VIRTUAL ATI: PHARMACOLOGY THERAPIES
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
A client with a digoxin level of 2.4 ng/ml has a heart rate of 39. The health care provider
prescribes atropine sulfate. Which of the following best describes the intended action of
atropine for this client?
A. To reduce peristalsis and urinary bladder tone.
b. To accelerate the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses.
c. To dry oral and tracheobronchial secretions.
d. To stimulate the SA node and sympathetic fibers to increase the rate. - CORRECT ANSWER -To
accelerate the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses
Atropine accelerates the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses. It is given IVP at doses of
0.5mg to 1.0mg per dose; every 3 to 5 minutes; up to 2.0mg. Doses less than 0.5mg may cause a
paradoxical slowing of the heart rate. When Atropine is given to a client with history of an MI it
should be used with great caution; increasing the heart rate also increases myocardial oxygen
consumption!
A client is prescribed digoxin 1mg by mouth QID. The client states that the objects in his room
have a yellowish tinge and he is nauseated. Select the most appropriate nursing action at this
time.
a. Count the apical pulse; if it is regular and above 60, administer the drug as ordered.
b. Administer the medication and observe the client for further nausea.
c. Hold the drug and call the health care provider.
d. Hold the medication and count the apical pulse before the next dose is to be given. -
CORRECT ANSWER -Hold the drug and call the health care provider
client is showing signs of digitalis toxicity. The most appropriate action is to hold the drug and
call the health care provider. Severe arrhythmia may develop if action is not taken
,A client diagnosed with preterm labor has been prescribed nifedipine. The client asks the nurse
why this particular medication has been prescribed. Which of the following statements by the
nurse is correct?
a. To decrease the intensity of your pain
b. To relax your muscles of your uterus
c. To lower your blood pressure
d. To promote development of your baby's lungs - CORRECT ANSWER -To relax your muscles of
your uterus
A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). An
intravenous infusion of regular insulin has been started. Which of the following nursing
interventions is most appropriate for this client?
a. Obtain an arterial blood gas every 2 hours
b. Ensure glucagon is readily available
c. Add the prescribed dose of NPH insulin to the IV infusion
d. Monitor blood glucose levels every 4 hours - CORRECT ANSWER -Ensure glucagon is readily
available
Glucagon and D50 are used for rapid treatment of hypoglycemia which can occur when insulin
is administered intravenously
A nurse is evaluating a client's understanding of lithium. Which statement by the client indicates
a need for further education?
a. "I should take the medication on an empty stomach."
b. "I will drink 8-12 glasses of water a day."
c. "I will contact my provider if I develop diarrhea."
d. "I should have my blood level drawn as directed." - CORRECT ANSWER -"I should take the
medication on an empty stomach."
, The client should be instructed to contact their provider any time they develop diarrhea.
Diarrhea can cause significant sodium loss which will lead to lithium toxicity.
A nurse is caring for a client taking captopril. Which finding would require immediate attention
for this client?
a. Blood pressure 96/48
b. Pulse 56
c. Sodium 133
d. Potassium 5.8 - CORRECT ANSWER -Potassium 5.8
potassium of 5.8 is elevated- normal is 3.5-5. One effect of Capoten is elevation of potassium
levels because this drug inhibits the formation of angiotensin II and blocks the release of
aldosterone. The blocking of the aldosterone results in sodium excretion and potassium
retention. Hyperkalemia can result in cardiac arrhythmias and if untreated lead to cardiac
arrest.
A nurse is caring for a client taking captopril who has started experiencing a frequent dry cough.
What action should the nurse take?
a. Encourage the client to use over the counter cough syrup for the cough.
b. Instruct the client to decrease the dosage of the medication.
c. Notify the provider of the client's symptom.
d. Encourage the client to continue taking the medication as prescribed. - CORRECT ANSWER -
Notify the provider of the client's symptom.
An adverse effect of ACE inhibitors is a cough related to inhibition of kinase II which results in an
increase in bradykinin. The provider should be notified if a dry cough occurs so that the
medication can be discontinued.
