ATI RN
ATI RN Pharmacology Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A home health nurse is visiting a client who has heart failure and a prescription for furosemide. The nurse identifies that the client has gained 2.5 kg (5 lb.) since the last visit 2 days ago. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Notify the provider of the client's weight gain. This is the first action the nurse should take because sudden weight gain in a client with heart failure could indicate fluid retention, which may worsen the client's condition. By notifying the provider, the nurse can ensure timely intervention to adjust the medication or treatment plan. Encouraging leg dangling (
A) may help with circulation but does not address the immediate concern of weight gain. Teaching about low-sodium foods (
B) is important for long-term management but not the priority at this moment. Determining medication adherence (
C) is important but should come after addressing the immediate weight gain issue.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is preparing to administer the initial dose of penicillin G IM to a client. The nurse should monitor for which of the following as an indication of an allergic reaction following the injection?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Urticaria. Urticaria, or hives, is a classic sign of an allergic reaction. It presents as raised, red, itchy welts on the skin. This occurs due to histamine release in response to the allergen (penicillin in this case). Monitoring for urticaria is crucial as it indicates a potentially serious allergic reaction that may progress to anaphylaxis. Bradycardia (
B), Pallor (
C), and Dyspepsia (
D) are not typically associated with allergic reactions to penicillin. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, pallor is paleness of the skin, and dyspepsia is indigestion. These symptoms are more likely related to other conditions or side effects rather than an allergic reaction.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is teaching a client who has angina a new prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin tablets. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Keep the tablets at room temperature in their original glass bottle. Nitroglycerin tablets are sensitive to light, moisture, and heat. Storing them in their original glass bottle at room temperature helps maintain their potency. Discarding unused tablets every 6 months (choice
A) is not necessary as long as they are stored properly. Taking a tablet each morning (choice
B) is not recommended as nitroglycerin is usually taken as needed for angina attacks. Placing the tablet between cheek and gum (choice
D) is not the correct administration route for sublingual nitroglycerin, as it should be placed under the tongue for rapid absorption.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for theophylline, a sustained-released capsule. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Answer D is correct because monitoring blood levels is crucial for theophylline therapy due to its narrow therapeutic range. Regular monitoring helps ensure the drug is at a safe and effective level in the body. Taking the medication with food or fluids, as indicated in choices A and C, can affect its absorption or metabolism, leading to suboptimal effects or toxicity. Sprinkling the medication in applesauce, as in choice B, can alter the drug's sustained-release mechanism, causing rapid release and possible adverse effects.
Therefore, choice D is the best option for ensuring theophylline therapy's safety and efficacy.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is mixing regular insulin and NPH insulin in the same syringe prior to administering it to a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Inject air into the NPH vial. This step is crucial to prevent creating a vacuum in the vial when withdrawing the NPH insulin, ensuring accurate dosage measurement. Injecting air into the NPH vial equalizes pressure, making it easier to withdraw the correct amount of insulin without causing air bubbles.
Choice A is incorrect as withdrawing regular insulin first may lead to air being drawn into the syringe when withdrawing NPH insulin.
Choice B is incorrect because withdrawing NPH insulin first without equalizing pressure may cause difficulty in drawing the correct amount of insulin.
Choice D is incorrect as injecting air into the regular insulin vial before withdrawing NPH insulin is unnecessary and may introduce air bubbles into the syringe.