ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Exam Practice Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which drug type is often used as a first-line treatment for depression due to its side effect profile?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are often used as a first-line treatment for depression due to their favorable side effect profile. SSRIs are preferred over other antidepressant classes like MAOIs, TCAs, and beta-adrenergic blockers for several reasons. SSRIs have a lower risk of serious side effects such as anticholinergic effects, orthostatic hypotension, and hypertensive crisis compared to MAOIs and TCAs. Beta-adrenergic blockers are not typically used as first-line treatment for depression as they are more commonly used for conditions like hypertension and cardiac issues. Educationally, it is important to understand the rationale behind choosing SSRIs as the first-line treatment for depression as they are generally well-tolerated by patients and have a lower risk of overdose compared to other antidepressants. Understanding the differences between various antidepressant classes is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when treating patients with depression.
Question 2 of 5
A 55-year-old man with a 40 pack-year history of smoking develops agranulocytosis and some leukemic features. His physical examination of the heart, lungs, and abdomen are within normal limits. Should this disease relate to a potential toxic exposure, which of the following should be considered most likely?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Benzene. Benzene is a known toxic chemical that can cause agranulocytosis and leukemic features, especially in individuals with a history of exposure like our patient who has a significant smoking history. Benzene is a well-documented cause of bone marrow suppression, leading to decreased production of white blood cells. Option B) Ethylene alcohol is not a correct choice in this case as it is not associated with the development of agranulocytosis or leukemic features. Ethylene alcohol is primarily used in antifreeze and not known to cause the described hematologic abnormalities. Option C) Carbon tetrachloride is also an incorrect choice as it is more commonly associated with liver toxicity rather than bone marrow suppression leading to agranulocytosis and leukemic features. Option D) Methanol is not the correct answer as it is more commonly linked to visual disturbances and metabolic acidosis rather than hematologic issues like agranulocytosis and leukemic features. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing the toxic effects of specific chemicals on different organ systems in the body. Understanding the toxicology of substances like benzene can help healthcare providers identify potential sources of exposure and appropriately manage patients presenting with related symptoms. This knowledge is crucial in occupational and environmental health settings to prevent and address toxic exposures effectively.
Question 3 of 5
A 56-year-old man with chronic pain injects himself with morphine, which he obtained from a friend who is an emergency department nurse. He is found dead in his apartment by the police. What is the most likely cause of death?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Respiratory depression. Morphine is a potent opioid that can cause respiratory depression as a side effect. When an individual injects a higher dose than their body can handle, especially if they are not used to the drug or its purity is unknown, it can lead to a fatal suppression of the body's ability to breathe. This can ultimately result in death, as seen in this scenario. Option A) Congestive heart failure is unlikely to be the cause of death in this case, as there is no indication of heart failure in the scenario provided. Option B) Hepatitis is a liver disease and not directly related to the administration of morphine leading to death in this scenario. Option D) Pulmonary edema is also not the most likely cause of death in this case. Pulmonary edema is fluid accumulation in the lungs, usually caused by heart problems, not directly related to morphine administration. In an educational context, it is essential for healthcare providers and individuals to understand the potential side effects and risks associated with opioid use, especially when obtained illicitly or without proper medical supervision. This case underscores the dangers of opioid misuse and the importance of proper prescribing practices and patient education to prevent such tragic outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
Which one of the following antipsychotics has been shown to be a partial agonist at the dopamine D2 receptor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Aripiprazole, a third-generation antipsychotic, acts as a partial agonist at D2 receptors, stabilizing dopamine activity: it activates receptors in low-dopamine states (e.g., negative symptoms) and competes with excess dopamine (e.g., psychosis), reducing side effects like EPS. Clozapine, a second-generation drug, has weak D2 affinity, targeting 5HT2 and other receptors. Haloperidol, a first-generation antipsychotic, is a D2 antagonist. Risperidone and thioridazine block D2 fully, not partially. Aripiprazole's unique partial agonism, confirmed by pharmacological data, balances efficacy and tolerability, distinguishing it in schizophrenia treatment.
Question 5 of 5
The client tells the nurse that her symptoms have become worse since she has been using oxymetazoline (Afrin) for nasal congestion. What is the best assessment question for the nurse to ask?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Oxymetazoline, a nasal decongestant, can cause rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) if used beyond 3-5 days, worsening symptoms due to vascular dependence. The best assessment question is how long the client has used it, as prolonged use is the likely culprit, guiding the nurse to educate on discontinuation or seek medical advice. The bottle's age might affect potency but isn't the primary concern for worsening symptoms. Temperature checks for infection, a secondary issue here. Other inhaled medications could interact but don't directly explain rebound effects. The nurse prioritizes duration to pinpoint misuse, a common issue with topical decongestants, making choice D critical for accurate assessment and intervention.