ATI RN
Pharmacology Final ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
When administering the medication Spironolactone, when is the best time to administer it?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The best time to administer Spironolactone is in the morning. This is because Spironolactone is a diuretic that can increase urination, and taking it in the morning can help prevent disrupting the sleep cycle by decreasing the need to urinate during the night. Additionally, taking Spironolactone in the morning allows for better management of any potential electrolyte imbalances that may occur as a side effect of the medication, as healthcare providers are more readily available during daytime hours.
Question 2 of 5
Which explanation best indicates why barbiturates are rarely used to treat anxiety and insomnia?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital) cause serious adverse effects-respiratory depression, dependence-limiting use versus safer options like benzos, per pharmacology. Cost isn't higher. Allergies aren't notable. They're effective but risky. Side effects drive rarity, a safety shift.
Question 3 of 5
An asymptomatic 46-year-old Indian woman is found to have an elevated serum calcium (2.80 mmol/L, corrected) at a 'well-woman' screening clinic. Other chemistries are normal, in particular phosphate is 0.8 mmol/L (normal range 0.8-1.45), and parathormone (PTH) is 5.4 pmol/L (normal range <0.9-5.4). She has a sedentary occupation in a northern UK city. Which of the following would be most suitable management?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Mild hypercalcemia (2.80 mmol/L) with borderline PTH (5.4 pmol/L) suggests primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), common in asymptomatic women. Alfacalcidol treats hypocalcemia, not hypercalcemia. Sevelamer binds phosphate, irrelevant here. Teriparatide increases calcium, contraindicated. Surgical parathyroidectomy suits severe cases, but mild, asymptomatic PHPT (calcium <3.0 mmol/L) warrants watchful waiting with monitoring, most suitable to assess progression without immediate intervention. This conservative approach balances risks, especially in a sedentary northern climate lacking vitamin D excess.
Question 4 of 5
The student nurse asks the nursing instructor why drug plateaus occur with medications. What are the best responses by the nursing instructor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Plateaus occur when receptors are saturated-max effect is reached (e.g., morphine), a pharmacodynamic limit. 100% relief isn't guaranteed-plateau is effect ceiling. Resistance (tolerance) builds over time, not instant. Losing efficacy implies degradation, not saturation. Receptor occupancy explains the plateau, a core concept.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is working with a graduate nurse to prepare an intravenous dose of potassium. Which statement by the graduate nurse reflects a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The statement "The intravenous potassium dose will be given undiluted" reflects a need for further teaching. Potassium should always be diluted before administration to prevent irritation of the veins and potential adverse effects, such as phlebitis or tissue damage. Diluting the medication helps to reduce the risk of complications, making it safer for the patient. Therefore, the correct approach is to dilute intravenous potassium before administering it to the patient.