Which one should the NP select to improve absorption and distribution of the medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because oral elixirs ensure even drug distribution and good GI absorption in infants. Choice B is incorrect (rectal absorption is unreliable). Choice C is wrong (lipid solubility doesn’t ensure distribution). Choice D is inaccurate (sustained-release is poorly absorbed in infants).
Question 8 of 9
Therapeutic drug monitoring would be appropriate for which drug?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic index, requiring monitoring of peak and trough levels to ensure efficacy and avoid toxicity, unlike broader-range drugs. Choice A is incorrect as acetaminophen's wide safety margin and short-term use don't typically need monitoring. Choice C is wrong because albuterol's inhaled route and rapid action don't require blood level checks. Choice D is incorrect since only phenytoin fits the monitoring profile.
Question 9 of 9
Men may require higher doses of which drug class due to differences in body composition?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because men's greater lean mass dilutes water-soluble drugs, often requiring higher doses for efficacy, unlike others. Choice A is incorrect as lipid-soluble drugs align with fat, lower in men. Choice C is wrong because protein binding isn't sex-specific here. Choice D is incorrect since only water-soluble drugs apply.