ATI PHARMACOLOGY PROCTORED
EXAM TEST BANK/ATI
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS AND
RATIONALE/A+GRADED/ VERIFIED 2025-
2026
1) A nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism and notes that the client's serum
calcium level is 13 mg/dL. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer as
prescribed to the client?
1. Calcium chloride
2. Calcium gluconate
3. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
4. Large doses of vitamin D
3. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
Rationale:
The normal serum calcium level is 8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL. This client is experiencing hyperkalemia.
Calcium gluconate and calcium chloride are medications used for the treatment of tetany,
which occurs as a result of acute hypocalcaemia. In hyperkalemia, large doses of vitamin D
need to be avoided.
Calcitonin, a thyroid hormone, decreases the plasma calcium level by inhibiting bone resorption
and lowering the serum calcium concentration.
2.) Oral iron supplements are prescribed for a 6-year-old child with iron deficiency anemia.
The nurse instructs the mother to administer the iron with which best food item?
1. Milk
2. Water
3. Apple juice
4. Orange juice
4.
Orange
juice
Rationale
:
Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron by the body. The mother should be instructed to
administer the medication with a citrus fruit or a juice that is high in vitamin C. Milk may
affect absorption of the iron. Water will not assist in absorption. Orange juice contains a
greater amount of vitamin C than apple juice.
, 3.) Salicylic acid is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of psoriasis. The nurse monitors
the client, knowing that which of the following would indicate the presence of systemic
toxicity from this medication?
1. Tinnitus
2. Diarrhea
3. Constipation
4. Decreased respirations
1. Tinnitu
s
Rational
e:
Salicylic acid is absorbed readily through the skin, and systemic toxicity (salicylism) can
result. Symptoms
include tinnitus, dizziness, hyperpnea, and psychological disturbances. Constipation and
diarrhea are not associated with salicylism.
4.) The camp nurse asks the children preparing to swim in the lake if they have applied
sunscreen. The nurse reminds the children that chemical sunscreens are most effective when
applied:
1. Immediately before swimming
2. 15 minutes before exposure to the sun
3. Immediately before exposure to the sun
4. At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
At least 30 minutes before exposure to the
sun
Rationale:
Sunscreens are most effective when applied at least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
so that they can penetrate the skin. All sunscreens should be reapplied after swimming or
sweating.
5.) Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) is prescribed for the client with a burn injury. When
applying the medication, the client complains of local discomfort and burning. Which of the
following is the most appropriate nursing action?
1. Notifying the registered nurse
2. Discontinuing the medication
3. Informing the client that this is normal
4. Applying a thinner film than prescribed to the burn site
2. Informing the client that this is
normal
Rationale:
Mafenide acetate is bacteriostatic for gram-negative and gram-positive organisms and is
used to treat burns to reduce bacteria present in avascular tissues. The client should be
informed that the medication will cause local discomfort and burning and that this is a
normal reaction; therefore options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect
6.) The burn client is receiving treatments of topical mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) to the
,site of injury. The nurse monitors the client, knowing that which of the following indicates
that a systemic effect has occurred?
1. Hyperventilation
2. Elevated blood pressure
3. Local pain at the burn site
4. Local rash at the burn site
1. Hyperventilatio
n
Rationale:
Mafenide acetate is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and can suppress renal excretion of
acid, thereby causing acidosis. Clients receiving this treatment should be monitored for
signs of an acid-base imbalance (hyperventilation). If this occurs, the medication should
be discontinued for 1 to 2 days. Options 3 and 4 describe local rather than systemic
effects. An elevated blood pressure may be expected from the pain that occurs with a
burn injury.
7.) Isotretinoin is prescribed for a client with severe acne. Before the administration of this
medication, the nurse anticipates that which laboratory test will be prescribed?
1. Platelet count
2. Triglyceride level
3. Complete blood count
4. White blood cell count
2. Triglyceride
level
Rationale:
Isotretinoin can elevate triglyceride levels. Blood triglyceride levels should be measured
before treatment and periodically thereafter until the effect on the triglycerides has been
evaluated. Options 1, 3, and 4 do not need to be monitored specifically during this
treatment.
8.) A client with severe acne is seen in the clinic and the health care provider (HCP) prescribes
isotretinoin. The nurse reviews the client's medication record and would contact the (HCP) if the
client is taking which medication?
