2026 ATI RN Pharmacology Exam Retake 2023 with NGN
Latest Version — 70 Real Retake Exam Questions and 100%
ATI Approved Answers | With verified Solutions.
Cardiovascular Medications
Question 1
A nurse is teaching a client with a new prescription for lisinopril. Which statement by the
client indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I will report any swelling of my lips or face."
B) "I can use salt substitutes freely because this drug causes potassium loss."
C) "I should change positions slowly to avoid dizziness."
D) "I need to have my blood pressure checked regularly."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause hyperkalemia, so salt substitutes
containing potassium should be avoided. Angioedema (lip/face swelling) is a serious
adverse effect requiring immediate reporting. Orthostatic hypotension can occur, and
blood pressure monitoring is essential for safe therapy .
,Question 2
A client is receiving a continuous heparin infusion. The nurse notes the client's aPTT is
110 seconds (control 30 seconds). What is the priority action?
A) Increase the heparin rate per protocol
B) Continue the infusion at the current rate
C) Stop the heparin infusion and notify the provider
D) Administer protamine sulfate immediately
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A therapeutic aPTT is 1.5-2.5 times control (45-75 seconds). An aPTT of 110
seconds indicates a critically elevated level with high bleeding risk. The infusion should
be stopped and the provider notified. Protamine sulfate is reserved for severe bleeding,
not automatically administered .
Question 3
A client with heart failure is prescribed sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto). Which adverse
effect requires immediate provider notification?
A) Dry cough
B) Angioedema
C) Dizziness
D) Hypotension
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Angioedema (swelling of lips, tongue, throat) is a life-threatening adverse
effect of ARNI therapy. The medication should be discontinued immediately. Dry cough
is more commonly associated with ACE inhibitors alone .
,Question 4
A client on warfarin (Coumadin) has an INR of 4.5 (therapeutic range 2-3). Which actions
are correct? (Select all that apply)
A) Hold the next dose of warfarin
B) Administer vitamin K orally or IV as ordered
C) Check for signs of bleeding
D) Increase the warfarin dose
E) Notify the provider
Correct Answer: A, B, C, E
Rationale: INR >3.5 typically requires holding the dose. Vitamin K is the reversal agent.
Bleeding assessment is essential. Increasing warfarin would worsen the elevation .
Question 5
A client is prescribed clopidogrel after a myocardial infarction. The nurse should instruct
the client to report:
A) Increased appetite
B) Dry mouth
C) Unusual bleeding or black tarry stools
D) Increased urination
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that increases the risk of bleeding.
Signs of GI bleeding (black, tarry stools) or unusual bruising/bleeding must be reported
immediately .
, Question 6
A client is prescribed nitroglycerin sublingual for angina. Which teaching statements are
correct? (Select all that apply)
A) Take one tablet at the first sign of chest pain
B) If pain is not relieved after 3 doses (one every 5 minutes), call 911
C) Store tablets in the original glass bottle with the cap tightly closed
D) Swallow the tablet for faster effect
E) Expect a headache, which usually decreases with continued use
Correct Answer: A, B, C, E
Rationale: Dose: up to 3 tablets (0.4 mg) q5min. Three-plus doses with no relief =
possible MI. Keep in glass bottle (plastic absorbs drug). Headache is common
(vasodilation). Sublingual = under tongue; swallowing inactivates it .
Question 7
A client is taking digoxin 0.125 mg daily. Which findings suggest digoxin toxicity? (Select
all that apply)
A) Yellow-green halos around lights
B) Heart rate 52 bpm
C) Nausea, vomiting, anorexia
D) Double vision
E) Dry, persistent cough
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D
Rationale: Visual changes (halos, blurring) are classic toxicity signs. HR <60 indicates
bradycardia requiring holding digoxin. GI symptoms (anorexia, N/V) are early signs. Dry
cough is an ACE inhibitor side effect, not digoxin .
Latest Version — 70 Real Retake Exam Questions and 100%
ATI Approved Answers | With verified Solutions.
Cardiovascular Medications
Question 1
A nurse is teaching a client with a new prescription for lisinopril. Which statement by the
client indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I will report any swelling of my lips or face."
B) "I can use salt substitutes freely because this drug causes potassium loss."
C) "I should change positions slowly to avoid dizziness."
D) "I need to have my blood pressure checked regularly."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause hyperkalemia, so salt substitutes
containing potassium should be avoided. Angioedema (lip/face swelling) is a serious
adverse effect requiring immediate reporting. Orthostatic hypotension can occur, and
blood pressure monitoring is essential for safe therapy .
,Question 2
A client is receiving a continuous heparin infusion. The nurse notes the client's aPTT is
110 seconds (control 30 seconds). What is the priority action?
A) Increase the heparin rate per protocol
B) Continue the infusion at the current rate
C) Stop the heparin infusion and notify the provider
D) Administer protamine sulfate immediately
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A therapeutic aPTT is 1.5-2.5 times control (45-75 seconds). An aPTT of 110
seconds indicates a critically elevated level with high bleeding risk. The infusion should
be stopped and the provider notified. Protamine sulfate is reserved for severe bleeding,
not automatically administered .
Question 3
A client with heart failure is prescribed sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto). Which adverse
effect requires immediate provider notification?
A) Dry cough
B) Angioedema
C) Dizziness
D) Hypotension
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Angioedema (swelling of lips, tongue, throat) is a life-threatening adverse
effect of ARNI therapy. The medication should be discontinued immediately. Dry cough
is more commonly associated with ACE inhibitors alone .
,Question 4
A client on warfarin (Coumadin) has an INR of 4.5 (therapeutic range 2-3). Which actions
are correct? (Select all that apply)
A) Hold the next dose of warfarin
B) Administer vitamin K orally or IV as ordered
C) Check for signs of bleeding
D) Increase the warfarin dose
E) Notify the provider
Correct Answer: A, B, C, E
Rationale: INR >3.5 typically requires holding the dose. Vitamin K is the reversal agent.
Bleeding assessment is essential. Increasing warfarin would worsen the elevation .
Question 5
A client is prescribed clopidogrel after a myocardial infarction. The nurse should instruct
the client to report:
A) Increased appetite
B) Dry mouth
C) Unusual bleeding or black tarry stools
D) Increased urination
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that increases the risk of bleeding.
Signs of GI bleeding (black, tarry stools) or unusual bruising/bleeding must be reported
immediately .
, Question 6
A client is prescribed nitroglycerin sublingual for angina. Which teaching statements are
correct? (Select all that apply)
A) Take one tablet at the first sign of chest pain
B) If pain is not relieved after 3 doses (one every 5 minutes), call 911
C) Store tablets in the original glass bottle with the cap tightly closed
D) Swallow the tablet for faster effect
E) Expect a headache, which usually decreases with continued use
Correct Answer: A, B, C, E
Rationale: Dose: up to 3 tablets (0.4 mg) q5min. Three-plus doses with no relief =
possible MI. Keep in glass bottle (plastic absorbs drug). Headache is common
(vasodilation). Sublingual = under tongue; swallowing inactivates it .
Question 7
A client is taking digoxin 0.125 mg daily. Which findings suggest digoxin toxicity? (Select
all that apply)
A) Yellow-green halos around lights
B) Heart rate 52 bpm
C) Nausea, vomiting, anorexia
D) Double vision
E) Dry, persistent cough
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D
Rationale: Visual changes (halos, blurring) are classic toxicity signs. HR <60 indicates
bradycardia requiring holding digoxin. GI symptoms (anorexia, N/V) are early signs. Dry
cough is an ACE inhibitor side effect, not digoxin .
