ATI RN
Pharmacology Across the Lifespan ATI Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which groups of people are especially sensitive to medication effects?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Older adults because as individuals age, physiological changes occur that can affect how medications are metabolized and excreted from the body. Older adults often have decreased liver and kidney function, which can lead to a slower metabolism and clearance of drugs, resulting in an increased sensitivity to medication effects. Additionally, older adults may be taking multiple medications for various chronic conditions, increasing the risk of drug interactions and adverse effects. Option B) Caucasians, option C) Infants, and option D) Minorities are not as sensitive to medication effects as older adults. While individual variations in drug response exist across all populations, older adults are particularly vulnerable due to age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Infants also have unique considerations due to their immature organ systems, but the question specifically asks about sensitivity, which is more pronounced in older adults. Minorities do not inherently experience increased sensitivity to medication effects based on their racial or ethnic background. In an educational context, understanding the concept of sensitivity to medication effects is crucial for healthcare providers when caring for diverse patient populations. By recognizing that older adults are especially sensitive to medications, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals can take appropriate precautions such as adjusting dosages, monitoring for adverse reactions, and providing patient education to ensure safe and effective pharmacological treatment across the lifespan.
Question 2 of 5
A prescriber has ordered medication for a newborn. The medication is eliminated primarily by hepatic metabolism. The nurse expects the prescriber to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) order a dose that is lower than an adult dose. Newborns have immature hepatic function, which affects the metabolism of drugs primarily eliminated by the liver. Due to this immature hepatic function, newborns have a reduced ability to metabolize medications efficiently, leading to a prolonged half-life and increased risk of drug toxicity. Therefore, a lower dose than that used for adults is necessary to prevent adverse effects in newborns. Option B) order a dose that is higher than an adult dose is incorrect because giving a higher dose can lead to drug toxicity in newborns due to their immature hepatic function. Option C) increase the frequency of medication dosing is incorrect because the primary concern in newborns is not the frequency of dosing but rather the appropriate dosage based on their hepatic immaturity. Option D) discontinue the drug after one or two doses is incorrect as abruptly discontinuing a medication without a gradual taper can lead to adverse effects or withdrawal symptoms, which is not the appropriate action in this case. Educationally, understanding pharmacokinetics across the lifespan is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective medication administration. This question highlights the importance of considering hepatic metabolism in newborns and adjusting drug dosages accordingly to prevent harm and ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
A 50-year-old postmenopausal patient who has had a hysterectomy has moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms and is discussing estrogen therapy (ET) with the nurse. The patient is concerned about adverse effects of ET. The nurse will tell her that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) transdermal preparations have fewer side effects. Transdermal estrogen therapy bypasses the liver, reducing the risk of adverse effects such as thromboembolic events compared to oral estrogen therapy. This route of administration also provides more stable hormone levels, leading to fewer fluctuations and potentially fewer side effects. Option A is incorrect because adding progesterone can actually increase the risk of side effects, not reduce them. Option B is not the best choice for addressing vasomotor symptoms in this patient. Option C is incorrect as age is not the sole determinant of the likelihood of experiencing side effects from estrogen therapy. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the different administration routes and their implications when discussing hormone therapy with patients. By choosing the most appropriate route based on individual patient factors, nurses can help optimize treatment outcomes and minimize adverse effects. This rationale highlights the importance of personalized care and evidence-based practice in pharmacological management across the lifespan.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has been taking a progestin-only, or 'minipill,' OC for 3 months and reports spotting and irregular menstrual cycles. The nurse will:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Spotting and irregular cycles are common side effects of progestin-only pills due to their effect on the endometrium and lack of estrogen stabilization. This is expected and not indicative of missed doses, pregnancy, or need for backup contraception unless adherence is poor, making option B the appropriate nursing action.
Question 5 of 5
A patient prescribed dutasteride 2 weeks ago presents with continued complaints of urinary hesitancy. Which action is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dutasteride, a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, takes up to 1 month or more to reduce prostate size and improve urinary symptoms like hesitancy. After only 2 weeks, continued symptoms are expected, so documenting and educating the patient (not escalating dose, testing urine, or examining prostate) is most appropriate, making option D correct.