ATI Pharmacology Exam question well
answered 2024-2025
Question: A client has been taking isoniazid (INH) and rifampin (Rifadin) for 3 weeks
after being diagnosed with active pulmonary TB. The client calls the clinic to report that
his urine is a reddish orange color. Which of the following is an appropriate response by
the nurse?
A. "Stop taking the INH for 2 to 3 days, and the discoloration should go away"
B. "Rifampin may turn all body fluids orange-red. This is a harmless side effect"
C. "I'll make an appointment for you to see the doctor this afternoon"
D. "These medications are known to cause bladder irritation when taken together" -
CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: B
Rifampin may turn all body fluids, such as tears, sweat, saliva, and urine, an orange-red
color. Advise the client that this effect does not cause harm
Question: A client who is admitted with cirrhosis is prescribed lactulose (Cephulac) PO.
For which of the following actions should the nurse administer lactulose?
A. To increase BP
B. To prevent bleeding from esophageal varices
C. To decrease HR
D. To reduce serum ammonia level - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: D
Cephulac is a laxative that is given to promote the excretion of ammonia. Ammonia
levels are increased in liver failure, producing hepatic encephalopathy or coma.
Cephulac discourages the growth of bacteria, traps ammonia in the gut, and expels
ammonia from the colon
Question: A client who is taking chlorpromazine hydrochloride (Thorazine) is
experiencing extreme restlessness and involuntary movements. To treat these side
effects, the nurse should anticipate administering which of the following medications?
A. Amantdaine (Symmetrel)
B. Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
C. Phenelzine (Nardil)
D. Hydroxyzine (Atarax) - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: A
A. Amantadine is an antiparkinson drug used to treat extrapyramidal side effects, such
as extreme restlessness and involuntary movements that result from typical
antipsychotic medications, such as chlorpromazine hydrochloride
B. Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant. It is not used to treat extrapyramidal side
effects
,C. Phenelzine is an MAO inhibitor antidepressant. It is not used to treat extrapyramidal
side effects
D. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine use to treat mild to moderate anxiety states. It is not
used to treat extrapyramidal side effects
Question: A client with a urinary tract infection (UTI) is being discharged on
phenazopyridine (Pyridium) and Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (Cipro). Which of the
following statements by the client should indicate to the nurse a need for further
teaching?
A. "If the Pyridium upsets my stomach, I can take it with meals."
B. "The Pyridium will relieve my discomfort, but the Cipro will get rid of the infection."
C. "I need to drink about 2-3 liters of fluid a day while I am taking the Pyridium."
D."I should notify the health care provide immediately if my urine turns a red or orange
color." - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: D
A. Pyridium causes mild GI upset, and the client may take it with meals to help
B. Pyridium is for short-term relief of UTI manifestations, but ciproflozacin hydrochloride
is necessary to treat the causative organism
C. It is important for the client to drink 2-3L of fluid a day, especially while taking the
pyridium, to help flush out the dye as well as treat the UTI
D. Pyridium is a dye that causes a red or orange coloration to the urine. This coloration
is harmless, although it may stain clothing. It is expected, and does not need to be
reported to the health care provider
Question: A nurse if providing teaching to a client receiving gemfibrozil (Lopid). The
nurse evaluates effectiveness of the teaching when the client states he will have which
of the following evaluated periodically?
A. Platelet count
B. Serum electrolyte levels
C. Thyroid function
D. Liver function - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: D
Gemfibrozil is converted by the liver to active metabolites, and therefore, it is necessary
to undergo periodic liver function studies to monitor for active hepatic diseases or
elevated transaminase levels.
Question: A nurse is assessing a client in the clinic who is on tamoxifen (Nolvadex).
The nurse should recognize that tamoxifen has which of the following actions?
A. Antimicrobial
B. Anti-estrogenic
C. Androgenic
D. Anti-inflammatory - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: B
, A. Tamoxifen does not have antimicrobial effect
B. Tamoxifen is an anti-estrogenic medication used to treat cancer of the breast in both
pre- and post-menopausal women. It has been shown to delay recurrences
C. Tamoxifen is not androgenic. Androgens are the male hormones used to treat breast
cancer
D. Tamoxifen does not have anti-inflammatory effect
Question: A nurse is assessing a client who takes lithium carbonate for the treatment of
bipolar disorder. The nurse should recognize which of the following findings as a
possible indication of toxicity to this medication?
A. Severe hypertension
B. Coarse tremors
C. Constipation
D. Muscle spasms - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: B
B. Coarse tremors are an indiction of toxicity
Question: A nurse is assessing a male client who recently began taking haloperidol.
Which of the following findings is the highest priority to report to the provider?
A. Shuffling gait
B. Neck spasms
C. Drowsiness
D. Impotence - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: B
B. Neck spasms are an indication of acute dystonia which is a crisis situation requiring
rapid treatment. This is the greatest risk to the client and is therefore the priority finding
Question: A nurse is caring for a client prescribed amphotericin B. Which of the
following should the nurse recognize as the best indicator of renal function?
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Daily weights
C. Intake and output
D. Serum creatinine levels - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: D
Serum creatinine levels most accurately indicate renal function. Serum creatinine
should be monitored every other day as the dosage of amphotericin B is increased to
optimal level and then weekly drug is discontinued. If serum creatinine increases to 3mg
per mL, the dose should be decreased or discontinued
Question: A nurse is caring for a client receiving heparin IV therapy. The morning aPTT
is 90 seconds (control of 26). Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer protamine sulfate
answered 2024-2025
Question: A client has been taking isoniazid (INH) and rifampin (Rifadin) for 3 weeks
after being diagnosed with active pulmonary TB. The client calls the clinic to report that
his urine is a reddish orange color. Which of the following is an appropriate response by
the nurse?
