ATI RN
Pharmacology Across the Lifespan ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
What should a nurse include in the patient education for a patient prescribed albuterol inhaler?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Do not use near heat or flame." Albuterol is a bronchodilator inhaler, and using it near heat or flame can lead to the risk of fire due to its flammable nature. This instruction is crucial for patient safety. A: "Do not use this medication more than once a day" is incorrect because the frequency of albuterol inhaler use is typically based on the individual's condition and prescribed by the healthcare provider. B: "Rinse your mouth after every use to avoid infection" is not directly related to albuterol inhaler use. Rinsing the mouth is more commonly recommended with steroid inhalers to prevent oral thrush. D: "Take it with food to reduce GI discomfort" is not necessary for albuterol inhaler use as it is not typically associated with significant gastrointestinal side effects.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is prescribed atorvastatin for hyperlipidemia. The mechanism of action of atorvastatin involves:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. Atorvastatin is a statin drug that works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. By inhibiting this enzyme, atorvastatin reduces the production of cholesterol in the body, leading to decreased levels of LDL cholesterol. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because atorvastatin does not increase cholesterol synthesis, bind bile acids, or directly increase HDL cholesterol levels.
Question 3 of 5
A 45-year-old man with a history of depression is started on sertraline. Sertraline is classified as:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Sertraline belongs to this class of antidepressants, which work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, thereby increasing its levels in the brain. This helps alleviate symptoms of depression. Sertraline is not classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) like venlafaxine (Effexor) or duloxetine (Cymbalta), nor a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) such as amitriptyline. It is also not a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like phenelzine (Nardil) or selegiline (Emsam). SSRI is the most appropriate classification for sertraline based on its mechanism of action and therapeutic use in depression.
Question 4 of 5
Angina is caused by:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because angina is caused by an inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart muscle, leading to chest pain. Extreme binding of noradrenaline due to upregulation can lead to increased constriction of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the heart. This exacerbates the oxygen supply-demand imbalance, triggering angina. A: Blocking beta1 receptors with constant noradrenaline binding would decrease the effects of noradrenaline, potentially reducing heart rate and blood pressure, but it would not directly cause angina. B: Activating beta2 receptors would cause vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the heart, which is opposite to the mechanism of angina. C: Beta1 receptors not being active anymore would lead to a decrease in heart rate and contractility, but this state would not directly induce angina.
Question 5 of 5
A 30-year-old man presented to the clinic with a 2-month history of right-side head pain recurring on a weekly basis. His headaches were usually preceded by unformed flashes of light, bilaterally, and were associated with nausea, vomiting, and photophobia. The headaches were not relieved by aspirin or ibuprofen and usually lasted all day unless he was able to sleep. A drug acting on which of the following receptors would be most appropriate to stop the migraine attack in this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 5-HT1B/1D serotonergic receptors. Migraine headaches are believed to be caused by neurovascular dysfunction involving serotonin pathways. Activating 5-HT1B/1D receptors can help constrict blood vessels and inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides, thus relieving migraine symptoms. Beta-2 adrenergic (choice A) receptors are not typically involved in migraine pathophysiology. GABAergic (choice B) drugs may be used for other types of headaches but are not specific for migraines. M1 cholinergic (choice C) drugs are not commonly used for migraine treatment as they do not target the serotonin pathways involved in migraines.