ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Practice A Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which class of targeted therapy would cause the nurse the most concern in regard to a possible infusion reaction?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Monoclonal antibodies, such as trastuzumab and rituximab, are more likely to cause infusion reactions compared to other classes of targeted therapy. These reactions can range from mild symptoms like fever and chills to severe anaphylaxis. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, multikinase inhibitors, and proteasome inhibitors are less commonly associated with infusion reactions. The nurse should closely monitor patients receiving monoclonal antibodies during infusion and be prepared to manage any adverse reactions promptly.
Question 2 of 5
A 77-year-old man who has been diagnosed with an upper respiratory tract infection tells the nurse that he is allergic to penicillin. Which is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a patient reports a drug allergy, it is essential for the nurse to gather specific information about the nature of the reaction. Asking, 'What type of reaction did you have when you took penicillin?' allows the nurse to determine whether the reaction was a true allergy (e.g., anaphylaxis) or a side effect (e.g., gastrointestinal upset). This information is critical for guiding treatment decisions and avoiding potentially life-threatening situations. Dismissing the allergy or making assumptions about its relevance based on the patient's age is inappropriate and could compromise patient safety. Therefore, the nurse's priority is to assess the details of the allergic reaction.
Question 3 of 5
The most serious adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are associated with a high risk of toxicity in overdose, with cardiac arrhythmias being the most serious and life-threatening complication. TCAs can block sodium channels in the heart, leading to prolonged QRS intervals, ventricular tachycardia, and even cardiac arrest. Hyperpyrexia, seizures, and metabolic acidosis can also occur, but cardiac arrhythmias are the primary concern due to their potential to cause sudden death. Immediate medical intervention is required to manage TCA overdose, including cardiac monitoring and administration of sodium bicarbonate.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following drugs need not be avoided or only used at a reduced dose in renal failure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Renal failure alters drug clearance, requiring dose adjustments or avoidance. Prednisolone, a glucocorticoid, is metabolized hepatically to prednisone, with minimal renal excretion, making it safe without adjustment in renal failure. Netilmicin, an aminoglycoside, is renally cleared, risking ototoxicity if not reduced. Metformin, cleared renally, risks lactic acidosis in renal impairment, often avoided. Methotrexate, renally excreted, accumulates in failure, causing toxicity (e.g., marrow suppression). Tinzaparin, a low molecular weight heparin, requires adjustment due to renal clearance. Prednisolone's hepatic handling makes it the exception, safe for use in renal dysfunction without modification.
Question 5 of 5
Amiodarone:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic that affects sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and calcium (Ca2+) channels, prolonging repolarization, so the statement excluding Ca2+ effects is false. It has antianginal effects by reducing myocardial oxygen demand through heart rate and afterload reduction, a true statement and its correct attribute. Its half-life is exceptionally long (weeks to months), not short, due to extensive tissue distribution, making that false. It decreases, not increases, peripheral resistance via vasodilation, so that's incorrect. It also affects the lungs, causing potential pulmonary toxicity, not minimal impact. The antianginal property is key to its use in angina alongside arrhythmias, reflecting its broad ion channel blockade and hemodynamic benefits, necessitating careful monitoring for side effects.