Pharmacology 2022 ATI (Study Guide),
Answered With Rationale.
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication the nurse has never administered
previously. Which of the following information should the nurse identify as a
contraindication to administering the medication? Select All That Apply.
The client is allergic to a component of the medication.
-Rationale: An allergy to a component of the medication is a contraindication because
taking the medication will cause the client harm.
The client is 5 years younger than the age requirement for the medication.
-Rationale: Not meeting age or weight requirements for a medication is a
contraindication to medication administration
A nurse is preparing to administer an IM dose of penicillin to a client who has a
new prescription. The client states when they took penicillin 3 years ago, they
developed a skin rash. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Withhold the medication.
-Rationale: Withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider of the client's
previous reaction to penicillin so that an alternative antibiotic can be prescribed. allergic
reactions to penicillin can range from mild to severe anaphylaxis, and prior sensitization
should be reported to the provider.
A nurse is comparing a newly prescribed medication to a client's current
medications. Which of the following interactions should the nurse identify as
increasing the risk of medication toxicity?
The new medication decreases the heart rate of metabolism of another medication.
-Rationale: When the metabolism of medication is reduced, it remains active in the body
for longer periods or at higher levels.
A nurse is reviewing a client's health record and notes that the client experienced
permanent extrapyramidal symptoms caused by a previous medication. The
nurse should recognize that the medication affected which of the following
systems in the client?
Central Nervous
-Rationale: EPS are movement disorders that can be caused by a number of central
nervous system medications (typical antipsychotic medications).
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing anaphylaxis. Which of the
following medications should the nurse expect to administer?
Antihistamine
-Rationale: Antihistamine medications (diphenhydramine) reduce angioedema and
urticaria associated with anaphylaxis)
observing a client's IV infusion site. Which of the following findings should the
nurse identify as indications of phlebitis? Select All That Apply.
Pain
-Rationale: Pain and burning at the insertion site are manifestations of phlebitis
,Erythema
-Rationale: Erythema and warmth at the insertion site are manifestations of phlebitis
A nurse is assisting with the initiation of the IV therapy for an older adult client.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Distend the veins by using a blood pressure cuff
-Rationale: Distend the veins using a blood pressure cuff to reduce overfilling of the
vein, which can result in a hematoma.
A nurse is monitoring the IV catheter insertion site for a client receiving a
nonvesicant solution and note swelling at the site with decreased skin
temperature. which of the following actions should the nurse take ? Select All
That Apply.
Stop the infusion
-Rationale: Decreased temperature and swelling at the insertion site are manifestations
of IV infiltration. Stop the infusion and start a new line in the other extremity.
Apply warm compresses to the insertion site.
-Rationale: Apply a warm or cold compress to a client who is experiencing
manifestations of an IV in infiltration, depending on the solution
Elevate the client's arm
-Rationale: Elevate the arm of a client who is experiencing edema with an infiltration
A nurse is preparing a client's medications. Which of the following actions should
the nurse take in following legal practice guideline? Select All That Apply.
Reinforce teaching with the client about the medication
-Rationale: Reinforcing teaching with the client about the medication is part of the rights
of medication administration
Monitor for adverse effect
-Rationale: Monitor for adverse side effects as part of the rights of medication
administration
Lock compartments for controlled substances
-Rationale: Lock controlled substances in a drawer, cart, or other compartments to
prevent misuse
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to client who states, "I don't want to
take that medications. I do not want one more pill". Which of the following
responses should the nurse make?
"Tell me your concerns about taking the medication".
-Rationale: Although clients have the right to refuse medication, this response is correct
in determining the reason for refusal by asking about the client's concerns. The
information can be provided about the risk of refusal and facilitate an informed decision.
At that point, if the client still exercises their right to refuse medication, notify the
provider and document the refusal and actions taken.
A nurse is reviewing a client's prescribed medications. Which of the following
situations represents a contraindication to medication administration?
,A medication is approved for ages 12 and older, and the client is 8 years old
-Rationale: Age is one factor that can be a contraindication to medication administration.
Contraindications are findings that indicate the client should not receive a medication
and are different from instances where an undesirable effect or more monitoring is
needed
A nurse is collecting data from a client before administering medications. Which
of the following data should the nurse obtain? Select All That Apply.
Use of herbal products.
-Rationale: Inquire about the client's use of herbal products, which often contain
caffeine, prior to medication administration because caffeine can affect medication
biotransformation
ability to swallow
-Rationale: Determine the client's ability to swallow to see what route or formulation of
the medication the client requires.
allergies
-Rationale: Inquire about food allergies during the preassessment to identify any
potential reactions or interactions
A nurse is working with a newly licensed nurse who is administering medications
to clients. Which of the following actions should the nurse identify as an
indication that the newly hired nurse understands medication error prevention
Checking the prescriptions when a single dose requires administration of multiple
tablets
-Rationale: If a single dose requires multiple tablets, it is possible that an error has
occurred in the prescription or transcription of the medication. This action could prevent
a medication error.
