Comprehensive ATI Pharmacology
Nursing Proctored Exam - Questions with
Answers | ATI Pharmacology Nursing
Exam
ATI Pharmacology Nursing Practice Exam
1.
A patient is prescribed furosemide for heart failure. Which finding requires immediate action?
A. Potassium 3.0 mEq/L
B. Blood pressure 120/70
C. Mild ankle edema
D. Heart rate 80 bpm
✅ Answer: A
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia, which may lead to
arrhythmias; this requires urgent intervention.
2.
A patient taking digoxin reports nausea, vomiting, and visual halos. Priority nursing action:
A. Hold digoxin and notify provider
B. Encourage fluids
C. Continue dose as prescribed
D. Administer antacids
,✅ Answer: A
Rationale: These are classic signs of digoxin toxicity; holding the drug and notifying the
provider is critical.
3.
Which nursing intervention is priority when administering IV potassium chloride?
A. Administer slowly with cardiac monitoring
B. Give as a rapid bolus
C. Mix with Dextrose 50%
D. Give undiluted
✅ Answer: A
Rationale: Rapid IV potassium can cause fatal arrhythmias; it must always be diluted and given
slowly with ECG monitoring.
4.
A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker (metoprolol) for hypertension. Which finding requires
holding the dose?
A. Heart rate 48 bpm
B. Blood pressure 130/80
C. Respirations 16/min
D. Mild headache
✅ Answer: A
Rationale: Bradycardia (<60 bpm in adults) may be worsened by beta-blockers; the provider
should be notified.
5.
Which teaching point is essential for a patient taking warfarin?
A. Monitor INR regularly and avoid abrupt dietary vitamin K changes
B. Take with large meals only
C. Avoid fluids
D. Skip doses if feeling well
, ✅ Answer: A
Rationale: Warfarin interacts with vitamin K and requires monitoring to prevent bleeding or
clotting complications.
6.
Which adverse effect is most concerning in a patient taking aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin)?
A. Tinnitus and hearing loss
B. Mild rash
C. Constipation
D. Dry mouth
✅ Answer: A
Rationale: Aminoglycosides are ototoxic and nephrotoxic; hearing changes may indicate
toxicity requiring intervention.
7.
A patient taking insulin reports dizziness and sweating. First nursing action:
A. Give a fast-acting carbohydrate
B. Administer insulin
C. Encourage exercise
D. Recheck glucose in 4 hours
✅ Answer: A
Rationale: These are signs of hypoglycemia; rapid carbohydrate administration prevents
serious complications.
8.
Which is the priority assessment for a patient receiving IV vancomycin?
A. Monitor for red man syndrome and infusion rate
B. Measure temperature only
C. Encourage oral fluids
D. Assess pain
Nursing Proctored Exam - Questions with
Answers | ATI Pharmacology Nursing
Exam
ATI Pharmacology Nursing Practice Exam
1.
A patient is prescribed furosemide for heart failure. Which finding requires immediate action?
A. Potassium 3.0 mEq/L
B. Blood pressure 120/70
C. Mild ankle edema
D. Heart rate 80 bpm
✅ Answer: A
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia, which may lead to
arrhythmias; this requires urgent intervention.
2.
A patient taking digoxin reports nausea, vomiting, and visual halos. Priority nursing action:
A. Hold digoxin and notify provider
B. Encourage fluids
C. Continue dose as prescribed
D. Administer antacids
,✅ Answer: A
Rationale: These are classic signs of digoxin toxicity; holding the drug and notifying the
provider is critical.
3.
Which nursing intervention is priority when administering IV potassium chloride?
A. Administer slowly with cardiac monitoring
B. Give as a rapid bolus
C. Mix with Dextrose 50%
D. Give undiluted
✅ Answer: A
Rationale: Rapid IV potassium can cause fatal arrhythmias; it must always be diluted and given
slowly with ECG monitoring.
4.
A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker (metoprolol) for hypertension. Which finding requires
holding the dose?
A. Heart rate 48 bpm
B. Blood pressure 130/80
C. Respirations 16/min
D. Mild headache
✅ Answer: A
Rationale: Bradycardia (<60 bpm in adults) may be worsened by beta-blockers; the provider
should be notified.
5.
Which teaching point is essential for a patient taking warfarin?
A. Monitor INR regularly and avoid abrupt dietary vitamin K changes
B. Take with large meals only
C. Avoid fluids
D. Skip doses if feeling well
, ✅ Answer: A
Rationale: Warfarin interacts with vitamin K and requires monitoring to prevent bleeding or
clotting complications.
6.
Which adverse effect is most concerning in a patient taking aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin)?
A. Tinnitus and hearing loss
B. Mild rash
C. Constipation
D. Dry mouth
✅ Answer: A
Rationale: Aminoglycosides are ototoxic and nephrotoxic; hearing changes may indicate
toxicity requiring intervention.
7.
A patient taking insulin reports dizziness and sweating. First nursing action:
A. Give a fast-acting carbohydrate
B. Administer insulin
C. Encourage exercise
D. Recheck glucose in 4 hours
✅ Answer: A
Rationale: These are signs of hypoglycemia; rapid carbohydrate administration prevents
serious complications.
8.
Which is the priority assessment for a patient receiving IV vancomycin?
A. Monitor for red man syndrome and infusion rate
B. Measure temperature only
C. Encourage oral fluids
D. Assess pain