1. Vitamin A
2. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
3. Furosemide (Lasix)
4. Phenytoin (Dilantin)
1. Vitamin
A
Rationale:
Isotretinoin is a metabolite of vitamin A and can produce generalized intensification of
isotretinoin toxicity. Because of the potential for increased toxicity, vitamin A supplements
should be discontinued before isotretinoin therapy. Options 2, 3, and 4 are not
contraindicated with the use of isotretinoin.
9.) The nurse is applying a topical corticosteroid to a client with eczema. The nurse would
, monitor for the potential for increased systemic absorption of the medication if the medication
were being applied to which of the following body areas?
1. Back
2. Axilla
3. Soles of the feet
4. Palms of the hands
2. Axil
la
Rationale
:
Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed into the systemic circulation. Absorption is
higher from regions where the skin is especially permeable (scalp, axilla, face, eyelids,
neck, perineum, genitalia), and lower from regions in which permeability is poor (back,
palms, soles).
10.) The clinic nurse is performing an admission assessment on a client. The nurse notes that the
client is taking azelaic acid (Azelex). Because of the medication prescription, the nurse would
suspect that the client is being treated for:
1. Acne
2. Eczema
3. Hair loss
4. Herpes simplex
1. Acne
Rational
e:
Azelaic acid is a topical medication used to treat mild to moderate acne. The acid appears
to work by suppressing the growth of Propionibacterium acnes and decreasing the
proliferation of keratinocytes. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect.
W
11.) The health care provider has prescribed silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) for the client with a
partial- thickness burn, which has cultured positive for gram-negative bacteria. The nurse is
reinforcing information to the client about the medication. Which statement made by the client
indicates a lack of understanding about the treatments?
1. "The medication is an antibacterial."
2. "The medication will help heal the burn."
3. "The medication will permanently stain my skin."
4. "The medication should be applied directly to the wound."
3. "The medication will permanently stain
my skin."
Rationale:
Silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) is an antibacterial that has a broad spectrum of activity
against gram- negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. It is applied directly to
the wound to assist in healing. It does not stain the skin.
12.) A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion of an
EXAM TEST BANK/ATI
PHARMACOLOGY EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS AND
RATIONALE/A+GRADED/ VERIFIED 2025-
2026
1) A nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism and notes that the client's serum
calcium level is 13 mg/dL. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer as
prescribed to the client?
1. Calcium chloride
2. Calcium gluconate
3. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
4. Large doses of vitamin D
3. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
Rationale:
The normal serum calcium level is 8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL. This client is experiencing hyperkalemia.
Calcium gluconate and calcium chloride are medications used for the treatment of tetany,
which occurs as a result of acute hypocalcaemia. In hyperkalemia, large doses of vitamin D
need to be avoided.
Calcitonin, a thyroid hormone, decreases the plasma calcium level by inhibiting bone resorption
and lowering the serum calcium concentration.
2.) Oral iron supplements are prescribed for a 6-year-old child with iron deficiency anemia.
The nurse instructs the mother to administer the iron with which best food item?
1. Milk
2. Water
3. Apple juice
4. Orange juice
4.
Orange
juice
Rationale
:
Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron by the body. The mother should be instructed to
administer the medication with a citrus fruit or a juice that is high in vitamin C. Milk may
affect absorption of the iron. Water will not assist in absorption. Orange juice contains a
greater amount of vitamin C than apple juice.
, 3.) Salicylic acid is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of psoriasis. The nurse monitors
the client, knowing that which of the following would indicate the presence of systemic
toxicity from this medication?
1. Tinnitus
2. Diarrhea
3. Constipation
4. Decreased respirations
1. Tinnitu
s
Rational
e:
Salicylic acid is absorbed readily through the skin, and systemic toxicity (salicylism) can
result. Symptoms
include tinnitus, dizziness, hyperpnea, and psychological disturbances. Constipation and
diarrhea are not associated with salicylism.
4.) The camp nurse asks the children preparing to swim in the lake if they have applied
sunscreen. The nurse reminds the children that chemical sunscreens are most effective when
applied:
1. Immediately before swimming
2. 15 minutes before exposure to the sun
3. Immediately before exposure to the sun
4. At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
At least 30 minutes before exposure to the
sun
Rationale:
Sunscreens are most effective when applied at least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
so that they can penetrate the skin. All sunscreens should be reapplied after swimming or
sweating.
