ATI RN
ATI Proctored Exam Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the purpose of “Tunneling†(inserting the catheter 2-4 inches under the skin) when the surgeon inserts a Hickman central catheter device?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tunneling the catheter 2-4 inches under the skin creates a pathway that helps reduce the risk of infection. By placing the catheter deeper under the skin, there is less chance of bacteria entering the catheter exit site, which can lead to infections such as catheter-related bloodstream infections. Tunneling also promotes tissue ingrowth around the catheter, further helping to secure the catheter in place and reduce the risk of infection.
Question 2 of 5
Which finding would most accurately indicate that a therapeutic range for a medication had been reached?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Therapeutic range balances efficacy-treating the condition (indication)-with safety, avoiding serious side effects, a clinical goal. No adverse effects alone doesn't confirm efficacy. Dose amount doesn't ensure range. Effectiveness with lethal effects exceeds range. Achieving indication safely defines therapeutic success, per pharmacology.
Question 3 of 5
A 19-year-old man is brought to the emergency room after being found by the police to be disruptive in a shopping mall. He states that he is hearing voices and seeing Jesus Christ. The police apprehended him because he was acting violently. He arrives in the emergency department and is combative. His blood pressure is 190/90 mm Hg. His core body temperature is 39°C. The most likely explanation for these findings is overdose of which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hallucinations, violence, hypertension, and hyperthermia suggest phencyclidine (PCP) overdose . PCP, an NMDA antagonist, causes dissociative psychosis and sympathetic stimulation. Alcohol sedates, cocaine lacks hallucinations, marijuana doesn't cause violence, and Quaaludes (E) sedate. PCP's unique profile fits this acute, agitated presentation.
Question 4 of 5
When monitoring a patient who has diabetes and is receiving a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor for edema, the nurse will monitor for which possible adverse effect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide are commonly used to treat edema by promoting diuresis. However, one notable adverse effect of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors in patients with diabetes is the potential to elevate blood glucose levels. These medications can lead to an increase in blood glucose due to their effect on renal glucose reabsorption, resulting in hyperglycemia. Therefore, when monitoring a patient with diabetes who is receiving a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor for edema, it is crucial for the nurse to closely monitor the patient's blood glucose levels to prevent any adverse effects related to hyperglycemia.
Question 5 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: Arterial blood pressure is regulated by two main factors: cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance. Cardiac output refers to the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, while systemic vascular resistance refers to the resistance to blood flow in the systemic circulation. The combination of these two parameters determines the pressure within the arteries. If cardiac output or systemic vascular resistance increases, blood pressure will increase, and vice versa. Therefore, when discussing the regulation of arterial blood pressure, focusing on cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance is crucial for understanding how the body maintains blood pressure within a normal range. The other choices, such as heart rate and peripheral resistance, blood volume and renal blood flow, as well as myocardial contractility and arteriolar constriction, are important factors in cardiovascular physiology but are not the primary determinants of arterial blood pressure regulation.