ATI RN
ATI RN Pharmacology Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of benign prostate hypertrophy and a prescription for doxazosin. The client tells the nurse, 'I do not take this medication. I would prefer a natural therapy.' Which of the following supplements should the nurse suggest the client discuss with the provider?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Saw palmetto. Saw palmetto is a commonly used herbal remedy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms. It has been shown to potentially reduce urinary symptoms and improve quality of life in BPH patients. The nurse should suggest the client discuss saw palmetto with the provider as it may be a suitable alternative to doxazosin.
A: Black cohosh is not typically used for BPH and is more commonly used for menopausal symptoms in women.
B: Garlic does not have a direct link to treating BPH symptoms.
C: Feverfew is primarily used for migraines and inflammatory conditions, not for BPH.
E, F, G: No additional choices provided.
In summary, the other choices are incorrect because they are not commonly associated with treating BPH symptoms, unlike saw palmetto which has some evidence supporting its use in this context.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is monitoring laboratory values for a client who has chronic heart failure and is receiving digoxin. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Potassium 2.9 mEq/L. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity, as digoxin competes with potassium for binding sites on cardiac cells. Hypokalemia can potentiate the effects of digoxin, leading to adverse cardiac effects.
Therefore, the nurse should report this low potassium level to the provider for potential adjustment of digoxin dosage or potassium supplementation.
Incorrect
Choices:
A: Sodium 1.38 mEq/dL - Low sodium levels can be concerning but are not directly related to digoxin toxicity.
B: Magnesium 1.5 mEq/L - Low magnesium levels can also increase the risk of digoxin toxicity but potassium is a more critical electrolyte to monitor in this case.
C: BUN level 10 mg/dL - BUN level within normal range and not directly related to digoxin therapy.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse accidentally administers the medication metformin instead of metoprolol to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Check the client's glucose level. Metformin is a medication used to treat diabetes, so administering it instead of metoprolol, a beta-blocker, can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Checking the client's glucose level is crucial to assess if the client is experiencing hypoglycemia and to take appropriate action. Monitoring thyroid function levels (
A), collecting uric acid levels (
B), and obtaining HDL levels (
C) are not relevant in this situation and would not provide immediate information on the client's condition. Checking the glucose level is the priority to address the potential adverse effects of administering the wrong medication.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who is taking haloperidol and is experiencing pseudoparkinsonism. Which of the following findings should the nurse document as a manifestation of pseudoparkinsonism?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Shuffling gait. Pseudoparkinsonism is a side effect of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol, characterized by symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. A shuffling gait is a common manifestation, caused by muscle stiffness and rigidity in the legs. Serpentine limb movement (
A) is not associated with pseudoparkinsonism. Nonreactive pupils (
C) are more indicative of a neurological issue. Smacking lips (
D) is a sign of tardive dyskinesia, another side effect of antipsychotic medications.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is taking lithium and reports starting a new exercise program. The nurse should assess the client for which of the following electrolyte imbalances?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hyponatremia. When a client taking lithium starts a new exercise program, they are at risk for developing hyponatremia due to increased sweating and sodium loss. Hyponatremia can lead to symptoms such as confusion, muscle weakness, and seizures. Assessing for hyponatremia is crucial to prevent serious complications.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are not typically associated with lithium use or new exercise programs. Hypocalcemia (
A) is more commonly linked to thyroid or parathyroid issues. Hypokalemia (
B) is usually caused by diuretic use or gastrointestinal losses. Hypomagnesemia (
D) is often related to alcoholism or malnutrition.