ATI RN
Intro to Pharmacology ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which area of the brain is primarily responsible for maintaining sleep and wakefulness?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The reticular activating system (RAS) in the brainstem regulates sleep-wake cycles, promoting alertness or rest, per neurophysiology. The cortex processes thought, not cycles. The limbic system drives emotion, not sleep directly. The cerebellum coordinates movement. RAS's role is central, controlling consciousness states.
Question 2 of 5
A 52-year-old man with asthma treated with a β2 agonist via inhaler has been having difficulty with therapy because of persistent changes in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and hypomagnesemia. Which of the following medications would be best for this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: β2-agonist side effects (BP changes, nausea, hypomagnesemia) suggest overuse. Ipratropium , an anticholinergic bronchodilator, avoids these. Options , , persist with β2-agonists, risking side effects. Epinephrine (E) worsens them. Ipratropium's different mechanism improves asthma control safely.
Question 3 of 5
A 36-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after being involved in a one-car motor vehicle accident where his car struck a telephone pole. He is a known chronic alcoholic. He smells alcohol on his breath, and his blood alcohol level is 300 mg/dL. Which of the following treatments should be given to him if he goes into alcohol withdrawal?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Alcohol withdrawal in a chronic alcoholic (300 mg/dL) requires lorazepam . This benzodiazepine mimics alcohol's GABA enhancement, preventing seizures and agitation. Buspirone treats anxiety, not withdrawal. Pentobarbital is excessive. Phenytoin targets seizures alone. Saline (E) supports but doesn't treat. Lorazepam's safety is key.
Question 4 of 5
Ingestion of methanol in wood spirits would cause which of the following to happen?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Methanol, a toxic alcohol, is metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase into formaldehyde, then by aldehyde dehydrogenase into formic acid, causing severe metabolic acidosis and blindness via optic nerve damage. This initial step—formation of formaldehyde—is the critical toxic event, distinguishing methanol poisoning from ethanol's safer metabolism. Nephrotoxicity isn't primary; formic acid affects mitochondria and eyes more. Hypotension and vomiting occur secondary to acidosis but aren't the defining process. Glycolic acid is a metabolite of ethylene glycol, not methanol. Methanol inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase minimally; its danger lies in metabolite accumulation. Formaldehyde production initiates the cascade, making it the most direct and accurate consequence of methanol ingestion.
Question 5 of 5
The client receives nystatin (Nilstat) for a fungal infection in the mouth. The nurse plans to do medication education prior to discharge. What will the best plan by the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nystatin is an antifungal used for oral candidiasis (thrush), and its effectiveness depends on proper administration. For oral infections, the medication must remain in contact with the affected mucosal surfaces as long as possible. Dissolving the tablet in the mouth ensures prolonged exposure to the fungus, allowing it to act locally before swallowing, which is the recommended method for tablets or lozenges. Using a straw might apply to suspensions but isn't standard for preventing discoloration, which isn't a primary concern with nystatin. Crushing and mixing with juice alters the drug's intended delivery, reducing contact time with the infection site. Swallowing whole bypasses the oral mucosa entirely, rendering it ineffective for thrush. Thus, choice A aligns with nystatin's mechanism, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes through direct mucosal contact.