ATI RN
RN ATI Capstone Pharmacology 2 Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
When reading about a drug, the nurse learns it has a median toxic dose of 50 mg. The patient has been receiving 60 mg of the drug. What analysis does the nurse make?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Median toxic dose (TD50) is where 50% show toxicity-60 mg exceeds this, raising adverse effect risk (e.g., toxicity signs), not lethality for all. Effect may persist, not fail. Efficacy/potency are defined, just exceeded. Lethal dose (LD50) differs-60 mg isn't half lethal. Excess drives risk, per pharmacodynamics.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is taking azithromycin. Which nursing intervention(s) would the nurse plan to implement for this patient? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that can cause hepatotoxicity, so periodic liver function tests are necessary. Intravenous azithromycin should be diluted as per protocol, typically in 250-500 mL of fluid, not 50 mL. Loose stools or diarrhea may indicate Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, a serious adverse effect. Superinfections, such as oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections, should be reported promptly. Teaching the patient to take the oral drug 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals ensures optimal absorption. Avoiding antacids around the time of administration prevents interference with absorption.
Question 3 of 5
The patient receives imipramine (Tofranil) as treatment for depression. He is admitted to the emergency department following an intentional overdose of this medication. What will the priority assessment by the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Imipramine, a TCA, in overdose risks cardiac toxicity-arrhythmias (e.g., QRS widening)-per toxicology, making heart status priority. Liver and renal function matter but are secondary-cardiac collapse kills faster. Neurological signs (e.g., seizures) follow but heart trumps. Cardiac focus saves lives, per protocol.
Question 4 of 5
A 62-year-old man with Parkinson's disease on levodopa and carbidopa presents to his primary care physician for follow-up. He is following his prescribed course of medications. He is stable in terms of his motor function but recently has begun to have visual and auditory hallucinations. What is the most likely explanation for these findings?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hallucinations in a Parkinson's patient on levodopa/carbidopa suggest a medication-related issue. Drug toxicity is correct-levodopa increases dopamine, and excess in non-motor areas (e.g., mesolimbic) can cause hallucinations, especially with long-term use or dose accumulation. Overactivity at basal ganglia improves motor symptoms, not hallucinations. Subtherapeutic dosing would worsen motor control, not cause this. Dementia or infection (E) could contribute, but hallucinations align more with levodopa's known side effect profile. Carbidopa reduces peripheral effects, but central dopamine excess remains possible, making toxicity the likely culprit in this stable motor context.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has been taking a beta blocker for 4 weeks as part of his antianginal therapy. He also has type II diabetes and hyperthyroidism. When discussing possible adverse effects, the nurse will include which information?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct information to include when discussing possible adverse effects of beta blockers with a patient who has type II diabetes and hyperthyroidism is to "Monitor your blood glucose levels for possible hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia." Beta blockers can mask the signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with diabetes by suppressing the sympathetic nervous system response to low blood sugar. This can lead to a delay in recognizing and treating hypoglycemia, which can be dangerous for diabetic patients. Additionally, beta blockers can also affect glucose metabolism and potentially worsen hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes. Therefore, close monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential to manage these potential adverse effects and adjust the treatment regimen as needed.