ATI RN
Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan Questions
Question 1 of 5
When applying a topical medication to the skin you must apply the medication:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of applying topical medication to the skin, the correct answer is C) after washing the area with soap and water, rinsing well, and drying. This is the correct approach because cleaning the skin before applying the medication helps to remove any dirt, oil, or residue that could interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of the medication. By washing the area with soap and water, you are creating a clean surface for the medication to be applied, which can enhance its penetration and therapeutic effect. Option A) on top of the last medication application is incorrect because applying medication on top of old residue can lead to improper absorption and potential interaction between different medications. Option B) just before the shower or bath has occurred is incorrect because water and soap from the shower can wash away the medication before it has a chance to be absorbed properly. Option D) after pre-moistening the affected area with Vaseline is incorrect because Vaseline can create a barrier that hinders the absorption of the medication into the skin, reducing its effectiveness. Educationally, understanding the proper technique for applying topical medications is crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure the optimal therapeutic outcome for patients. Teaching correct medication administration techniques helps to prevent medication errors, enhance patient safety, and improve treatment efficacy.
Question 2 of 5
You are administering the 4:00 pm medications and discover the 8:00 am dose of Depakote is still in the drawer/bubble pack. You should:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) report the omission to the Nurse-Trainer immediately for direction. This option is correct because it emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from a more experienced healthcare professional when faced with a medication error or omission. Reporting the issue to the Nurse-Trainer ensures proper protocol is followed and minimizes the risk of harm to the patient. Option A is incorrect because administering the missed dose without consulting a supervisor could lead to potential overdose or other adverse effects. Option B is also incorrect as giving two doses at once can increase the risk of side effects or toxicity. Option C, while advocating for reporting the omission, does not stress the urgency of seeking immediate guidance from a higher authority in case of medication errors. In an educational context, understanding the proper steps to take when encountering a medication error is crucial for healthcare professionals. Emphasizing the importance of reporting errors promptly and seeking guidance helps ensure patient safety and quality care. This scenario also highlights the significance of teamwork and collaboration in healthcare settings to address and rectify mistakes effectively.
Question 3 of 5
A 47-year-old immigrant from Japan with a long history of untreated gastric ulcers develops stomach cancer. One drug in his initial treatment regimen is 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as well as ondansetron to control nausea. While receiving this drug, the patient develops redness and numbness on the palms of his hands and soles of his feet. How can this reaction be avoided?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is to give 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by continuous infusion (Option C) to avoid the development of redness and numbness on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, known as hand-foot syndrome. Giving 5-FU by continuous infusion allows for a more consistent and controlled delivery of the drug, which can help reduce the incidence and severity of hand-foot syndrome. When 5-FU is given as a bolus (Option B), it can lead to higher peak concentrations that may contribute to increased toxicity and side effects. Regarding the other options: - Option A (Do not coadminister ondansetron with 5-FU) is not the correct approach because ondansetron is used to control nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of 5-FU treatment. Ondansetron does not directly contribute to hand-foot syndrome. - Option D (Give with leucovorin) is not directly related to preventing hand-foot syndrome. Leucovorin is often given with 5-FU to enhance its effectiveness in treating certain cancers but does not specifically address the side effect of hand-foot syndrome. Educationally, it is crucial for healthcare providers to understand the rationale behind the choice of drug administration regimens to optimize patient outcomes and minimize adverse effects. Teaching about the importance of continuous infusion of 5-FU in managing hand-foot syndrome can improve patient care and safety in oncology practice.
Question 4 of 5
A 38-year-old businessman is on a trip to Mexico when he develops diarrhea. He has to give a presentation in a few hours and needs rapid relief. He takes an antidiarrheal preparation containing loperamide. Which of the following is a property of loperamide that makes it useful in treating diarrhea?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication that acts by inhibiting the myenteric plexus activity in the gastrointestinal tract. This property allows loperamide to decrease peristalsis and increase the tone of the intestinal wall, leading to a reduction in the frequency and liquidity of stools. In the case of the 38-year-old businessman experiencing diarrhea in Mexico, the rapid relief provided by loperamide is due to its direct action on the gut, which helps control diarrhea efficiently. Option A, anticholinergic, is incorrect because loperamide does not exert its effects through anticholinergic mechanisms. Anticholinergic medications work by blocking the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, leading to reduced smooth muscle contractions. Options B and C, broad-spectrum antibiotic and gram-negative antibiotic, are also incorrect as loperamide is not an antibiotic. It does not target bacteria but rather acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract to alleviate diarrhea symptoms. In an educational context, understanding the mechanism of action of antidiarrheal medications like loperamide is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding their use in clinical practice. Knowing how loperamide works helps in selecting appropriate treatment options for patients with diarrhea, considering factors such as efficacy, safety, and contraindications. This knowledge is vital for pharmacology students, nurses, physicians, and pharmacists to provide optimal care to individuals experiencing gastrointestinal issues.
Question 5 of 5
A 55-year-old woman with end-stage ovarian cancer with extensive carcinomatosis has chronic nausea and vomiting. She inquires about a marijuana derivative to help. She realizes that this is not considered an approved therapy. Should she elect to pursue this agent, she should be concerned about which of the following effects?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Disorientation. In the context of a marijuana derivative, particularly in a patient with cancer and receiving other treatments, disorientation is a significant concern. Marijuana and its derivatives, like THC, can cause cognitive impairments such as disorientation, confusion, and memory problems. This effect can be particularly dangerous for a patient who is already dealing with symptoms like chronic nausea and vomiting, as it can exacerbate these issues and impact their overall quality of life negatively. Option B) Euphoria is incorrect because while marijuana can induce euphoric effects, it is not typically a major concern compared to disorientation, especially in a medical context. Option C) Excitation is incorrect as marijuana tends to have more sedative and relaxant effects rather than causing excitation in most cases. Option D) Vomiting is also incorrect as the patient is seeking relief from nausea and vomiting; therefore, it is unlikely that a marijuana derivative would increase vomiting in this scenario. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare providers to understand the potential effects of marijuana and its derivatives, especially when considering its use in patients with complex medical conditions like cancer. Providing accurate information to patients about the possible outcomes of using such agents is essential for informed decision-making and ensuring patient safety and well-being.