ATI RN
ATI RN Pharmacology Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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 predispose the client to digoxin toxicity, leading to potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin binding to cardiac tissue, enhancing its toxic effects. The nurse should report this value to the provider immediately for prompt intervention to prevent complications.
Incorrect
Choices:
A: Sodium 1.38 mEq/dL - Low sodium levels are not directly related to digoxin toxicity.
B: Magnesium 1.5 mEq/L - While magnesium levels are important for cardiac function, they are not as directly linked to digoxin toxicity as potassium.
C: BUN level 10 mg/dL - BUN levels are not specific indicators of digoxin toxicity.
Summary: Potassium levels are crucial to monitor in clients taking digoxin due to the risk of toxicity. Sodium, magnesium, and BUN levels are important but not as
Question 2 of 5
A client who has active tuberculosis and is taking rifampin reports that his urine and sweat have developed a red tinge. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (
C): Document this as an expected finding. Rifampin is known to cause harmless discoloration of bodily fluids like urine and sweat. This is a common side effect and does not indicate any serious issues. The nurse should document this finding to track the client's response to the medication and educate the client about it.
Summary of Incorrect
Choices:
A: Checking liver function test results is not necessary for the red discoloration caused by rifampin.
B: Increasing fluid intake will not resolve the red tinge as it is a known side effect of rifampin.
D: Dialysis is not indicated for the harmless discoloration caused by rifampin.
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 could lead to hypoglycemia. Checking the client's glucose level will help determine if the client is experiencing low blood sugar levels due to the medication error. Monitoring thyroid function (
A), collecting uric acid levels (
B), and obtaining HDL levels (
C) are not relevant in this situation and would not address the immediate concern of potential hypoglycemia.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is administering 4 mg of hydromorphone to a client by mouth every 4 hr. The medication is provided as hydromorphone 8 mg per tablet. Which of the following actions is appropriate for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Dispose of the remaining medication while another nurse observes. This is the appropriate action because hydromorphone is a controlled substance with high abuse potential. The nurse should follow proper medication disposal protocols to prevent diversion or misuse. Returning the medication to the pharmacy (choice
A) may not ensure proper disposal. Storing the remaining half of the pill in the automated medication dispensing system (choice
B) or placing it in the unit dose package (choice
C) could lead to unauthorized access. Disposing of the medication while another nurse observes (choice
D) ensures accountability and adherence to safety measures.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child following an orthopedic procedure. When assessing the child for pain, which of the following pain scales should the nurse use?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: FACES. This is because the FACES pain scale is specifically designed for children aged 3 and older, making it appropriate for a 4-year-old. The scale uses facial expressions to help the child express their level of pain, which is easier for young children to understand and communicate. The other options are not suitable for a 4-year-old child: Numeric scales may be too abstract, CRIES scale is used for infants, and Word Graphic scale may be too complex for a young child to comprehend. Using the FACES pain scale will allow the nurse to accurately assess and manage the child's pain effectively.