ATI RN
ATI RN Pharmacology Online Practice 2023 B Questions
Question 1 of 5
Tricyclic antidepressants
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine block norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake, but their anticholinergic effects are significant. In glaucoma, particularly angle-closure type, these effects can increase intraocular pressure by dilating pupils and obstructing aqueous humor outflow, risking acute attacks—thus, they're contraindicated. TCAs lower seizure threshold, lacking anticonvulsant activity, and may exacerbate epilepsy. They don't enhance levodopa absorption; rather, they might interact via monoamine pathways, but this isn't a primary effect. Some TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline) have quinidine-like sodium channel blockade, giving antiarrhythmic properties, but this isn't their primary use. The glaucoma concern is critical due to the anticholinergic mechanism, making it a key clinical consideration and the most accurate statement here.
Question 2 of 5
When monitoring a patient who is taking hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), the nurse notes that which drug is most likely to cause a severe interaction with the diuretic?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Digitalis (e.g., Digoxin) and hydrochlorothiazide can cause a severe interaction because hydrochlorothiazide can reduce potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can increase the risk of digitalis toxicity, leading to dangerous effects on the heart. Therefore, patients taking hydrochlorothiazide along with digitalis need close monitoring of their potassium levels and potential adjustments to their digitalis therapy. It is important to communicate this risk to the healthcare team to ensure patient safety.
Question 3 of 5
The patient receives antibiotics for a serious infection. The patient asks the nurse, 'Why don't you just give me more of that drug to cure this infection faster?' What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Antibiotics have a maximum dose beyond which efficacy plateaus-more risks toxicity (e.g., ototoxicity), not faster cure, a pharmacodynamic limit. Checking with the doctor delays a clear answer. Interactions aren't the sole issue-toxicity is. Time-based increase lacks basis. Maximum dose explains efficacy ceiling, educating safely.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is preparing for a community education program on hypertension. Which of these parameters determine the regulation of arterial blood pressure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The regulation of arterial blood pressure is primarily determined by two main parameters: cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance.
Question 5 of 5
A patient asks the nurse for information about fat-soluble vitamins. What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are stored in the liver and adipose tissue and excreted slowly, making them more likely to accumulate and cause toxicity if taken in excess. They are not metabolized rapidly (A) and can be stored in the liver (B). They can be toxic (D) if consumed in large amounts.