RN PHARMACOLOGY
ATI RN PHARMACOLOGY PROCTORED EXAM
2023-2026 | NGN 140 Questions & Answers
MOST TESTED QUESTIONS | 90% PASS GUARANTEE
Question 1
A nurse is administering IV morphine to a client with acute myocardial infarction.
Which of the following findings requires immediate intervention?
• Pain level 4 on a scale of 0 to 10
• Respiratory rate 8 breaths/min
• Blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg
• Heart rate 90 beats/min
Answer: Respiratory rate 8 breaths/min
Rationale:
• RR 8: Morphine causes respiratory depression. This is the priority finding
requiring naloxone and support.
• Pain 4: Acceptable pain level.
• BP 110/70: Normal.
• HR 90: Normal.
Question 2
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the
following over-the-counter medications should the nurse instruct the client to
avoid?
• Acetaminophen
, RN PHARMACOLOGY
• Diphenhydramine
• Ibuprofen
• Loratadine
Answer: Ibuprofen
Rationale:
• Ibuprofen: NSAIDs increase bleeding risk when taken with warfarin. Use
acetaminophen for pain/fever.
• Acetaminophen: Safe but avoid excessive doses.
• Diphenhydramine, loratadine: No significant interaction.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer IV potassium chloride to a client with
hypokalemia. Which of the following actions is most important?
• Administer via IV push over 3 minutes
• Dilute in a 50 mL bolus
• Use an infusion pump and monitor cardiac rhythm
• Warm the solution to body temperature
Answer: Use an infusion pump and monitor cardiac rhythm
Rationale:
• Infusion pump & cardiac monitoring: IV potassium can cause fatal
hyperkalemia and arrhythmias. Must be diluted and given slowly (≤10
mEq/hr peripheral).
• IV push: Never give potassium IV push – cardiac arrest.
• Small volume: Dilute in at least 100-250 mL.
• Warm: Not required.
Question 4
, RN PHARMACOLOGY
A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking levothyroxine for
hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings indicates the client may be
experiencing overdose?
• Weight gain
• Bradycardia
• Insomnia and tremors
• Cold intolerance
Answer: Insomnia and tremors
Rationale:
• Insomnia/tremors: Signs of hyperthyroidism from levothyroxine excess.
• Weight gain, bradycardia, cold intolerance: Signs of hypothyroidism
(underdose).
Question 5
A nurse is administering subcutaneous heparin to a client. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
• Expel the air bubble from the prefilled syringe
• Massage the site after injection
• Use a 1-inch, 22-gauge needle
• Inject into the abdomen at a 90° angle
Answer: Inject into the abdomen at a 90° angle
Rationale:
• Abdomen, 90° angle: Correct subcutaneous technique for heparin.
• Expel air bubble: Do not expel – ensures full dose.
• Massage: Do not massage – causes bruising/hematoma.
• Needle: Use 25-27 gauge, 5/8 inch.
, RN PHARMACOLOGY
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV insulin infusion for diabetic
ketoacidosis. Which of the following laboratory values requires immediate
intervention?
• Serum potassium 2.9 mEq/L
• Blood glucose 200 mg/dL
• Serum sodium 135 mEq/L
• Serum bicarbonate 18 mEq/L
Answer: Serum potassium 2.9 mEq/L
Rationale:
• K+ 2.9: Insulin drives potassium into cells, causing hypokalemia. Severe
hypokalemia increases arrhythmia risk. Hold insulin and replace
potassium.
• Glucose 200: Target range for DKA treatment.
• Sodium 135: Normal.
• Bicarbonate 18: Improving from DKA.
Question 7
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for alendronate. Which of
the following statements by the client indicates understanding?
• "I will take this medication with a full glass of orange juice"
• "I will lie down for 30 minutes after taking it"
• "I will swallow the tablet whole with plain water first thing in the morning"
• "I can take it with my calcium supplement at the same time"
Answer: "I will swallow the tablet whole with plain water first thing in the
morning"
Rationale:
• Swallow whole with water first thing: Correct – ensures absorption and
prevents esophageal irritation.