5.) Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) is prescribed for the client with a burn injury. When
applying the medication, the client complains of local discomfort and burning. Which of the
following is the most appropriate nursing action?
1. Notifying the registered nurse
2. Discontinuing the medication
3. Informing the client that this is normal
4. Applying a thinner film than prescribed to the burn site
2. Informing the client that this is
normal
Rationale:
Mafenide acetate is bacteriostatic for gram-negative and gram-positive organisms and is
used to treat burns to reduce bacteria present in avascular tissues. The client should be
informed that the medication will cause local discomfort and burning and that this is a
normal reaction; therefore options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect
6.) The burn client is receiving treatments of topical mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) to the
,site of injury. The nurse monitors the client, knowing that which of the following indicates
that a systemic effect has occurred?
1. Hyperventilation
2. Elevated blood pressure
3. Local pain at the burn site
4. Local rash at the burn site
1. Hyperventilatio
n
Rationale:
Mafenide acetate is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and can suppress renal excretion of
acid, thereby causing acidosis. Clients receiving this treatment should be monitored for
signs of an acid-base imbalance (hyperventilation). If this occurs, the medication should
be discontinued for 1 to 2 days. Options 3 and 4 describe local rather than systemic
effects. An elevated blood pressure may be expected from the pain that occurs with a
burn injury.
7.) Isotretinoin is prescribed for a client with severe acne. Before the administration of this
medication, the nurse anticipates that which laboratory test will be prescribed?
1. Platelet count
2. Triglyceride level
3. Complete blood count
4. White blood cell count
2. Triglyceride
level
Rationale:
Isotretinoin can elevate triglyceride levels. Blood triglyceride levels should be measured
before treatment and periodically thereafter until the effect on the triglycerides has been
evaluated. Options 1, 3, and 4 do not need to be monitored specifically during this
treatment.
8.) A client with severe acne is seen in the clinic and the health care provider (HCP) prescribes
isotretinoin. The nurse reviews the client's medication record and would contact the (HCP) if the
client is taking which medication?
1. Vitamin A
2. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
3. Furosemide (Lasix)
4. Phenytoin (Dilantin)
1. Vitamin
A
Rationale:
Isotretinoin is a metabolite of vitamin A and can produce generalized intensification of
isotretinoin toxicity. Because of the potential for increased toxicity, vitamin A supplements
should be discontinued before isotretinoin therapy. Options 2, 3, and 4 are not
contraindicated with the use of isotretinoin.
9.) The nurse is applying a topical corticosteroid to a client with eczema. The nurse would
, monitor for the potential for increased systemic absorption of the medication if the medication
were being applied to which of the following body areas?
1. Back
2. Axilla
3. Soles of the feet
4. Palms of the hands
2. Axil
la
Rationale
:
Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed into the systemic circulation. Absorption is
higher from regions where the skin is especially permeable (scalp, axilla, face, eyelids,
neck, perineum, genitalia), and lower from regions in which permeability is poor (back,
palms, soles).
10.) The clinic nurse is performing an admission assessment on a client. The nurse notes that the
client is taking azelaic acid (Azelex). Because of the medication prescription, the nurse would
suspect that the client is being treated for:
1. Acne
2. Eczema
3. Hair loss
4. Herpes simplex
1. Acne
Rational
e:
Azelaic acid is a topical medication used to treat mild to moderate acne. The acid appears
to work by suppressing the growth of Propionibacterium acnes and decreasing the
proliferation of keratinocytes. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect.
W
11.) The health care provider has prescribed silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) for the client with a
partial- thickness burn, which has cultured positive for gram-negative bacteria. The nurse is
reinforcing information to the client about the medication. Which statement made by the client
indicates a lack of understanding about the treatments?
1. "The medication is an antibacterial."
2. "The medication will help heal the burn."
3. "The medication will permanently stain my skin."
4. "The medication should be applied directly to the wound."
3. "The medication will permanently stain
my skin."
Rationale:
Silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) is an antibacterial that has a broad spectrum of activity
against gram- negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. It is applied directly to
the wound to assist in healing. It does not stain the skin.
12.) A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion of an
