ATI Pharmacology CMS Practice Exam 2026 |
100% Verified Correct Answers & Rationales |
Updated ATI Pharmacology Test Bank Study
Guide
• This study guide contains 200 verified pharmacology questions with correct
answers and EXPERT RATIONALE to help you master ATI Pharmacology concepts
efficiently.
• Use this material by attempting each question first before checking the answer
and EXPERT RATIONALE — this active recall method boosts retention and exam
readiness.
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client. Which assessment
finding should the nurse report to the provider before administering the
medication?
A. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
B. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min
C. Apical pulse of 54 beats/min
D. Temperature of 37.2°C
E. Oxygen saturation of 97%
Correct Answer: C. Apical pulse of 54 beats/min
EXPERT RATIONALE: Digoxin slows the heart rate. The nurse should withhold
digoxin and notify the provider if the apical pulse is below 60 beats/min in an adult,
as administration could lead to life-threatening bradycardia.
2. A client is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. Which condition in the
client's history should the nurse identify as a contraindication to this
medication?
A. Hypertension
B. Osteoarthritis
,C. Chronic kidney disease
D. Hypothyroidism
E. Asthma
Correct Answer: C. Chronic kidney disease
EXPERT RATIONALE: Metformin is contraindicated in clients with significant
renal impairment because it is excreted by the kidneys. Reduced renal clearance
increases the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but potentially fatal complication.
3. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which
statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will take aspirin if I have a headache."
B. "I will avoid foods high in vitamin K."
C. "I can stop the medication once I feel better."
D. "I will double my dose if I miss one."
E. "I will take the medication with antacids."
Correct Answer: B. "I will avoid foods high in vitamin K."
EXPERT RATIONALE: Vitamin K counteracts the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
Clients should maintain consistent vitamin K intake and avoid large fluctuations.
Foods like leafy green vegetables are high in vitamin K and can reduce warfarin's
effectiveness.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving IV vancomycin. The client
develops flushing, redness, and tachycardia. Which action should the nurse
take first?
A. Discontinue the IV line
B. Administer diphenhydramine
,C. Slow the infusion rate
D. Notify the provider immediately
E. Obtain an ECG
Correct Answer: C. Slow the infusion rate
EXPERT RATIONALE: The client is exhibiting signs of Red Man Syndrome, a
reaction to rapid vancomycin infusion. The first action is to slow the infusion rate.
Vancomycin should be administered over at least 60 minutes to prevent this
reaction.
5. A nurse is administering IV morphine to a client for pain management.
Which finding requires the nurse's immediate intervention?
A. Constipation
B. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
C. Pain rating of 5/10
D. Nausea
E. Blood pressure of 118/74 mmHg
Correct Answer: B. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
EXPERT RATIONALE: Opioids such as morphine cause respiratory depression,
which is the most life-threatening adverse effect. A respiratory rate below 12
breaths/min requires immediate intervention, including administration of naloxone
if necessary.
6. A nurse is reviewing the medication list of a client who is prescribed
lithium. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Serum lithium level of 0.9 mEq/L
B. Sodium intake of 2,000 mg/day
, C. Urine output of 30 mL/hr
D. Serum lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L
E. Weight gain of 0.5 kg
Correct Answer: D. Serum lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L
EXPERT RATIONALE: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6–1.2 mEq/L. A level
of 1.8 mEq/L indicates toxicity. Signs of lithium toxicity include tremors, confusion,
nausea, and can progress to seizures and cardiac dysrhythmias.
7. A nurse is caring for a client taking furosemide. Which electrolyte
imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypercalcemia
E. Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer: C. Hypokalemia
EXPERT RATIONALE: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes loss of
potassium along with fluid. Hypokalemia is the most common electrolyte imbalance
associated with its use and can cause dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias if
uncorrected.
8. A client who takes methotrexate asks why they also need to take folic acid.
What is the nurse's best response?
