ATI RN Pharmacology Retake —Questions
ATI RN Pharmacology
Retake Exam
Questions with Answer| Latest| Pass Guaranteed
Question 1. A nurse is caring for a client receiving digoxin. Which finding should
the nurse recognize as an early sign of digoxin toxicity?
A. Nausea and visual disturbances (halos, blurred vision)
B. Increased appetite
C. Hypertension
D. Tachycardia
Answer: A
Rationale: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances such as halos
or yellow-green vision are classic early signs of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin slows
and strengthens the heartbeat, so bradycardia (not tachycardia) and
hypotension are expected toxicity findings, not hypertension.
Question 2. A client newly prescribed lisinopril asks the nurse about possible side
effects. Which response is accurate?
A. "A persistent dry cough is a common side effect."
B. "You may notice weight gain and edema."
C. "This medication commonly causes drowsiness."
D. "You should expect your heart rate to increase."
Answer: A
Page 1
, ATI RN Pharmacology Retake —Questions
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril inhibit the breakdown of bradykinin,
which accumulates in the lungs and causes a persistent, nonproductive cough
in some clients. ACE inhibitors are also contraindicated in pregnancy due to
fetal renal injury risk.
Question 3. The nurse is preparing to administer metoprolol. For which finding
should the nurse hold the dose and notify the provider?
A. Apical heart rate of 52 beats/min
B. Blood glucose of 110 mg/dL
C. Respiratory rate of 18/min
D. Blood pressure of 128/78 mm Hg
Answer: A
Rationale: Beta blockers slow heart rate and decrease contractility. A heart
rate below 60 beats/min (or per facility parameters, often <50-60) indicates
excessive beta blockade, so the nurse should hold the dose and notify the
provider.
Question 4. A client taking furosemide should be monitored for which electrolyte
imbalance?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: A
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes excretion of sodium,
chloride, and potassium. Hypokalemia is a major adverse effect, and the nurse
should monitor potassium levels and encourage potassium-rich foods unless
contraindicated.
Page 2
, ATI RN Pharmacology Retake —Questions
Question 5. A client is prescribed spironolactone. Which finding requires
immediate follow-up?
A. Serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L
B. Serum sodium of 138 mEq/L
C. Urine output of 50 mL/hr
D. Blood pressure of 122/76 mm Hg
Answer: A
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can cause
hyperkalemia. A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is well above the normal range
(3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and places the client at risk for dangerous cardiac
dysrhythmias.
Question 6. A client taking warfarin should avoid a consistent excess of which
type of food due to its effect on medication efficacy?
A. Foods high in vitamin K, such as leafy green vegetables
B. Foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits
C. Foods high in potassium, such as bananas
D. Foods high in calcium, such as dairy products
Answer: A
Rationale: Vitamin K promotes clotting factor synthesis and antagonizes
warfarin's anticoagulant effect. Clients should maintain a consistent daily
intake of vitamin K-rich foods rather than eliminating them, to avoid
fluctuations in INR.
Question 7. A client receiving IV heparin develops uncontrolled bleeding. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering as the antidote?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Phytonadione
D. Naloxone
Answer: A
Rationale: Protamine sulfate binds to and neutralizes heparin, reversing its
anticoagulant effect. Vitamin K (phytonadione) is the antidote for warfarin, not
heparin.
Page 3
, ATI RN Pharmacology Retake —Questions
Question 8. A nurse is teaching a client about atorvastatin. Which statement by
the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I can stop taking this medication once my cholesterol is normal."
B. "I should report unexplained muscle pain or weakness."
C. "I will have my liver function tested periodically."
D. "I should avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice."
Answer: A
Rationale: Statins are typically a long-term therapy for chronic cholesterol
management and should not be stopped without provider guidance. Muscle
pain may indicate rhabdomyolysis, liver enzymes require monitoring, and
grapefruit juice can increase statin blood levels.
Question 9. A client is instructed to take sublingual nitroglycerin for chest pain.
Which teaching points should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
A. Sit or lie down before taking the tablet
B. Take up to 3 tablets, 5 minutes apart, if pain continues
C. Call emergency services if pain is not relieved after 3 tablets
D. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water
E. Store the tablets in a dark, tightly closed container
Answer: A, B, C, E
Rationale: Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation and can cause orthostatic
hypotension and syncope, so the client should sit or lie down before taking it.
Up to 3 doses may be taken 5 minutes apart, and EMS should be called if pain
persists. The tablet is placed under the tongue, not swallowed, and it should be
stored in a dark, airtight container away from light and heat.
Question 10. A client has been taking clonidine for hypertension for several
months. The nurse should teach the client that abruptly stopping this medication
can cause which effect?
