ATI Pharmacology Practice Exam (2026
Retake Style) Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1.
A nurse is administering morphine IV to a postoperative client. Which finding
requires immediate action?
A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
B. Respiratory rate of 8/min
C. Blood pressure 110/70 mmHg
D. Pain rating of 6/10
Rationale: Respiratory depression (RR < 12/min, especially < 8) is a life-
threatening adverse effect of opioids and requires immediate intervention.
2.
A client taking warfarin asks about diet. Which statement indicates
understanding?
A. “I will avoid all green vegetables.”
B. “I will increase my spinach intake daily.”
C. “I will keep my vitamin K intake consistent.”
D. “I will take vitamin K supplements daily.”
,Rationale: Consistency in vitamin K intake is key to maintaining stable INR levels
while on warfarin.
3.
A nurse is teaching about metformin. Which adverse effect should the client
report immediately?
A. Mild diarrhea
B. Metallic taste
C. Muscle pain and weakness
D. Decreased appetite
Rationale: Muscle pain may indicate lactic acidosis, a rare but serious
complication of metformin.
4.
A client is prescribed lisinopril. Which lab value should the nurse monitor?
A. Sodium
B. Calcium
C. Potassium
D. Magnesium
Rationale: ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia due to decreased aldosterone.
5.
A nurse administers furosemide. Which outcome indicates effectiveness?
A. Decreased heart rate
B. Increased potassium
C. Increased urine output
D. Decreased respiratory rate
, Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic; increased urine output shows
therapeutic effect.
6.
A client on heparin therapy has aPTT of 90 seconds. What should the nurse do?
A. Increase infusion rate
B. Stop infusion and notify provider
C. Continue current rate
D. Administer vitamin K
Rationale: Elevated aPTT indicates excessive anticoagulation; heparin should be
held.
7.
A nurse is administering digoxin. Which finding should be reported?
A. HR 72 bpm
B. HR 52 bpm
C. BP 120/80
D. RR 18
Rationale: Bradycardia (<60 bpm) is a sign of digoxin toxicity.
8.
A client taking prednisone should be monitored for:
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hypotension
D. Bradycardia
Rationale: Corticosteroids increase blood glucose levels.
Retake Style) Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1.
A nurse is administering morphine IV to a postoperative client. Which finding
requires immediate action?
A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
B. Respiratory rate of 8/min
C. Blood pressure 110/70 mmHg
D. Pain rating of 6/10
Rationale: Respiratory depression (RR < 12/min, especially < 8) is a life-
threatening adverse effect of opioids and requires immediate intervention.
2.
A client taking warfarin asks about diet. Which statement indicates
understanding?
A. “I will avoid all green vegetables.”
B. “I will increase my spinach intake daily.”
C. “I will keep my vitamin K intake consistent.”
D. “I will take vitamin K supplements daily.”
,Rationale: Consistency in vitamin K intake is key to maintaining stable INR levels
while on warfarin.
3.
A nurse is teaching about metformin. Which adverse effect should the client
report immediately?
A. Mild diarrhea
B. Metallic taste
C. Muscle pain and weakness
D. Decreased appetite
Rationale: Muscle pain may indicate lactic acidosis, a rare but serious
complication of metformin.
4.
A client is prescribed lisinopril. Which lab value should the nurse monitor?
A. Sodium
B. Calcium
C. Potassium
D. Magnesium
Rationale: ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia due to decreased aldosterone.
5.
A nurse administers furosemide. Which outcome indicates effectiveness?
A. Decreased heart rate
B. Increased potassium
C. Increased urine output
D. Decreased respiratory rate
, Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic; increased urine output shows
therapeutic effect.
6.
A client on heparin therapy has aPTT of 90 seconds. What should the nurse do?
A. Increase infusion rate
B. Stop infusion and notify provider
C. Continue current rate
D. Administer vitamin K
Rationale: Elevated aPTT indicates excessive anticoagulation; heparin should be
held.
7.
A nurse is administering digoxin. Which finding should be reported?
A. HR 72 bpm
B. HR 52 bpm
C. BP 120/80
D. RR 18
Rationale: Bradycardia (<60 bpm) is a sign of digoxin toxicity.
8.
A client taking prednisone should be monitored for:
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hypotension
D. Bradycardia
Rationale: Corticosteroids increase blood glucose levels.
