2026 ATI Pharmacology CMS Questions with Correct Answers &
Detailed Rationales
Question 1.
Which history finding is most important when screening for a major precaution associated
with furosemide?
A. severe volume depletion or profound electrolyte loss
B. concurrent MAOI use
C. serious immediate penicillin allergy
D. untreated adrenal insufficiency requires correction first
Correct Answer: A. severe volume depletion or profound electrolyte loss
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for furosemide: severe volume depletion or
profound electrolyte loss. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that blocks
sodium-potassium-chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle, and it is used for edema and
hypertension. The other options describe different medication profiles; important safety
follow-up includes daily weight, potassium, blood pressure, and renal function and
teaching to take earlier in the day and report weakness or hearing changes.
Question 2.
Which teaching point should the nurse emphasize for a client prescribed warfarin?
A. take with food if needed for GI tolerance and avoid duplicate NSAIDs
B. report nausea, vision changes, or a very slow pulse
C. keep vitamin K intake consistent and use reliable contraception if applicable
D. do not stop abruptly and change positions slowly
Correct Answer: C. keep vitamin K intake consistent and use reliable
contraception if applicable
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for warfarin: keep vitamin K intake
consistent and use reliable contraception if applicable. Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist
that reduces synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, and it is used for long-term
prevention and treatment of selected thromboembolic disorders. The other options
describe different medication profiles; important safety follow-up includes INR and signs of
bleeding and teaching to keep vitamin K intake consistent and use reliable contraception if
applicable.
Question 3.
Which observation should trigger rapid reassessment of therapy with lisinopril?
A. fever with severe infection during immunosuppression
B. new angioedema or marked hyperkalemia
C. sweating and confusion with low blood glucose
D. recurrent respiratory depression after initial response
Correct Answer: B. new angioedema or marked hyperkalemia
,Explanation: The selected answer is correct for lisinopril: new angioedema or marked
hyperkalemia. Lisinopril is a ACE inhibitor that blocks conversion of angiotensin I to
angiotensin II, and it is used for hypertension and heart failure. The other options describe
different medication profiles; important safety follow-up includes blood pressure,
potassium, and renal function and teaching to report facial swelling and avoid potassium
salt substitutes unless prescribed.
Question 4.
Which finding in a client receiving phenytoin requires the most prompt follow-up?
A. worsening acute bronchospasm despite controller use
B. syncope with a markedly prolonged QT interval
C. very high INR with active bleeding
D. serious rash or toxic ataxia
Correct Answer: D. serious rash or toxic ataxia
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for phenytoin: serious rash or toxic ataxia.
Phenytoin is a hydantoin anticonvulsant that stabilizes neuronal membranes by prolonging
sodium-channel inactivation, and it is used for focal and tonic-clonic seizure prevention.
The other options describe different medication profiles; important safety follow-up
includes serum level when indicated, neurologic status, oral health, and interactions and
teaching to perform good oral hygiene and do not stop abruptly.
Question 5.
Which nursing action is most consistent with safe delivery of nitroglycerin?
A. assess blood pressure before giving and follow emergency chest-pain instructions
B. draw trough levels at the recommended time and watch interacting drugs
C. use regularly, not as the sole rescue drug for an acute attack
D. double-check dose changes against the most recent INR
Correct Answer: A. assess blood pressure before giving and follow emergency
chest-pain instructions
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for nitroglycerin: assess blood pressure
before giving and follow emergency chest-pain instructions. Nitroglycerin is a organic
nitrate that releases nitric oxide causing venous and arterial dilation, and it is used for
acute angina and ischemic chest discomfort. The other options describe different
medication profiles; important safety follow-up includes blood pressure and relief of chest
pain and teaching to sit down before sublingual dosing and store tablets properly.
,Question 6.
Which finding in a client receiving rifampin requires the most prompt follow-up?
