ATI RN
Pharmacology Across the Lifespan ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
When administering a powdered medication with a measuring scoop in the canister container, you must:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In pharmacology, precise medication administration is crucial to ensure patient safety and efficacy. The correct answer, option A, states to use a level scoop of medication to mix into the correct amount of water. This is important as it ensures the accurate dosage of the medication is being administered to the patient, minimizing the risk of under or overdosing. Option B, washing hands before using the scoop and returning it to the canister, is a good practice for infection control, but it is not directly related to the accurate measurement of medication. Option C, wearing a clean glove to obtain the scoop, adds an unnecessary step and does not impact the accuracy of medication measurement. Option D, throwing the scoop away and using a clean spoon, is incorrect as it can lead to dosing errors and contamination of the medication. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of proper medication administration techniques, emphasizing the need for accuracy and precision in dosage measurements. It also underscores the significance of following established protocols to ensure patient safety and adhere to best practices in medication management.
Question 2 of 5
What do you do FIRST if you make an error when administering a medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Call the Nurse-Trainer for direction. In the context of medication administration, seeking guidance from a Nurse-Trainer is crucial when an error is made. This immediate action ensures that appropriate steps are taken to address the error and prevent any harm to the patient. Option A) Isolating the developmentally disabled individual involved is not the correct first step when an error occurs during medication administration. It is important to prioritize patient safety and seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Option C) Completing a medication error report form is an important step to document the error for quality improvement purposes, but it should not be the first action taken when an error is identified. Option D) Calling the Department of Human Services Hotline is not the appropriate initial response to a medication error. The focus should be on immediate patient care and seeking guidance from a healthcare professional with expertise in medication administration. In an educational context, understanding the correct steps to take when a medication error occurs is essential for healthcare providers to ensure patient safety and quality care delivery. Emphasizing the importance of timely communication with a Nurse-Trainer can help students and practicing professionals develop the necessary skills to handle medication errors effectively.
Question 3 of 5
A 28-year-old woman is hospitalized (hospital day 3) on the maternity floor after cesarean section delivery of her first child. The child was born at term by C-section because of failure of labor to progress. The patient has been unable to void normally since the procedure. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Bethanechol, a muscarinic agonist, stimulates bladder contraction to treat postoperative urinary retention, common after cesarean sections due to anesthesia or trauma. Carbachol is less selective and used for glaucoma. Physostigmine treats anticholinergic overdose, not primary retention. Pilocarpine is for glaucoma and xerostomia.
Question 4 of 5
A 52-year-old man with a history of chronic low back pain caused by herniated L5 disk and depression is currently taking fluoxetine and tramadol. He presents to his primary care physician for follow-up. The combination of these two agents should raise the treating physician's concern for which of the following reactions?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Seizures. The combination of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and tramadol, an opioid analgesic, can potentially lower the seizure threshold when used together. These medications act on different neurotransmitter systems in the brain, increasing the risk of seizures when combined. Option A) Encephalitis and option B) Meningitis are both infections of the brain and meninges, respectively. There is no direct correlation between the medications mentioned and these infectious conditions. Option C) Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremors, bradykinesia, and rigidity. While some medications can induce parkinsonism, the drugs in question are not known to cause Parkinson's disease. Educationally, understanding drug interactions and their potential adverse effects is crucial for healthcare providers. This knowledge helps in identifying possible risks, making informed decisions about treatment plans, and ensuring patient safety. In this case, recognizing the risk of seizures with the combination of fluoxetine and tramadol is essential to provide appropriate care for the patient with chronic low back pain and depression.
Question 5 of 5
A 42-year-old woman with a history of asthma has an attack and is brought to the emergency department for evaluation and treatment. She is wheezing and is short of breath. What is the most likely pathophysiology of this condition?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the most likely pathophysiology of the 42-year-old woman's asthma attack is increased secretion of mucus, making option B the correct answer. This is indicative of bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation, common in asthma exacerbations. Option A, bronchodilation, is incorrect as asthma is characterized by bronchoconstriction, not dilation. Option C, inflammation of the bronchial serosa, is a component of asthma pathophysiology, but the primary symptom in this case is increased mucus secretion. Option D, relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, would actually be beneficial in asthma to relieve bronchoconstriction, making it an incorrect choice. Educationally, understanding the pathophysiology of asthma is crucial for nurses to provide effective care in emergency situations. Recognizing the underlying mechanisms of asthma attacks helps in implementing appropriate interventions like bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory agents to manage symptoms effectively. This knowledge enhances patient outcomes and promotes quality nursing care.