ATI LPN
ATI LPN Pharmacology Exam I Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
To ensure the nurse administers medications to the right client, which method of identification is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Calling the name relies on response accuracy; confused or hearing-impaired patients may not answer correctly, risking misidentification and medication errors. Verbal confirmation plus armband verification against the MAR ensures identity via two identifiers, aligning with safety protocols to prevent administration errors scientifically. Family or visitors may misidentify due to stress or error; this lacks direct patient verification, increasing risk of giving medication to the wrong individual. Bed or door labels can be outdated or misplaced; this indirect method fails to confirm identity actively, heightening the chance of medication misadministration.
Question 2 of 5
When administering a medication, a nurse should check the label on the drug container against the MAR when removing the drug container from the client's medication drawer, when removing the drug from the medication container, and:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Showing the client isn't a standard check; patients don't verify MAR, and this step lacks relevance to the nurse's triple-check safety protocol. Checking before returning ensures accuracy; the third check confirms the right drug post-administration, completing the three-point verification process safely. Calling the pharmacy is unrelated; label checks occur during administration, not external consultation, making this an irrelevant timing option. Colleague checks aren't routine; the three checks are individual, and this step doesn't align with standard MAR verification timing protocols.
Question 3 of 5
When preparing medications for delivery to an assigned patient, the nurse should check each medication for accuracy of drug and dose:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Checking medications only once increases the likelihood of errors. Safe practice requires multiple verification steps. While better than a single check, verifying only twice may still miss potential discrepancies in drug or dosage accuracy. The three-check system (when retrieving, preparing, and administering medication) minimizes errors, ensuring patient safety through consistent validation at each step. Excessive verification may delay administration, reducing practicality without significantly improving safety beyond three checks.
Question 4 of 5
The physician orders Salagen 10 mg po twice a day for dry eyes. The medication is supplied in 5-mg tablets. How many tablets will the nurse administer?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: One 5-mg tablet delivers 5 mg; this underdoses the 10 mg ordered, reducing salivation stimulation needed for dry eye relief. Two 5-mg tablets equal 10 mg; this matches the order, ensuring therapeutic cholinergic effect to increase tear production effectively. Three tablets (15 mg) overdose; excess pilocarpine risks side effects (e.g., sweating, bradycardia) without added benefit for dry eyes. Four tablets (20 mg) far exceed the dose; this could cause severe cholinergic toxicity, including respiratory distress, outweighing therapeutic intent.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse explains that a drug may have several names. The trade name is the only name that can be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Retailers use trade or generic names; trade isn't exclusive here, as generics are sold too, making this a shared rather than unique trait. Chemical names define molecular structure (e.g., acetaminophen); trade names (e.g., Tylenol) are brand-specific, not tied to chemistry recognition. Orders use trade or generic names (e.g., Zestril or lisinopril); trade isn't the only option, as generics are equally valid in prescriptions. Trade names are trademarked (e.g., Viagra); this legal protection distinguishes them from generic or chemical names, ensuring brand exclusivity.