ATI Pharmacology: GI & Renal Medications 2026 UPDATED
ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT Answers
1. A nurse is preparing to administer furosemide to a client with heart failure.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a common side
effect of this medication?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypertension
D. Bradycardia
Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of potassium, often
leading to hypokalemia.
2. A client is taking spironolactone for hypertension. Which dietary instruction
should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Increase intake of bananas and potatoes
B. Maintain a high-protein diet
C. Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium
D. Drink at least 3 liters of water daily
Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Using salt substitutes, which
often contain potassium chloride, can lead to hyperkalemia.
,3. A nurse is caring for a client with increased intracranial pressure receiving
mannitol. What should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the
drug?
A. Decreased urinary output
B. Increased blood glucose
C. Decreased cerebral edema
D. Increased serum potassium
Answer: C
Rationale: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used primarily to reduce intracranial or
intraocular pressure by drawing fluid from the tissues into the vascular space.
4. A client is prescribed sucralfate for a duodenal ulcer. When should the nurse
instruct the client to take this medication?
A. Immediately after meals
B. One hour before meals
C. With an antacid
D. At bedtime with a snack
Answer: B
Rationale: Sucralfate works by coating the ulcer. It should be taken on an empty stomach,
typically one hour before meals and at bedtime.
5. A nurse is teaching a client about long-term use of omeprazole. The nurse
should inform the client about the increased risk of which condition?
A. Osteoporosis
B. Liver failure
C. Hypotension
D. Hypoglycemia
Answer: A
, Rationale: Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole is associated
with a higher risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis due to decreased calcium absorption.
6. A nurse is providing teaching to a client starting ranitidine. Which statement
by the client indicates understanding?
A. I will stop smoking to help the medication work better
B. I will take this with a full glass of milk
C. I will only take this when I have heartburn
D. I will limit my fluid intake to 1 liter per day
Answer: A
Rationale: Smoking can decrease the effectiveness of H2-receptor antagonists like
ranitidine by increasing gastric acid production.
7. A client receiving metoclopramide for gastroparesis reports restlessness and
uncontrollable muscle movements. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled
B. Reassure the client this is normal
C. Notify the provider and hold the medication
D. Check the client’s blood pressure
Answer: C
Rationale: Metoclopramide can cause extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), including tardive
dyskinesia. Restlessness and muscle movements must be reported immediately.
ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT Answers
1. A nurse is preparing to administer furosemide to a client with heart failure.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a common side
effect of this medication?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypertension
D. Bradycardia
Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of potassium, often
leading to hypokalemia.
2. A client is taking spironolactone for hypertension. Which dietary instruction
should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Increase intake of bananas and potatoes
B. Maintain a high-protein diet
C. Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium
D. Drink at least 3 liters of water daily
Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Using salt substitutes, which
often contain potassium chloride, can lead to hyperkalemia.
,3. A nurse is caring for a client with increased intracranial pressure receiving
mannitol. What should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the
drug?
A. Decreased urinary output
B. Increased blood glucose
C. Decreased cerebral edema
D. Increased serum potassium
Answer: C
Rationale: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used primarily to reduce intracranial or
intraocular pressure by drawing fluid from the tissues into the vascular space.
4. A client is prescribed sucralfate for a duodenal ulcer. When should the nurse
instruct the client to take this medication?
A. Immediately after meals
B. One hour before meals
C. With an antacid
D. At bedtime with a snack
Answer: B
Rationale: Sucralfate works by coating the ulcer. It should be taken on an empty stomach,
typically one hour before meals and at bedtime.
5. A nurse is teaching a client about long-term use of omeprazole. The nurse
should inform the client about the increased risk of which condition?
A. Osteoporosis
B. Liver failure
C. Hypotension
D. Hypoglycemia
Answer: A
, Rationale: Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole is associated
with a higher risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis due to decreased calcium absorption.
6. A nurse is providing teaching to a client starting ranitidine. Which statement
by the client indicates understanding?
A. I will stop smoking to help the medication work better
B. I will take this with a full glass of milk
C. I will only take this when I have heartburn
D. I will limit my fluid intake to 1 liter per day
Answer: A
Rationale: Smoking can decrease the effectiveness of H2-receptor antagonists like
ranitidine by increasing gastric acid production.
7. A client receiving metoclopramide for gastroparesis reports restlessness and
uncontrollable muscle movements. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled
B. Reassure the client this is normal
C. Notify the provider and hold the medication
D. Check the client’s blood pressure
Answer: C
Rationale: Metoclopramide can cause extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), including tardive
dyskinesia. Restlessness and muscle movements must be reported immediately.
