, ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam: Concept-
Based Practice Questions & Rationales
(A Sample Study Resource - Not Actual Exam Content)
Section 1: Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics
1. Question: A nurse is administering a drug with a half-life of 12 hours. The client's renal
function declines. How would this most likely affect the drug's half-life and dosing schedule?
A. Half-life decreases, requiring more frequent dosing.
B. Half-life increases, requiring less frequent dosing.
C. Half-life is unchanged, and dosing remains the same.
D. Half-life decreases, requiring a higher dose.
Answer: B. Half-life increases, requiring less frequent dosing.
Rationale: Reduced renal function decreases the excretion of drugs cleared by the kidneys. This
leads to drug accumulation, prolonging the half-life. To prevent toxicity, dosing intervals are
often lengthened (less frequent dosing) or the dose is reduced.
2. Question: A client is prescribed a drug with a narrow therapeutic index (NTI). The nurse
understands this requires:
A. Less monitoring because the drug is very safe.
B. More frequent monitoring of drug levels and patient response.
C. Administration only with meals to improve absorption.
D. Crushing the tablet for easier absorption.
Answer: B. More frequent monitoring of drug levels and patient response.
Rationale: Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., digoxin, warfarin, lithium) have a small
margin between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose. Small changes in absorption or
metabolism can lead to toxicity or subtherapeutic effects, requiring close monitoring.
Section 2: Neurological & Psychotropic Medications
3. Question: A client taking levodopa/carbidopa for Parkinson's disease reports a sudden return
of severe tremors and rigidity. Which statement by the client indicates a potential cause?
A. "I've been eating more high-fiber cereals for breakfast."
B. "I started taking my multivitamin at the same time as my medication."
C. "I've been drinking a glass of orange juice with my morning pill."
D. "I take my medication exactly 1 hour before every meal."
Based Practice Questions & Rationales
(A Sample Study Resource - Not Actual Exam Content)
Section 1: Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics
1. Question: A nurse is administering a drug with a half-life of 12 hours. The client's renal
function declines. How would this most likely affect the drug's half-life and dosing schedule?
A. Half-life decreases, requiring more frequent dosing.
B. Half-life increases, requiring less frequent dosing.
C. Half-life is unchanged, and dosing remains the same.
D. Half-life decreases, requiring a higher dose.
Answer: B. Half-life increases, requiring less frequent dosing.
Rationale: Reduced renal function decreases the excretion of drugs cleared by the kidneys. This
leads to drug accumulation, prolonging the half-life. To prevent toxicity, dosing intervals are
often lengthened (less frequent dosing) or the dose is reduced.
2. Question: A client is prescribed a drug with a narrow therapeutic index (NTI). The nurse
understands this requires:
A. Less monitoring because the drug is very safe.
B. More frequent monitoring of drug levels and patient response.
C. Administration only with meals to improve absorption.
D. Crushing the tablet for easier absorption.
Answer: B. More frequent monitoring of drug levels and patient response.
Rationale: Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., digoxin, warfarin, lithium) have a small
margin between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose. Small changes in absorption or
metabolism can lead to toxicity or subtherapeutic effects, requiring close monitoring.
Section 2: Neurological & Psychotropic Medications
3. Question: A client taking levodopa/carbidopa for Parkinson's disease reports a sudden return
of severe tremors and rigidity. Which statement by the client indicates a potential cause?
A. "I've been eating more high-fiber cereals for breakfast."
B. "I started taking my multivitamin at the same time as my medication."
C. "I've been drinking a glass of orange juice with my morning pill."
D. "I take my medication exactly 1 hour before every meal."
