ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Exam Practice Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following should be monitored for patients taking diuretics? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A. Daily weight: Monitoring daily weight is important for patients taking diuretics because changes in weight can indicate fluid retention or loss. Sudden weight gain may indicate fluid buildup, while significant weight loss may indicate excessive diuresis.
Question 2 of 5
The adolescent is supposed to go to the school nurse at 12:00 to receive his medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He often does not go for the medication. What best describes the nurse's understanding of this situation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Adolescents prioritize peer image-skipping ADHD meds (e.g., Ritalin) at school likely stems from embarrassment, a developmental trait. Lack of understanding or forgetting is possible but less likely with routine. Conscious refusal needs evidence (e.g., verbal rejection). Embarrassment fits social sensitivity, guiding intervention.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client receiving tamoxifen (Nolvadex) for breast cancer. Which side effect should the nurse monitor for?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tamoxifen, an estrogen receptor modulator, treats breast cancer but blocks estrogen in some tissues, causing hot flashes , a common menopausal-like effect. Monitoring this ensures client comfort and adherence, as it's frequent and distressing. Hair loss is more chemotherapy-related, not tamoxifen. Nausea and diarrhea occur less often and are less specific. Hot flashes align with tamoxifen's anti-estrogenic action, a key consideration in breast cancer management where long-term use is common. This focus aids in symptom management, distinguishing it from cytotoxic effects, making A the priority side effect to monitor.
Question 4 of 5
A patient diagnosed with cancer is scheduled to receive vincristine. Which nursing assessment will have the highest priority when providing care for this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vincristine is known to cause peripheral neuropathy, a common and potentially debilitating side effect. The nurse should prioritize assessing for signs of neuropathy, such as tingling, numbness, or weakness in the extremities. Alopecia, while distressing, is not as critical as neuropathy, which can affect the patient's mobility and quality of life. Vincristine does not typically cause significant changes in digoxin or phenytoin levels, making these assessments less relevant. Early detection of neuropathy allows for dose adjustments or supportive interventions to minimize long-term damage.
Question 5 of 5
Recent studies into the pathogenesis of halothane-induced malignant hyperthermia indicate which of the following as the likely implicating cause?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) from halothane involves excitation-contraction coupling defects . MH, a genetic disorder, stems from ryanodine receptor (RYR1) mutations, causing uncontrolled calcium release in muscle, not drug toxicity . Sodium defects , oxygen deficits , or neural overmodulation (E) aren't implicated. This coupling defect triggers hypermetabolism, explaining MH's rapid onset with halothane exposure.