ATI RN
Pharmacology ATI Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the therapeutic classification of phenytoin (Dilantin)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Phenytoin (Dilantin) belongs to the therapeutic class of anticonvulsants. Anticonvulsants are medications primarily used to treat and prevent seizures and are commonly prescribed for patients with epilepsy. Phenytoin works by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain to prevent abnormal brain activity that leads to seizures. It is not classified as a mood stabilizer or bronchodilator; its main purpose is to control epileptic seizures.
Question 2 of 5
Before administering a nonselective adrenergic blocker, what should the nurse assess?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Monitor vital signs and assess cardiovascular status including pulse, blood pressure, and cardiac output to evaluate for possible cardiac effects. Although assessment of bowel sounds, appetite, serum albumin level, or serum sodium and potassium levels may be important to patient care, they are not related to administration of a nonselective adrenergic blocking agent. The nurse should prioritize cardiovascular assessments to ensure patient safety.
Question 3 of 5
The home health nurse notes that the elderly patient doubled up on his pain medication, even though the prescribed dose was at a therapeutic level. The patient says, 'If one pill is good, two pills are better.' Which statement best describes the result of the patient's action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Doubling a therapeutic dose exceeds the plateau-efficacy maxes out, but side effects (e.g., sedation) rise with excess, especially in the elderly with slower clearance. Tolerance needs chronic use, not one event. More relief assumes linear gain, not true. Tolerance requiring more is future, not immediate. Side effects reflect pharmacodynamics, a key risk.
Question 4 of 5
A patient who takes high-dose aspirin to treat arthritis will need to take prednisone to treat an acute flare of symptoms. What action will the nurse perform?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a patient taking high-dose aspirin for arthritis requires prednisone for an acute flare, the nurse should be aware that prednisone can increase blood glucose levels. As such, the nurse should monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. It is essential to closely monitor the patient's blood glucose levels to prevent complications associated with high blood sugar levels, such as hyperglycemia. It is also crucial to educate the patient about the potential side effects of prednisone and instruct the patient on how to manage blood glucose levels while taking the medication.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is started on a diuretic for antihypertensive therapy. The nurse expects that a drug in which class is likely to be used initially?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Thiazide diuretics are commonly used as first-line therapy for hypertension due to their effectiveness, safety profile, and affordability. They work by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, leading to increased elimination of sodium and water, ultimately reducing blood volume and blood pressure. Thiazide diuretics are generally well-tolerated and have been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, are more potent diuretics typically reserved for use in conditions where aggressive diuresis is needed, such as heart failure or renal disease. Osmotic diuretics, like mannitol, are primarily used for reducing intracranial pressure or preventing acute kidney injury. Potassium-sparing diuretics are often used in combination with other diuretics to prevent hypokalemia but are not typically used as