PN ATI Pharmacology Study Guide

Free preview · Original latest version

Sample questions from PN ATI Pharmacology Study Guide

This material has 15 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.A client is scheduled to receive digoxin. The prescription states, 'Hold for apical pulse below 60/min.' The PN counts an apical pulse of 54/min for one full minute. The client reports nausea. Which action should the PN take?

   • A.Administer half the dose and document the pulse.
   • B.Withhold the dose and promptly report the findings to the RN or provider.
   • C.Give the medication with a potassium supplement.
   • D.Give the dose because nausea is unrelated to digoxin.

   Rationale: B is correct because the explicit hold parameter is met and nausea can accompany toxicity. A ignores both the order and a possible toxicity cue. C independently changes the prescription. D adds an unprescribed intervention and does not address the unsafe pulse.

2. 2.A client with diabetes is awake, can swallow safely, and has a glucose of 58 mg/dL. A hypoglycemia protocol is available. Which action should the PN take first?

   • A.Administer the scheduled rapid-acting insulin.
   • B.Give a high-fat snack as the only treatment.
   • C.Provide 15 g of rapid-acting carbohydrate according to protocol.
   • D.Wait 30 minutes and repeat the glucose.

   Rationale: C is correct because rapid carbohydrate is appropriate for an alert client with safe swallowing; glucose is then rechecked, commonly in 15 minutes. A worsens hypoglycemia. B delays needed treatment. D is less appropriate because fat slows absorption and does not provide the recommended rapid correction.

3. 3.Which statement by a client taking warfarin indicates correct understanding of reinforced dietary instructions?

   • A.I will keep my intake of vitamin K-containing foods reasonably consistent.
   • B.I can take ibuprofen whenever I have a headache.
   • C.I can stop INR testing when I stop noticing bruises.
   • D.I will avoid every food that contains vitamin K.

   Rationale: A is correct because consistent vitamin K intake supports stable anticoagulation. B incorrectly eliminates nutritious foods rather than promoting consistency. C increases bleeding risk without prescriber approval. D confuses visible symptoms with laboratory monitoring; INR checks remain necessary as ordered.

4. 4.A postoperative client received an opioid 40 minutes ago. The client is difficult to arouse and has shallow respirations at 7/min. What is the PN's priority action?

   • A.Ask the family to keep the client awake while the PN finishes medication rounds.
   • B.Administer the next prescribed sedative to prevent agitation.
   • C.Document that the client is resting comfortably.
   • D.Activate emergency assistance and support ventilation according to protocol.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.The PN reviews morning laboratory results for a client prescribed spironolactone and potassium chloride. Potassium is 6.2 mEq/L. Which action is most appropriate?

   • A.Administer potassium chloride but hold spironolactone.
   • B.Give extra oral fluids and repeat the potassium next week.
   • C.Withhold the scheduled doses while urgently contacting the RN or provider.
   • D.Give both medications because they were prescribed yesterday.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.