ATI RN
Pharmacology ATI Proctored Exam 2023
1. 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.
2. A client taking nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) complains of a headache. Which conclusion is most appropriate by the nurse?
- A. A headache indicates a serious allergic reaction to nitroglycerin.
- B. The client will not have a headache if the nitroglycerin is taken with a high-fat meal.
- C. Nitroglycerin does not cause a headache.
- D. The most common side effect of nitroglycerin is a headache.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is known to cause headaches as a common side effect due to its vasodilatory properties. It dilates blood vessels, which can lead to headaches. While a headache can indicate other serious conditions, the most common association with nitroglycerin use is a headache. It is crucial for the nurse to recognize this side effect and provide appropriate education and support to the client.
3. 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.
4. A client has been prescribed diltiazem (Cardizem) and asks the nurse what type of drug this is. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. “A beta blocker.”
- B. “A sodium channel blocker.”
- C. “An alpha blocker.”
- D. “A calcium channel blocker.”
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Diltiazem (Cardizem) belongs to the class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. These medications work by blocking calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, leading to relaxation of the blood vessels and reduced workload on the heart. This helps in lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow. It is crucial for the nurse to provide accurate information to the client about the type of drug prescribed to ensure understanding and compliance with the treatment plan.
5. 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.
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