ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam 2025–
2026 | 300 NGN Test Bank Questions with
Verified Answers + Rationales
1. A nurse is reviewing a client’s new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following lab
values should the nurse monitor to determine therapeutic effectiveness?
A. Hemoglobin
B. INR ✅
C. BUN
D. Platelets
✅ Correct Answer: B
🧠 Rationale: INR (International Normalized Ratio) is used to monitor warfarin therapy. A
therapeutic INR range for most conditions is 2.0–3.0.
2. A client taking furosemide reports muscle cramps and weakness. Which of the following
lab results should the nurse expect?
A. Sodium 146 mEq/L
B. Potassium 2.8 mEq/L ✅
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C. Calcium 10.0 mg/dL
D. Magnesium 2.1 mEq/L
✅ Correct Answer: B
🧠 Rationale: Hypokalemia (K+ < 3.5 mEq/L) is a common side effect of furosemide and may
cause muscle cramps, weakness, and arrhythmias.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin glargine to a client with diabetes. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A. "Mix this insulin with regular insulin."
B. "Take this insulin before each meal."
C. "This insulin should be taken at the same time each day." ✅
D. "Rotate injection sites weekly."
✅ Correct Answer: C
🧠 Rationale: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin administered once daily at the same time.
It should not be mixed with other insulins.
4. A client is prescribed lithium for bipolar disorder. Which of the following findings
requires immediate action?
A. Mild hand tremors
B. Polyuria
C. Vomiting and diarrhea ✅
D. Weight gain
✅ Correct Answer: C
🧠 Rationale: Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and increase lithium levels,
risking toxicity. Requires immediate evaluation.
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5. A nurse is teaching a client about levothyroxine. Which statement indicates correct
understanding?
A. "I can take this medication with food."
B. "I will take this medication at bedtime."
C. "Improvement in symptoms will occur immediately."
D. "I will take this medication every morning before breakfast." ✅
✅ Correct Answer: D
🧠 Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, 30–60
minutes before breakfast for optimal absorption.
6. A nurse is administering morphine IV to a post-op client. Which adverse effect should
the nurse monitor for first?
A. Constipation
B. Nausea
C. Respiratory depression ✅
D. Sedation
✅ Correct Answer: C
🧠 Rationale: Respiratory depression is the most serious and immediate concern with opioid
administration.
7. Which of the following findings is a contraindication for receiving the varicella vaccine?
A. History of asthma
B. Current antibiotic use
C. Pregnancy ✅
D. Mild upper respiratory infection
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✅ Correct Answer: C
🧠 Rationale: Varicella is a live vaccine and is contraindicated during pregnancy due to risk to
the fetus.
8. A nurse is caring for a client receiving gentamicin. Which finding indicates ototoxicity?
A. Urinary retention
B. Tinnitus ✅
C. Rash
D. Visual disturbances
✅ Correct Answer: B
🧠 Rationale: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside that can cause ototoxicity, often signaled by
tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
9. A nurse is reviewing discharge instructions for a client prescribed nitroglycerin
sublingual tablet. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. "I can swallow the tablets with water."
B. "I should take up to three tablets, 5 minutes apart if chest pain persists." ✅
C. "I will store the tablets in my bathroom."
D. "I can chew the tablets for faster relief."
✅ Correct Answer: B
🧠 Rationale: Clients should take one tablet every 5 minutes up to three times. If pain persists,
call emergency services.
10. A nurse is caring for a client who takes alendronate. Which of the following should be
included in the teaching?
A. "Take the medication at bedtime."