ATI RN
Quizlet ATI Pharmacology Final Questions
Question 1 of 5
When monitoring a patient for signs of hypokalemia, the nurse looks for what early sign?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: One of the early signs of hypokalemia is muscle weakness. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining normal muscle function, including the contraction of skeletal and smooth muscles. A deficiency in potassium can lead to muscle weakness, cramping, and fatigue. It is important for the nurse to monitor any signs of muscle weakness in a patient at risk for hypokalemia as it can progress to more severe complications if left untreated. Seizures and cardiac dysrhythmias are more severe manifestations of hypokalemia that can occur if the condition is not promptly addressed. However, muscle weakness is often an early and noticeable sign that can alert healthcare providers to the need for intervention.
Question 2 of 5
When applying transdermal nitroglycerin patches, which instruction by the nurse is correct?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction by the nurse when applying transdermal nitroglycerin patches is to "Rotate application sites with each dose." This is important to prevent skin irritation and tolerance to the medication. It is recommended to apply the patch to a different, clean, hairless area of skin for each dose to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Additionally, rotating application sites helps reduce the risk of skin reactions such as redness, itching, or rash.
Question 3 of 5
The physician has prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) for the patient who is anxious and depressed. The patient calls the nurse to report that he has experienced delayed ejaculation since being on this medication. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sertraline, an SSRI, often causes sexual dysfunction like delayed ejaculation due to serotonin elevation. Reporting this to the doctor allows dose adjustment or switching (e.g., to bupropion), addressing quality of life. Choice B minimizes the issue, risking noncompliance. Choice C assumes suicide risk without basis. Choice D falsely promises resolution. A advocates for the patient, ensuring tailored care, making it the best response.
Question 4 of 5
With regard to oral anti-asthmatic agents:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prednisone is intermediate-acting (12-36 hours), not long-acting like dexamethasone, so that's false. Methotrexate benefits some prednisone-dependent asthmatics, not all studies, making that false. Cyclosporin's toxicity (e.g., nephrotoxicity) limits its anti-asthmatic use, a true statement, despite immunosuppressive potential. Nifedipine has minimal effect on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, unlike inhaled CCBs, so that's false. Macrolides show some benefit in asthma. Cyclosporin's limitation reflects its risk-benefit profile, restricting its practical use.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is taking the urinary antiseptic methenamine for a urinary tract infection (UTI). The nurse understands that this drug should not be given concurrently with which other drug to avoid crystalluria?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Methenamine is a urinary antiseptic that works by converting to formaldehyde in the urine, creating an inhospitable environment for bacterial growth. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is a sulfonamide antibiotic that can potentiate the formation of crystals in the urine (crystalluria). Therefore, giving methenamine and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole concurrently can increase the risk of crystalluria. It is important to avoid combining these two medications to prevent potential adverse effects on the urinary tract.