ATI RN
ATI RN Pharmacology Proctored Exam 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following antipsychotic agents is available in a LAI formulation that may be useful for patients with difficulty adhering to therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Risperidone, a second-generation antipsychotic, offers a long-acting injectable (LAI) formulation (e.g., Risperdal Consta), administered every two weeks, improving adherence in schizophrenia patients with poor oral compliance. Asenapine is sublingual, not LAI. Chlorpromazine, a first-generation drug, lacks an LAI form. Clozapine, effective for treatment-resistant cases, is oral only due to agranulocytosis monitoring. Quetiapine has no LAI. Risperidone's LAI ensures steady drug levels, reducing relapse risk, making it ideal for adherence challenges, per clinical use.
Question 2 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: Taking niacin with a full glass of water on an empty stomach can help reduce the risk of flushing or pruritus, which are common side effects of niacin. Additionally, starting with a low initial dose and increasing gradually as tolerated can also help minimize these side effects. Niacin can cause vasodilation, leading to flushing and itching, so taking it with water and on an empty stomach can help alleviate these symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
The patient is receiving lithium (Eskalith) and asks the nurse why he has to have blood drawn so often. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lithium's narrow therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) requires frequent blood draws to ensure levels stay safe and effective, preventing toxicity (e.g., tremors) or subtherapeutic dosing. Side effects are monitored clinically, not just by blood. Effectiveness and response tie to levels, but ‘correct amount' is precise, addressing the patient's query directly about monitoring's purpose.
Question 4 of 5
Diazepam (Valium) is prescribed to a client with alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following statements made by the client indicates an understanding of the treatment regimen?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The statement "I'll have my physician lower my dosage once I start to feel okay" indicates an understanding of the treatment regimen because Diazepam is typically used as a short-term treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Once the client starts to feel okay, it is important to gradually taper off the medication under the guidance of a healthcare provider to prevent withdrawal symptoms. This demonstrates the client's understanding of the appropriate course of treatment and the need for medical supervision throughout the process.
Question 5 of 5
Chris asks the nurse whether all donor blood products are cross-matched with the recipient to prevent a transfusion reaction. Which of the following always require cross-matching?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) always require cross-matching to ensure compatibility between the donor and recipient blood types. Cross-matching involves testing the recipient's serum against the donor's red cells to detect antibodies that could cause a transfusion reaction. Granulocytes, platelets, and plasma do not require cross-matching in the same way, although they may undergo other compatibility tests. PRBCs are the most critical to match correctly due to the risk of hemolytic reactions, which can be life-threatening.