ATI RN Pharmacology 2023-2026 NGN: 200
Practice Questions & Rationales Covering
Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Antibiotics,
Psychiatric, and Safety Priorities for Exam
Success
Sample ATI Pharmacology NGN-Style Questions
and Answers
1. Anticoagulant Therapy Monitoring
Question: A nurse is caring for a client who has a
new prescription for warfarin. Which of the
following laboratory tests should the nurse review
prior to administration?
A. PT (Prothrombin Time)
B. Total iron-binding capacity
C. WBC (White Blood Cell count)
D. PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time)
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: A
Rationale: Warfarin therapy is monitored using
Prothrombin Time (PT) and International
,Normalized Ratio (INR), as it affects the extrinsic
pathway of coagulation. PTT is used to monitor
heparin therapy.
2. Digoxin Toxicity Risk
Question: A nurse is caring for a client receiving
digoxin and furosemide. Which finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. Heart rate 58/min
B. Serum potassium 3.0 mEq/L
C. Blood pressure 130/78 mm Hg
D. Urine output 50 mL/hr
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: Hypokalemia (potassium level < 3.5
mEq/L) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium
loss, and low potassium levels potentiate digoxin's
effects on the heart, increasing the risk of life-
threatening dysrhythmias.
3. Patient Teaching for Sublingual Nitroglycerin
,Question: A nurse is teaching a client about
nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which statement by
the client indicates understanding?
A. "I will sit down before taking this medication."
B. "I can take up to five doses if chest pain persists."
C. "I will call 911 if pain is not relieved after one
dose."
D. "I should store the tablets in a plastic bag."
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: A
Rationale: Clients should sit or lie down before
taking nitroglycerin to avoid hypotension and
dizziness. They can take up to 3 doses at 5-minute
intervals. If pain is not relieved after the first dose or
worsens, they should call 911. Tablets must be
stored in the original glass container, not plastic.
4. Contraindication for Spironolactone
Question: A nurse is caring for a client with a new
prescription for spironolactone. The nurse notes the
client's serum potassium is 5.5 mEq/L. What action
, should the nurse take?
A. Administer the medication as prescribed
B. Hold the medication and notify the provider
C. Encourage potassium-rich foods
D. Monitor urine output closely
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing
diuretic. Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) is a
contraindication. The nurse should hold the
medication and notify the provider.
5. Medication with Sulfa Allergy
Question: Which medication is contraindicated in
clients with a sulfa allergy?
A. Furosemide
B. Spironolactone
C. Hydrochlorothiazide
D. Mannitol
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C
Practice Questions & Rationales Covering
Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Antibiotics,
Psychiatric, and Safety Priorities for Exam
Success
Sample ATI Pharmacology NGN-Style Questions
and Answers
1. Anticoagulant Therapy Monitoring
Question: A nurse is caring for a client who has a
new prescription for warfarin. Which of the
following laboratory tests should the nurse review
prior to administration?
A. PT (Prothrombin Time)
B. Total iron-binding capacity
C. WBC (White Blood Cell count)
D. PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time)
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: A
Rationale: Warfarin therapy is monitored using
Prothrombin Time (PT) and International
,Normalized Ratio (INR), as it affects the extrinsic
pathway of coagulation. PTT is used to monitor
heparin therapy.
2. Digoxin Toxicity Risk
Question: A nurse is caring for a client receiving
digoxin and furosemide. Which finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. Heart rate 58/min
B. Serum potassium 3.0 mEq/L
C. Blood pressure 130/78 mm Hg
D. Urine output 50 mL/hr
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: Hypokalemia (potassium level < 3.5
mEq/L) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium
loss, and low potassium levels potentiate digoxin's
effects on the heart, increasing the risk of life-
threatening dysrhythmias.
3. Patient Teaching for Sublingual Nitroglycerin
,Question: A nurse is teaching a client about
nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which statement by
the client indicates understanding?
A. "I will sit down before taking this medication."
B. "I can take up to five doses if chest pain persists."
C. "I will call 911 if pain is not relieved after one
dose."
D. "I should store the tablets in a plastic bag."
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: A
Rationale: Clients should sit or lie down before
taking nitroglycerin to avoid hypotension and
dizziness. They can take up to 3 doses at 5-minute
intervals. If pain is not relieved after the first dose or
worsens, they should call 911. Tablets must be
stored in the original glass container, not plastic.
4. Contraindication for Spironolactone
Question: A nurse is caring for a client with a new
prescription for spironolactone. The nurse notes the
client's serum potassium is 5.5 mEq/L. What action
, should the nurse take?
A. Administer the medication as prescribed
B. Hold the medication and notify the provider
C. Encourage potassium-rich foods
D. Monitor urine output closely
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing
diuretic. Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) is a
contraindication. The nurse should hold the
medication and notify the provider.
5. Medication with Sulfa Allergy
Question: Which medication is contraindicated in
clients with a sulfa allergy?
A. Furosemide
B. Spironolactone
C. Hydrochlorothiazide
D. Mannitol
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C
