ATI PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE B ACTUAL EXAM
NEWEST VERSION 2026-2027 ACTUAL 70
QUESTION AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
RATED A GRADE.
A nurse administered digoxin immune fab to a client who received the
incorrect dose of digoxin over a period of 3 days. The nurse should
identify that which of the following findings indicates the antidote was
effective?
A) Normal sinus rhythm
B) Digoxin level of 2.5 mg/mL
C) Decrease in blood pressure
D) Potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
The nurse should identify that normal sinus rhythm indicates the
digoxin immune fab was effective. Digoxin immune fab is a specific
antidote for digoxin toxicity that binds to digoxin molecules, making
them inactive and allowing them to be excreted by the kidneys. A
return to normal sinus rhythm indicates that the medication has
successfully reversed the cardiac effects of digoxin toxicity. Option B is
incorrect because a digoxin level of 2.5 mg/mL is within the therapeutic
range but does not indicate effectiveness of the antidote; the level may
drop following administration. Option C is incorrect because a decrease
in blood pressure is not an expected therapeutic effect; digoxin toxicity
can cause hypotension, and improvement would be seen as
,stabilization of blood pressure. Option D is incorrect because a
potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can occur
with digoxin toxicity but is not an indicator of antidote effectiveness.
Therefore, normal sinus rhythm is the finding that indicates the
antidote was effective.
Calcium Citrate Therapeutic Response
A nurse is caring for a client who has hypocalcemia and is receiving
calcium citrate. The nurse should identify that which of the following
findings indicates a therapeutic response to the medication?
A) Positive Chvostek's sign
B) Client report of decreased paresthesia
C) Client report of increased thirst
D) Calcium level of 8.8 mg/dL
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
The nurse should identify that a client report of decreased paresthesia
indicates a therapeutic response to calcium citrate. Hypocalcemia can
cause paresthesia (numbness and tingling) in the extremities and
around the mouth. As calcium levels return to normal, these symptoms
should resolve. Option A is incorrect because a positive Chvostek's sign
(twitching of facial muscles when tapping the facial nerve) is a sign of
hypocalcemia, not a therapeutic response. Option C is incorrect
because increased thirst is not a therapeutic response to calcium
supplementation; it may indicate hypercalcemia or other conditions.
Option D is incorrect because a calcium level of 8.8 mg/dL is below the
,normal range (9.0-10.5 mg/dL) and does not indicate adequate
replacement. Therefore, decreased paresthesia indicates a therapeutic
response.
Furosemide Refusal
A nurse is caring for a client who is refusing to take their scheduled
morning furosemide. Which of the following statements should the
nurse make?
A) "By not taking your furosemide, you might retain fluid and develop
swelling."
B) "You can double your dose of furosemide this evening if that would
be better for you."
C) "If you do not take your furosemide, we might get in trouble."
D) "I'll go ahead and mix the furosemide into your breakfast cereal."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
The nurse should respond by explaining the consequences of not taking
the medication in a factual and non-threatening manner. This statement
provides education about the purpose of furosemide and the potential
risks of non-adherence. Option B is incorrect because the nurse should
never advise a client to double their dose of medication without
provider guidance; this could lead to serious adverse effects. Option C is
incorrect because it focuses on the nurse's concern rather than the
client's health and is not therapeutic. Option D is incorrect because
hiding medication in food is deceptive and violates the client's
, autonomy and right to refuse treatment. Therefore, explaining the
consequences of not taking the medication is the appropriate response.
Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole Teaching
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a prescription for
trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Which of the following instructions
should the nurse include in the teaching?
A) Take the medication with food
B) Expect a fine, red rash as a transient effect
C) Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily
D) Store the medication in the refrigerator
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
The nurse should instruct the client to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water
daily while taking trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. This medication can
cause crystalluria (crystal formation in the urine) and adequate
hydration helps prevent this complication. Option A is incorrect while
the medication can be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset,
hydration is the priority teaching point. Option B is incorrect because a
rash may indicate a hypersensitivity reaction and should be reported to
the provider. Option D is incorrect because the medication should be
stored at room temperature, not in the refrigerator. Therefore, drinking
8 to 10 glasses of water daily is the appropriate instruction.
