ATI RN
ATI Capstone Pharmacology Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which nursing diagnosis is appropriate for a patient receiving antidysrhythmics?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The appropriate nursing diagnosis for a patient receiving antidysrhythmics would be Deficient fluid volume. Antidysrhythmics can have side effects such as electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to fluid volume deficit. Monitoring the patient's fluid intake and output is crucial to prevent dehydration and maintain proper electrolyte balance. Therefore, identifying Deficient fluid volume as a nursing diagnosis allows for appropriate interventions to be implemented to address and prevent this potential complication.
Question 2 of 9
Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal illness associated with liver failure and encephalopathy is associated with the administration of which over-the-counter (OTC) medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reye's syndrome is linked to the use of aspirin in children and adolescents, particularly during viral infections. It causes severe liver and brain damage. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and antihistamines are not associated with this condition. Avoiding aspirin in pediatric patients is critical to prevent this rare but life-threatening syndrome.
Question 3 of 9
Penicillin's effectiveness against rapidly growing cell is primarily due to its effect on what?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Penicillin is a type of antibiotic that works by disrupting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Bacterial cells have a cell wall that provides structural support and protection. The cell wall is composed of peptidoglycan, a complex molecule that gives the cell wall its strength. Penicillin interferes with the formation of peptidoglycan by inhibiting the enzyme transpeptidase, which is essential for cross-linking the peptidoglycan strands. As a result, bacterial cells become more susceptible to osmotic pressure and eventually burst, leading to their death. This mechanism of action is particularly effective against rapidly growing bacterial cells because they are actively synthesizing new cell wall components to keep up with their growth. Thus, penicillin's primary effectiveness against rapidly growing cells is primarily due to its disruption of cell wall synthesis.
Question 4 of 9
Prototype of narcotic analgesic agents:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Morphine is the prototype of narcotic analgesic agents. It is a strong opioid analgesic that is commonly used for the relief of severe pain. Morphine acts on the central nervous system to reduce the perception of pain and is often used in medical settings, such as hospitals, to manage post-operative pain or pain associated with certain medical conditions like cancer. Other opioids, such as codeine, heroin, meperidine, and oxycodone, are derived from or related to morphine but may have different or varying levels of potency, side effects, and addiction potential.
Question 5 of 9
A patient is receiving an IV infusion of heparin and was started on warfarin therapy the night
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct statement is that the heparin provides anticoagulation until therapeutic levels of warfarin are reached. Heparin and warfarin are both anticoagulants but work in different ways. Heparin acts quickly to prevent blood clot formation while warfarin takes several days to reach its full effect. Therefore, heparin is often used initially to provide immediate anticoagulation while waiting for the warfarin to reach therapeutic levels. This dual therapy is common in clinical practice to ensure continuous anticoagulation.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following should be monitored for patients taking diuretics? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A. Daily weight should be monitored for patients taking diuretics because diuretics can cause fluid loss which may lead to weight changes. Fluctuations in weight can indicate changes in fluid balance and help determine the effectiveness of the diuretic therapy.
Question 7 of 9
When giving a patient Lithium what is a life threatening side effect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: One life-threatening side effect of lithium therapy is the risk of seizures. While seizures are a rare side effect, they can occur, especially at higher doses or in patients with a history of seizure disorders. It is important to monitor for any signs of seizures in patients taking lithium and to promptly address any potential neurological symptoms.
Question 8 of 9
A patient in the outpatient oncology clinic complains of fatigue after receiving chemotherapy. Which initial nursing intervention will be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy and can be caused by various factors, including anemia, poor nutrition, sleep disturbances, or psychological stress. The nurse's first step should be to assess for underlying causes of fatigue, such as trouble sleeping, anemia, or depression. Once the cause is identified, appropriate interventions can be implemented, such as dietary changes, sleep hygiene strategies, or treatment for anemia. Encouraging excessive daytime sleep or strenuous exercise without assessment may worsen fatigue or lead to other complications.
Question 9 of 9
A patient requires a nonopioid medication. The nurse knows that which medication will cause the least gastrointestinal distress?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Celecoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor, which means it primarily targets the COX-2 enzyme involved in inflammation and pain while sparing the COX-1 enzyme that protects the stomach lining. This selectivity reduces the risk of gastrointestinal distress, such as ulcers and bleeding, compared to non-selective NSAIDs like aspirin, ketorolac, and ibuprofen. Therefore, celecoxib is the best choice for patients who require a nonopioid medication with minimal gastrointestinal side effects. Nurses should consider this when selecting pain management options for patients with a history of gastrointestinal issues.