ATI RN Pharmacology Exam Study Guide | Comprehensive
Test Bank with Complete Exam Questions, Verified Correct
Answers and Detailed Rationales | Latest Update 2026/2027
– Already Graded A+
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and is to be started on
intravenous rifampin therapy. The nurse should instruct the client that this medication can cause
which of the following adverse effects?
A. Constipation
B. Black colored stools
C. Staining of teeth
D. Body secretions turning a red-orange color
Answer: D
Rationale: Rifampin is used in combination with other medicines to treat TB. Rifampin will
cause the urine, stool, saliva, sputum, sweat, and tears to turn reddish-orange to reddish-brown.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who has congestive heart failure and is taking digoxin daily. The
client refused breakfast and is complaining of nausea and weakness. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
A. Check the client's vital signs.
B. Request a dietitian consult.
C. Suggest that the client rests before eating the meal.
D. Request an order for an antiemetic.
Answer: A
Rationale: It is possible that the client's nausea is secondary to digoxin toxicity. By obtaining
vital signs, the nurse can assess for bradycardia, which is a symptom of digoxin toxicity. The
nurse should withhold the medication and call the provider if the client's heart rate is less than 60
bpm.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client who has difficulty swallowing medications and is prescribed
enteric-coated aspirin PO once daily. The client asks if the medication can be crushed to make it
easier to swallow. Which of the following responses should the nurse provide?
A. "Crushing the medication might cause you to have a stomachache or indigestion."
pg. 1
,B. "Crushing the medication is a good idea, and I can mix it in some ice cream for you."
C. "Crushing the medication would release all the medication at once, rather than over time."
D. "Crushing is unsafe, as it destroys the ingredients in the medication."
Answer: A
Rationale: The pill is enteric-coated to prevent breakdown in the stomach and decrease the
possibility of GI distress. Crushing the pill destroys that protection.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for four clients for whom she has to administer oral medications in the
morning. The nurse should administer which of the following medications before breakfast?
A. Alendronate
B. Digoxin
C. Mycostatin mouthwash
D. Divalproex
Answer: A
Rationale: The client must take alendronate first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and
wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and has been taking lithium for 1 year.
Before administering the medication, the nurse should check to see that which of the following
tests have been completed?
A. Thyroid hormone assay
B. Liver function tests
C. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
D. Brain natriuretic peptide
Answer: A
Rationale: Thyroid testing is important because long-term use of lithium may lead to thyroid
dysfunction.
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client who has thrombophlebitis and is receiving heparin by continuous
IV infusion. The client asks the nurse how long it will take for the heparin to dissolve the clot.
Which of the following responses should the nurse give?
A. "It usually takes heparin at least 2 to 3 days to reach a therapeutic blood level."
B. "A pharmacist is the person to answer that question."
C. "Heparin does not dissolve clots. It stops new clots from forming."
D. "The oral medication you will take after this IV will dissolve the clot."
Answer: C
Rationale: This statement accurately answers the client's question. Heparin does not dissolve
pg. 2
,clots; it stops new clots from forming.
Question 7
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has asthma and new prescriptions for
cromolyn and albuterol, both by nebulizer. Which of the following statements by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "If my breathing begins to feel tight, I will use the cromolyn immediately."
B. "I will be sure to take the albuterol before taking the cromolyn."
C. "I will use both medications immediately after exercising."
D. "I will administer the medications 10 minutes apart."
Answer: B
Rationale: The client should always use the bronchodilator (albuterol) prior to using the
leukotriene modifier (cromolyn). Using the bronchodilator first allows the airways to be opened,
ensuring that the maximum dose of medication will get to the client's lungs.
Question 8
A nurse is completing a medication history for a client who reports using over-the-counter
calcium carbonate antacid. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make
about taking this medication?
A. Decrease bulk in the diet to counteract the adverse effect of diarrhea.
B. Take the medication with dairy products to increase absorption.
C. Reduce sodium intake.
D. Drink a glass of water after taking the medication.
Answer: D
Rationale: Calcium carbonate is a dietary supplement used when the amount of calcium taken in
the diet is not enough. Calcium carbonate may also be used as an antacid to relieve heartburn,
acid indigestion, and stomach upset. The client should drink a full glass of water after taking an
antacid to enhance its effectiveness.
