ATI CMS PHARMACOLOGY PROCTORED
EXAM V1 AND V2 NEWEST 2026/ 2027
TEST BANK
1. A nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism and notes that the
client's serum calcium level is 13 mg/dL. Which medication should the nurse
prepare to administer?
• A. Calcium chloride
• B. Calcium gluconate
• C. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
• D. Large doses of vitamin D
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The normal serum calcium level is 8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL. This client is
experiencing hypercalcemia. Calcitonin, a thyroid hormone, decreases the plasma
calcium level by inhibiting bone resorption.
2. Oral iron supplements are prescribed for a 6-year-old child with iron
deficiency anemia. The nurse instructs the mother to administer the iron with
which food item?
• A. Milk
• B. Water
• C. Apple juice
• D. Orange juice
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron. The mother should be
,instructed to administer the medication with a citrus fruit or juice that is high in
vitamin C. Orange juice contains a greater amount of vitamin C than apple juice.
3. Salicylic acid is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of psoriasis. The nurse
monitors the client, knowing that which finding would indicate the presence of
systemic toxicity from this medication?
• A. Tinnitus
• B. Diarrhea
• C. Constipation
• D. Decreased respirations
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Salicylic acid is absorbed readily through the skin, and systemic toxicity
(salicylism) can result. Symptoms include tinnitus, dizziness, hyperpnea, and
psychological disturbances.
4. The camp nurse asks the children preparing to swim in the lake if they have
applied sunscreen. The nurse reminds the children that chemical sunscreens are
most effective when applied:
• A. Immediately before swimming
• B. 15 minutes before exposure to the sun
• C. Immediately before exposure to the sun
• D. At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sunscreens are most effective when applied at least 30 minutes before
exposure to the sun so that they can penetrate the skin.
,5. Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) is prescribed for the client with a burn injury.
When applying the medication, the client complains of local discomfort and
burning. Which action is most appropriate?
• A. Notifying the registered nurse
• B. Discontinuing the medication
• C. Informing the client that this is normal
• D. Applying a thinner film than prescribed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) is a topical antibiotic used for burn
wounds. Local discomfort and burning are common and expected side effects. The
nurse should inform the client that this is normal.
6. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which
finding should cause the nurse to withhold the medication?
• A. Apical pulse 72/min
• B. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
• C. Potassium 3.0 mEq/L
• D. BP 128/74 mm Hg
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypokalemia (potassium 3.0 mEq/L) increases the risk for digoxin
toxicity and life-threatening dysrhythmias.
7. A client taking warfarin should increase intake of which food?
• A. Grapefruit
• B. Spinach
• C. Bananas
, • D. Milk
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This is a trick question. Clients on warfarin should maintain
a CONSISTENT intake of vitamin K-rich foods like spinach—not suddenly increase
or eliminate them.
8. A nurse is teaching a client about nitroglycerin tablets. Which statement
indicates understanding?
• A. "I will swallow the tablet."
• B. "I will keep tablets in the bathroom."
• C. "I may take up to 3 tablets every 5 minutes."
• D. "I can take with sildenafil."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nitroglycerin may be repeated every 5 minutes for chest pain,
maximum 3 doses. Combining with sildenafil can cause fatal hypotension.
9. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor for a client taking heparin?
• A. INR
• B. PT
• C. aPTT
• D. Platelets only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Heparin therapy is monitored using activated partial thromboplastin
time (aPTT).
10. A client receiving furosemide is at risk for which adverse effect?
EXAM V1 AND V2 NEWEST 2026/ 2027
TEST BANK
1. A nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism and notes that the
client's serum calcium level is 13 mg/dL. Which medication should the nurse
prepare to administer?
• A. Calcium chloride
• B. Calcium gluconate
• C. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
• D. Large doses of vitamin D
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The normal serum calcium level is 8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL. This client is
experiencing hypercalcemia. Calcitonin, a thyroid hormone, decreases the plasma
calcium level by inhibiting bone resorption.
2. Oral iron supplements are prescribed for a 6-year-old child with iron
deficiency anemia. The nurse instructs the mother to administer the iron with
which food item?
• A. Milk
• B. Water
• C. Apple juice
• D. Orange juice
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron. The mother should be
,instructed to administer the medication with a citrus fruit or juice that is high in
vitamin C. Orange juice contains a greater amount of vitamin C than apple juice.
3. Salicylic acid is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of psoriasis. The nurse
monitors the client, knowing that which finding would indicate the presence of
systemic toxicity from this medication?
• A. Tinnitus
• B. Diarrhea
• C. Constipation
• D. Decreased respirations
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Salicylic acid is absorbed readily through the skin, and systemic toxicity
(salicylism) can result. Symptoms include tinnitus, dizziness, hyperpnea, and
psychological disturbances.
4. The camp nurse asks the children preparing to swim in the lake if they have
applied sunscreen. The nurse reminds the children that chemical sunscreens are
most effective when applied:
• A. Immediately before swimming
• B. 15 minutes before exposure to the sun
• C. Immediately before exposure to the sun
• D. At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sunscreens are most effective when applied at least 30 minutes before
exposure to the sun so that they can penetrate the skin.
,5. Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) is prescribed for the client with a burn injury.
When applying the medication, the client complains of local discomfort and
burning. Which action is most appropriate?
• A. Notifying the registered nurse
• B. Discontinuing the medication
• C. Informing the client that this is normal
• D. Applying a thinner film than prescribed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) is a topical antibiotic used for burn
wounds. Local discomfort and burning are common and expected side effects. The
nurse should inform the client that this is normal.
6. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which
finding should cause the nurse to withhold the medication?
• A. Apical pulse 72/min
• B. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
• C. Potassium 3.0 mEq/L
• D. BP 128/74 mm Hg
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypokalemia (potassium 3.0 mEq/L) increases the risk for digoxin
toxicity and life-threatening dysrhythmias.
7. A client taking warfarin should increase intake of which food?
• A. Grapefruit
• B. Spinach
• C. Bananas
, • D. Milk
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This is a trick question. Clients on warfarin should maintain
a CONSISTENT intake of vitamin K-rich foods like spinach—not suddenly increase
or eliminate them.
8. A nurse is teaching a client about nitroglycerin tablets. Which statement
indicates understanding?
• A. "I will swallow the tablet."
• B. "I will keep tablets in the bathroom."
• C. "I may take up to 3 tablets every 5 minutes."
• D. "I can take with sildenafil."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nitroglycerin may be repeated every 5 minutes for chest pain,
maximum 3 doses. Combining with sildenafil can cause fatal hypotension.
9. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor for a client taking heparin?
• A. INR
• B. PT
• C. aPTT
• D. Platelets only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Heparin therapy is monitored using activated partial thromboplastin
time (aPTT).
10. A client receiving furosemide is at risk for which adverse effect?