ATI RN PHARMACOLOGY PROCTORED EXAM
2023-2026 | NGN 140 Questions & Answers
MOST TESTED QUESTIONS | 90% PASS GUARANTEE
Question 1
A nurse is administering IV morphine to a client with acute myocardial infarction.
Which of the following findings requires immediate intervention?
• Pain level 4 on a scale of 0 to 10
• Respiratory rate 8 breaths/min
• Blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg
• Heart rate 90 beats/min
Answer: Respiratory rate 8 breaths/min
Rationale:
• RR 8: Morphine causes respiratory depression. This is the priority finding
requiring naloxone and support.
• Pain 4: Acceptable pain level.
• BP 110/70: Normal.
• HR 90: Normal.
Question 2
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the
following over-the-counter medications should the nurse instruct the client to
avoid?
• Acetaminophen
, RN PHARMACOLOGY
• Diphenhydramine
• Ibuprofen
• Loratadine
Answer: Ibuprofen
Rationale:
• Ibuprofen: NSAIDs increase bleeding risk when taken with warfarin. Use
acetaminophen for pain/fever.
• Acetaminophen: Safe but avoid excessive doses.
• Diphenhydramine, loratadine: No significant interaction.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer IV potassium chloride to a client with
hypokalemia. Which of the following actions is most important?
• Administer via IV push over 3 minutes
• Dilute in a 50 mL bolus
• Use an infusion pump and monitor cardiac rhythm
• Warm the solution to body temperature
Answer: Use an infusion pump and monitor cardiac rhythm
Rationale:
• Infusion pump & cardiac monitoring: IV potassium can cause fatal
hyperkalemia and arrhythmias. Must be diluted and given slowly (≤10
mEq/hr peripheral).
• IV push: Never give potassium IV push – cardiac arrest.
• Small volume: Dilute in at least 100-250 mL.
• Warm: Not required.
Question 4
, RN PHARMACOLOGY
A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking levothyroxine for
hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings indicates the client may be
experiencing overdose?
• Weight gain
• Bradycardia
• Insomnia and tremors
• Cold intolerance
Answer: Insomnia and tremors
Rationale:
• Insomnia/tremors: Signs of hyperthyroidism from levothyroxine excess.
• Weight gain, bradycardia, cold intolerance: Signs of hypothyroidism
(underdose).
Question 5
A nurse is administering subcutaneous heparin to a client. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
• Expel the air bubble from the prefilled syringe
• Massage the site after injection
• Use a 1-inch, 22-gauge needle
• Inject into the abdomen at a 90° angle
Answer: Inject into the abdomen at a 90° angle
Rationale:
• Abdomen, 90° angle: Correct subcutaneous technique for heparin.
• Expel air bubble: Do not expel – ensures full dose.
• Massage: Do not massage – causes bruising/hematoma.
• Needle: Use 25-27 gauge, 5/8 inch.
, RN PHARMACOLOGY
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV insulin infusion for diabetic
ketoacidosis. Which of the following laboratory values requires immediate
intervention?
• Serum potassium 2.9 mEq/L
• Blood glucose 200 mg/dL
• Serum sodium 135 mEq/L
• Serum bicarbonate 18 mEq/L
Answer: Serum potassium 2.9 mEq/L
Rationale:
• K+ 2.9: Insulin drives potassium into cells, causing hypokalemia. Severe
hypokalemia increases arrhythmia risk. Hold insulin and replace
potassium.
• Glucose 200: Target range for DKA treatment.
• Sodium 135: Normal.
• Bicarbonate 18: Improving from DKA.
Question 7
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for alendronate. Which of
the following statements by the client indicates understanding?
• "I will take this medication with a full glass of orange juice"
• "I will lie down for 30 minutes after taking it"
• "I will swallow the tablet whole with plain water first thing in the morning"
• "I can take it with my calcium supplement at the same time"
Answer: "I will swallow the tablet whole with plain water first thing in the
morning"
Rationale:
• Swallow whole with water first thing: Correct – ensures absorption and
prevents esophageal irritation.
