ATI RN
Pharmacology ATI Proctored Exam 2023
1. Which part of the body requires a continuous supply of oxygen and vital nutrients to support life and death?
- A. Liver
- B. Kidneys
- C. Brain
- D. Muscles
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The brain requires a continuous supply of oxygen and vital nutrients to support life and prevent death. Oxygen and nutrients are essential for brain function, and any interruption in the supply can lead to serious consequences, including brain damage or death. Therefore, ensuring a constant flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain is vital for survival and overall health.
2. The nurse is caring for a client who has chronic angina. Treatment for the condition has been unsuccessful. Which medication does the nurse anticipate will be prescribed?
- A. Atenolol (Tenormin)
- B. Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
- C. Sildenafil (Viagra)
- D. Ranolazine (Ranexa)
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In cases of chronic angina where initial treatment has not been successful, Ranolazine (Ranexa) is often prescribed. This medication helps by reducing the frequency of angina episodes. Atenolol, Nitroglycerin, and Sildenafil are also used in angina management but Ranolazine is more specifically indicated in cases of refractory angina where other treatments have failed.
3. Which drug class has been found to decrease mortality if given within 8 hours of an MI due to a decrease in cardiac workload?
- A. Antiplatelets
- B. Beta-adrenergic blockers
- C. ACE inhibitors
- D. Calcium channel blockers
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Beta-adrenergic blockers have been shown to decrease mortality when administered within 8 hours of a myocardial infarction (MI). They do so by reducing cardiac workload, which helps improve outcomes post-MI. These drugs work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, leading to decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand, thereby protecting the heart muscle from further damage. This makes them a crucial part of the treatment regimen for acute coronary syndromes like MI.
4. 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.
5. A client has been prescribed a calcium channel blocker for angina. The nurse knows this medication should NOT be used with caution in combination with which drug classes?
- A. NSAIDs
- B. Cardiac glycosides
- C. Beta blockers
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Calcium channel blockers and beta blockers should be used with caution together because they can both suppress heart function, potentially leading to bradycardia, heart block, or heart failure. NSAIDs and cardiac glycosides do not have significant interactions with calcium channel blockers in the same way, so they are not typically a cause for concern when combined.
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