ATI RN
Test Bank For Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which drug classes are considered first-line treatment for heart failure? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 2 of 9
What is the therapeutic classification of Furosemide?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide belongs to the therapeutic class of diuretics. Diuretics are medications that promote diuresis, which is the increased production of urine. Furosemide specifically belongs to the loop diuretic class, working by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the loop of Henle in the kidney, leading to increased excretion of water and electrolytes. This mechanism makes it a commonly used medication for conditions such as congestive heart failure, edema, and hypertension.
Question 3 of 9
When starting a patient on antidysrhythmic therapy, the nurse will remember that which problem is a potential adverse effect of any antidysrhythmic drug?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: While it may seem counterintuitive that starting a patient on antidysrhythmic therapy could potentially cause dysrhythmias, it is important to remember that antidysrhythmic drugs can have proarrhythmic effects. Proarrhythmia refers to the development of new or more severe dysrhythmias as a result of the medication intended to treat dysrhythmias. This can occur due to various mechanisms, such as altering the electrical conduction system of the heart or disrupting the normal rhythm. Therefore, dysrhythmias are a potential adverse effect that the nurse should monitor for when initiating antidysrhythmic therapy in a patient. It is crucial for the healthcare team to closely monitor the patient's cardiac rhythm and adjust the medication regimen as needed to minimize the risk of proarrhythmia.
Question 4 of 9
Propranolol is classified as having which of the following pharmacological actions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Propranolol is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as beta blockers. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline on the beta receptors in the body. By blocking these receptors, propranolol helps to reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and the workload on the heart, making it effective in the treatment of conditions such as high blood pressure, angina, and certain heart rhythm disorders.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient with colorectal cancer who is to receive fluorouracil. Which symptom will be most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fluorouracil, an antimetabolite chemotherapy drug, can cause myelosuppression, leading to a decrease in platelets (thrombocytopenia). Bleeding gums is a sign of low platelet counts and potential bleeding risk, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Nausea, decreased appetite, and constipation are common side effects of chemotherapy but are not as urgent as bleeding gums, which indicates a potential hematologic emergency. The nurse should report this symptom immediately to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention, such as platelet transfusion or dose adjustment.
Question 6 of 9
A patient is taking infliximab and asks the nurse what side effects/adverse reactions to expect from this drug. The nurse lists which side effects? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Infliximab is a biologic medication used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Common side effects include fatigue and headache, which are generally mild but can affect the patient's quality of life. Chest pain is a less common but serious side effect that may indicate cardiovascular complications or infusion reactions. Nausea is not typically associated with infliximab. Nurses should educate patients about these potential side effects and advise them to report any severe or persistent symptoms, such as chest pain, immediately.
Question 7 of 9
A dopamine infusion was started in a patient's antecubital vein during resuscitation for profound hypotension, but the electronic infusion device is now sounding an alert for an occlusion. What is the most important immediate concern for the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dopamine is a vasopressor used to treat hypotension by increasing cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance. An interruption in the infusion can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, which is life-threatening in a patient already experiencing profound hypotension. The nurse's immediate concern should be to ensure the infusion is restarted promptly. While infiltration and extravasation (A) are concerns, they are secondary to maintaining the infusion. Reporting the device (C) is not the priority, and hypertension (D) is unlikely due to an occlusion alarm.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is about to administer Propanolol to a patient. The nurse takes the patient's apical pulse and documents it as 58 bmp. How should the nurse continue?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should withhold administration of the medication and notify the physician. The apical pulse of 58 bpm is below the normal range (60-100 bpm for adults), and propranolol is a beta-blocker that can further decrease the heart rate. Administering propranolol at this low heart rate may cause bradycardia (excessively slow heart rate) which can lead to serious complications. It is important to inform the physician of the low heart rate so that appropriate action or further assessment can be taken before administering the medication.
Question 9 of 9
A patient has received an IV dose of adenosine, and almost immediately the heart monitor shows
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Adenosine is a medication commonly used to treat certain types of irregular heartbeats, such as supraventricular tachycardia. One of the common side effects of adenosine administration is transient asystole or a brief pause in the electrical activity of the heart. This can cause the heart to stop beating momentarily, leading to a drop in blood pressure and a feeling of lightheadedness in the patient. Therefore, in this scenario where the heart monitor shows an immediate abnormality after adenosine administration, the nurse should prepare to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation and be ready to intervene if the patient's heart rhythm deteriorates further. It is crucial to be proactive and prepared to respond quickly to any adverse effects of the medication to prevent potential harm to the patient. Regular monitoring should also continue to assess the patient's condition and response to treatment.