A. fever with severe infection during immunosuppression
B. severe dyskinesia or hallucinations compromising safety
C. jaundice or severe hepatotoxicity
D. serious rash or toxic ataxia
Correct Answer: C. jaundice or severe hepatotoxicity
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for rifampin: jaundice or severe
hepatotoxicity. Rifampin is a rifamycin antimycobacterial that inhibits bacterial
DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and it is used for tuberculosis combination therapy and
selected prophylaxis. The other options describe different medication profiles; important
safety follow-up includes liver function and interacting medication effectiveness and
teaching to expect orange-red secretions and use backup contraception if advised.
Question 7.
Which outcome best indicates the expected therapeutic effect of nitroglycerin?
A. improved mood and anxiety after several weeks
B. relief of angina through reduced preload and improved coronary perfusion
C. reduced inflammation and immune-mediated symptoms
D. INR maintained in the prescribed therapeutic range
Correct Answer: B. relief of angina through reduced preload and improved
coronary perfusion
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for nitroglycerin: relief of angina through
reduced preload and improved coronary perfusion. Nitroglycerin is a organic nitrate that
releases nitric oxide causing venous and arterial dilation, and it is used for acute angina
and ischemic chest discomfort. The other options describe different medication profiles;
important safety follow-up includes blood pressure and relief of chest pain and teaching to
sit down before sublingual dosing and store tablets properly.
Question 8.
Which statement belongs in patient education for warfarin?
A. coordinate subcutaneous doses with meals and know hypoglycemia treatment
B. use as a rescue inhaler and seek care if needed increasingly often
C. perform good oral hygiene and do not stop abruptly
D. keep vitamin K intake consistent and use reliable contraception if applicable
Correct Answer: D. keep vitamin K intake consistent and use reliable
contraception if applicable
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for warfarin: keep vitamin K intake
consistent and use reliable contraception if applicable. Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist
that reduces synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, and it is used for long-term
prevention and treatment of selected thromboembolic disorders. The other options
, describe different medication profiles; important safety follow-up includes INR and signs of
bleeding and teaching to keep vitamin K intake consistent and use reliable contraception if
applicable.
Question 9.
Which adverse-effect profile is most characteristic of digoxin?
A. nausea, visual changes, bradycardia, and dysrhythmias
B. nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity
C. hyperkalemia and endocrine effects such as gynecomastia
D. GI upset, vitamin B12 deficiency, and rare lactic acidosis
Correct Answer: A. nausea, visual changes, bradycardia, and dysrhythmias
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for digoxin: nausea, visual changes,
bradycardia, and dysrhythmias. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases myocardial
contractility and slows AV nodal conduction, and it is used for selected heart failure and
atrial fibrillation rate control. The other options describe different medication profiles;
important safety follow-up includes apical pulse, renal function, potassium, and digoxin
level when indicated and teaching to report nausea, vision changes, or a very slow pulse.
Question 10.
Which finding in a client receiving omeprazole requires the most prompt follow-up?
A. sweating and confusion with low blood glucose
B. persistent GI bleeding or severe electrolyte symptoms
C. recurrent late decelerations with excessive contractions
D. jaundice or severe hepatotoxicity
Correct Answer: B. persistent GI bleeding or severe electrolyte symptoms
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for omeprazole: persistent GI bleeding or
severe electrolyte symptoms. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that irreversibly
inhibits the gastric hydrogen-potassium ATPase, and it is used for GERD and peptic ulcer
disease. The other options describe different medication profiles; important safety
follow-up includes symptom response and long-term magnesium or B12 concerns when
indicated and teaching to take before meals as directed and do not self-treat indefinitely
without review.
Question 11.
Which finding would best support that lisinopril is producing the desired response?
A. rapid improvement in wheezing and airflow
B. increased urine output and reduced edema
C. clinical resolution of serious gram-positive infection
D. lower blood pressure and reduce afterload
Correct Answer: D. lower blood pressure and reduce afterload
Detailed Rationales
Question 1.
