ATI RN
Pharmacological Lifespan Treatment Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following histamine receptor antagonists is known to enter the central nervous system readily and is known to be sedative?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is B) Hydroxyzine. Hydroxyzine is a first-generation antihistamine that readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to enter the central nervous system easily. This property is what contributes to its sedative effects, making it useful for conditions where sedation is desired, such as in the treatment of anxiety or insomnia. Now, let's discuss why the other options are incorrect: A) Desloratadine: Desloratadine is a second-generation antihistamine that is designed to be non-sedating. It does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, so it is not associated with sedative effects. C) Cetirizine: Cetirizine is also a second-generation antihistamine that is considered non-sedating. Like desloratadine, it does not easily enter the central nervous system, leading to minimal sedative effects. D) Loratadine: Loratadine is another second-generation antihistamine that is non-sedating. It has limited penetration into the central nervous system, which is why it is not known to cause significant sedation. In an educational context, understanding the pharmacological properties of different antihistamines is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when selecting the appropriate treatment for patients. Knowing which antihistamines are sedating and which are non-sedating can help tailor therapy to the specific needs of each individual, considering factors such as daytime drowsiness or cognitive impairment.
Question 2 of 5
Patches are sometimes prescribed to patients. Understanding how often patches are applied, when to remove them, correct location of patch placement, frequency of dosing, and correct way to dispose are important counseling points when discussing with your patients. Match the following medications with the correct frequency of dosing:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In pharmacological lifespan treatment, understanding the proper dosing frequency of medications delivered via patches is crucial for optimal patient outcomes. In this question, the correct answer is C) All are incorrect frequencies of dosing. A) Exelon is commonly prescribed for Alzheimer's disease and should be applied daily, not once daily. B) Lidoderm patches are typically used for localized pain and are usually applied once daily or every 12 hours, not once weekly. D) Fentanyl patches are potent opioid analgesics meant for continuous pain management, requiring application every 72 hours, not once daily. Educationally, this question underscores the importance of precise dosing instructions for transdermal patches to ensure therapeutic efficacy and patient safety. It highlights the need for healthcare providers to be well-informed about medication administration to deliver accurate counseling to patients, promoting adherence and minimizing risks associated with incorrect dosing schedules. Understanding these nuances in dosing frequencies is essential for healthcare professionals working in various clinical settings to provide quality care and improve patient outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
A patient who receives haloperidol is noted to be shifting in the chair, rocking back and forth, and tapping both feet constantly. What is the most accurate term to document these findings?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct term to document the patient's symptoms of shifting in the chair, rocking back and forth, and tapping both feet constantly is A) Akathisia. Akathisia is a common extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol, characterized by inner restlessness and the urge to move constantly. This term accurately describes the patient's visible behaviors. The other options (B) Parkinsonism, (C) Dystonia, and (D) Tardive dyskinesia are incorrect in this context. Parkinsonism presents with symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, which are not evident in the patient's behaviors described. Dystonia involves sustained muscle contractions leading to abnormal postures or repetitive movements, different from the restlessness seen in the patient. Tardive dyskinesia typically manifests as involuntary movements of the face and limbs, not the restlessness and constant motion observed in akathisia. From an educational perspective, understanding and correctly identifying medication side effects like akathisia are crucial for healthcare providers to provide appropriate care and management for patients receiving antipsychotic medications. Recognizing these side effects early can lead to timely interventions to improve patient outcomes and enhance medication adherence.
Question 4 of 5
Which factor(s) contribute(s) to digoxin toxicity in a 92-year-old patient? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In older adults, impaired renal function can lead to reduced excretion of digoxin, increasing the risk of toxicity. The prolonged half-life of digoxin in older adults also contributes to toxicity. Taking the medication with meals and diminished mental capacity do not directly contribute to digoxin toxicity.
Question 5 of 5
Which blood level is assessed to determine the amount of circulating medication in a patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a drug is circulating in the blood, a blood sample may be drawn and assayed to determine the amount of drug present; this is known as the drug blood level. Peak levels are only those drug blood levels that are at their maximum before metabolism starts to decrease the amount of circulating drug. Trough levels are only those drug blood levels that are at their minimum when metabolism has decreased the amount of circulating drug and before an increase caused by a subsequent dose of the medication. Therapeutic levels are only those within a prescribed range of blood levels determined to bring about effective action of the medication.