ATI RN
ATI PN Pharmacology Proctored Exam 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the action of Metformin?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin is a medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works through multiple mechanisms to help control blood sugar levels.
Question 2 of 5
A 43-year-old Caucasian woman complains that her irises have been darkening. She says that she has been taking a drug for years to treat her glaucoma. Which of the following drugs is most likely causing the increased pigmentation of her irises?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Iris darkening in glaucoma treatment points to Latanoprost , a prostaglandin analog. It increases melanin in iridial melanocytes, a known side effect. Acetazolamide , a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, Epinephrine , Pilocarpine , and Timolol (E) don't cause this. Latanoprost's cosmetic effect is well-documented, fitting her long-term use.
Question 3 of 5
The following are examples of prodrugs:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Levodopa is a prodrug converted to dopamine in the brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Prodrugs are inactive compounds metabolized into active drugs in the body.
Question 4 of 5
A woman with myoclonic seizures is well controlled with lamotrigine. She becomes pregnant and begins to have breakthrough seizures. What is most likely happening?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pregnancy increases lamotrigine clearance via enhanced glucuronidation (UGT enzyme induction), lowering plasma concentrations and risking breakthrough seizures, as seen here. Worsening epilepsy is possible but less likely without prior progression. Increased concentrations would improve control, not worsen it. Loss of efficacy is unlikely if previously effective; pharmacokinetic changes are more plausible. Monitoring and dose adjustment during pregnancy, per epilepsy guidelines, address this common issue, making decreased concentrations the most likely cause.
Question 5 of 5
Three days after a patient's total colectomy and ileostomy, he has a nasogastric tube for continuous suction and a Foley catheter for continuous drainage. The night nurse reports a high output from the ileostomy. The patient's pulse is irregular, and he reports leg weakness. Based on this situation, the nurse would correctly suspect what type of imbalance?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient's symptoms of irregular pulse and leg weakness, along with high ileostomy output, suggest hypokalemia. High ileostomy output can lead to excessive loss of potassium, a key electrolyte responsible for muscle and nerve function. Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias, which align with the patient's symptoms. Hyperkalemia (B) would typically cause muscle cramps and cardiac abnormalities like peaked T-waves, not weakness. Hyponatremia (C) and hypercalcemia (D) do not typically present with these specific symptoms.