ATI LPN
ATI LPN Pharmacology Exam I Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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 2 of 5
The nurse administering medications to a client is aware that the primary reason that most drugs are administered orally is because the oral route:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While reliability exists, the oral route is less predictable than IV administration due to variability in absorption caused by digestive factors, making it less reliable for rapid or consistent onset. Convenience is the primary advantage of oral administration. It allows ease of self-administration, enabling clients to manage their medications without healthcare provider intervention, making it the most frequently used route. While many clients tolerate oral medications well, others may face challenges, such as difficulty swallowing or gastric irritation, meaning tolerability varies and is not a universal advantage of this route. The oral route does not ensure fast action due to time required for digestion, absorption, and metabolism, making it slower compared to routes like IV or sublingual administration.
Question 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
A client is to receive a medication at 9:00 A.M. To prevent a medication error by administering at the incorrect time, the nurse can administer the medication anytime between:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Two-hour window (8:00-10:00) is too broad; most protocols allow 30 minutes before/after, as wider ranges risk altering drug pharmacokinetics significantly. One-hour window (8:30-9:30) is common but exceeds some strict policies; it's less precise, potentially affecting drugs with tight timing needs. 8:30-9:00 is only before; it excludes post-9:00 flexibility, limiting administration to early dosing, which may not align with full protocol windows. 8:45-9:15 (30 minutes either side) fits standard policy; it ensures therapeutic levels for most drugs, balancing efficacy with practical scheduling.
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.