ATI RN
Pharmacology Practice Exam A ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following procedures does NOT result in local analgesia:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increasing the temperature does not result in local analgesia. In fact, higher temperatures can often lead to increased pain sensitivity. Local analgesia is achieved through methods such as chemically or physically damaging nerve trunks, stimulating large fiber nerve activity, or rendering tissue anemic. These procedures work by interrupting the transmission of pain signals to the brain or by reducing the sensitivity of local nerve endings to pain stimuli.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is performing a health history on a patient who is ordered to begin therapy with valproic
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Valproic acid is metabolized in the liver, and patients with liver disease may have impaired liver function, which can lead to reduced metabolism of the drug and potential toxicity. Therefore, a patient with a history of liver disease starting therapy with valproic acid would be a cause for concern for the nurse. Monitoring of liver function tests would be crucial in this patient population to ensure the medication is being safely metabolized.
Question 3 of 5
A priority nursing assessment for a patient who is to receive an alpha- or beta-adrenergic blocking agent would be what?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most serious adverse effect would be severe bradycardia, so the nurse’s priority would be assessing the heart rate. If the patient were identified as having diabetes, then monitoring blood glucose levels would become important because these drugs can aggravate diabetes by blocking sympathetic response including masking the usual signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Respiratory rate could be impacted if the patient was identified as having a condition causing bronchospasm and diabetes because the combination could worsen both conditions. Measuring urine output should be part of the patient’s care, but it is not the priority assessment.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is reviewing a patient's laboratory test results and current medications and notes that the patient's prothrombin time is prolonged. The nurse checks the patient's medication list. What vitamin or mineral might be contributing to this?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vitamin E can interfere with vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, leading to prolonged prothrombin time and increased bleeding risk. Vitamin A (A), selenium (B), and vitamin D (C) do not typically affect coagulation. The nurse should assess for excessive vitamin E supplementation or dietary intake.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is undergoing major surgery and asks the nurse about a living will. He states, 'I don't want anybody making decisions for me. And I don't want to prolong my life.' The patient is demonstrating
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. By expressing a desire to avoid life-prolonging measures and requesting a living will, the patient is exercising his autonomy. Beneficence involves acting in the patient's best interest, justice refers to fairness in healthcare, and veracity involves truth-telling. The patient's statements align most closely with the principle of autonomy, as he is asserting his right to control his medical care.