Question 9
A nurse is caring for a client who has deep vein thrombosis and has been on heparin continuous
infusion for 5 days. The provider prescribes warfarin PO without discontinuing the heparin. The
client asks the nurse why both anticoagulants are necessary. Which of the following statements
should the nurse make?
A. "Warfarin takes several days to work, so the IV heparin will be used until the warfarin reaches
a therapeutic level."
B. "I will call the provider to get a prescription for discontinuing the IV heparin today."
C. "Both heparin and warfarin work together to dissolve the clots."
D. "The IV heparin increases the effects of the warfarin and decreases the length of your hospital
stay."
pg. 3
, Answer: A
Rationale: Heparin and warfarin are both anticoagulants that decrease the clotting ability of the
blood and help prevent thrombosis formation in the blood vessels. However, these medications
work in different ways to achieve therapeutic coagulation and must be given together until
therapeutic levels of anticoagulation can be achieved by warfarin alone, which is usually within
1 to 5 days. When the client's PT and INR are within therapeutic range, the heparin can be
discontinued.
Question 10
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has asthma and a new prescription for inhaled
beclomethasone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?
A. Check the pulse after medication administration.
B. Take the medication with meals.
C. Rinse the mouth after administration.
D. Limit caffeine intake.
Answer: C
Rationale: Use of glucocorticoids by metered dose inhaler can allow a fungal overgrowth in the
mouth. Rinsing the mouth after administration can lessen the likelihood of this complication.
Question 11
A nurse caring for a client who has hypertension and asks the nurse about a prescription for
propranolol. The nurse should inform the client that this medication is contraindicated in clients
who have a history of which of the following conditions?
A. Asthma
B. Glaucoma
C. Depression
D. Migraines
Answer: A
Rationale: Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is contraindicated in clients who have asthma because it
can cause bronchospasms. Propranolol blocks the sympathetic stimulation, which prevents
smooth muscle relaxation.
Question 12
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for colchicine to treat gout. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A. "Take this medication with food if nausea develops."
B. "Monitor for muscle pain."
C. "Expect to have increased bruising."
D. "Increase your intake of grapefruit juice."
Answer: B
pg. 4
Test Bank with Complete Exam Questions, Verified Correct
Answers and Detailed Rationales | Latest Update 2026/2027
– Already Graded A+
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and is to be started on
intravenous rifampin therapy. The nurse should instruct the client that this medication can cause
which of the following adverse effects?
A. Constipation
B. Black colored stools
C. Staining of teeth
D. Body secretions turning a red-orange color
Answer: D
Rationale: Rifampin is used in combination with other medicines to treat TB. Rifampin will
cause the urine, stool, saliva, sputum, sweat, and tears to turn reddish-orange to reddish-brown.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who has congestive heart failure and is taking digoxin daily. The
client refused breakfast and is complaining of nausea and weakness. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
A. Check the client's vital signs.
B. Request a dietitian consult.
C. Suggest that the client rests before eating the meal.
D. Request an order for an antiemetic.
Answer: A
Rationale: It is possible that the client's nausea is secondary to digoxin toxicity. By obtaining
vital signs, the nurse can assess for bradycardia, which is a symptom of digoxin toxicity. The
nurse should withhold the medication and call the provider if the client's heart rate is less than 60
bpm.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client who has difficulty swallowing medications and is prescribed
enteric-coated aspirin PO once daily. The client asks if the medication can be crushed to make it
easier to swallow. Which of the following responses should the nurse provide?
A. "Crushing the medication might cause you to have a stomachache or indigestion."
pg. 1
,B. "Crushing the medication is a good idea, and I can mix it in some ice cream for you."
C. "Crushing the medication would release all the medication at once, rather than over time."
D. "Crushing is unsafe, as it destroys the ingredients in the medication."
Answer: A
Rationale: The pill is enteric-coated to prevent breakdown in the stomach and decrease the
possibility of GI distress. Crushing the pill destroys that protection.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for four clients for whom she has to administer oral medications in the
morning. The nurse should administer which of the following medications before breakfast?
A. Alendronate
B. Digoxin
C. Mycostatin mouthwash
D. Divalproex
Answer: A
Rationale: The client must take alendronate first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and
wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and has been taking lithium for 1 year.
