ATI LPN
ATI LPN Pharmacology Exam I Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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 2 of 5
After administering a medication to a client, the nurse realizes that the client was given another client's drug. What must the nurse do next?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: While documentation and supervisor notification are crucial, immediate action involving the health care provider ensures timely response to potential adverse effects from the medication error. Relying solely on the absence of drug allergies is insufficient and may jeopardize patient safety. Errors require immediate communication and reporting for appropriate interventions. Timely provider notification prioritizes patient safety and enables corrective measures. Completing an incident report supports institutional transparency and learning to prevent future errors. Administering additional drugs risks compounding harm. The priority is addressing the initial error and ensuring patient safety without introducing further interventions.
Question 3 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.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
A hospitalized 3-year-old toddler is to receive an oral medication. For the most effective approach, the nurse should tell the child:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Promising instant relief is misleading; most drugs take time, and false expectations may erode trust, reducing cooperation in a toddler's care. Calling it candy is unethical; it risks future candy confusion with drugs, potentially leading to accidental ingestion, unsafe for a 3-year-old. Confident explanation suits a toddler's understanding; it builds trust, reduces fear, and ensures cooperation by clearly stating purpose and process age-appropriately. Firm insistence may scare a toddler; without explanation, it lacks reassurance, potentially increasing resistance and distress during medication administration.