ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Study Guide PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following drugs used in cancer chemotherapy is most likely to be associated with cerebellar dysfunction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chemotherapy neurotoxicity varies. Cytarabine, at high doses, causes cerebellar ataxia and dysarthria via Purkinje cell damage, most likely here. Cyclophosphamide risks hemorrhagic cystitis, mitoxantrone cardiotoxicity, bleomycin lung fibrosis, and vincristine peripheral neuropathy, not cerebellar issues. Cytarabine's CNS penetration drives this toxicity, requiring dose monitoring in leukemia treatment.
Question 2 of 5
The client is receiving a very expensive medication. The client asks the nurse why the medicine is so expensive. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: High drug costs stem from research, development, and production expenses-years of trials and manufacturing-requiring companies to recover investments, a factual explanation. Insurance coverage sidesteps the question. Advertising adds cost but isn't primary. Accountability is opinion, not answer. Development costs provide a clear, neutral reason, educating the client on pharmaceutical economics.
Question 3 of 5
The pregnant patient plans to breastfeed her baby. She asks the nurse about the use of herbal products during breastfeeding. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Herbals (e.g., St. John's wort) transfer to breast milk, risking infant effects (e.g., sedation), so avoiding them is safest, per pharmacokinetics. Labels lack consistent breastfeeding data. ‘Natural' doesn't mean safe-some are toxic. Timing doesn't eliminate transfer. Transfer risk advises caution, protecting the baby.
Question 4 of 5
What is the priority outcome for a 6-year-old patient who had been started on methylphenidate (Ritalin)?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Methylphenidate for ADHD risks appetite suppression-maintaining weight is priority, per side effect monitoring, as growth lags can occur. Avoiding fights, chores, and play improve but aren't immediate risks. Weight reflects health impact, key in kids.
Question 5 of 5
A mother brings her 4-year-old son to the emergency department after discovering him eating her iron supplement. Which of the following should be administered to chelate the excess iron in his body?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Iron overdose in a child requires a specific chelator. Deferoxamine binds ferric iron, forming ferrioxamine, excreted renally. EDTA chelates calcium and lead, not iron-specific. Dimercaprol treats heavy metals like arsenic, not iron. Penicillamine is for copper (Wilson's disease). Succimer (E) targets lead. Deferoxamine's high affinity for iron makes it standard for acute toxicity, preventing organ damage (e.g., liver, heart), critical in this pediatric emergency.