ATI RN
Pharmacology Across the Lifespan Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
What occurs when a drug binds to a receptor in the body?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a drug binds to a receptor in the body, it can lead to various outcomes. The correct answer, option B, states that it increases or decreases the activity of that receptor. This is because drug-receptor binding can either enhance the receptor's response to endogenous molecules or inhibit its activity, resulting in a physiological effect. Option A is incorrect because drugs typically do not alter receptors to become nonresponsive to their usual endogenous molecules. Option C is also incorrect as drugs do not give receptors new functions; they modulate existing functions. Option D is inaccurate because drugs do not prevent receptor action by altering its response to chemical mediators; rather, they directly influence receptor activity. Understanding how drugs interact with receptors is crucial in pharmacology as it forms the basis of drug therapy. By grasping the concept of drug-receptor interactions, healthcare professionals can predict drug effects, side effects, and drug interactions more effectively, leading to safe and optimal patient care.
Question 2 of 5
The prescriber orders a new drug over the telephone for a nursing home patient who has symptoms of a urinary tract infection. The order is for Gantanol, 2 g now and then 1 g every 12 hours for the next 10 days. What further information is most important for the nurse to obtain from the prescriber?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the most important information for the nurse to obtain from the prescriber is whether the drug should be given orally or intravenously (Option B). This information is crucial for the safe and effective administration of the medication. Choosing Option A (How many refills are needed?) is not as critical at this moment because the focus should be on the immediate administration and monitoring of the prescribed medication for the urinary tract infection. Option C (Which brand of drug should be given, or is this a generic drug?) is also less important in this situation, as the priority lies in how the drug should be administered to the patient. Option D (Does this drug need to be given with a meal or on an empty stomach?) is relevant for some medications but typically not a primary concern when initiating treatment for a urinary tract infection with an antibiotic like Gantanol. Educationally, understanding the importance of obtaining clear instructions from the prescriber regarding medication administration routes is crucial for nurses to ensure patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness. Different medications may have specific routes of administration that can significantly impact their absorption and bioavailability in the body. Nurses must communicate effectively with prescribers to clarify any uncertainties and prevent medication errors.
Question 3 of 5
Myasthenia Gravis is caused by blocking the effect of
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Myasthenia Gravis is caused by blocking the effect of Acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells and muscle cells. In Myasthenia Gravis, the immune system mistakenly attacks acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. Option A, Dopamine, is not the correct answer because dopamine is not directly involved in the neuromuscular junction or the pathophysiology of Myasthenia Gravis. Option B, Norepinephrine, is also incorrect as it is not the neurotransmitter primarily affected in this condition. Option D, Epinephrine, is not the cause of Myasthenia Gravis either. Understanding the role of acetylcholine in neuromuscular transmission is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially pharmacologists, as it influences the choice of medications used to treat Myasthenia Gravis. By knowing the correct neurotransmitter involved, healthcare providers can select appropriate drugs like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to improve muscle strength and function in patients with this condition. This knowledge is essential for safe and effective pharmacological management across different age groups affected by Myasthenia Gravis.
Question 4 of 5
A patient presents with delirium tremens requiring Ativan administration. The provider of care is not in the facility. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate action for the nurse to take is Option A: Obtain a telephone order. This is the correct choice because delirium tremens is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate intervention with Ativan to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Waiting for a written order or seeking approval from a non-prescribing staff member like the charge nurse can cause dangerous delays in treatment. Contacting the on-call hospitalist (Option B) may lead to unnecessary delays in obtaining the medication, as the hospitalist may not be immediately available. Similarly, waiting for a written order (Option D) would delay the administration of Ativan, which is crucial in managing delirium tremens effectively. From an educational perspective, this scenario highlights the importance of timely and appropriate medication administration in emergent situations. Nurses should be knowledgeable about their facility's policies regarding obtaining telephone orders and understand the urgency of treating conditions like delirium tremens promptly to ensure patient safety and positive outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse administers naloxone [Narcan] to a patient who has received a toxic dose of morphine sulfate. The nurse understands that the naloxone is effective because of which action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Preventing activation of opioid receptors through antagonist actions. Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist that competes with opioids like morphine for binding sites on opioid receptors. By blocking these receptors, naloxone effectively reverses the effects of opioids, such as respiratory depression, sedation, and analgesia. This action is crucial in cases of opioid overdose to restore normal respiratory function and prevent further central nervous system depression. Option A is incorrect because naloxone does not work by agonist actions to counter the effects of morphine. Option B is also incorrect as naloxone does not increase the excretion of morphine sulfate by altering serum pH; instead, it acts directly on the opioid receptors. Option D is incorrect as naloxone does not regulate the sensitivity of opioid receptors by neurochemical alterations; it blocks the receptors rather than altering their sensitivity. In an educational context, understanding how naloxone works is essential for healthcare professionals, especially in situations where opioid overdose is suspected. Knowing the mechanism of action of naloxone can help nurses and other healthcare providers make informed decisions in administering this life-saving medication.