ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology
1. A client is taking Epoetin Alfa for anemia. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy?
- A. White blood cell count
- B. Platelet count
- C. Hematocrit
- D. Serum potassium level
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should monitor the hematocrit level to evaluate the effectiveness of Epoetin Alfa therapy since it stimulates red blood cell production. Hematocrit reflects the volume of red blood cells in the blood, providing a direct measure of the therapy's impact on increasing red blood cell mass and addressing anemia. Monitoring white blood cell count and platelet count is not directly related to assessing the effectiveness of Epoetin Alfa therapy for anemia. Serum potassium level monitoring may be necessary due to potential side effects of the medication, but it is not the primary indicator of therapy effectiveness in treating anemia.
2. What finding should a nurse monitor for as an adverse effect when a client has a new prescription for Spironolactone?
- A. Hyperkalemia
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Hypocalcemia
- D. Hyponatremia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can lead to an increase in potassium levels. Hyperkalemia can be dangerous, causing muscle weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias. Monitoring potassium levels closely is crucial when a client is on Spironolactone. Hypoglycemia (choice B) is incorrect because Spironolactone does not typically affect blood glucose levels. Hypocalcemia (choice C) and hyponatremia (choice D) are also incorrect as Spironolactone's primary impact is on potassium levels.
3. A client has a new prescription for Dabigatran. Which of the following instructions should be included?
- A. Take the medication with food.
- B. Store the capsules in a pill organizer.
- C. Crush the medication before swallowing.
- D. Expect frequent headaches while taking this medication.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Take the medication with food.' Taking Dabigatran with food is recommended to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, a common side effect associated with this medication. Food can help minimize stomach irritation and improve tolerability. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Storing the capsules in a pill organizer (B) is a good practice for organization but not a specific instruction for this medication. Crushing the medication before swallowing (C) is not recommended for Dabigatran as it is available as a capsule and should be swallowed whole. Expecting frequent headaches while taking this medication (D) is not a common side effect of Dabigatran and should not be anticipated.
4. A client is receiving Enoxaparin for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Massage the injection site after administration.
- B. Administer the medication intramuscularly.
- C. Administer the medication into the subcutaneous tissue.
- D. Administer the medication into the deltoid muscle.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Enoxaparin, a medication used for preventing deep vein thrombosis, should be administered into the subcutaneous tissue, typically in the abdomen. Administering the medication intramuscularly (Choice B) or into the deltoid muscle (Choice D) is incorrect because Enoxaparin is specifically formulated for subcutaneous administration. Massaging the injection site after administration (Choice A) is contraindicated as it may lead to tissue damage and affect the absorption of the medication. Therefore, the correct action is to administer the medication into the subcutaneous tissue as directed.
5. A client is prescribed Atorvastatin. Which of the following laboratory values should be monitored to assess for potential adverse effects?
- A. Blood glucose
- B. Creatine kinase
- C. Hemoglobin
- D. Sodium
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Creatine kinase should be monitored in clients taking Atorvastatin as it can indicate muscle damage, a serious adverse effect of statins. Elevated creatine kinase levels can suggest myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, which are potential complications associated with statin therapy. Monitoring creatine kinase levels helps in early detection of muscle damage and guides appropriate management to prevent severe complications.
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