A. "Folic acid boosts the immune system."
B. "Folic acid reduces the risk of kidney damage."
C. "Folic acid helps prevent mouth sores and other side effects."
100% Verified Correct Answers & Rationales |
Updated ATI Pharmacology Test Bank Study
Guide
• This study guide contains 200 verified pharmacology questions with correct
answers and EXPERT RATIONALE to help you master ATI Pharmacology concepts
efficiently.
• Use this material by attempting each question first before checking the answer
and EXPERT RATIONALE — this active recall method boosts retention and exam
readiness.
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client. Which assessment
finding should the nurse report to the provider before administering the
medication?
A. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
B. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min
C. Apical pulse of 54 beats/min
D. Temperature of 37.2°C
E. Oxygen saturation of 97%
Correct Answer: C. Apical pulse of 54 beats/min
EXPERT RATIONALE: Digoxin slows the heart rate. The nurse should withhold
digoxin and notify the provider if the apical pulse is below 60 beats/min in an adult,
as administration could lead to life-threatening bradycardia.
2. A client is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. Which condition in the
client's history should the nurse identify as a contraindication to this
medication?
A. Hypertension
B. Osteoarthritis
,C. Chronic kidney disease
D. Hypothyroidism
E. Asthma
Correct Answer: C. Chronic kidney disease
EXPERT RATIONALE: Metformin is contraindicated in clients with significant
renal impairment because it is excreted by the kidneys. Reduced renal clearance
increases the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but potentially fatal complication.
3. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which
statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will take aspirin if I have a headache."
B. "I will avoid foods high in vitamin K."
C. "I can stop the medication once I feel better."
D. "I will double my dose if I miss one."
E. "I will take the medication with antacids."
Correct Answer: B. "I will avoid foods high in vitamin K."
EXPERT RATIONALE: Vitamin K counteracts the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
Clients should maintain consistent vitamin K intake and avoid large fluctuations.
Foods like leafy green vegetables are high in vitamin K and can reduce warfarin's
effectiveness.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving IV vancomycin. The client
develops flushing, redness, and tachycardia. Which action should the nurse
take first?
A. Discontinue the IV line
B. Administer diphenhydramine
,C. Slow the infusion rate
D. Notify the provider immediately
E. Obtain an ECG
Correct Answer: C. Slow the infusion rate
EXPERT RATIONALE: The client is exhibiting signs of Red Man Syndrome, a
reaction to rapid vancomycin infusion. The first action is to slow the infusion rate.
Vancomycin should be administered over at least 60 minutes to prevent this
reaction.
5. A nurse is administering IV morphine to a client for pain management.
Which finding requires the nurse's immediate intervention?
A. Constipation
B. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
C. Pain rating of 5/10
D. Nausea
E. Blood pressure of 118/74 mmHg
Correct Answer: B. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
EXPERT RATIONALE: Opioids such as morphine cause respiratory depression,
which is the most life-threatening adverse effect. A respiratory rate below 12
breaths/min requires immediate intervention, including administration of naloxone
if necessary.
6. A nurse is reviewing the medication list of a client who is prescribed
lithium. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Serum lithium level of 0.9 mEq/L
B. Sodium intake of 2,000 mg/day
, C. Urine output of 30 mL/hr
D. Serum lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L
E. Weight gain of 0.5 kg
Correct Answer: D. Serum lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L
EXPERT RATIONALE: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6–1.2 mEq/L. A level
of 1.8 mEq/L indicates toxicity. Signs of lithium toxicity include tremors, confusion,
nausea, and can progress to seizures and cardiac dysrhythmias.
7. A nurse is caring for a client taking furosemide. Which electrolyte
imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypercalcemia
E. Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer: C. Hypokalemia
EXPERT RATIONALE: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes loss of
potassium along with fluid. Hypokalemia is the most common electrolyte imbalance
associated with its use and can cause dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias if
uncorrected.
8. A client who takes methotrexate asks why they also need to take folic acid.
What is the nurse's best response?
A. "Folic acid boosts the immune system."
B. "Folic acid reduces the risk of kidney damage."
C. "Folic acid helps prevent mouth sores and other side effects."
