ATI RN
ATI RN Pharmacology Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is to receive potassium replacement. The provider's prescription reads, 'Potassium chloride 30 mEq in 0.9% sodium chloride 100 mL IV over 30 min.' Which of the following reasons should the nurse clarify this prescription with the provider?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Correct Answer: B - The potassium infusion rate is too rapid.
Rationale: Potassium replacement should be administered cautiously to prevent adverse effects such as hyperkalemia. A rapid infusion rate can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and other serious complications. The recommended rate for IV potassium replacement is typically 10-20 mEq/hour to minimize risks.
Therefore, the nurse should clarify this prescription with the provider to adjust the infusion rate to ensure the client's safety.
Incorrect
Choices:
A: Potassium chloride should be diluted in dextrose 5% in water - Incorrect. Potassium chloride can be safely administered in 0.9% sodium chloride solution.
C: Another formulation of potassium should be given IV - Incorrect. The prescribed formulation is appropriate for potassium replacement.
D: The client should be treated by giving potassium by IV bolus - Incorrect. IV bolus administration of potassium can be dangerous and should be avoided.
E, F, G: Not provided.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is planning to administer medication to an older adult client who has dysphagia. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Mixing the medications with a semisolid food for the client with dysphagia helps prevent choking or aspiration. This method makes it easier for the client to swallow the medication safely. Tilt the client's head back (
A) can lead to aspiration. Administering more than one pill at a time (
C) can increase the risk of choking. Placing medications on the back of the tongue (
D) can also trigger the gag reflex and increase the risk of aspiration.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is reviewing a client's 0800 laboratory values at 1100. The nurse notes that the client received heparin at 1000. Which of the following laboratory values warrants an incident report?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: ePTT 90 seconds. Heparin is a medication used to prevent blood clots. The nurse administering heparin should monitor the client's ePTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) values, with the therapeutic range typically around 60-80 seconds. A value of 90 seconds indicates the client may be at risk for bleeding due to excessive anticoagulation. This warrants an incident report to document the deviation from the expected therapeutic range and initiate appropriate interventions.
Choices B, C, and D are within normal ranges and do not directly relate to heparin administration, so they do not warrant an incident report.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client's IV infusion site and notes that the site is cool and edematous. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct action is to apply a warm, moist compress (
Choice
D) because it can help improve circulation to the IV site, reduce edema, and potentially prevent complications like phlebitis. By applying warmth, blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow and promoting healing. Slowing the IV solution rate (
Choice
A) won't address the underlying issue of decreased circulation. Initiating a new IV distal to the initial site (
Choice
B) may not be necessary if the issue can be resolved with a warm compress. Maintaining the extremity below the level of the heart (
Choice
C) may not improve circulation sufficiently.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is preparing to initiate IV therapy for a client. Which of the following sites should the nurse use to place the peripheral IV catheter?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nondominant dorsal venous arch. This site is ideal for peripheral IV catheter placement due to its ease of access and lower risk of complications such as nerve damage or infiltration. The dorsal venous arch is a superficial vein that is typically easy to visualize and palpate, making it a safe and effective choice for IV therapy initiation. Choosing the nondominant hand reduces the risk of interference with daily activities. The other choices are incorrect because the dominant hand should be avoided to prevent disruption of daily tasks, the distal dorsal vein is not a recommended site due to higher risk of injury, and the antecubital vein is not ideal for peripheral IV catheter placement due to higher risk of complications and discomfort for the client.