A. "Stop taking the INH for 2 to 3 days, and the discoloration should go away"
B. "Rifampin may turn all body fluids orange-red. This is a harmless side effect"
C. "I'll make an appointment for you to see the doctor this afternoon"
D. "These medications are known to cause bladder irritation when taken together" -
CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: B
Rifampin may turn all body fluids, such as tears, sweat, saliva, and urine, an orange-red
color. Advise the client that this effect does not cause harm
Question: A client who is admitted with cirrhosis is prescribed lactulose (Cephulac) PO.
For which of the following actions should the nurse administer lactulose?
A. To increase BP
B. To prevent bleeding from esophageal varices
C. To decrease HR
D. To reduce serum ammonia level - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: D
Cephulac is a laxative that is given to promote the excretion of ammonia. Ammonia
levels are increased in liver failure, producing hepatic encephalopathy or coma.
Cephulac discourages the growth of bacteria, traps ammonia in the gut, and expels
ammonia from the colon
Question: A client who is taking chlorpromazine hydrochloride (Thorazine) is
experiencing extreme restlessness and involuntary movements. To treat these side
effects, the nurse should anticipate administering which of the following medications?
A. Amantdaine (Symmetrel)
B. Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
C. Phenelzine (Nardil)
D. Hydroxyzine (Atarax) - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: A
A. Amantadine is an antiparkinson drug used to treat extrapyramidal side effects, such
as extreme restlessness and involuntary movements that result from typical
antipsychotic medications, such as chlorpromazine hydrochloride
B. Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant. It is not used to treat extrapyramidal side
effects
,C. Phenelzine is an MAO inhibitor antidepressant. It is not used to treat extrapyramidal
side effects
D. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine use to treat mild to moderate anxiety states. It is not
used to treat extrapyramidal side effects
Question: A client with a urinary tract infection (UTI) is being discharged on
phenazopyridine (Pyridium) and Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (Cipro). Which of the
following statements by the client should indicate to the nurse a need for further
teaching?
A. "If the Pyridium upsets my stomach, I can take it with meals."
B. "The Pyridium will relieve my discomfort, but the Cipro will get rid of the infection."
C. "I need to drink about 2-3 liters of fluid a day while I am taking the Pyridium."
D."I should notify the health care provide immediately if my urine turns a red or orange
color." - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: D
A. Pyridium causes mild GI upset, and the client may take it with meals to help
B. Pyridium is for short-term relief of UTI manifestations, but ciproflozacin hydrochloride
is necessary to treat the causative organism
C. It is important for the client to drink 2-3L of fluid a day, especially while taking the
pyridium, to help flush out the dye as well as treat the UTI
D. Pyridium is a dye that causes a red or orange coloration to the urine. This coloration
is harmless, although it may stain clothing. It is expected, and does not need to be
reported to the health care provider
Question: A nurse if providing teaching to a client receiving gemfibrozil (Lopid). The
nurse evaluates effectiveness of the teaching when the client states he will have which
of the following evaluated periodically?
A. Platelet count
B. Serum electrolyte levels
C. Thyroid function
D. Liver function - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: D
Gemfibrozil is converted by the liver to active metabolites, and therefore, it is necessary
to undergo periodic liver function studies to monitor for active hepatic diseases or
elevated transaminase levels.
Question: A nurse is assessing a client in the clinic who is on tamoxifen (Nolvadex).
The nurse should recognize that tamoxifen has which of the following actions?
A. Antimicrobial
B. Anti-estrogenic
C. Androgenic
D. Anti-inflammatory - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: B
, A. Tamoxifen does not have antimicrobial effect
B. Tamoxifen is an anti-estrogenic medication used to treat cancer of the breast in both
pre- and post-menopausal women. It has been shown to delay recurrences
C. Tamoxifen is not androgenic. Androgens are the male hormones used to treat breast
cancer
D. Tamoxifen does not have anti-inflammatory effect
Question: A nurse is assessing a client who takes lithium carbonate for the treatment of
bipolar disorder. The nurse should recognize which of the following findings as a
possible indication of toxicity to this medication?
A. Severe hypertension
B. Coarse tremors
C. Constipation
D. Muscle spasms - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: B
B. Coarse tremors are an indiction of toxicity
Question: A nurse is assessing a male client who recently began taking haloperidol.
Which of the following findings is the highest priority to report to the provider?
A. Shuffling gait
B. Neck spasms
C. Drowsiness
D. Impotence - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: B
B. Neck spasms are an indication of acute dystonia which is a crisis situation requiring
rapid treatment. This is the greatest risk to the client and is therefore the priority finding
Question: A nurse is caring for a client prescribed amphotericin B. Which of the
following should the nurse recognize as the best indicator of renal function?
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Daily weights
C. Intake and output
D. Serum creatinine levels - CORRECT ANSWER Correct answer: D
Serum creatinine levels most accurately indicate renal function. Serum creatinine
should be monitored every other day as the dosage of amphotericin B is increased to
optimal level and then weekly drug is discontinued. If serum creatinine increases to 3mg
per mL, the dose should be decreased or discontinued
Question: A nurse is caring for a client receiving heparin IV therapy. The morning aPTT
is 90 seconds (control of 26). Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer protamine sulfate
