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ATI Pharmacology Proctored Retake Exam 2025–2026
| 150+ NCLEX-Style Qs & Rationales | A+ Guaranteed
| Updated Drug Guide
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer IV morphine sulfate 2 mg to a post-operative client who is 6
hours post-op from an abdominal hysterectomy. The client is alert but reports pain rated 8/10.
The client’s respiratory rate is 9 breaths per minute, SpO₂ is 94%, and blood pressure is 110/70
mm Hg. The provider has prescribed morphine for pain greater than 6/10. What is the nurse’s
priority action before administering the medication?
A. Administer the morphine and monitor every 15 minutes
B. Reassess pain in 30 minutes before proceeding
C. Hold the medication and notify the provider of respiratory depression
D. Administer naloxone concurrently to prevent adverse effects
,2
Correct Answer: C. Hold the medication and notify the provider of respiratory depression
Rationale: The client's respiratory rate is below 12 breaths/min, which indicates opioid-induced
respiratory depression, a serious complication of morphine. Administering morphine at this
point could worsen the condition and lead to respiratory arrest. The nurse must withhold the dose
and notify the provider immediately. Opioids can be life-threatening when given to clients with
inadequate respiratory drive.
📚 Reference: ATI RN Pharmacology Review Module (2023); Lehne’s Pharmacology, 10th ed.,
p. 272
✅ Question 2
A nurse is reviewing medications for a client recently diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) who has
been prescribed isoniazid and rifampin. The nurse is providing education about side effects and
medication adherence. The client asks, “What should I expect while on these medications?”
Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
A. “Rifampin may cause yellowing of the eyes or skin, which is harmless.”
B. “You should notify your provider if you experience numbness or tingling in your hands or
feet.”
C. “You can stop taking isoniazid if you feel better after a few weeks.”
D. “Take the medications with food to increase absorption.”
Correct Answer: B. “You should notify your provider if you experience numbness or
tingling in your hands or feet.”
,3
Rationale: Isoniazid can cause peripheral neuropathy, manifested by numbness or tingling,
due to vitamin B6 depletion. Clients must report these symptoms immediately. Vitamin B6 is
often prescribed prophylactically. Rifampin may discolor body fluids (orange/red) and can cause
hepatotoxicity, not just harmless yellowing. TB medications require strict adherence to avoid
resistance.
📚 Reference: ATI RN Pharmacology Review Module; Lehne’s Pharmacology, 10th ed., p. 1002
✅ Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who is receiving digoxin 0.125 mg orally daily.
The client reports nausea, anorexia, and blurred vision. Vital signs include HR 56 bpm, BP
118/76, and RR 16. The nurse reviews the client’s lab values: potassium 3.1 mEq/L and digoxin
level 2.2 ng/mL. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Document findings and reassess in 1 hour
B. Administer potassium supplements and continue digoxin
C. Notify the provider of digoxin toxicity and hold the dose
D. Encourage intake of potassium-rich foods and fluids
Correct Answer: C. Notify the provider of digoxin toxicity and hold the dose
Rationale: A digoxin level >2.0 ng/mL with symptoms such as nausea, anorexia, bradycardia,
and vision changes strongly indicates digoxin toxicity. Hypokalemia further increases
sensitivity to digoxin and the risk of arrhythmias. The nurse should hold the medication and
notify the provider immediately. Potassium replacement may be initiated, but only under the
, 4
provider’s direction.
📚 Reference: ATI Pharmacology; Saunders NCLEX Review 10th ed., p. 392
✅ Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client with hypertension who has been prescribed lisinopril. On the third
day of therapy, the client develops a persistent, dry cough. The client is concerned and asks,
“Why is this happening?” Which of the following responses by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. “It’s a sign of infection; I’ll notify the provider immediately.”
B. “This is a common side effect; your medication may need to be changed.”
C. “Try using cough drops and fluids until it improves.”
D. “It means the medication is working effectively on your blood pressure.”
Correct Answer: B. “This is a common side effect; your medication may need to be
changed.”
Rationale: A dry, persistent cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril,
due to accumulation of bradykinin. While not harmful, it can significantly impact quality of life.
The provider may switch the client to an ARB (like losartan), which does not cause the cough.
Cough suppressants are not usually effective.
