ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Practice A Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which patient would benefit from administration of simvastatin (Zocor) 80 mg?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A patient who has already been taking simvastatin (Zocor) for 12 months with no evidence of myopathy would benefit from administration of simvastatin 80 mg. This is because patients who have been on a stable dose of simvastatin without experiencing muscle-related side effects are considered to be tolerating the medication well. Increasing the dose to 80 mg may provide additional benefits in terms of lowering cholesterol levels without significant risk of myopathy.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with a new prescription for a HMG-CoA (statin) drug is instructed to take the
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The best response among the options provided is "This timeframe correlates better with the natural diurnal rhythm of cholesterol production." Statins work by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme responsible for cholesterol production in the liver. Cholesterol synthesis follows a diurnal rhythm, with higher levels produced at night. Therefore, taking a statin medication in the evening aligns with the body's natural pattern of cholesterol synthesis, optimizing the drug's effectiveness. This explanation helps the patient understand the rationale behind the timing of taking the medication and promotes better adherence to the prescribed regimen.
Question 3 of 5
When administering heparin subcutaneously, the nurse will follow which procedure?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When administering heparin subcutaneously, the nurse should use a - to -inch, 25- to 30-gauge needle to inject the medication into the subcutaneous tissue. This needle size is appropriate for delivering the medication effectively and safely in the subcutaneous layer rather than deeper into the muscle. Using the correct needle size helps ensure proper absorption and reduces the risk of complications such as bleeding or bruising at the injection site.
Question 4 of 5
Phenytoin is an antiarrhythmic and anticonvulsant that has an unlabeled use for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Phenytoin is primarily known as an antiarrhythmic and anticonvulsant medication. However, it also has an unlabeled or off-label use for the management of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is a condition that arises from damage or dysfunction affecting the nerves and can be challenging to treat. Phenytoin's mechanism of action in the central nervous system makes it potentially effective for neuropathic pain conditions, even though it is not its primary indication. It can help alleviate nerve-related pain, such as that associated with conditions like diabetic neuropathy or post-herpetic neuralgia. It is important to note that using medications for off-label purposes should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional familiar with the drug's properties and potential side effects.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is aware that the following solutions are routinely used to flush an IV device before and after the administration of blood to a patient is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 0.9 percent sodium chloride, also known as normal saline, is routinely used to flush an IV device before and after the administration of blood to a patient. Normal saline is isotonic, meaning it has a similar concentration of salt and water as the body's cells. This makes it compatible for use in various medical procedures, including flushing IV devices to ensure patency and prevent clotting. Other solutions like 5 percent dextrose in water, sterile water, and heparin sodium are not typically used for flushing IV devices before and after blood administration.