ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Assessment 2 Questions
Question 1 of 5
When monitoring a patient for signs of hypokalemia, the nurse looks for what early sign?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Muscle weakness is an early sign of hypokalemia. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining proper muscle function, so low potassium levels can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue. As potassium is essential for nerve impulses and muscle contractions, a decrease in potassium can impair muscle strength and function. Therefore, when monitoring a patient for signs of hypokalemia, the nurse should look for muscle weakness as an early indicator. Seizures, cardiac dysrhythmias, and diarrhea are potential complications that can occur if hypokalemia is severe and left untreated.
Question 2 of 5
When monitoring a patient for signs of hypokalemia, the nurse looks for what early sign?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Muscle weakness is an early sign of hypokalemia. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining proper muscle function, so low potassium levels can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue. As potassium is essential for nerve impulses and muscle contractions, a decrease in potassium can impair muscle strength and function. Therefore, when monitoring a patient for signs of hypokalemia, the nurse should look for muscle weakness as an early indicator. Seizures, cardiac dysrhythmias, and diarrhea are potential complications that can occur if hypokalemia is severe and left untreated.
Question 3 of 5
When teaching a patient who has a new prescription for transdermal nitroglycerin patches, the nurse tells the patient that these patches are most appropriately used for which situation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Transdermal nitroglycerin patches are most appropriately used to prevent the occurrence of angina. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which helps to increase blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle. By using nitroglycerin patches regularly, the patient can help prevent episodes of angina, which is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Nitroglycerin patches are not used to prevent low blood pressure, relieve shortness of breath, or control heart rate during exercise.
Question 4 of 5
After a severe auto accident, a patient has been taken to the trauma unit and has an estimated
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) are the most appropriate product to administer after a severe auto accident when there is significant blood loss and anemia. PRBCs are used to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and improve tissue oxygenation. They are specifically designed to deliver red blood cells without the unnecessary components found in whole blood. This targeted approach helps to avoid volume overload and reduce the risk of complications such as transfusion reactions. In a trauma situation where there is active bleeding and a need to rapidly restore oxygen-carrying capacity, PRBCs are the preferred blood product.
Question 5 of 5
What does a patient need to avoid while taking Angiotensin-converting enzymes?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Patients taking Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors should avoid salt substitutes, foods high in potassium, and foods high in sodium. Salt substitutes often contain potassium chloride, which may cause an increase in potassium levels when combined with ACE inhibitors. Foods high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, spinach, and potatoes, can also potentially elevate potassium levels when consumed in large amounts. Additionally, foods high in sodium can counteract the effects of ACE inhibitors in managing blood pressure. Therefore, it is important for patients on ACE inhibitors to be mindful of their intake of salt substitutes, high-potassium foods, and high-sodium foods to ensure the effectiveness of their medication and to prevent any potential complications.