ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
When providing discharge instructions to a client with a new prescription for Lisinopril, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to avoid salt substitutes. Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, can lead to hyperkalemia, so it is essential to avoid salt substitutes containing potassium, which can further increase potassium levels in the body. This instruction aims to prevent potential adverse effects and ensure the client's safety while taking Lisinopril.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse reviewing a client's medical record notes a new prescription for verifying the trough level of the client's medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To verify the trough levels of a medication accurately, the nurse should obtain a blood specimen immediately before administering the next dose of the medication. The trough level represents the lowest concentration of the medication in the bloodstream, typically right before the next dose is due. This timing ensures an accurate assessment of the drug's concentration in the body at its lowest point, aiding in determining the drug's effectiveness and potential toxicity levels.
Question 3 of 5
A healthcare professional is preparing to administer clindamycin 200 mg by intermittent IV bolus. The amount available is clindamycin injection 200 mg in 100 mL 0.9% sodium chloride (0.9% NaCl) to infuse over 30 min. The healthcare professional should set the IV pump to deliver how many mL/hr?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) 200 mL/hr. To determine the correct infusion rate, we need to consider that the clindamycin injection contains 200 mg in 100 mL of 0.9% NaCl to infuse over 30 minutes. Since the total volume is 100 mL to be infused over 30 minutes, we need to calculate the infusion rate in mL/hr. To do this, we first convert 30 minutes to hours (30 minutes ÷ 60 minutes = 0.5 hours). Then, we divide the total volume (100 mL) by the time in hours (0.5 hours), which gives us an infusion rate of 200 mL/hr. Now, let's analyze why the other options are incorrect: - B) 150 mL/hr: This is incorrect because it does not account for the total volume of the infusion (100 mL) over the specified time (30 minutes). - C) 100 mL/hr: This option is too low as it would result in a slower infusion rate than necessary for the specified dose and timeframe. - D) 250 mL/hr: This option is too high and would result in a faster infusion rate than intended, potentially leading to adverse effects due to rapid administration of the medication. In an educational context, understanding how to calculate IV infusion rates is crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure accurate medication administration and patient safety. Proper dosage calculations help prevent medication errors and ensure that patients receive the correct amount of medication at the appropriate rate. Mastering pharmacology calculations is a fundamental skill for healthcare providers to deliver safe and effective patient care.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is prescribed acetaminophen 650 mg PO every 6 hr PRN for pain. The available acetaminophen liquid is 500 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer per dose?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this pharmacology question, the correct answer is A) 6.5 mL. To calculate the correct dosage, we first need to determine how many milligrams are needed per dose. The prescription is for 650 mg of acetaminophen, and the liquid form is 500 mg/5 mL. To find out how many milliliters are needed for 650 mg, we set up a proportion: 500 mg is to 5 mL as 650 mg is to X mL. Cross multiplying gives us 500X = 650*5, which simplifies to X = (650*5)/500 = 6.5 mL. Option B) 7 mL is incorrect because it does not accurately reflect the calculated dosage of 6.5 mL. Option C) 5 mL is incorrect as it is the amount of liquid required for 500 mg, not 650 mg. Option D) 8 mL is incorrect as it overestimates the amount needed based on the prescription. Educationally, this question tests the nurse's ability to calculate medication dosages accurately, an essential skill to ensure patient safety and effective treatment. Understanding how to convert between different units of measurement and calculate dosages based on prescription instructions is crucial for nurses in clinical practice. Mastering medication calculations helps prevent medication errors and ensures optimal patient care.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client who has a new prescription for an antihypertensive medication. Which of the following statements should the nurse give?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct statement for the nurse to provide is option D, which is to instruct the client to change positions slowly when moving from sitting to standing. This instruction is crucial because antihypertensive medications can cause orthostatic hypotension, leading to dizziness and potential falls when changing positions rapidly. By advising the client to move slowly, the nurse can help prevent these adverse effects. Option A, advising the client to limit potassium intake, is incorrect for most antihypertensive medications. In fact, some antihypertensive medications can lead to potassium loss, so restricting intake could exacerbate this issue. Option B, suggesting checking blood pressure every 8 hours, is excessive and unnecessary for most clients on antihypertensive medications. Typically, blood pressure monitoring at home is recommended at specific times of the day rather than every 8 hours. Option C, indicating dosage increase with tachycardia, is also incorrect. Tachycardia is not a common indicator for increasing the dosage of antihypertensive medications; in fact, it may signal a need for dosage adjustment or a different medication. In an educational context, it is essential for nurses to understand the potential side effects and monitoring parameters for medications, especially antihypertensives, to provide safe and effective care to clients. Teaching clients about medication side effects, appropriate monitoring, and lifestyle modifications is a crucial aspect of nursing practice to promote medication adherence and positive health outcomes.