ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Exam Practice Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following most accurately describes the antibacterial mechanism of penicillin:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Penicillin is a type of antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Peptidoglycan is a critical component of the bacterial cell wall, providing structural support and preventing the cell from bursting. Penicillin specifically targets the final step in peptidoglycan synthesis, known as cross-linking, by binding to and inhibiting the enzyme transpeptidase. Without proper cross-linking of peptidoglycan, the bacterial cell wall becomes weak and compromised, leading to cell lysis and bacterial death. This mechanism makes penicillin highly effective in combating bacterial infections.
Question 2 of 5
Which drug type is often used as a first-line treatment for depression due to its side effect profile?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine) are first-line for depression-fewer side effects (e.g., no TCA sedation), per guidelines-versus MAOIs (diet risks), beta-blockers (HTN), or TCAs (anticholinergic). SSRIs' safety drives use.
Question 3 of 5
A patient was admitted to the emergency department with a pulse oximeter reading of 85% after a successful prehospital resuscitation from cardiac arrest due to an asthma attack. What is the most important initial drug to administer as ordered?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Oxygen is the most important initial intervention for a patient with a low pulse oximeter reading (85%) to correct hypoxia and prevent further complications. While epinephrine (A) and albuterol (C) are used to treat asthma, oxygen is the priority to address the immediate hypoxia. Sodium bicarbonate (B) is not indicated unless there is severe metabolic acidosis.
Question 4 of 5
The client tells the nurse that her symptoms have become worse since she has been using oxymetazoline (Afrin) for nasal congestion. What is the best assessment question for the nurse to ask?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Oxymetazoline, a nasal decongestant, can cause rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) if used beyond 3-5 days, worsening symptoms due to vascular dependence. The best assessment question is how long the client has used it, as prolonged use is the likely culprit, guiding the nurse to educate on discontinuation or seek medical advice. The bottle's age might affect potency but isn't the primary concern for worsening symptoms. Temperature checks for infection, a secondary issue here. Other inhaled medications could interact but don't directly explain rebound effects. The nurse prioritizes duration to pinpoint misuse, a common issue with topical decongestants, making choice D critical for accurate assessment and intervention.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following should the nurse include when providing dietary teaching for the patient receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should include the instruction to avoid drinking large amounts of green tea when providing dietary teaching for a patient receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy because green tea contains vitamin K, which can interfere with the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. Maintaining consistent intake of vitamin K is important to ensure the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. Therefore, it is recommended for patients on warfarin to consume a consistent amount of vitamin K-containing foods and avoid sudden, significant changes in their intake.