ATI RN
Learning Cardiovascular Drugs Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
When is it not possible to blind a clinical trial using a placebo control group?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because both A and B scenarios present limitations to blinding with a placebo control group. In scenario A, using a placebo in dangerous treatments like surgery would be unethical due to potential harm. In scenario B, patient participation is crucial, making it difficult to blind the trial. Option C is incorrect as it specifically mentions a standard placebo potentially harming diabetics, which is not a general rule for all clinical trials.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with depression tells the nurse, 'I don’t think I want to take that SSRI medication the doctor told me she would prescribe. I don’t understand what it will do.' Which of the following would be the most helpful response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it provides the patient with a clear and concise explanation of how the medication works to address their depression by correcting a chemical imbalance. This response educates the patient on the purpose of SSRI medications, which helps them understand the potential benefits of treatment. Choice A is incorrect because it oversimplifies the mechanism of action of SSRIs and may not effectively address the patient's concerns. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses more on the general benefits of SSRIs rather than directly addressing the patient's lack of understanding. Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide the patient with the information needed to make an informed decision about medication.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with the diagnosis of schizophrenia is hospitalized and is taking a phenothiazine drug. Which statement by this patient indicates that he is experiencing a common adverse effect of phenothiazines?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: “My mouth has been so dry lately.” This statement indicates the patient is experiencing xerostomia, a common adverse effect of phenothiazines due to their anticholinergic properties. Xerostomia results in decreased salivary flow, leading to dry mouth. Choices A, B, and C are less likely to be related to phenothiazine use. A is a common symptom of schizophrenia, B could indicate increased appetite which is not a common side effect, and C is not a typical side effect of phenothiazines.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse notes in a patient’s medical record that nesiritide (Natrecor) has been ordered. Based on this order, the nurse interprets that the patient has which disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acutely decompensated heart failure with dyspnea at rest. Nesiritide (Natrecor) is a medication used specifically for the treatment of acutely decompensated heart failure with dyspnea at rest. This medication helps to reduce cardiac filling pressures and improve symptoms in patients experiencing acute exacerbation of heart failure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because nesiritide is not indicated for these conditions. Atrial fibrillation (Choice A) is a cardiac arrhythmia, systolic heart failure (Choice C) involves impaired heart muscle contraction, and long-term treatment of heart failure (Choice D) typically involves different medications like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics.
Question 5 of 5
When giving dextromethorphan, the nurse understands that this drug suppresses the cough reflex by which mechanism of action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because dextromethorphan suppresses the cough reflex by directly acting on the cough center in the brain. This drug inhibits the signals that trigger the cough reflex, leading to reduced coughing. Choice A is incorrect as dextromethorphan does not depress the central nervous system like opioids. Choice B is incorrect because dextromethorphan does not anesthetize stretch receptors. Choice D is incorrect as dextromethorphan does not affect the viscosity of bronchial secretions.