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ATI PN PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 2023 NGN-
STYLE COMPLETE (110) CURRENT TESTING
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES.
PHARMACOLOGY
Prepare for the 2023 ATI PN Pharmacology Exam | NGN-Style with practice
questions covering Common medication classifications, adverse effects
and toxicity management, medication classifications, pharmacologic
principles, dosage calculations, safe medication administration, adverse
effects, drug interactions, and patient education. This study guide helps
reinforce essential pharmacology concepts and supports effective Next
Generation NCLEX (NGN)-style exam preparation. Suitable for practical
nursing students and PN candidates preparing for ATI pharmacology
assessments and nursing exams.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
1. A client with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which finding
indicates digoxin toxicity?
A. Heart rate of 62 beats/min
B. Serum potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L
C. Yellow-tinged vision and nausea
D. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg
Correct answer: C. Yellow-tinged vision and nausea
Rationale: Yellow-tinged vision (xanthopsia), nausea, vomiting,
and bradycardia are classic signs of digoxin toxicity. A potassium
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level of 4.0 is normal; digoxin toxicity is more likely with
hypokalemia.
2. A client is prescribed warfarin. Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor to evaluate therapeutic effect?
A. aPTT
B. INR
C. Platelet count
D. Bleeding time
Correct answer: B. INR
Rationale: Warfarin is monitored using the International
Normalized Ratio (INR); therapeutic range is typically 2.0–3.0 for
most indications. aPTT monitors heparin.
3. A client with type 2 diabetes is started on metformin. Which
adverse effect should the nurse teach the client to report
immediately?
A. Metallic taste
B. Nausea and diarrhea
C. Lactic acidosis symptoms (muscle pain, weakness, difficulty
breathing)
D. Weight gain
Correct answer: C. Lactic acidosis symptoms (muscle pain,
weakness, difficulty breathing)
Rationale: Metformin can cause lactic acidosis, a rare but
life-threatening complication. Early symptoms include malaise,
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myalgia, respiratory distress, and abdominal pain. GI upset is
common but usually transient.
4. A client receives a prescription for furosemide (Lasix). Which
finding requires the nurse to hold the dose and contact the
provider?
A. Serum potassium 3.8 mEq/L
B. Blood pressure 90/60 mm Hg
C. Weight gain of 1 lb since yesterday
D. Urine output 40 mL/hour
Correct answer: B. Blood pressure 90/60 mm Hg
Rationale: Furosemide can cause significant hypotension. A BP
of 90/60 mm Hg is below normal; the dose should be held and
the provider notified to prevent further hypotension and
potential kidney injury.
5. A client is prescribed albuterol via metered-dose inhaler for
asthma. Which statement indicates correct understanding of use?
A. “I will use this inhaler every 6 hours even if I have no symptoms.”
B. “I will rinse my mouth after using my steroid inhaler, not this one.”
C. “I will wait one minute between puffs if I need two puffs.”
D. “I will store the canister in the refrigerator.”
Correct answer: C. “I will wait one minute between puffs if I need
two puffs.”
Rationale: Waiting 60 seconds between puffs allows the first
dose to be absorbed and the airways to open further for the
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second puff. Rinsing the mouth is more important for inhaled
corticosteroids to prevent oral thrush, not albuterol.
6. A client is taking levothyroxine. The nurse instructs the client to
take the medication:
A. With a full glass of milk to prevent gastric upset
B. At bedtime with a snack
C. On an empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before breakfast
D. With antacids to reduce heartburn
Correct answer: C. On an empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before
breakfast
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is best on an empty
stomach; food, calcium, iron, and antacids interfere with
absorption.
7. A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease is prescribed
ibuprofen for arthritis pain. The nurse should recommend which
alternative?
A. Aspirin
B. Acetaminophen
C. Naproxen
D. Celecoxib
Correct answer: B. Acetaminophen
Rationale: Ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are NSAIDs that
increase the risk of gastric ulcers. Acetaminophen has no
ATI PN PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 2023 NGN-
STYLE COMPLETE (110) CURRENT TESTING
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES.
