ATI NCLEX Pharmacology Assessment 1

1. A nurse is assessing a client who is taking esomeprazole. Which of the following statements by the client should the nurse identify as an indication that the medication is having an effective therapeutic response? A. "My headaches are gone" B. "My mouth isn't so dry anymore" C. "The burning in my throat is gone" ✅ D. "I have regular bowel movements"

    

Explanation: Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat GERD and ulcers. Heartburn (burning in the throat) is a common manifestation of GERD, so the absence of this symptom indicates the medication is working.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who is taking interferon beta-1B for treatment of multiple sclerosis. The nurse should monitor for which of the following findings as an adverse effect of this medication? A. Hepatotoxicity ✅ B. Hyperglycemia C. Thrombophlebitis D. Pulmonary edema

    

Explanation: Interferon beta-1B can cause liver injury. It is essential to monitor liver function tests (LFTs) at frequent intervals to assess for hepatotoxicity.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who has Alzheimer's disease and is taking oral rivastigmine. Which of the following findings indicates the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication? A. Diarrhea ✅ B. Tachycardia C. Dry skin D. Weight gain

Explanation: Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor. Diarrhea is a common adverse effect due to the peripheral cholinergic effects of the medication.

4. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for chlorpromazine. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? A. "I should not drive while taking this medication" ✅ B. "I am likely to have excessive salivation when taking this medication" C. "Abdominal pain is an indication that my medication dosages are too high" D. "I should stop taking the medication when I feel better"

    

Explanation: Chlorpromazine is a first-generation antipsychotic that increases central nervous system depression; patients should avoid driving until they know how the medication affects them.

5. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for prednisone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? A. "You can stop taking the medication as soon as your symptoms improve" B. "You should taper off the medication gradually" ✅ C. "You should expect to lose weight while taking this medication" D. "This medication will likely make you feel very sleepy"

Explanation: Long-term treatment with glucocorticoids like prednisone can cause adrenal suppression. Sudden cessation can lead to an adrenal crisis, so the medication must be tapered.

6. A nurse is reviewing a prescription for a client who has hypertension. The prescription reads atenolol 250 mg PO once daily. Which of the following parts of the prescription should the nurse clarify with the provider? A. Dose ✅ B. Route C. Medication D. Frequency

    

Explanation: The nurse should clarify the dose because the typical dosage for atenolol ranges from 50-100 mg and should not exceed 100 mg in 24 hours for hypertension.

7. A nurse is preparing to administer diltiazem to a client. The nurse should plan to monitor the client for which of the following findings as an adverse effect of the medication? A. Blurred vision B. Hyperglycemia C. Dizziness ✅ D. Hypertension

Explanation: Diltiazem is used to treat hypertension, but it can cause dizziness, which may indicate hypotension or cardiac dysrhythmias.