A nurse receives a prescription for phenobarbitals for a client who has a seizure
disorder. The medication has a long half-life of 4 days. How many times per day
should the nurse expect to administer this medication?
One
-Rationale: Medications with long half-lives remain at their therapeutic levels between
doses for long periods of time. Expect to administer this medication once per day.
A nurse is reviewing medication metabolism. Which of the following factors
should the nurse determine as a reason to administer lower medication dosages?
Select All That Apply.
Liver failure
-Rationale: Liver failure decreases metabolism and thus increases the concentration of
medication. This requires decreasing the dosage
Concurrent use of medication the same pathway metabolizes
-Rationale: When the same pathway metabolizes two medications, they compete for
metabolism, thereby increasing the concentration of one or both medications. This
requires decreasing the dosage of one or both medications
A nurse is preparing to administer eye drops to a client. Which of the following
should the nurse take? Select All That Apply.
, Ask the client to look up at the ceiling
-Rationale: The client should look upward to keep the drops from falling on the cornea
Drop the medication into the client's conjunctivital sac
-Rationale: Drop the medication into the conjunctival sac to promote the distribution
Instruct the client to close the eye gently after instillation
-Rationale: The client should close the eye gently to promote the distribution of the
medication
A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client about transdermal patches. Which of
the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client
understands?
"I will apply the patch to an area of skin with no hair".
-Rationale: The client should apply the patch to a hairless area of the skin to promote
absorption of the medication.
A nurse is reviewing a client's medical record notes a new prescription for
verifying the trough level of the client's medication. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take?
Obtain a blood specimen immediately prior to administering the next dose of
medication.
-Rationale: To verify the trough level of medication, obtain a blood specimen
immediately before administering the next dose of medication.
A nurse is collecting data from a client who is suspected of having
benzodiazepine toxicity. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify
as the priority to report to the provider?
Hypotension
-Rationale: When using the airway, breathing, circulation approach to client care, the
priority finding is hypotension. Report this finding to the RN and provider and prepare to
assist with treatment for benzodiazepine toxicity.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for
escitalopram for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the following
statements by the client indicates understanding of the information?
I need to discontinue this medication slowly
-Rationale: When discontinuing escitalopram, the client should taper the medication
slowly according to a prescribed tapered dosing schedule to reduce the risk of
withdrawal syndrome
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for
buspirone to treat anxiety. Which of the following information should the nurse
reinforce?
This medication has a low risk for dependency
-Rationale: Buspirone has a low risk for physical psychological dependence or tolerance
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has obsessive-compulsive
disorder and a new prescription for paroxetine. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include?
Answered With Rationale.
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication the nurse has never administered
previously. Which of the following information should the nurse identify as a
contraindication to administering the medication? Select All That Apply.
The client is allergic to a component of the medication.
-Rationale: An allergy to a component of the medication is a contraindication because
taking the medication will cause the client harm.
The client is 5 years younger than the age requirement for the medication.
-Rationale: Not meeting age or weight requirements for a medication is a
contraindication to medication administration
A nurse is preparing to administer an IM dose of penicillin to a client who has a
new prescription. The client states when they took penicillin 3 years ago, they
developed a skin rash. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Withhold the medication.
-Rationale: Withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider of the client's
previous reaction to penicillin so that an alternative antibiotic can be prescribed. allergic
reactions to penicillin can range from mild to severe anaphylaxis, and prior sensitization
should be reported to the provider.
A nurse is comparing a newly prescribed medication to a client's current
medications. Which of the following interactions should the nurse identify as
increasing the risk of medication toxicity?
The new medication decreases the heart rate of metabolism of another medication.
-Rationale: When the metabolism of medication is reduced, it remains active in the body
for longer periods or at higher levels.
A nurse is reviewing a client's health record and notes that the client experienced
permanent extrapyramidal symptoms caused by a previous medication. The
nurse should recognize that the medication affected which of the following
systems in the client?
Central Nervous
-Rationale: EPS are movement disorders that can be caused by a number of central
nervous system medications (typical antipsychotic medications).
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing anaphylaxis. Which of the
following medications should the nurse expect to administer?
Antihistamine
-Rationale: Antihistamine medications (diphenhydramine) reduce angioedema and
urticaria associated with anaphylaxis)
observing a client's IV infusion site. Which of the following findings should the
nurse identify as indications of phlebitis? Select All That Apply.
Pain
-Rationale: Pain and burning at the insertion site are manifestations of phlebitis
,Erythema
-Rationale: Erythema and warmth at the insertion site are manifestations of phlebitis
A nurse is assisting with the initiation of the IV therapy for an older adult client.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Distend the veins by using a blood pressure cuff
-Rationale: Distend the veins using a blood pressure cuff to reduce overfilling of the
vein, which can result in a hematoma.
A nurse is monitoring the IV catheter insertion site for a client receiving a
nonvesicant solution and note swelling at the site with decreased skin
temperature. which of the following actions should the nurse take ? Select All
That Apply.
Stop the infusion
-Rationale: Decreased temperature and swelling at the insertion site are manifestations
of IV infiltration. Stop the infusion and start a new line in the other extremity.