Which history finding is most important when screening for a major precaution associated
with furosemide?
A. severe volume depletion or profound electrolyte loss
B. concurrent MAOI use
C. serious immediate penicillin allergy
D. untreated adrenal insufficiency requires correction first
Correct Answer: A. severe volume depletion or profound electrolyte loss
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for furosemide: severe volume depletion or
profound electrolyte loss. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that blocks
sodium-potassium-chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle, and it is used for edema and
hypertension. The other options describe different medication profiles; important safety
follow-up includes daily weight, potassium, blood pressure, and renal function and
teaching to take earlier in the day and report weakness or hearing changes.
Question 2.
Which teaching point should the nurse emphasize for a client prescribed warfarin?
A. take with food if needed for GI tolerance and avoid duplicate NSAIDs
B. report nausea, vision changes, or a very slow pulse
C. keep vitamin K intake consistent and use reliable contraception if applicable
D. do not stop abruptly and change positions slowly
Correct Answer: C. keep vitamin K intake consistent and use reliable
contraception if applicable
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for warfarin: keep vitamin K intake
consistent and use reliable contraception if applicable. Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist
that reduces synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, and it is used for long-term
prevention and treatment of selected thromboembolic disorders. The other options
describe different medication profiles; important safety follow-up includes INR and signs of
bleeding and teaching to keep vitamin K intake consistent and use reliable contraception if
applicable.
Question 3.
Which observation should trigger rapid reassessment of therapy with lisinopril?
A. fever with severe infection during immunosuppression
B. new angioedema or marked hyperkalemia
C. sweating and confusion with low blood glucose
D. recurrent respiratory depression after initial response
Correct Answer: B. new angioedema or marked hyperkalemia
,Explanation: The selected answer is correct for lisinopril: new angioedema or marked
hyperkalemia. Lisinopril is a ACE inhibitor that blocks conversion of angiotensin I to
angiotensin II, and it is used for hypertension and heart failure. The other options describe
different medication profiles; important safety follow-up includes blood pressure,
potassium, and renal function and teaching to report facial swelling and avoid potassium
salt substitutes unless prescribed.
Question 4.
Which finding in a client receiving phenytoin requires the most prompt follow-up?
A. worsening acute bronchospasm despite controller use
B. syncope with a markedly prolonged QT interval
C. very high INR with active bleeding
D. serious rash or toxic ataxia
Correct Answer: D. serious rash or toxic ataxia
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for phenytoin: serious rash or toxic ataxia.
Phenytoin is a hydantoin anticonvulsant that stabilizes neuronal membranes by prolonging
sodium-channel inactivation, and it is used for focal and tonic-clonic seizure prevention.
The other options describe different medication profiles; important safety follow-up
includes serum level when indicated, neurologic status, oral health, and interactions and
teaching to perform good oral hygiene and do not stop abruptly.
Question 5.
Which nursing action is most consistent with safe delivery of nitroglycerin?
A. assess blood pressure before giving and follow emergency chest-pain instructions
B. draw trough levels at the recommended time and watch interacting drugs
C. use regularly, not as the sole rescue drug for an acute attack
D. double-check dose changes against the most recent INR
Correct Answer: A. assess blood pressure before giving and follow emergency
chest-pain instructions
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for nitroglycerin: assess blood pressure
before giving and follow emergency chest-pain instructions. Nitroglycerin is a organic
nitrate that releases nitric oxide causing venous and arterial dilation, and it is used for
acute angina and ischemic chest discomfort. The other options describe different
medication profiles; important safety follow-up includes blood pressure and relief of chest
pain and teaching to sit down before sublingual dosing and store tablets properly.
,Question 6.
Which finding in a client receiving rifampin requires the most prompt follow-up?
