ATI LPN
LPN Pharmacology Practice Questions
1. A client with a history of coronary artery disease is prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor). What side effect should the nurse instruct the client to immediately report?
- A. Muscle pain or tenderness
- B. Constipation
- C. Dry mouth
- D. Drowsiness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Muscle pain or tenderness.' This can be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect of statins like atorvastatin (Lipitor). Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which muscle breakdown releases a protein that can damage the kidneys. Therefore, it is crucial for the client to report any muscle pain or tenderness immediately to prevent further complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are not typically associated with atorvastatin (Lipitor) use or indicative of a serious adverse effect that requires immediate reporting.
2. What is a primary goal of treatment for a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
- A. To eliminate all obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors
- B. To reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessive thoughts
- C. To increase the patient’s social interactions
- D. To improve the patient’s sleep quality
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal of treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is to reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. While complete elimination of all obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors may be an ideal outcome, it is often unrealistic. Focusing on reducing the impact of these symptoms on the patient's daily life and functioning is more achievable and practical. Choices C and D are incorrect as they are not primary goals in the treatment of OCD. Increasing social interactions and improving sleep quality may be beneficial as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, but they are not the primary focus when managing OCD.
3. A client is discussing free associations as a therapeutic tool with a nurse. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of this technique?
- A. “I will write down my dreams as soon as I wake up.”
- B. “I might begin to associate my therapist with important people in my life.”
- C. “I can learn to express myself in a nonaggressive manner.”
- D. “I should say the first thing that comes to my mind.”
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Free association is a psychoanalytic technique where the client is encouraged to say the first thing that comes to their mind without censoring or filtering. This technique helps uncover unconscious thoughts and emotions. Choice D, “I should say the first thing that comes to my mind,” indicates an understanding of free association as it aligns with the principle of allowing thoughts to flow freely without inhibition. Choices A, B, and C do not reflect an understanding of free association and its purpose, making them incorrect. A, focusing on writing down dreams, does not relate to the immediate expression of thoughts. B, associating the therapist with important people, and C, learning to express oneself nonaggressively, do not capture the essence of free association as a technique for exploring unconscious processes.
4. A patient with chronic pain is prescribed gabapentin. What is the primary purpose of this medication?
- A. Relieve neuropathic pain
- B. Reduce inflammation
- C. Enhance opioid analgesia
- D. Suppress cough
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Gabapentin is primarily prescribed to relieve neuropathic pain. It works by stabilizing electrical activity in the nerves, making it effective in managing conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and other forms of chronic pain originating from nerve damage.
5. What is the priority nursing action for a dehydrated client who needs fluids?
- A. Administer antiemetics to prevent vomiting
- B. Monitor electrolyte levels frequently
- C. Administer oral rehydration solutions
- D. Insert an NG tube for fluid administration
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor electrolyte levels frequently. When a client is dehydrated and needs fluids, it is essential to monitor electrolyte levels to prevent complications such as electrolyte imbalances. Administering antiemetics to prevent vomiting (Choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority when addressing dehydration. Administering oral rehydration solutions (Choice C) can be beneficial, but monitoring electrolyte levels takes precedence to ensure proper hydration. Inserting an NG tube for fluid administration (Choice D) is invasive and not typically the first-line approach for managing dehydration.
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