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
A client with a digoxin level of 2.4 ng/ml has a heart rate of 39. The health care provider
prescribes atropine sulfate. Which of the following best describes the intended action of
atropine for this client?
A. To reduce peristalsis and urinary bladder tone.
b. To accelerate the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses.
c. To dry oral and tracheobronchial secretions.
d. To stimulate the SA node and sympathetic fibers to increase the rate. - CORRECT ANSWER -To
accelerate the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses
Atropine accelerates the heart rate by interfering with vagal impulses. It is given IVP at doses of
0.5mg to 1.0mg per dose; every 3 to 5 minutes; up to 2.0mg. Doses less than 0.5mg may cause a
paradoxical slowing of the heart rate. When Atropine is given to a client with history of an MI it
should be used with great caution; increasing the heart rate also increases myocardial oxygen
consumption!
A client is prescribed digoxin 1mg by mouth QID. The client states that the objects in his room
have a yellowish tinge and he is nauseated. Select the most appropriate nursing action at this
time.
a. Count the apical pulse; if it is regular and above 60, administer the drug as ordered.
b. Administer the medication and observe the client for further nausea.
c. Hold the drug and call the health care provider.
d. Hold the medication and count the apical pulse before the next dose is to be given. -
CORRECT ANSWER -Hold the drug and call the health care provider
client is showing signs of digitalis toxicity. The most appropriate action is to hold the drug and
call the health care provider. Severe arrhythmia may develop if action is not taken
,A client diagnosed with preterm labor has been prescribed nifedipine. The client asks the nurse
why this particular medication has been prescribed. Which of the following statements by the
nurse is correct?
a. To decrease the intensity of your pain
b. To relax your muscles of your uterus
c. To lower your blood pressure
d. To promote development of your baby's lungs - CORRECT ANSWER -To relax your muscles of
your uterus
A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). An
intravenous infusion of regular insulin has been started. Which of the following nursing
interventions is most appropriate for this client?
a. Obtain an arterial blood gas every 2 hours
b. Ensure glucagon is readily available
c. Add the prescribed dose of NPH insulin to the IV infusion
d. Monitor blood glucose levels every 4 hours - CORRECT ANSWER -Ensure glucagon is readily
available
Glucagon and D50 are used for rapid treatment of hypoglycemia which can occur when insulin
is administered intravenously
A nurse is evaluating a client's understanding of lithium. Which statement by the client indicates
a need for further education?
a. "I should take the medication on an empty stomach."
b. "I will drink 8-12 glasses of water a day."
c. "I will contact my provider if I develop diarrhea."
d. "I should have my blood level drawn as directed." - CORRECT ANSWER -"I should take the
medication on an empty stomach."
, The client should be instructed to contact their provider any time they develop diarrhea.
Diarrhea can cause significant sodium loss which will lead to lithium toxicity.
A nurse is caring for a client taking captopril. Which finding would require immediate attention
for this client?
a. Blood pressure 96/48
b. Pulse 56
c. Sodium 133
d. Potassium 5.8 - CORRECT ANSWER -Potassium 5.8
potassium of 5.8 is elevated- normal is 3.5-5. One effect of Capoten is elevation of potassium
levels because this drug inhibits the formation of angiotensin II and blocks the release of
aldosterone. The blocking of the aldosterone results in sodium excretion and potassium
retention. Hyperkalemia can result in cardiac arrhythmias and if untreated lead to cardiac
arrest.
A nurse is caring for a client taking captopril who has started experiencing a frequent dry cough.
What action should the nurse take?
a. Encourage the client to use over the counter cough syrup for the cough.
b. Instruct the client to decrease the dosage of the medication.
c. Notify the provider of the client's symptom.
d. Encourage the client to continue taking the medication as prescribed. - CORRECT ANSWER -
Notify the provider of the client's symptom.
An adverse effect of ACE inhibitors is a cough related to inhibition of kinase II which results in an
increase in bradykinin. The provider should be notified if a dry cough occurs so that the
medication can be discontinued.