Before administering the medication, the nurse should check to see that which of the following
tests have been completed?
A. Thyroid hormone assay
B. Liver function tests
C. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
D. Brain natriuretic peptide
Answer: A
Rationale: Thyroid testing is important because long-term use of lithium may lead to thyroid
dysfunction.
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client who has thrombophlebitis and is receiving heparin by continuous
IV infusion. The client asks the nurse how long it will take for the heparin to dissolve the clot.
Which of the following responses should the nurse give?
A. "It usually takes heparin at least 2 to 3 days to reach a therapeutic blood level."
B. "A pharmacist is the person to answer that question."
C. "Heparin does not dissolve clots. It stops new clots from forming."
D. "The oral medication you will take after this IV will dissolve the clot."
Answer: C
Rationale: This statement accurately answers the client's question. Heparin does not dissolve
pg. 2
,clots; it stops new clots from forming.
Question 7
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has asthma and new prescriptions for
cromolyn and albuterol, both by nebulizer. Which of the following statements by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "If my breathing begins to feel tight, I will use the cromolyn immediately."
B. "I will be sure to take the albuterol before taking the cromolyn."
C. "I will use both medications immediately after exercising."
D. "I will administer the medications 10 minutes apart."
Answer: B
Rationale: The client should always use the bronchodilator (albuterol) prior to using the
leukotriene modifier (cromolyn). Using the bronchodilator first allows the airways to be opened,
ensuring that the maximum dose of medication will get to the client's lungs.
Question 8
A nurse is completing a medication history for a client who reports using over-the-counter
calcium carbonate antacid. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make
about taking this medication?
A. Decrease bulk in the diet to counteract the adverse effect of diarrhea.
B. Take the medication with dairy products to increase absorption.
C. Reduce sodium intake.
D. Drink a glass of water after taking the medication.
Answer: D
Rationale: Calcium carbonate is a dietary supplement used when the amount of calcium taken in
the diet is not enough. Calcium carbonate may also be used as an antacid to relieve heartburn,
acid indigestion, and stomach upset. The client should drink a full glass of water after taking an
antacid to enhance its effectiveness.
Question 9
A nurse is caring for a client who has deep vein thrombosis and has been on heparin continuous
infusion for 5 days. The provider prescribes warfarin PO without discontinuing the heparin. The
client asks the nurse why both anticoagulants are necessary. Which of the following statements
should the nurse make?
A. "Warfarin takes several days to work, so the IV heparin will be used until the warfarin reaches
a therapeutic level."
B. "I will call the provider to get a prescription for discontinuing the IV heparin today."
C. "Both heparin and warfarin work together to dissolve the clots."
D. "The IV heparin increases the effects of the warfarin and decreases the length of your hospital
stay."
pg. 3
, Answer: A
Rationale: Heparin and warfarin are both anticoagulants that decrease the clotting ability of the
blood and help prevent thrombosis formation in the blood vessels. However, these medications
work in different ways to achieve therapeutic coagulation and must be given together until
therapeutic levels of anticoagulation can be achieved by warfarin alone, which is usually within
1 to 5 days. When the client's PT and INR are within therapeutic range, the heparin can be
discontinued.
Question 10
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has asthma and a new prescription for inhaled
beclomethasone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?
A. Check the pulse after medication administration.
B. Take the medication with meals.
C. Rinse the mouth after administration.
D. Limit caffeine intake.
Answer: C
Rationale: Use of glucocorticoids by metered dose inhaler can allow a fungal overgrowth in the
mouth. Rinsing the mouth after administration can lessen the likelihood of this complication.
Question 11
A nurse caring for a client who has hypertension and asks the nurse about a prescription for
propranolol. The nurse should inform the client that this medication is contraindicated in clients
who have a history of which of the following conditions?
A. Asthma
B. Glaucoma
C. Depression
D. Migraines
Answer: A
Rationale: Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is contraindicated in clients who have asthma because it
can cause bronchospasms. Propranolol blocks the sympathetic stimulation, which prevents
smooth muscle relaxation.
Question 12
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for colchicine to treat gout. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A. "Take this medication with food if nausea develops."
B. "Monitor for muscle pain."
C. "Expect to have increased bruising."
D. "Increase your intake of grapefruit juice."
Answer: B
pg. 4
