ATI LPN
ATI LPN Pharmacology Exam I Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A patient has an order for a subcutaneous injection of insulin. The nurse will prepare to give this injection into which of the following tissues?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vastus lateralis is muscle; insulin given intramuscularly absorbs too fast, risking hypoglycemia, unlike the slower, safer subcutaneous route intended. Deltoid is also muscle; subcutaneous insulin isn't given here as it's not fatty enough, leading to unpredictable absorption rates versus abdominal tissue. Intravenous line is for IV drugs; insulin via IV is rare and only in emergencies, not standard subcutaneous orders, risking rapid overdose effects. Abdominal fat is ideal for subcutaneous insulin; it ensures steady absorption into capillaries, maintaining glycemic control per pharmacokinetic principles.
Question 2 of 5
The patient crushes extended-release pain medication tablets in order to obtain relief immediately. Which term describes the action of this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dependence is physiological reliance; crushing for speed isn't dependence but alters delivery, not fitting the chronic need-based pattern of dependency. Abuse seeks euphoria or excess; crushing for relief manipulates timing, not intent, distinguishing it from recreational or harmful overuse patterns. Misuse is incorrect use; crushing extended-release voids its design, delivering a bolus dose unsafely, matching the patient's action precisely. Underuse is insufficient dosing; crushing increases immediate effect, not reducing intake, making this the opposite of the patient's medication alteration.
Question 3 of 5
The physician gives orders to infuse 1 unit (250 mL) of packed red blood cells over 4 hours. Calculate the flow rate in milliliters per hour.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Flow rate is volume divided by time; 250 mL over 4 hours equals 62.5 mL/hr, ensuring safe transfusion pacing to avoid fluid overload or hemolysis. 125 mL/hr assumes 250 mL over 2 hours; this doubles the ordered rate, risking circulatory overload and transfusion reactions in a standard protocol. 250 mL/hr infuses the unit in 1 hour; this rapid rate exceeds safe limits, potentially causing hypertension or pulmonary edema in vulnerable patients. 500 mL/hr is far too fast, implying 250 mL in 30 minutes; this dangerous speed could trigger severe hemolytic reactions or cardiovascular collapse.
Question 4 of 5
Vistaril 75 mg IM is ordered for anxiety. Available: 50 mg/mL. How many milliliters will the nurse administer?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: 1 mL gives 50 mg; this underdoses the 75 mg order, reducing Vistaril's sedative effect, risking inadequate anxiety relief for the patient. 1.5 mL is correct; 75 mg divided by 50 mg/mL equals 1.5 mL, delivering the precise IM dose for effective anxiolytic action safely. 2 mL provides 100 mg; this overdoses Vistaril, risking excessive sedation or hypotension, exceeding the ordered therapeutic amount unnecessarily. 2.5 mL yields 125 mg; this far exceeds 75 mg, amplifying side effects like drowsiness or respiratory depression, unsafe for anxiety management.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse has an order to administer a schedule II drug to a patient. When working with medications of this type, the responsibility of the nurse is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Checking with another nurse may occur, but it's not mandatory for all schedule II drugs; documentation is the primary legal responsibility to track controlled substances accurately. Signing out on a narcotic sheet is required; schedule II drugs like opioids need strict tracking to prevent diversion, ensuring accountability per federal and hospital regulations. Leaving medication at the bedside violates security; schedule II drugs must remain controlled, as unattended narcotics risk theft or misuse, breaching safety protocols entirely. Extra water is irrelevant to responsibility; it's a hydration tip, not a legal or safety duty tied to administering highly regulated schedule II controlled substances.