ATI RN
Pharmacology ATI Proctored Exam 2023
1. Following a stroke, a client has been started on clopidogrel (Plavix). Why is this medication being administered?
- A. To prevent stroke in high-risk patients, such as those with prosthetic heart valves
- B. To decrease blood pressure
- C. To increase heart rate
- D. To provide antiplatelet activity in patients who cannot tolerate aspirin
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Clopidogrel (Plavix) is an antiplatelet medication that inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of blood clots. It is commonly used in patients who have had a stroke and cannot tolerate aspirin due to allergies or intolerances. Choosing clopidogrel in these cases helps prevent further clot formation and reduces the risk of recurrent strokes.
2. When a client is discharged with nitroglycerin (Nitrostat), what should the nurse include in client education?
- A. “Your chest pain should go away with one tablet.”
- B. “If your chest pain doesn’t go away after three tablets, call 911; you might be having a heart attack.”
- C. “If your chest pain doesn’t go away with one tablet, you can repeat the dose as many times as you need to.”
- D. “Be sure to call 911 before you take any tablets.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer instructs the client on the appropriate use of nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is used to relieve chest pain or angina. If the chest pain does not subside after taking one tablet, the client should take a maximum of three tablets at 5-minute intervals. If the pain persists after three tablets, it could indicate a heart attack, and emergency medical help should be sought. This education is crucial to ensure the client knows when to seek immediate medical attention.
3. What is the correct medical term used to describe impaired blood flow in the coronary arteries?
- A. Myocardial infarction
- B. Angina pectoris
- C. Cerebrovascular accident
- D. Coronary heart disease
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct medical term for impaired blood flow in the coronary arteries is Coronary heart disease. This condition is characterized by a narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Myocardial infarction (choice A) refers to a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked. Angina pectoris (choice B) is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Cerebrovascular accident (choice C) is the medical term for a stroke, which occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted.
4. A client presents in the Emergency Department with a suspected MI. Which medication should NOT be given as soon as possible?
- A. Clopidogrel (Plavix)
- B. Morphine
- C. Aspirin (ASA)
- D. Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In the setting of a suspected myocardial infarction (MI), the priority medications to administer as soon as possible include aspirin (ASA) and possibly morphine to manage pain and anxiety. Clopidogrel (Plavix) is not typically administered immediately in the emergency setting for MI management. Metoprolol (Lopressor) is indicated after aspirin administration and stabilization of the patient. Therefore, in this scenario, clopidogrel should NOT be given as a first-line medication for a suspected MI.
5. Why should the nitrate patch be off for 8 hours per day?
- A. “There is no reason to take the patch off each day.”
- B. “The patch can be addictive; leaving it off reduces the addiction.”
- C. “You should only leave the patch off for 15 minutes.”
- D. “Leaving the patch off for 8 hours per day helps to delay the development of tolerance.”
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Removing the nitrate patch for 8 hours each day is essential to prevent the body from developing tolerance to the medication. By allowing the body to have a drug-free period, the effectiveness of the medication is maintained over time. This practice helps in ensuring that the nitrate patch continues to provide its intended therapeutic effects without diminishing its efficacy. Therefore, it is important for the client to adhere to the prescribed schedule of removing the patch for 8 hours daily to optimize the treatment outcomes.
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