ATI RN
ATI Capstone Pharmacology Assessment 1
1. A nurse is caring for a client receiving patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Which of the following interventions should the nurse take while caring for this client?
- A. Advise the client to use the pump sparingly to prevent addiction
- B. Encourage the client to use the PCA before dressing changes
- C. Encourage the client's family to administer PCA while the client is sleeping
- D. Increase the client's 4-hour limit as needed
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because encouraging the client to use the PCA before dressing changes helps in managing pain proactively. Choice A is incorrect as PCA is a safe method of pain control when used appropriately, and the nurse should not suggest using it sparingly. Choice C is incorrect as only the client should operate the PCA to ensure they are in control of their pain management. Choice D is incorrect as changing the PCA limit without proper assessment and orders from the healthcare provider can lead to adverse effects.
2. A client with an artificial heart valve is prescribed warfarin therapy. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to assess the therapeutic effect of warfarin?
- A. Hemoglobin (Hgb)
- B. Prothrombin time (PT)
- C. Bleeding time
- D. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prothrombin time (PT). Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the clotting factors dependent on vitamin K, such as factors II, VII, IX, and X. The prothrombin time (PT) measures the extrinsic pathway and is used to monitor the therapeutic effects of warfarin therapy. Monitoring PT helps assess the time it takes for the blood to clot, ensuring that the anticoagulant effect is within the desired range. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because hemoglobin (Hgb) measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, bleeding time assesses the time it takes for bleeding to stop, and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is used to monitor heparin therapy, not warfarin therapy.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride IV to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent complications?
- A. Administer the medication by IV bolus over 2 minutes
- B. Infuse the medication slowly using an IV pump
- C. Add the medication to an IV solution of D5W
- D. Dilute the medication in 5 mL of sterile water
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action to prevent complications when administering potassium chloride IV is to infuse the medication slowly using an IV pump. Rapid administration of potassium chloride can lead to complications such as hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not promote the safe administration of potassium chloride. Administering the medication by IV bolus over 2 minutes is too rapid and can cause adverse effects. Adding the medication to an IV solution of D5W or diluting it in sterile water may not control the rate of administration, increasing the risk of complications.
4. A nurse has provided education to a client regarding prescribed levothyroxine sodium. Which of the following client statements demonstrates understanding of medication administration?
- A. I should take my medication as needed to alleviate symptoms
- B. I should take the medication in divided doses to ensure therapeutic drug levels
- C. I should take the medication in the morning to prevent insomnia
- D. I should take the medication on a full stomach
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken once in the morning to prevent insomnia and maintain therapeutic levels.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes and a new prescription for 14 units of regular insulin and 28 units of NPH insulin subcutaneously at breakfast daily. What is the total number of units of insulin that the nurse should prepare in the insulin syringe?
- A. 14 units
- B. 28 units
- C. 32 units
- D. 42 units
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should combine both orders of insulin in the same syringe. To prepare the correct dose, the nurse should withdraw the regular insulin first (14 units) and then the NPH insulin (28 units), totaling 42 units. This combination ensures the client receives the prescribed doses of both types of insulin. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the nurse needs to prepare and administer both types of insulin as prescribed, resulting in a total of 42 units in the syringe.
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