ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam 2023
1. A client is being discharged with a new prescription for Atenolol. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take this medication in the morning.
- B. Monitor your heart rate regularly.
- C. Avoid consuming foods high in potassium.
- D. Increase your fluid intake.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor your heart rate regularly.' Atenolol is a beta-blocker that can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate). Monitoring the heart rate regularly is crucial to promptly detect any significant decreases. This allows for timely intervention and adjustment of the medication regimen if needed, helping to prevent adverse effects associated with bradycardia. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Instructing the client to take the medication in the morning does not address the need for heart rate monitoring. Avoiding foods high in potassium is more relevant for medications like ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics. Increasing fluid intake is not directly related to the use of Atenolol.
2. A healthcare professional is about to administer Propranolol to a patient. The healthcare professional takes the patient's apical pulse and documents it as 58 bpm. How should the healthcare professional proceed?
- A. Administer the medication as prescribed
- B. Administer half of the normal dose
- C. Consider the extended-release form of the medication
- D. Withhold administration of the medication and notify the healthcare provider
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When a patient's apical pulse is 58 bpm, it is below the normal range. Propranolol is a beta-blocker that can further lower the heart rate. Therefore, it is crucial to withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider to evaluate the patient's condition. Administering Propranolol in this situation can exacerbate bradycardia, leading to serious complications. Choosing to administer the medication as prescribed (Choice A) can put the patient at risk. Administering half of the normal dose (Choice B) without healthcare provider guidance is not appropriate in this case. Considering the extended-release form of the medication (Choice C) does not address the immediate concern of bradycardia and is not the best course of action.
3. A healthcare professional reviewing a client's medical record notes a new prescription for verifying the trough level of the client's medication. Which of the following actions should the professional take?
- A. Obtain a blood specimen immediately prior to administering the next dose of medication.
- B. Verify that the client has been taking the medication for 24 hours before obtaining a blood specimen.
- C. Ask the client to provide a urine specimen after the next dose of medication.
- D. Administer the medication, and obtain a blood specimen 30 minutes later.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To verify trough levels of a medication, the healthcare professional should obtain a blood specimen immediately before administering the next dose of medication. This timing ensures an accurate representation of the medication's lowest concentration in the bloodstream, which is crucial for therapeutic monitoring and dose adjustments. Choice B is incorrect because waiting 24 hours after taking the medication would not provide an accurate trough level. Choice C is incorrect as urine specimens are not used to measure trough levels. Choice D is incorrect because obtaining a blood specimen 30 minutes after administering the medication would not reflect the trough level, as it is the lowest concentration before the next dose.
4. 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.
5. A client has a new prescription for Ferrous sulfate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take this medication with milk.
- B. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
- C. Take this medication before bedtime.
- D. Take this medication with antacids.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to take Ferrous sulfate on an empty stomach. This medication is best absorbed when taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Instructing the client to take it with milk, before bedtime, or with antacids can decrease its absorption and effectiveness. Taking it with milk can reduce the absorption of iron due to the calcium in milk. Taking it before bedtime is not necessary and may cause gastrointestinal upset. Taking it with antacids can interfere with the absorption of iron.
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