A. Rebound hypertension
B. Profound hypotension
C. Bradycardia
D. Hyperglycemia
Answer: A
Page 4
ATI RN Pharmacology
Retake Exam
Questions with Answer| Latest| Pass Guaranteed
Question 1. A nurse is caring for a client receiving digoxin. Which finding should
the nurse recognize as an early sign of digoxin toxicity?
A. Nausea and visual disturbances (halos, blurred vision)
B. Increased appetite
C. Hypertension
D. Tachycardia
Answer: A
Rationale: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances such as halos
or yellow-green vision are classic early signs of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin slows
and strengthens the heartbeat, so bradycardia (not tachycardia) and
hypotension are expected toxicity findings, not hypertension.
Question 2. A client newly prescribed lisinopril asks the nurse about possible side
effects. Which response is accurate?
A. "A persistent dry cough is a common side effect."
B. "You may notice weight gain and edema."
C. "This medication commonly causes drowsiness."
D. "You should expect your heart rate to increase."
Answer: A
Page 1
, ATI RN Pharmacology Retake —Questions
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril inhibit the breakdown of bradykinin,
which accumulates in the lungs and causes a persistent, nonproductive cough
in some clients. ACE inhibitors are also contraindicated in pregnancy due to
fetal renal injury risk.
Question 3. The nurse is preparing to administer metoprolol. For which finding
should the nurse hold the dose and notify the provider?
A. Apical heart rate of 52 beats/min
B. Blood glucose of 110 mg/dL
C. Respiratory rate of 18/min
D. Blood pressure of 128/78 mm Hg
Answer: A
Rationale: Beta blockers slow heart rate and decrease contractility. A heart
rate below 60 beats/min (or per facility parameters, often <50-60) indicates
excessive beta blockade, so the nurse should hold the dose and notify the
provider.
Question 4. A client taking furosemide should be monitored for which electrolyte
imbalance?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: A
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes excretion of sodium,
chloride, and potassium. Hypokalemia is a major adverse effect, and the nurse
should monitor potassium levels and encourage potassium-rich foods unless
contraindicated.
Page 2
, ATI RN Pharmacology Retake —Questions
Question 5. A client is prescribed spironolactone. Which finding requires
immediate follow-up?
A. Serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L
B. Serum sodium of 138 mEq/L
C. Urine output of 50 mL/hr
D. Blood pressure of 122/76 mm Hg
Answer: A
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can cause
hyperkalemia. A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is well above the normal range
(3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and places the client at risk for dangerous cardiac
dysrhythmias.
Question 6. A client taking warfarin should avoid a consistent excess of which
type of food due to its effect on medication efficacy?
A. Foods high in vitamin K, such as leafy green vegetables
B. Foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits
C. Foods high in potassium, such as bananas
D. Foods high in calcium, such as dairy products
Answer: A
Rationale: Vitamin K promotes clotting factor synthesis and antagonizes
warfarin's anticoagulant effect. Clients should maintain a consistent daily
intake of vitamin K-rich foods rather than eliminating them, to avoid
fluctuations in INR.
Question 7. A client receiving IV heparin develops uncontrolled bleeding. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering as the antidote?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Phytonadione
D. Naloxone
Answer: A
Rationale: Protamine sulfate binds to and neutralizes heparin, reversing its
anticoagulant effect. Vitamin K (phytonadione) is the antidote for warfarin, not
heparin.
Page 3
, ATI RN Pharmacology Retake —Questions
Question 8. A nurse is teaching a client about atorvastatin. Which statement by
the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I can stop taking this medication once my cholesterol is normal."
B. "I should report unexplained muscle pain or weakness."
C. "I will have my liver function tested periodically."
D. "I should avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice."
Answer: A
Rationale: Statins are typically a long-term therapy for chronic cholesterol
management and should not be stopped without provider guidance. Muscle
pain may indicate rhabdomyolysis, liver enzymes require monitoring, and
grapefruit juice can increase statin blood levels.
Question 9. A client is instructed to take sublingual nitroglycerin for chest pain.
Which teaching points should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
A. Sit or lie down before taking the tablet
B. Take up to 3 tablets, 5 minutes apart, if pain continues
C. Call emergency services if pain is not relieved after 3 tablets
D. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water
E. Store the tablets in a dark, tightly closed container
Answer: A, B, C, E
Rationale: Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation and can cause orthostatic
hypotension and syncope, so the client should sit or lie down before taking it.
Up to 3 doses may be taken 5 minutes apart, and EMS should be called if pain
persists. The tablet is placed under the tongue, not swallowed, and it should be
stored in a dark, airtight container away from light and heat.
Question 10. A client has been taking clonidine for hypertension for several
months. The nurse should teach the client that abruptly stopping this medication
can cause which effect?
A. Rebound hypertension
B. Profound hypotension
C. Bradycardia
D. Hyperglycemia
Answer: A
Page 4
