ATI PN PHARMACOLOGY 2023 EXAM –
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUETSIONS AND
ANSWERS + RATIONILES ALREADY GRADED A+
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICATIONS
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism. The client's serum calcium level is 13
mg/dL. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?
A. Calcium chloride
B. Calcium gluconate
C. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
D. Large doses of vitamin D
Answer: C. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
Rationale: Normal serum calcium is 8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL. A level of 13 mg/dL indicates
hypercalcemia. Calcitonin, a thyroid hormone, decreases plasma calcium by inhibiting bone
resorption and lowering serum calcium concentration. Calcium chloride and calcium gluconate
are used for hypocalcemia (tetany). Large doses of vitamin D would increase calcium absorption
and worsen hypercalcemia .
Question 2
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for furosemide. Which
adverse effect should the client be instructed to report?
A. Weight gain of 1-2 lbs per week
B. Increased urination
C. Muscle weakness and cramps
D. Mild headache
Answer: C. Muscle weakness and cramps
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium excretion. Hypokalemia (low
potassium) presents with muscle weakness, leg cramps, fatigue, and cardiac dysrhythmias.
, Clients should report these symptoms immediately. Weight gain indicates fluid retention
(ineffective treatment). Increased urination is the expected therapeutic effect .
Question 3
A client prescribed metoprolol should be monitored for which effect?
A. Increased heart rate
B. Decreased heart rate
C. Increased blood glucose
D. Decreased urine output
Answer: B. Decreased heart rate
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-1 selective blocker that slows conduction through the AV node
and decreases heart rate. It is used for hypertension, heart failure, and angina. The nurse should
monitor for bradycardia (heart rate <60 bpm) and withhold the medication if the pulse is below
the prescribed parameter .
Question 4
Which finding indicates digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased appetite
B. Yellow or green vision halos
C. Hypertension
D. Tachycardia
Answer: B. Yellow or green vision halos
Rationale: Visual disturbances such as yellow or green halos (xanthopsia) are classic signs of
digoxin toxicity. Other signs include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, bradycardia, and cardiac
dysrhythmias. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range (0.8-2.0 ng/mL) and requires careful
monitoring of serum levels .
Question 5
A client taking warfarin should be taught to avoid excessive intake of which food?
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUETSIONS AND
ANSWERS + RATIONILES ALREADY GRADED A+
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICATIONS
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism. The client's serum calcium level is 13
mg/dL. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?
A. Calcium chloride
B. Calcium gluconate
C. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
D. Large doses of vitamin D
Answer: C. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
Rationale: Normal serum calcium is 8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL. A level of 13 mg/dL indicates
hypercalcemia. Calcitonin, a thyroid hormone, decreases plasma calcium by inhibiting bone
resorption and lowering serum calcium concentration. Calcium chloride and calcium gluconate
are used for hypocalcemia (tetany). Large doses of vitamin D would increase calcium absorption
and worsen hypercalcemia .
Question 2
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for furosemide. Which
adverse effect should the client be instructed to report?
A. Weight gain of 1-2 lbs per week
B. Increased urination
C. Muscle weakness and cramps
D. Mild headache
Answer: C. Muscle weakness and cramps
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium excretion. Hypokalemia (low
potassium) presents with muscle weakness, leg cramps, fatigue, and cardiac dysrhythmias.
, Clients should report these symptoms immediately. Weight gain indicates fluid retention
(ineffective treatment). Increased urination is the expected therapeutic effect .
Question 3
A client prescribed metoprolol should be monitored for which effect?
A. Increased heart rate
B. Decreased heart rate
C. Increased blood glucose
D. Decreased urine output
Answer: B. Decreased heart rate
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-1 selective blocker that slows conduction through the AV node
and decreases heart rate. It is used for hypertension, heart failure, and angina. The nurse should
monitor for bradycardia (heart rate <60 bpm) and withhold the medication if the pulse is below
the prescribed parameter .
Question 4
Which finding indicates digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased appetite
B. Yellow or green vision halos
C. Hypertension
D. Tachycardia
Answer: B. Yellow or green vision halos
Rationale: Visual disturbances such as yellow or green halos (xanthopsia) are classic signs of
digoxin toxicity. Other signs include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, bradycardia, and cardiac
dysrhythmias. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range (0.8-2.0 ng/mL) and requires careful
monitoring of serum levels .
Question 5
A client taking warfarin should be taught to avoid excessive intake of which food?
