ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Made Easy 4.0 Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which drug is most useful to prevent and treat cerumen impaction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to soften and remove cerumen (earwax) impaction due to its effervescent properties, which help break down the wax. Rubbing alcohol (B) is used for drying the ear canal but is not effective for cerumen impaction. Charcoal (C) and clove oil (D) are not used for this purpose.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse completes medication education for the client receiving antihistamines. The nurse evaluates that learning has occurred when the client makes which statement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Antihistamines, particularly first-generation ones (e.g., diphenhydramine), block H1 receptors but cross the blood-brain barrier, causing sedation. The statement 'This medication could make me very sleepy' shows the client understands this key side effect, indicating effective education. Alcohol exacerbates sedation, so that's incorrect. Increased fluids aren't specifically required unless addressing dry mouth, a secondary issue. OTC status doesn't guarantee safety, a common misconception. The nurse evaluates learning by the client's recognition of drowsiness, critical for safety (e.g., avoiding driving), making choice D the best evidence of comprehension.
Question 3 of 5
How would you evaluate the medical effectiveness of Metformin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To evaluate the medical effectiveness of Metformin, it is essential to monitor serum glucose levels, as Metformin is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes by decreasing glucose production in the liver and increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Monitoring serum electrolytes, ketones, blood pH, lactate, and pyruvate levels is also important because Metformin can potentially cause lactic acidosis, especially in patients with kidney or liver impairment. By assessing these parameters, healthcare providers can gauge the efficacy and safety of Metformin therapy. Checking for resolution of hypothyroidism and hormone normalization is not directly related to evaluating Metformin's effectiveness. Pain reduction and patient alertness are also not the primary indicators for assessing the medical effectiveness of Metformin in managing diabetes.
Question 4 of 5
A patient will be taking niacin as part of antilipemic therapy. What is the best way to avoid problems with flushing or pruritus?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The best way to avoid problems with flushing or pruritus when taking niacin for antilipemic therapy is to take the medication with a full glass of water on an empty stomach. This method helps to minimize the chances of flushing or itching commonly associated with niacin therapy. Niacin can cause flushing by dilating blood vessels, leading to redness, warmth, and itching of the skin. Taking it on an empty stomach with water can help reduce the intensity of these side effects. Starting with a low initial dose and then gradually increasing it can also help to reduce flushing and other adverse effects associated with niacin therapy.
Question 5 of 5
Volume of distribution:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Volume of distribution (Vd) is a pharmacokinetic parameter reflecting the extent a drug distributes into body tissues relative to plasma. It's not always a real volume, as it can exceed total body water (e.g., for lipophilic drugs), making that statement false. The second option is nonsensical due to unclear phrasing, but likely intends a ratio that's incorrectly stated. The third option reverses the correct formula and is also gibberish. The accurate definition is the amount of drug in the body divided by its concentration in plasma (Vd = Dose / Cp), which quantifies how widely a drug disperses. This isn't about area under the curve (AUC) or dose, as some might confuse with clearance. Understanding Vd is crucial for dosing adjustments, especially for drugs with high tissue affinity, where a large Vd indicates extensive distribution beyond plasma, impacting therapeutic strategies.