ace inhibitors

ATI RN

ATI Proctored Pharmacology Test

1. How do ACE inhibitors work?

A. Block the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone effects of angiotensin II at the receptor site
B. Block stimulation of beta 1 and beta 2 at the receptor sites
C. Block the conversion of angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II
D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor, and by blocking its production, ACE inhibitors help dilate blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the workload of the heart. Choice A is incorrect because it describes the mechanism of action of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), not ACE inhibitors. Choice B is incorrect as it describes beta-blockers, not ACE inhibitors. Choice D is incorrect as ACE inhibitors do have a specific mechanism of action.

2. 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.

3. What is pharmacodynamics?

A. The medical reference summarizing standards of drug purity, strength, and directions for synthesis
B. The drug's actions at receptor sites and the physiological, chemical, and behavioral effects produced by these actions
C. The maximum response that a drug can produce
D. Movements of the drugs throughout the body

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pharmacodynamics refers to the drug's actions at receptor sites and the physiological, chemical, and behavioral effects produced by these actions. It involves understanding how drugs interact with the body at the molecular level to produce their effects, including mechanisms of action, receptor binding, and downstream physiological responses. Choice A is incorrect because it describes pharmacopeia, which is a reference book containing standards for drugs. Choice C refers to efficacy, which is the maximum effect a drug can produce. Choice D describes pharmacokinetics, which focuses on the movement of drugs within the body.

4. A client is receiving Gentamicin. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to assess for nephrotoxicity?

A. Serum sodium.
B. Serum creatinine.
C. Serum potassium.
D. Serum glucose.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client is receiving Gentamicin, the nurse should monitor serum creatinine levels to assess for nephrotoxicity. Gentamicin is known to potentially cause nephrotoxicity, leading to impaired kidney function. Monitoring serum creatinine levels helps in early detection of any kidney damage or dysfunction. Serum sodium, serum potassium, and serum glucose levels are not directly related to nephrotoxicity caused by Gentamicin, so they are not the appropriate values to monitor in this case.

5. A client is prescribed Metformin. Which of the following laboratory values should be monitored to assess for potential adverse effects?

A. Blood glucose
B. Creatine kinase
C. Hemoglobin A1c
D. Serum creatinine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serum creatinine. Metformin can potentially cause lactic acidosis, particularly in patients with impaired renal function. Monitoring serum creatinine levels is crucial to assess kidney function and detect any adverse effects of Metformin on renal health. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as blood glucose, creatine kinase, and hemoglobin A1c levels are not directly monitored to assess for potential adverse effects of Metformin. Blood glucose monitoring is typically done to assess the efficacy of antidiabetic medications like Metformin, while creatine kinase levels are indicative of muscle damage and hemoglobin A1c reflects long-term blood sugar control.