ATI RN
Pharmacology ATI Proctored Exam 2024 Questions
Question 1 of 5
Two days after admission, the nurse is reviewing laboratory results of the patient. Which is the most common electrolyte finding resulting from the administration of furosemide (Lasix)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most common electrolyte finding resulting from the administration of furosemide (Lasix) is hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that works by blocking the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the ascending loop of Henle in the kidneys. This results in increased excretion of water and electrolytes, including potassium. Hypokalemia can lead to various complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Therefore, patients receiving furosemide should be closely monitored for potassium levels, and supplementation may be necessary to prevent and treat hypokalemia.
Question 2 of 5
Two days after admission, the nurse is reviewing laboratory results of the patient. Which is the most common electrolyte finding resulting from the administration of furosemide (Lasix)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most common electrolyte finding resulting from the administration of furosemide (Lasix) is hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that works by blocking the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the ascending loop of Henle in the kidneys. This results in increased excretion of water and electrolytes, including potassium. Hypokalemia can lead to various complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Therefore, patients receiving furosemide should be closely monitored for potassium levels, and supplementation may be necessary to prevent and treat hypokalemia.
Question 3 of 5
Dr. Rodriguez orders 250 milliliters of packed red blood cells (RBC) for a patient. This therapy is administered for the treatment of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Packed red blood cells (RBCs) are used to treat anemia, a condition characterized by a low red blood cell count or hemoglobin level. Anemia can result from blood loss, chronic disease, or nutritional deficiencies. Thrombocytopenia and leukopenia involve low platelet and white blood cell counts, respectively, and are not treated with RBC transfusions. Hypoalbuminemia involves low albumin levels and requires albumin infusions, not RBCs. Therefore, anemia is the correct indication for this therapy.
Question 4 of 5
A 35-year-old African American male in the military is hospitalized with an MRSA skin infection. The patient starts treatment with an antibiotic and becomes anemic and jaundiced. On peripheral blood smear, Heinz bodies are seen within red blood cells. What is the mechanism of action of the antibiotic given to this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: MRSA treatment causing anemia, jaundice, and Heinz bodies suggests dapsone (sulfa drug), which inhibits folic acid metabolism . Oxidative stress from dapsone in G6PD-deficient patients (common in African Americans) leads to hemolysis. Options and are macrolide and tetracycline mechanisms. Option is penicillin's action. RNA polymerase inhibition (E) is rifampin's. Dapsone's sulfa action fits the clinical picture, with hemolysis as a side effect, not its primary MRSA mechanism, but the question's focus on outcome aligns with folate pathway disruption.
Question 5 of 5
When the nurse is reviewing a list of medications taken by an 88-year-old patient, the patient says, 'I get dizzy when I stand up.' She also states that she has nearly fainted 'a time or two' in the afternoons. Her systolic blood pressure drops 15 points when she stands up. Which type of medication may be responsible for these effects?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension, characterized by dizziness and a drop in blood pressure upon standing, is a common side effect of antihypertensive medications. These medications lower blood pressure, which can lead to reduced cerebral perfusion and dizziness when the patient changes positions. NSAIDs, cardiac glycosides, and anticoagulants are less likely to cause orthostatic hypotension. Therefore, the nurse should consider antihypertensive medications as the most likely cause of the patient's symptoms and assess the need for dosage adjustments or alternative treatments.