ATI RN
Pharmacology Practice Exam A ATI Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which sign is common with hypocalcemia?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypocalcemia causes muscle spasms (tetany)-nerve hyperexcitability, per classic signs-unlike bruising (coagulation), hypertension (not direct), or wasting (chronic). Spasms dominate, per assessment.
Question 2 of 9
The following drugs are effectively administered via the sublingual route:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Glyceryl trinitrate is well-absorbed sublingually due to bypassing the first-pass metabolism, providing rapid relief for angina by dilating blood vessels.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client receiving IV heparin. Which finding requires immediate action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Heparin anticoagulates, monitored by aPTT (therapeutic: 60-80 seconds). An aPTT of 90 seconds indicates over-anticoagulation, risking bleeding, needing immediate action (e.g., stop infusion). Bruising and redness are minor. Platelets of 150,000 are normal. Prolonged aPTT aligns with heparin's effect, critical in therapy where bleeding is a threat, making B the finding requiring swift response.
Question 4 of 9
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 5 of 9
Which of the following statements regarding colloid administration does the nurse identify as being true?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The statement "Dextran therapy can cause anaphylaxis or renal failure" is true. Dextran is a type of colloid solution that can cause allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis in some individuals. It can also lead to kidney damage, which is why monitoring for signs of renal failure is crucial when administering Dextran. As a result of these potential risks, dextran therapy should be used cautiously and patients should be closely monitored for adverse reactions.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is aware that efficient absorption of calcium is assisted by
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Calcium absorption in the small intestine relies heavily on vitamin D, which enhances the process by increasing the expression of calcium-binding proteins and improving gut uptake efficiency. Without adequate vitamin D, calcium absorption drops significantly, leading to potential bone health issues like osteoporosis or osteomalacia. Intrinsic factor, produced in the stomach, is critical for vitamin B12 absorption, not calcium, as it binds B12 for uptake in the ileum. Coenzymes, while involved in metabolic reactions, don't directly facilitate calcium absorption; their role is broader and unrelated to this specific process. Phosphorus, an abundant mineral, works with calcium in bone formation but doesn't enhance its absorption-in fact, excessive phosphorus can compete with calcium. Vitamin D's active form, calcitriol, regulates calcium levels by promoting its transport across intestinal cells, making it indispensable for maintaining skeletal integrity. This mechanism underscores why vitamin D deficiency impairs calcium utilization, distinguishing it from the other options, which lack a direct link to absorption efficiency.
Question 7 of 9
Before administering Digoxin, the nurse should complete which task?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Before administering Digoxin, it is crucial for the nurse to count the patient's apical pulse for 1 minute. Digoxin is a medication commonly prescribed to manage heart conditions such as heart failure and certain irregular heartbeats. Since Digoxin works by helping the heart beat stronger and at a more normal rhythm, it is essential to monitor the patient's heart rate before administering the medication. Counting the apical pulse for 1 minute allows for an accurate assessment of the patient's baseline heart rate, which is crucial in determining whether it is safe to administer Digoxin. If the heart rate is too low (bradycardia), administering Digoxin could potentially cause further complications. Therefore, assessing the apical pulse beforehand is a critical step in ensuring the safe administration of Digoxin.
Question 8 of 9
Which solution should the nurse administer with packed red blood cells?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When administering packed red blood cells, it is important to use a compatible solution. The preferred solution to administer with packed red blood cells is 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) because it is isotonic and compatible with red blood cells. Using an isotonic solution like 0.9% sodium chloride helps to prevent hemolysis of the red blood cells and maintains their integrity during administration. Lactated Ringer's solution, D5W, and 0.45% sodium chloride are not recommended for administering packed red blood cells because they can cause hemolysis due to their hypotonic or hypertonic nature.
Question 9 of 9
Which of the following is NOT a side effect of Alprazolam?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Insomnia is not a common side effect of Alprazolam. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Common side effects of Alprazolam include dizziness, drowsiness, and lethargy. However, it is not typically associated with causing insomnia as a side effect. If a person experiences unusual symptoms while taking Alprazolam, they should consult their healthcare provider for guidance.