A. fever with severe infection during immunosuppression
B. severe dyskinesia or hallucinations compromising safety
C. jaundice or severe hepatotoxicity
D. serious rash or toxic ataxia
Correct Answer: C. jaundice or severe hepatotoxicity
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for rifampin: jaundice or severe
hepatotoxicity. Rifampin is a rifamycin antimycobacterial that inhibits bacterial
DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and it is used for tuberculosis combination therapy and
selected prophylaxis. The other options describe different medication profiles; important
safety follow-up includes liver function and interacting medication effectiveness and
teaching to expect orange-red secretions and use backup contraception if advised.
Question 7.
Which outcome best indicates the expected therapeutic effect of nitroglycerin?
A. improved mood and anxiety after several weeks
B. relief of angina through reduced preload and improved coronary perfusion
C. reduced inflammation and immune-mediated symptoms
D. INR maintained in the prescribed therapeutic range
Correct Answer: B. relief of angina through reduced preload and improved
coronary perfusion
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for nitroglycerin: relief of angina through
reduced preload and improved coronary perfusion. Nitroglycerin is a organic nitrate that
releases nitric oxide causing venous and arterial dilation, and it is used for acute angina
and ischemic chest discomfort. The other options describe different medication profiles;
important safety follow-up includes blood pressure and relief of chest pain and teaching to
sit down before sublingual dosing and store tablets properly.
Question 8.
Which statement belongs in patient education for warfarin?
A. coordinate subcutaneous doses with meals and know hypoglycemia treatment
B. use as a rescue inhaler and seek care if needed increasingly often
C. perform good oral hygiene and do not stop abruptly
D. keep vitamin K intake consistent and use reliable contraception if applicable
Correct Answer: D. keep vitamin K intake consistent and use reliable
contraception if applicable
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for warfarin: keep vitamin K intake
consistent and use reliable contraception if applicable. Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist
that reduces synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, and it is used for long-term
prevention and treatment of selected thromboembolic disorders. The other options
, describe different medication profiles; important safety follow-up includes INR and signs of
bleeding and teaching to keep vitamin K intake consistent and use reliable contraception if
applicable.
Question 9.
Which adverse-effect profile is most characteristic of digoxin?
A. nausea, visual changes, bradycardia, and dysrhythmias
B. nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity
C. hyperkalemia and endocrine effects such as gynecomastia
D. GI upset, vitamin B12 deficiency, and rare lactic acidosis
Correct Answer: A. nausea, visual changes, bradycardia, and dysrhythmias
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for digoxin: nausea, visual changes,
bradycardia, and dysrhythmias. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases myocardial
contractility and slows AV nodal conduction, and it is used for selected heart failure and
atrial fibrillation rate control. The other options describe different medication profiles;
important safety follow-up includes apical pulse, renal function, potassium, and digoxin
level when indicated and teaching to report nausea, vision changes, or a very slow pulse.
Question 10.
Which finding in a client receiving omeprazole requires the most prompt follow-up?
A. sweating and confusion with low blood glucose
B. persistent GI bleeding or severe electrolyte symptoms
C. recurrent late decelerations with excessive contractions
D. jaundice or severe hepatotoxicity
Correct Answer: B. persistent GI bleeding or severe electrolyte symptoms
Explanation: The selected answer is correct for omeprazole: persistent GI bleeding or
severe electrolyte symptoms. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that irreversibly
inhibits the gastric hydrogen-potassium ATPase, and it is used for GERD and peptic ulcer
disease. The other options describe different medication profiles; important safety
follow-up includes symptom response and long-term magnesium or B12 concerns when
indicated and teaching to take before meals as directed and do not self-treat indefinitely
without review.
Question 11.
Which finding would best support that lisinopril is producing the desired response?
A. rapid improvement in wheezing and airflow
B. increased urine output and reduced edema
C. clinical resolution of serious gram-positive infection
D. lower blood pressure and reduce afterload
Correct Answer: D. lower blood pressure and reduce afterload
