Fall Semester 2025 | VATI RN Pharmacology Comprehensive Exam Prep 2025–2026 | 260+ Verified Practice Questions with Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales | Complete ATI & NCLEX RN Pharmacology Study Guide for Nursing Students

Fall SemeSter 2025 | VatI rN Pharmacology
comPreheNSIVe exam PreP 2025–2026 | 260+
VerIFIed PractIce QueStIoNS wIth correct
aNSwerS & detaIled ratIoNaleS | comPlete atI
& Nclex rN Pharmacology Study guIde For
NurSINg StudeNtS

Question 1:
A nurse is administering lisinopril to a patient with hypertension. Which
assessment is most important before administration?
A. Blood glucose levels
B. Respiratory rate
C. Blood pressure
D. Heart rate
Correct answer: C. Blood pressure
Rationale: Lisinopril is an antihypertensive medication. Assessing blood pressure
before administration ensures the medication is safe to give and helps prevent
hypotension.


Question 2:
A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which lab test should the nurse monitor?
A. Platelet count
B. Blood glucose
C. INR (International Normalized Ratio)
D. Complete blood count
Correct answer: C. INR (International Normalized Ratio)
Rationale: The INR is monitored to assess the effectiveness of warfarin therapy and
ensure the patient’s blood is within the therapeutic range to prevent clots without
excessive bleeding.


Question 3:
A nurse is teaching a patient about atorvastatin. Which statement indicates a need
for further teaching?
A. "I should report any muscle pain or weakness."
B. "I can stop taking this medication if my cholesterol levels are normal."
C. "I should take this medication in the evening."
D. "I need to follow a low-fat diet."

,Correct answer: C. "I should take this medication in the evening."
Rationale: Atorvastatin can be taken at any time of day, but it is often taken in the
evening because cholesterol synthesis occurs overnight. The key is consistency.


Question 4:
A patient is receiving digoxin. Which assessment finding would indicate potential
toxicity?
A. Bradycardia
B. Increased appetite
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Weight loss
Correct answer: C. Nausea and vomiting
Rationale: Nausea and vomiting are common signs of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should
monitor for these symptoms, especially if the patient shows signs of bradycardia.


Question 5:
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving morphine for pain management. Which side
effect should the nurse monitor closely?
A. Increased heart rate
B. Diarrhea
C. Respiratory depression
D. Elevated blood pressure
Correct answer: C. Respiratory depression
Rationale: Morphine is an opioid that can cause respiratory depression, which is a
potentially life-threatening side effect. Monitoring respiratory rate is essential.


Question 6:
A patient with a history of asthma is prescribed albuterol. What is the priority
teaching point?
A. "Use this medication only when symptoms occur."
B. "This medication can cause increased heart rate."
C. "You should take this medication with food."
D. "This medication is used for long-term control."
Correct answer: B. "This medication can cause increased heart rate."
Rationale: Albuterol, a short-acting beta-agonist, can cause tachycardia as a side
effect. Patients should be aware of this so they can monitor their heart rate.

,Question 7:
A patient is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. Which instruction should the
nurse provide?
A. "Take this medication with an empty stomach."
B. "You can stop taking this medication if your blood sugar is normal."
C. "Take this medication with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects."
D. "This medication can be taken anytime during the day."
Correct answer: C. "Take this medication with food to reduce gastrointestinal side
effects."
Rationale: Metformin can cause gastrointestinal upset; taking it with food helps
minimize this side effect.


Question 8:
A patient receiving antihypertensive medication reports dizziness. What should the
nurse assess first?
A. Weight
B. Heart rate
C. Blood pressure
D. Respiratory rate
Correct answer: C. Blood pressure
Rationale: Dizziness can be a sign of hypotension, especially after starting or adjusting
antihypertensive medications. Assessing blood pressure will help determine the cause
of dizziness.


Question 9:
A nurse is administering a dose of furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance should
the nurse monitor for?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypernatremia
Correct answer: C. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss, leading to
hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is critical.


Question 10:

, A nurse is teaching a patient about taking levothyroxine. Which statement
indicates proper understanding?
A. "I should take this medication at bedtime."
B. "I will take this medication on an empty stomach."
C. "I can stop taking this medication if I feel better."
D. "I must avoid all soy products."
Correct answer: B. "I will take this medication on an empty stomach."
Rationale: Levothyroxine is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, typically
30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.


Question 11:
A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker. Which assessment is most important?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Weight
C. Heart rate
D. Blood pressure
Correct answer: C. Heart rate
Rationale: Beta-blockers can cause bradycardia; therefore, monitoring the heart rate is
crucial to ensure it remains within a safe range.


Question 12:
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of heart failure who is prescribed
spironolactone. Which lab value is most important to monitor?
A. Sodium levels
B. Glucose levels
C. Potassium levels
D. Calcium levels
Correct answer: C. Potassium levels
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can lead to
hyperkalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is vital for patient safety.


Question 13:
A patient receiving chemotherapy is prescribed ondansetron for nausea. What is
the nurse’s priority assessment?
A. Bowel sounds
B. Vital signs
C. Neurological status
D. Fluid intake