Apply warm compresses to the insertion site.
-Rationale: Apply a warm or cold compress to a client who is experiencing
manifestations of an IV in infiltration, depending on the solution
Elevate the client's arm
-Rationale: Elevate the arm of a client who is experiencing edema with an infiltration
A nurse is preparing a client's medications. Which of the following actions should
the nurse take in following legal practice guideline? Select All That Apply.
Reinforce teaching with the client about the medication
-Rationale: Reinforcing teaching with the client about the medication is part of the rights
of medication administration
Monitor for adverse effect
-Rationale: Monitor for adverse side effects as part of the rights of medication
administration
Lock compartments for controlled substances
-Rationale: Lock controlled substances in a drawer, cart, or other compartments to
prevent misuse
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to client who states, "I don't want to
take that medications. I do not want one more pill". Which of the following
responses should the nurse make?
"Tell me your concerns about taking the medication".
-Rationale: Although clients have the right to refuse medication, this response is correct
in determining the reason for refusal by asking about the client's concerns. The
information can be provided about the risk of refusal and facilitate an informed decision.
At that point, if the client still exercises their right to refuse medication, notify the
provider and document the refusal and actions taken.
A nurse is reviewing a client's prescribed medications. Which of the following
situations represents a contraindication to medication administration?
,A medication is approved for ages 12 and older, and the client is 8 years old
-Rationale: Age is one factor that can be a contraindication to medication administration.
Contraindications are findings that indicate the client should not receive a medication
and are different from instances where an undesirable effect or more monitoring is
needed
A nurse is collecting data from a client before administering medications. Which
of the following data should the nurse obtain? Select All That Apply.
Use of herbal products.
-Rationale: Inquire about the client's use of herbal products, which often contain
caffeine, prior to medication administration because caffeine can affect medication
biotransformation
ability to swallow
-Rationale: Determine the client's ability to swallow to see what route or formulation of
the medication the client requires.
allergies
-Rationale: Inquire about food allergies during the preassessment to identify any
potential reactions or interactions
A nurse is working with a newly licensed nurse who is administering medications
to clients. Which of the following actions should the nurse identify as an
indication that the newly hired nurse understands medication error prevention
Checking the prescriptions when a single dose requires administration of multiple
tablets
-Rationale: If a single dose requires multiple tablets, it is possible that an error has
occurred in the prescription or transcription of the medication. This action could prevent
a medication error.
A nurse receives a prescription for phenobarbitals for a client who has a seizure
disorder. The medication has a long half-life of 4 days. How many times per day
should the nurse expect to administer this medication?
One
-Rationale: Medications with long half-lives remain at their therapeutic levels between
doses for long periods of time. Expect to administer this medication once per day.
A nurse is reviewing medication metabolism. Which of the following factors
should the nurse determine as a reason to administer lower medication dosages?
Select All That Apply.
Liver failure
-Rationale: Liver failure decreases metabolism and thus increases the concentration of
medication. This requires decreasing the dosage
Concurrent use of medication the same pathway metabolizes
-Rationale: When the same pathway metabolizes two medications, they compete for
metabolism, thereby increasing the concentration of one or both medications. This
requires decreasing the dosage of one or both medications
A nurse is preparing to administer eye drops to a client. Which of the following
should the nurse take? Select All That Apply.
, Ask the client to look up at the ceiling
-Rationale: The client should look upward to keep the drops from falling on the cornea
Drop the medication into the client's conjunctivital sac
-Rationale: Drop the medication into the conjunctival sac to promote the distribution
Instruct the client to close the eye gently after instillation
-Rationale: The client should close the eye gently to promote the distribution of the
medication
A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client about transdermal patches. Which of
the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client
understands?
"I will apply the patch to an area of skin with no hair".
-Rationale: The client should apply the patch to a hairless area of the skin to promote
absorption of the medication.
A nurse is reviewing a client's medical record notes a new prescription for
verifying the trough level of the client's medication. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take?
Obtain a blood specimen immediately prior to administering the next dose of
medication.
-Rationale: To verify the trough level of medication, obtain a blood specimen
immediately before administering the next dose of medication.
A nurse is collecting data from a client who is suspected of having
benzodiazepine toxicity. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify
as the priority to report to the provider?
Hypotension
-Rationale: When using the airway, breathing, circulation approach to client care, the
priority finding is hypotension. Report this finding to the RN and provider and prepare to
assist with treatment for benzodiazepine toxicity.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for
escitalopram for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the following
statements by the client indicates understanding of the information?
I need to discontinue this medication slowly
-Rationale: When discontinuing escitalopram, the client should taper the medication
slowly according to a prescribed tapered dosing schedule to reduce the risk of
withdrawal syndrome
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for
buspirone to treat anxiety. Which of the following information should the nurse
reinforce?
This medication has a low risk for dependency
-Rationale: Buspirone has a low risk for physical psychological dependence or tolerance
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has obsessive-compulsive
disorder and a new prescription for paroxetine. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include?
