ATI RN
Cardiovascular Drug Safety Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
When interviewing and planning care for a patient with fear of public speaking, the nurse must be aware that social phobias are often treatable with:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: beta-blockers. Beta-blockers are commonly used to treat performance anxiety, including fear of public speaking, by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the body. This helps reduce physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and trembling, allowing the individual to feel calmer and more in control during public speaking. Neuroleptics (A), tricyclic antidepressants (C), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (D) are not typically used to treat social phobias like fear of public speaking, as they target different neurotransmitters and symptoms. Beta-blockers are a more appropriate choice for managing the physical symptoms associated with performance anxiety.
Question 2 of 5
A patient taking medication for depression states, “I need to stop taking my medication because it blurs my vision, and I’m making mistakes when I paint jewelry by hand.” Which response by a nurse would be most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Answer B is the most therapeutic response because it acknowledges the patient's concern about blurred vision and offers a practical solution to address it. By reminding the patient that blurred vision is a known side effect that will resolve shortly and suggesting the use of a magnifying glass as a temporary aid, the nurse validates the patient's experience and provides support. This response promotes open communication, reassures the patient, and empowers them to manage the side effect effectively. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Recommending ECT treatments without exploring alternative solutions or addressing the patient's concerns about medication side effects is not therapeutic. C: Suggesting a medication change without first addressing the current side effect and exploring other options does not address the patient's immediate issue. D: Recommending a sick leave as the first solution without exploring less disruptive options or addressing the patient's concerns is not therapeutic.
Question 3 of 5
A client asks the nurse, 'My wife has breast cancer. Could it be caused by too much stress?' The nurse responds with the knowledge that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: C is correct because stress does cause the release of factors like cortisol that suppress the immune system, potentially contributing to the development or progression of diseases like cancer. A is incorrect as stress doesn't directly cause all types of cancer. B is incorrect as research supports the link between stress and disease. D is incorrect as stress can impact the body's health.
Question 4 of 5
A patient who started taking orlistat (Xenical) 1 month ago calls the clinic to report some 'embarrassing' adverse effects. She tells the nurse that she has had episodes of 'not being able to control my bowel movements.' Which statement is true about this situation?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because orlistat works by inhibiting fat absorption. If the patient consumes high-fat meals, it can lead to increased gastrointestinal side effects like fecal incontinence. Therefore, restricting fat intake to less than 30% can help reduce these adverse effects without compromising the drug's efficacy. Choice A is incorrect because these adverse effects are not expected to diminish on their own. Choice B is incorrect as stopping the drug abruptly may not be necessary; rather, adjusting fat intake is a better approach. Choice C is incorrect as increasing fat intake would worsen the gastrointestinal side effects.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is taking digoxin (Lanoxin) and a loop diuretic daily. When the nurse enters the room with the morning medications, the patient states, 'I am seeing a funny yellow color around the lights.' What is the nurse’s next action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Recognize the patient's complaint of seeing a yellow color as a common symptom of digoxin toxicity. Step 2: Assess the patient for other symptoms of digoxin toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, or vision changes. Step 3: Hold the digoxin dose and notify the healthcare provider if digoxin toxicity is suspected. Step 4: Monitor the patient closely for any worsening symptoms. Step 5: Document the assessment findings and actions taken. Summary of other choices: B: Withholding the diuretic does not address the potential digoxin toxicity. C: Administering both medications together could worsen the toxicity. D: Delaying action could lead to serious consequences of digoxin toxicity.