Salicylism
NEWEST VERSION 2026-2027 ACTUAL 70
QUESTION AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
RATED A GRADE.
A nurse administered digoxin immune fab to a client who received the
incorrect dose of digoxin over a period of 3 days. The nurse should
identify that which of the following findings indicates the antidote was
effective?
A) Normal sinus rhythm
B) Digoxin level of 2.5 mg/mL
C) Decrease in blood pressure
D) Potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
The nurse should identify that normal sinus rhythm indicates the
digoxin immune fab was effective. Digoxin immune fab is a specific
antidote for digoxin toxicity that binds to digoxin molecules, making
them inactive and allowing them to be excreted by the kidneys. A
return to normal sinus rhythm indicates that the medication has
successfully reversed the cardiac effects of digoxin toxicity. Option B is
incorrect because a digoxin level of 2.5 mg/mL is within the therapeutic
range but does not indicate effectiveness of the antidote; the level may
drop following administration. Option C is incorrect because a decrease
in blood pressure is not an expected therapeutic effect; digoxin toxicity
can cause hypotension, and improvement would be seen as
,stabilization of blood pressure. Option D is incorrect because a
potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can occur
with digoxin toxicity but is not an indicator of antidote effectiveness.
Therefore, normal sinus rhythm is the finding that indicates the
antidote was effective.
Calcium Citrate Therapeutic Response
A nurse is caring for a client who has hypocalcemia and is receiving
calcium citrate. The nurse should identify that which of the following
findings indicates a therapeutic response to the medication?
A) Positive Chvostek's sign
B) Client report of decreased paresthesia
C) Client report of increased thirst
D) Calcium level of 8.8 mg/dL
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
The nurse should identify that a client report of decreased paresthesia
indicates a therapeutic response to calcium citrate. Hypocalcemia can
cause paresthesia (numbness and tingling) in the extremities and
around the mouth. As calcium levels return to normal, these symptoms
should resolve. Option A is incorrect because a positive Chvostek's sign
(twitching of facial muscles when tapping the facial nerve) is a sign of
hypocalcemia, not a therapeutic response. Option C is incorrect
because increased thirst is not a therapeutic response to calcium
supplementation; it may indicate hypercalcemia or other conditions.
Option D is incorrect because a calcium level of 8.8 mg/dL is below the
,normal range (9.0-10.5 mg/dL) and does not indicate adequate
replacement. Therefore, decreased paresthesia indicates a therapeutic
response.
Furosemide Refusal
A nurse is caring for a client who is refusing to take their scheduled
morning furosemide. Which of the following statements should the
nurse make?
A) "By not taking your furosemide, you might retain fluid and develop
swelling."
B) "You can double your dose of furosemide this evening if that would
be better for you."
C) "If you do not take your furosemide, we might get in trouble."
D) "I'll go ahead and mix the furosemide into your breakfast cereal."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
The nurse should respond by explaining the consequences of not taking
the medication in a factual and non-threatening manner. This statement
provides education about the purpose of furosemide and the potential
risks of non-adherence. Option B is incorrect because the nurse should
never advise a client to double their dose of medication without
provider guidance; this could lead to serious adverse effects. Option C is
incorrect because it focuses on the nurse's concern rather than the
client's health and is not therapeutic. Option D is incorrect because
hiding medication in food is deceptive and violates the client's
, autonomy and right to refuse treatment. Therefore, explaining the
consequences of not taking the medication is the appropriate response.
Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole Teaching
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a prescription for
trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Which of the following instructions
should the nurse include in the teaching?
A) Take the medication with food
B) Expect a fine, red rash as a transient effect
C) Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily
D) Store the medication in the refrigerator
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
The nurse should instruct the client to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water
daily while taking trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. This medication can
cause crystalluria (crystal formation in the urine) and adequate
hydration helps prevent this complication. Option A is incorrect while
the medication can be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset,
hydration is the priority teaching point. Option B is incorrect because a
rash may indicate a hypersensitivity reaction and should be reported to
the provider. Option D is incorrect because the medication should be
stored at room temperature, not in the refrigerator. Therefore, drinking
8 to 10 glasses of water daily is the appropriate instruction.
Salicylism
