ATI PHARMACOLOGY EXAM WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS AND RATIONALS
2023/2026 WITH NGN
**1.** A nurse is administering digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Heart rate 62 bpm
B. Serum potassium 3.2 mEq/L
C. Digoxin level 1.2 ng/mL
D. Anorexia and nausea
**Answer:** B – Serum potassium 3.2 mEq/L
**Rationale:** Hypokalemia (normal 3.5–5.0) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity even at therapeutic
digoxin levels. Anorexia/nausea are early signs of toxicity but the potassium level is the priority cause.
---
**2.** A patient taking lisinopril develops a persistent dry cough and angioedema of the lips. What
should the nurse expect?
A. Continue lisinopril; cough is expected
, B. Switch to losartan (ARB)
C. Add a beta-blocker
D. Increase lisinopril dose
**Answer:** B – Switch to losartan
**Rationale:** ACE inhibitors (lisinopril) cause bradykinin-mediated dry cough and angioedema. ARBs
(losartan) are effective without this side effect.
---
### **Topic: Antibiotics**
**3.** A nurse is teaching a patient about tetracycline. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. “I can take it with milk to avoid stomach upset”
B. “I will wear sunscreen or long sleeves outside”
C. “I should stop if I feel better after 3 days”
D. “I will take it with antacids for heartburn”
**Answer:** B – Sunscreen or long sleeves
**Rationale:** Tetracycline causes photosensitivity (severe sunburn). Avoid dairy, antacids, iron
(decrease absorption). Complete full course.
---
**4.** A patient receiving IV vancomycin reports ringing in the ears and dizziness. What is the priority
action?
A. Slow the infusion rate
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Give diphenhydramine
D. Check blood pressure
CORRECT ANSWERS AND RATIONALS
2023/2026 WITH NGN
**1.** A nurse is administering digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Heart rate 62 bpm
B. Serum potassium 3.2 mEq/L
C. Digoxin level 1.2 ng/mL
D. Anorexia and nausea
**Answer:** B – Serum potassium 3.2 mEq/L
**Rationale:** Hypokalemia (normal 3.5–5.0) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity even at therapeutic
digoxin levels. Anorexia/nausea are early signs of toxicity but the potassium level is the priority cause.
---
**2.** A patient taking lisinopril develops a persistent dry cough and angioedema of the lips. What
should the nurse expect?
A. Continue lisinopril; cough is expected
, B. Switch to losartan (ARB)
C. Add a beta-blocker
D. Increase lisinopril dose
**Answer:** B – Switch to losartan
**Rationale:** ACE inhibitors (lisinopril) cause bradykinin-mediated dry cough and angioedema. ARBs
(losartan) are effective without this side effect.
---
### **Topic: Antibiotics**
**3.** A nurse is teaching a patient about tetracycline. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. “I can take it with milk to avoid stomach upset”
B. “I will wear sunscreen or long sleeves outside”
C. “I should stop if I feel better after 3 days”
D. “I will take it with antacids for heartburn”
**Answer:** B – Sunscreen or long sleeves
**Rationale:** Tetracycline causes photosensitivity (severe sunburn). Avoid dairy, antacids, iron
(decrease absorption). Complete full course.
---
**4.** A patient receiving IV vancomycin reports ringing in the ears and dizziness. What is the priority
action?
A. Slow the infusion rate
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Give diphenhydramine
D. Check blood pressure
