a nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for lithium carbonate when teaching the client about ways to prevent lithium toxicity the nu

ATI RN

ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam

1. A client has a new prescription for Lithium Carbonate. When teaching the client about ways to prevent Lithium toxicity, the client should be advised to do which of the following?

A. Avoid using acetaminophen for headaches.
B. Restrict intake of foods rich in sodium.
C. Decrease fluid intake to less than 1,500 mL daily.
D. Limit aerobic activity in hot weather.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to limit aerobic activity in hot weather. Aerobic activity in hot weather can lead to excessive sweating, potentially causing sodium and water depletion, which can increase the risk of Lithium toxicity. It is important for clients taking Lithium to maintain adequate hydration and sodium levels to prevent toxicity. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Avoiding acetaminophen for headaches is not directly related to Lithium toxicity. Restricting intake of foods rich in sodium is not recommended because adequate sodium levels are necessary to prevent Lithium toxicity. Decreasing fluid intake to less than 1,500 mL daily is also not advisable as adequate hydration is important to prevent Lithium toxicity.

2. A client has a new prescription for Prednisone. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Serum glucose. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can lead to hyperglycemia. Monitoring serum glucose levels is essential to assess for elevated blood sugar levels. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as Prednisone does not directly affect potassium, calcium, or sodium levels.

3. A client has a new prescription for Lovastatin. Which of the following instructions should be included?

A. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
B. Take this medication in the morning.
C. Take this medication at bedtime.
D. Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Lovastatin should be taken at bedtime because cholesterol production in the liver is highest at night, making the medication more effective in reducing cholesterol levels. By taking it at bedtime, the medication aligns with the body's natural rhythm of cholesterol synthesis, optimizing its therapeutic effects.

4. Medications classified as angiotensin II receptor agents typically end in?

A. Sartan
B. Ase
C. Olol
D. Pril

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Angiotensin II receptor agents belong to the drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). The generic names of ARBs usually end in -sartan, helping to identify this specific class of medications. Therefore, medications that end in -sartan are likely to be angiotensin II receptor agents. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because drugs ending in -ase (like streptokinase), -olol (like propranolol), and -pril (like lisinopril) typically belong to different drug classes with distinct mechanisms of action.

5. Why has an ACE inhibitor been prescribed following an MI?

A. “This medication will lower your potassium level.”
B. “ACE inhibitors have been found to reduce mortality following MI.”
C. “ACE inhibitors are always prescribed with a beta blocker and calcium channel blocker following an MI.”
D. “This medication will treat your hypotension.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Following a myocardial infarction (MI), ACE inhibitors are commonly prescribed due to their proven benefit in reducing mortality and improving outcomes post-MI. These medications help by decreasing the workload of the heart, preventing remodeling of the heart chambers, and improving survival rates. While ACE inhibitors may have effects on potassium levels, the primary reason for their prescription post-MI is their mortality-reducing properties.