ATI CMS Pharmacology Retake Exam 2023| 200 Practice Questions with Correct Answers and Italicized Explanations for Nursing Medications, Adverse Effects and Interventions Study Guide

ATI CMS Pharmacology Retake Exam 2023 |
200 Practice Questions with Correct
Answers and Italicized Explanations for
Nursing Medications, Adverse Effects and
Interventions Study Guide
• This 200-question ATI CMS Pharmacology Retake Exam Study Guide covers high-
yield nursing pharmacology concepts including drug actions, adverse effects,
contraindications, and nursing interventions — formatted for active recall and
exam-readiness.

• Each question includes five labeled options (A–E), a bolded correct answer, and a
clear EXPERT RATIONALE to reinforce clinical reasoning and help you retain key
concepts efficiently.



Question 1. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking digoxin. Which of the
following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

A. Heart rate of 68 beats per minute

B. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L

C. Blood pressure of 118/76 mmHg

D. Serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L

E. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute

Correct Answer: D. Serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L EXPERT
RATIONALE: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. A potassium level below
3.5 mEq/L should be reported immediately as it potentiates digoxin's toxic effects on the
heart, which can lead to fatal dysrhythmias.



Question 2. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for
warfarin. Which of the following statements by the client indicates
understanding?

A. "I will take aspirin if I have a headache."

,B. "I should eat more leafy green vegetables to boost my energy."

C. "I will have my blood tested regularly while on this medication."

D. "I can stop taking this medication if I feel fine."

E. "I should avoid all physical activity while on warfarin."

Correct Answer: C. "I will have my blood tested regularly while on this
medication." EXPERT RATIONALE: Warfarin requires regular INR monitoring to
ensure therapeutic levels (typically 2.0–3.0) and to avoid bleeding complications or
subtherapeutic anticoagulation. Consistency in vitamin K intake is also important.



Question 3. A nurse is preparing to administer metformin to a client with type
2 diabetes. Which of the following findings should prompt the nurse to hold
the medication?

A. Blood glucose of 180 mg/dL

B. HbA1c of 7.5%

C. Serum creatinine of 2.8 mg/dL

D. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg

E. Heart rate of 82 beats per minute

Correct Answer: C. Serum creatinine of 2.8 mg/dL EXPERT RATIONALE:
Metformin is contraindicated in renal impairment due to the risk of lactic acidosis. An
elevated creatinine level indicates decreased kidney function and the medication should
be withheld and the provider notified.



Question 4. A client prescribed lisinopril calls the clinic reporting a dry,
persistent cough. The nurse should recognize this as which of the following?

A. A sign of a serious allergic reaction requiring emergency care

B. An expected effect that will resolve with continued use

C. A common adverse effect of ACE inhibitors

,D. A symptom unrelated to the medication

E. An indication the dose should be doubled

Correct Answer: C. A common adverse effect of ACE inhibitors EXPERT
RATIONALE: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril cause accumulation of bradykinin, which leads
to a dry, persistent cough. This is one of the most common reasons for switching to an
ARB such as losartan, which does not cause this side effect.



Question 5. A nurse is caring for a client receiving heparin therapy. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor?

A. PT/INR

B. aPTT

C. Platelet count only

D. Serum creatinine

E. Hemoglobin A1c

Correct Answer: B. aPTT EXPERT RATIONALE: The activated partial
thromboplastin time (aPTT) is used to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy. The
therapeutic aPTT is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal control value (60–100 seconds).



Question 6. A client taking lithium reports nausea, tremors, and blurred
vision. The nurse suspects toxicity. Which action is the priority?

A. Administer an antiemetic

B. Encourage the client to drink more fluids

C. Check the client's lithium serum level

D. Hold the next dose and reassess in 2 hours

E. Administer activated charcoal

, Correct Answer: C. Check the client's lithium serum level EXPERT
RATIONALE: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index (0.6–1.2 mEq/L). Symptoms such as
nausea, tremors, and blurred vision suggest toxicity. Checking the serum level is the
priority to determine the severity and guide treatment.



Question 7. A nurse is administering morphine to a client for postoperative
pain. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

A. Constipation

B. Drowsiness

C. Nausea

D. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute

E. Blood pressure of 100/68 mmHg

Correct Answer: D. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute EXPERT
RATIONALE: Respiratory depression is the most dangerous adverse effect of opioids. A
respiratory rate below 12 breaths per minute requires immediate intervention, including
administration of naloxone (Narcan) as the reversal agent.



Question 8. A nurse is teaching a client about taking oral iron supplements.
Which statement should the nurse include?

A. "Take iron supplements with milk to prevent stomach upset."

B. "Take iron with antacids to enhance absorption."

C. "Take iron on an empty stomach or with orange juice to improve
absorption."

D. "You should expect your stools to be red in color."

E. "Iron supplements can be crushed and mixed with food."

Correct Answer: C. "Take iron on an empty stomach or with orange juice to
improve absorption." EXPERT RATIONALE: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in orange