ATI RN Pharmacology Form A Exam|
Questions and Answers with Rationales|
Latest 2023 / 2024
1. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has
... [Show More] multiple sclerosis and a new
prescription for methylprednisolone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse
include? (Select all that apply)
A. Blood glucose levels will be monitored during therapy
B. Avoid contact with people who have known infections
C. Take the medication 1 hr before breakfast
D. Decrease dietary intake of foods containing potassium
E. Grapefruit juice can increase the effects of the medication
✓ Answer: a. Blood glucose levels will be monitored during therapy, b.
Avoid contact with people who have known infections, e. Grapefruit
juice can increase the effects of the medication
The nurse should monitor the client for hyperglycemia while providing
methylprednisolone to the client. Glucocorticoids, such as methylprednisolone, increase
serum glucose levels and can require management with insulin or antihyperglycemics
The nurse should instruct the client to avoid exposure to infectious agents, such as
contact with those who have active infections or illness. Glucocorticoids, such as
methylprednisolone, depress the immune system, placing the client at an increased risk
for developing an infection
The nurse should instruct the client to take the medication with food or milk to decrease
GI upset
The nurse should instruct the patient to increase dietary intake of potassium-rich foods
while taking this medication. Glucocorticoids, such as methylprednisolone, deplete
potassium in the body, which manifests as hypokalemia
The nurse should instruct the client that grapefruit juice and grapefruit can increase the
level of methylprednisolone in the body
2. A nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia and is taking haloperidol. The nurse
should report which of the following findings to the provider as a manifestation of
neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?
A. Temperature of 39.7 C (103.5 F)
B. Urinary retention
C. Heart rate 56/min
D. Muscle flaccidity
✓ Answer: d. Temperature of 39.7 C (103.5 F)
The nurse should report fever to the provider as an indication of NMS, an acute
lifethreatening emergency. Other manifestations can include respiratory distress,
diaphoresis, and either hyper or hypotension
Incontinence, tachycardia, and severe muscle rigidity are also manifestations of NMS
3. A nurse is teaching a group of unit nurses about medication reconciliation. Which of the
following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. The client's provider is required to complete medication reconciliation
B. Medication reconciliation at discharge is limited to the medication ordered at the
time of discharge
C. A transition in care requires the nurse to conduct medication reconciliation
D. Medical reconciliation is limited to the name of the medications that the client is
currently taking
✓ Answer: c. A transition in care requires the nurse to conduct a
medication reconciliation
The nurse should conduct medication reconciliation anytime the client is undergoing a
change in care such as admission, transfer from one unit to another, or discharge. A
complete listing of all prescribed and overthecounter medications should be reviewed.
The nurse or member of the health care team, such as the pharmacist, is required to
complete medication reconciliation
Medication reconciliation at discharge includes medications ordered at the time of
discharge, overthecounter medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, nutritional
supplements, and other medications the client is taking. The indication, route, dosage
size, and dosing interval are also required
4. A nurse is caring for a 20 year old female client who has a prescription for isotretinoin
for severe nodulocystic acne vulgaris. Before the client can obtain a refill, the nurse
should advise the client that which of the following tests is required?
A. Serum calcium
B. Pregnancy test
C. 24hr urine collection for protein
D. Aspartate aminotransferase level
✓ Answer: b. Pregnancy test
The nurse should instruct the client that isotretinoin has teratogenic effects; therefore,
pregnancy must be ruled out before the client can obtain a refill. The client must provide
two negative pregnancy tests for the initial prescription and one negative test before
monthly refills
The client should have a laboratory test for aspartate aminotransferase levels prior to
starting isotretinoin, 1 month after starting the medication, and periodically thereafter.
However, a laboratory test for aspartate aminotransferase is not required to renew a
prescription for isotretinoin
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving heparin therapy via continuous IV infusion
to treat pulmonary embolism. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify
as an adverse effect of the medication and report to the provider?
A. Vomiting
B. Blood in the urine
C. Positive Chvostek's sign
D. Ringing in the ears
✓ Answer: b. Blood in the urine
The nurse should report blood in the urine to the provider because this can be a
manifestation of heparin toxicity. Other manifestations can include bruising, hematomas,
hypotension, and tachycardia.
A Chvostek's sign is seen in clients who have hypocalcemia or hypomagnesemia
Aminoglycosides, such as vancomycin, are medications that cause ringing in the ears
6. A nurse is planning care for a client who has hypertension and is to start taking
metoprolol. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of
care?
A. Weigh the client weekly
B. Determine apical pulse prior to administering
C. Administer the medication 30 mins prior to breakfast
D. Monitor the client for jaundice
✓ Answer: b. Determine apical pulse prior to admin [Show Less]