ATI LPN
ATI LPN Pharmacology Exam I Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The physician orders Zestril 15 mg po daily for hypertension. The medication is supplied in 5-mg tablets. How many tablets will the nurse administer?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: One 5-mg tablet provides only 5 mg, far below the 15 mg ordered; this underdose fails to control hypertension effectively, risking cardiovascular complications like stroke or heart failure. Two tablets yield 10 mg, still short of 15 mg; this insufficient dose wouldn't achieve therapeutic blood pressure reduction, leaving the patient at risk for hypertensive damage. Three 5-mg tablets equal 15 mg, matching the order precisely; this dose effectively inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme, lowering blood pressure to a therapeutic range safely. Four tablets deliver 20 mg, exceeding the order; this overdose could cause hypotension, dizziness, or renal impairment due to excessive ACE inhibition beyond therapeutic needs.
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 patient is admitted to the cardiac unit. Everyone admitted to the cardiac unit will have an EKG done unless otherwise ordered. This is an example of which type of order?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: PRN is as needed; EKGs here are routine, not symptom-driven, making this inapplicable to a standard admission protocol for all patients. One-time is a single event; this order applies to all admissions ongoing, not a one-off, distinguishing it from limited-duration directives. STAT is immediate; routine EKGs aren't urgent, occurring as part of standard care, not requiring the priority of acute intervention orders. Standing orders apply automatically to all qualifying patients; this EKG protocol fits, ensuring consistent cardiac assessment unless overridden.
Question 4 of 5
The patient has Levaquin 500 mg ordered once daily. The Levaquin is available in 100 mL of NS and should infuse over 1 hour. Using tubing with a 60 gtt/mL drop factor, how many drops per minute should the Levaquin be infused?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: 60 gtts/min assumes 100 mL in 100 minutes; this underestimates the 1-hour order, delivering Levaquin too slowly, risking subtherapeutic antibiotic levels. 100 gtts/min is correct; 100 mL over 1 hour (60 min) with 60 gtts/mL equals 6000 gtts total, divided by 60 minutes matches the ordered rate. 120 gtts/min overestimates; it implies 100 mL in 50 minutes, infusing too fast, potentially causing Levaquin-related side effects like tachycardia or irritation. 200 gtts/min is excessive; 100 mL in 30 minutes doubles the rate, risking toxicity or infusion reactions, far exceeding the 1-hour prescription safely.
Question 5 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.