ATI LPN
ATI LPN Pharmacology Exam I Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A patient is scheduled to have biofeedback therapy for migraine headaches. On arrival to the clinic, the patient appears anxious and fearful and tells the nurse that she does not want electric shocks. The most reassuring response by the nurse is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rescheduling dismisses the patient's fear; it delays therapy without addressing misconceptions, missing a chance to educate and proceed with migraine relief. Questioning prior explanation may shame the patient; it doesn't clarify biofeedback's non-invasive nature, failing to reduce anxiety about shocks. Explaining no shocks and describing biofeedback as monitoring reassures scientifically; it corrects fears, aligning with its role in stress-related migraine management. Vague reassurance lacks specificity; without addressing shocks, it's less effective, as patients need clear, factual dispelling of their expressed concern.
Question 2 of 5
Which is the priority action of the nurse immediately after administration of an intramuscular injection?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Informing the patient is secondary; it addresses communication but not immediate safety risks like needlestick injury, which is a higher priority post-injection per occupational health standards. Assessing comfort is important but not urgent; pain evaluation can wait after securing the needle, as safety from sharps exposure outweighs immediate patient feedback in priority. Engaging the safety sheath prevents needlestick injuries; it's the priority action to protect the nurse and others from bloodborne pathogens, aligning with universal precautions post-injection. Checking for bleeding is routine but not critical; minor oozing is common and manageable later, while needle safety is an immediate concern to prevent infection risks.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse explains to a client that the drug administration of a medication is to be placed between the gum and jaw. By which route is the nurse administering this medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Topical applies to skin or mucous surfaces broadly; gum/jaw placement is specific to buccal, not the general external or mucosal topical category. Oral means swallowed; buccal drugs stay in the mouth for absorption, avoiding the digestive tract, making this an incorrect route classification. Buccal involves placement between gum and cheek; it allows direct mucosal absorption into the bloodstream, bypassing first-pass metabolism effectively. Sublingual is under the tongue; gum/jaw specifies buccal, as sublingual targets a different oral site with distinct absorption dynamics.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following patients is most at risk for liver damage after taking acetaminophen regularly for arthritis pain?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Alcohol and hepatitis C impair liver function; acetaminophen's metabolite NAPQI accumulates, causing hepatotoxicity in an already compromised organ. COPD and smoking affect lungs, not liver; acetaminophen metabolism is minimally impacted, posing lower hepatic risk compared to liver disease states. Renal disease affects drug excretion, not liver metabolism; acetaminophen's hepatic load is unchanged, making liver damage less likely here. Prostate issues involve urinary tract; liver metabolism of acetaminophen remains intact, with no heightened risk of hepatotoxicity from this condition.
Question 5 of 5
In addition to the dorsogluteal and ventrogluteal muscles, which of these sites can safely be used for intramuscular injections?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Deltoid and vastus lateralis are large muscles with good vascularity; they safely absorb IM injections, minimizing nerve damage or tissue irritation risks. Chest and abdomen lack sufficient muscle mass for IM; these are subcutaneous or IV sites, risking poor absorption or injury if used intramuscularly. Forearm and scapula are too thin or bony; IM injections here risk nerve or bone damage, lacking the muscle bulk needed for safe drug delivery. Lower leg (e.g., calf) has small muscles and major vessels; IM use risks vascular injury or slow absorption, making it an unsafe injection site.