📚 Reference: ATI Pharmacology Review Module; Lehne’s Pharmacology, 10th ed., p. 487
✅ Question 5
ATI Pharmacology Proctored Retake Exam 2025–2026
| 150+ NCLEX-Style Qs & Rationales | A+ Guaranteed
| Updated Drug Guide
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer IV morphine sulfate 2 mg to a post-operative client who is 6
hours post-op from an abdominal hysterectomy. The client is alert but reports pain rated 8/10.
The client’s respiratory rate is 9 breaths per minute, SpO₂ is 94%, and blood pressure is 110/70
mm Hg. The provider has prescribed morphine for pain greater than 6/10. What is the nurse’s
priority action before administering the medication?
A. Administer the morphine and monitor every 15 minutes
B. Reassess pain in 30 minutes before proceeding
C. Hold the medication and notify the provider of respiratory depression
D. Administer naloxone concurrently to prevent adverse effects
,2
Correct Answer: C. Hold the medication and notify the provider of respiratory depression
Rationale: The client's respiratory rate is below 12 breaths/min, which indicates opioid-induced
respiratory depression, a serious complication of morphine. Administering morphine at this
point could worsen the condition and lead to respiratory arrest. The nurse must withhold the dose
and notify the provider immediately. Opioids can be life-threatening when given to clients with
inadequate respiratory drive.
📚 Reference: ATI RN Pharmacology Review Module (2023); Lehne’s Pharmacology, 10th ed.,
p. 272
✅ Question 2
A nurse is reviewing medications for a client recently diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) who has
been prescribed isoniazid and rifampin. The nurse is providing education about side effects and
medication adherence. The client asks, “What should I expect while on these medications?”
Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
A. “Rifampin may cause yellowing of the eyes or skin, which is harmless.”
B. “You should notify your provider if you experience numbness or tingling in your hands or
feet.”
C. “You can stop taking isoniazid if you feel better after a few weeks.”
D. “Take the medications with food to increase absorption.”
Correct Answer: B. “You should notify your provider if you experience numbness or
tingling in your hands or feet.”
,3
Rationale: Isoniazid can cause peripheral neuropathy, manifested by numbness or tingling,
due to vitamin B6 depletion. Clients must report these symptoms immediately. Vitamin B6 is
often prescribed prophylactically. Rifampin may discolor body fluids (orange/red) and can cause
hepatotoxicity, not just harmless yellowing. TB medications require strict adherence to avoid
resistance.
📚 Reference: ATI RN Pharmacology Review Module; Lehne’s Pharmacology, 10th ed., p. 1002
✅ Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who is receiving digoxin 0.125 mg orally daily.
The client reports nausea, anorexia, and blurred vision. Vital signs include HR 56 bpm, BP
118/76, and RR 16. The nurse reviews the client’s lab values: potassium 3.1 mEq/L and digoxin
level 2.2 ng/mL. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Document findings and reassess in 1 hour
B. Administer potassium supplements and continue digoxin
C. Notify the provider of digoxin toxicity and hold the dose
D. Encourage intake of potassium-rich foods and fluids
Correct Answer: C. Notify the provider of digoxin toxicity and hold the dose
Rationale: A digoxin level >2.0 ng/mL with symptoms such as nausea, anorexia, bradycardia,
and vision changes strongly indicates digoxin toxicity. Hypokalemia further increases
sensitivity to digoxin and the risk of arrhythmias. The nurse should hold the medication and
notify the provider immediately. Potassium replacement may be initiated, but only under the
, 4
provider’s direction.
📚 Reference: ATI Pharmacology; Saunders NCLEX Review 10th ed., p. 392
✅ Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client with hypertension who has been prescribed lisinopril. On the third
day of therapy, the client develops a persistent, dry cough. The client is concerned and asks,
“Why is this happening?” Which of the following responses by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. “It’s a sign of infection; I’ll notify the provider immediately.”
B. “This is a common side effect; your medication may need to be changed.”
C. “Try using cough drops and fluids until it improves.”
D. “It means the medication is working effectively on your blood pressure.”
Correct Answer: B. “This is a common side effect; your medication may need to be
changed.”
Rationale: A dry, persistent cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril,
due to accumulation of bradykinin. While not harmful, it can significantly impact quality of life.
The provider may switch the client to an ARB (like losartan), which does not cause the cough.
Cough suppressants are not usually effective.
📚 Reference: ATI Pharmacology Review Module; Lehne’s Pharmacology, 10th ed., p. 487
✅ Question 5
