ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Final Exam 1 Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is monitoring a client who has severe bone marrow suppression following antineoplastic drug therapy. Which is considered a principal early sign of infection?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fever. Fever is considered a principal early sign of infection in a client with severe bone marrow suppression because it indicates the body's immune response to an infection. In this case, the client's compromised immune system due to bone marrow suppression makes them more susceptible to infections, and fever is one of the body's natural defense mechanisms to fight off infections. Tachycardia (
A) and diaphoresis (
D) can also be signs of infection, but fever is a more specific and reliable indicator in this context. Elevated white blood cells (
B) may not be present in a client with bone marrow suppression.
Question 2 of 5
A client is being treated for ethanol alcohol abuse in a rehabilitation center. The nurse will include which information when teaching him about disulfiram therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. When a client is being treated for ethanol alcohol abuse with disulfiram therapy, it is crucial for the nurse to educate the client about common over-the-counter substances that contain alcohol. This is important because consuming even small amounts of alcohol while on disulfiram can lead to severe adverse reactions like nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing, and potentially life-threatening complications such as difficulty breathing or heart problems. By knowing which over-the-counter substances contain alcohol, the client can avoid accidental exposure and prevent these dangerous reactions.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because mouthwashes, cough medicines, and warfarin are not safe to use with disulfiram due to the potential for alcohol interactions and increased risk of adverse effects.
Question 3 of 5
Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic index. The nurse recognizes that this characteristic indicates which of these?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: The safe and the toxic plasma levels of the drug are very close to each other. Phenytoin's narrow therapeutic index means that the difference between the plasma levels that are effective and those that are toxic is minimal. This indicates that dosing must be carefully monitored to avoid toxicity while still achieving therapeutic effect.
Choice A is incorrect as a narrow therapeutic index does not necessarily mean low effectiveness.
Choice B is incorrect as there is a clear distinction between safe and toxic levels.
Choice C is incorrect as a very small dosage may not be sufficient for the therapeutic effect.
Question 4 of 5
During therapy with interleukins, the nurse monitors the client for capillary leak syndrome. Which assessment finding, if present, would indicate this problem?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: A sudden, 15-pound weight gain. Capillary leak syndrome is characterized by a sudden shift of fluid from the blood vessels into the interstitial space, leading to significant weight gain due to fluid retention. This can be a serious complication of interleukin therapy. A dry cough (choice
A) is not a typical manifestation of capillary leak syndrome. Bruising on the skin (choice
B) is not directly related to fluid shifts in capillaries. Bradycardia (choice
C) is a slow heart rate and is not a common sign of capillary leak syndrome. In summary, sudden weight gain is the most indicative of capillary leak syndrome due to fluid shifts, while the other options are not typically associated with this condition.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is screening a client who will be taking a nonspecific/nonselective beta blocker. Which condition, if present, may cause serious problems if the client takes this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Asthma. Nonselective beta blockers can cause bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma by blocking beta-2 receptors in the lungs, leading to exacerbation of respiratory symptoms. This can potentially result in serious breathing difficulties and even respiratory failure.
Choices A, C, and D are not as concerning because hypertension, angina, and glaucoma are conditions that can actually benefit from treatment with beta blockers. Asthma is the only condition that poses a serious risk when taking nonselective beta blockers.