PHARMACOLOGY
Prepare for the 2023 ATI PN Pharmacology Exam | NGN-Style with practice
questions covering Common medication classifications, adverse effects
and toxicity management, medication classifications, pharmacologic
principles, dosage calculations, safe medication administration, adverse
effects, drug interactions, and patient education. This study guide helps
reinforce essential pharmacology concepts and supports effective Next
Generation NCLEX (NGN)-style exam preparation. Suitable for practical
nursing students and PN candidates preparing for ATI pharmacology
assessments and nursing exams.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
1. A client with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which finding
indicates digoxin toxicity?
A. Heart rate of 62 beats/min
B. Serum potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L
C. Yellow-tinged vision and nausea
D. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg
Correct answer: C. Yellow-tinged vision and nausea
Rationale: Yellow-tinged vision (xanthopsia), nausea, vomiting,
and bradycardia are classic signs of digoxin toxicity. A potassium
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level of 4.0 is normal; digoxin toxicity is more likely with
hypokalemia.
2. A client is prescribed warfarin. Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor to evaluate therapeutic effect?
A. aPTT
B. INR
C. Platelet count
D. Bleeding time
Correct answer: B. INR
Rationale: Warfarin is monitored using the International
Normalized Ratio (INR); therapeutic range is typically 2.0–3.0 for
most indications. aPTT monitors heparin.
3. A client with type 2 diabetes is started on metformin. Which
adverse effect should the nurse teach the client to report
immediately?
A. Metallic taste
B. Nausea and diarrhea
C. Lactic acidosis symptoms (muscle pain, weakness, difficulty
breathing)
D. Weight gain
Correct answer: C. Lactic acidosis symptoms (muscle pain,
weakness, difficulty breathing)
Rationale: Metformin can cause lactic acidosis, a rare but
life-threatening complication. Early symptoms include malaise,
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myalgia, respiratory distress, and abdominal pain. GI upset is
common but usually transient.
4. A client receives a prescription for furosemide (Lasix). Which
finding requires the nurse to hold the dose and contact the
provider?
A. Serum potassium 3.8 mEq/L
B. Blood pressure 90/60 mm Hg
C. Weight gain of 1 lb since yesterday
D. Urine output 40 mL/hour
Correct answer: B. Blood pressure 90/60 mm Hg
Rationale: Furosemide can cause significant hypotension. A BP
of 90/60 mm Hg is below normal; the dose should be held and
the provider notified to prevent further hypotension and
potential kidney injury.
5. A client is prescribed albuterol via metered-dose inhaler for
asthma. Which statement indicates correct understanding of use?
A. “I will use this inhaler every 6 hours even if I have no symptoms.”
B. “I will rinse my mouth after using my steroid inhaler, not this one.”
C. “I will wait one minute between puffs if I need two puffs.”
D. “I will store the canister in the refrigerator.”
Correct answer: C. “I will wait one minute between puffs if I need
two puffs.”
Rationale: Waiting 60 seconds between puffs allows the first
dose to be absorbed and the airways to open further for the
, Page 4 of 55
second puff. Rinsing the mouth is more important for inhaled
corticosteroids to prevent oral thrush, not albuterol.
6. A client is taking levothyroxine. The nurse instructs the client to
take the medication:
A. With a full glass of milk to prevent gastric upset
B. At bedtime with a snack
C. On an empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before breakfast
D. With antacids to reduce heartburn
Correct answer: C. On an empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before
breakfast
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is best on an empty
stomach; food, calcium, iron, and antacids interfere with
absorption.
7. A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease is prescribed
ibuprofen for arthritis pain. The nurse should recommend which
alternative?
A. Aspirin
B. Acetaminophen
C. Naproxen
D. Celecoxib
Correct answer: B. Acetaminophen
Rationale: Ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are NSAIDs that
increase the risk of gastric ulcers. Acetaminophen has no
