ATI RN
ATI Proctored Exam Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
When caring for an elderly Chinese patient, the nurse recognizes that which of these cultural issues may influence the care of this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In Chinese culture, the use of heat, such as through warm foods or heating pads, is often believed to restore balance and promote healing. This cultural practice may influence the patient's preferences and expectations during hospitalization. Radiographs, hospital diets, and the perception of hospitalization are less likely to be significant cultural factors in this context. Therefore, the nurse should consider the patient's cultural beliefs about heat and incorporate them into the care plan as appropriate.
Question 2 of 5
A 65-year-old man undergoes an orthopaedic procedure. He spends an hour in the recovery room before being returned to the ward. You are called to see him and on examination note that he is drowsy, has shallow breathing, a slow pulse and pinpoint pupils. The notes show an uneventful anaesthetic using an inhalational agent, muscle relaxant and fentanyl. In the recovery room he was breathing normally and was awake, but because of pain was initially given intravenous morphine and then intramuscular morphine before being returned to the ward. Your course of action is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient shows opioid overdose signs (drowsiness, respiratory depression, bradycardia, miosis) from fentanyl and morphine. Calling the resuscitation team delays specific treatment unless unresponsive. Atropine treats bradycardia but not respiratory depression. Neostigmine reverses neuromuscular blockers, not opioids. Flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines. IV naloxone, an opioid antagonist, rapidly reverses these effects, restoring breathing and consciousness, the best immediate action. Its specificity and speed are vital in postoperative opioid toxicity, ensuring patient safety.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following antihypertensives act on the vasomotor centre:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prazosin, an alpha-1 blocker, acts peripherally, not on the vasomotor center. Methyldopa, a centrally acting α2 agonist, reduces sympathetic outflow from the vasomotor center, a true statement lowering blood pressure. Hydralazine dilates arteries directly, not centrally. Reserpine depletes catecholamines peripherally and centrally but isn't primarily vasomotor-focused. Losartan (likely misspelled) is an ARB, peripheral. Methyldopa's central action is key in pregnancy hypertension, offering a unique mechanism among antihypertensives.
Question 4 of 5
The nursing instructor teaches student nurses about male reproductive function and the role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The instructor evaluates learning has occurred when the students make which statement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary targets Sertoli cells in the testes to drive spermatogenesis, regulating sperm production and supporting male fertility. Androgen production, mainly testosterone, falls under luteinizing hormone (LH), not FSH, though both hormones interplay in reproduction. Testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells is LH-driven, not FSH, which focuses on sperm maturation. Progesterone, minimal in males, isn't FSH-regulated, being more female-centric. FSH's role in spermatogenesis is specific, distinguishing it from hormonal regulation and highlighting its importance in reproductive physiology, ensuring students understand its targeted action over broader endocrine effects.
Question 5 of 5
Which finding would most accurately indicate that a therapeutic range for a medication had been reached?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Therapeutic range balances efficacy-treating the condition (indication)-with safety, avoiding serious side effects, a clinical goal. No adverse effects alone doesn't confirm efficacy. Dose amount doesn't ensure range. Effectiveness with lethal effects exceeds range. Achieving indication safely defines therapeutic success, per pharmacology.