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ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam 2025–2026 | 150
NGN Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales
Topic: Medication Administration – Safe Dosage & Routes
Question 1:
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a pediatric client with heart
failure. Which of the following findings is a priority to report before
administering the dose?
A. Heart rate of 112 bpm
B. Vomiting after breakfast
C. Serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L
D. Slight fatigue reported by the client
, 2
✅ Correct Answer: C. Serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, which
can lead to serious arrhythmias. A potassium level of 2.8 is critically low
and should be corrected before giving the dose.
Topic: Antibiotics – Side Effects & Patient Education
Question 2:
A client prescribed gentamicin reports ringing in the ears. Which action
should the nurse take?
A. Continue the medication and monitor hearing
B. Withhold the dose and notify the provider
C. Reassure the client that this is temporary
D. Administer an antiemetic
✅ Correct Answer: B. Withhold the dose and notify the provider
Rationale: Tinnitus is a sign of ototoxicity, a known adverse effect of
aminoglycosides like gentamicin. Immediate discontinuation may
prevent permanent hearing loss.
, 3
Topic: Opioid Analgesics – Adverse Effects
Question 3:
A client receiving morphine IV for postoperative pain becomes drowsy,
with a respiratory rate of 8/min. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Turn the client to the side
B. Stop the infusion and administer naloxone
C. Decrease the rate of the morphine infusion
D. Document and reassess in 30 minutes
✅ Correct Answer: B. Stop the infusion and administer naloxone
Rationale: Respiratory depression is a life-threatening adverse effect of
opioids. Naloxone reverses opioid effects and must be administered
immediately.
Topic: Pharmacokinetics – Older Adults
Question 4:
Which pharmacokinetic change occurs in older adults and increases the
risk of drug toxicity?
A. Increased hepatic blood flow
, 4
B. Enhanced renal clearance
C. Decreased first-pass metabolism
D. Reduced body fat percentage
✅ Correct Answer: C. Decreased first-pass metabolism
Rationale: Liver function declines with age, reducing metabolism and
increasing drug bioavailability, which raises toxicity risk.
Topic: Antihypertensives – ACE Inhibitors
Question 5:
A client taking lisinopril reports a persistent dry cough. What should the
nurse explain?
A. This is a rare allergic reaction
B. Cough indicates a respiratory infection
C. This is a common side effect and may require a medication change
D. Take the medication with food to reduce coughing
✅ Correct Answer: C. This is a common side effect and may require a
medication change
ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam 2025–2026 | 150
NGN Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales
Topic: Medication Administration – Safe Dosage & Routes
Question 1:
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a pediatric client with heart
failure. Which of the following findings is a priority to report before
administering the dose?
A. Heart rate of 112 bpm
B. Vomiting after breakfast
C. Serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L
D. Slight fatigue reported by the client
, 2
✅ Correct Answer: C. Serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, which
can lead to serious arrhythmias. A potassium level of 2.8 is critically low
and should be corrected before giving the dose.
Topic: Antibiotics – Side Effects & Patient Education
Question 2:
A client prescribed gentamicin reports ringing in the ears. Which action
should the nurse take?
A. Continue the medication and monitor hearing
B. Withhold the dose and notify the provider
C. Reassure the client that this is temporary
D. Administer an antiemetic
✅ Correct Answer: B. Withhold the dose and notify the provider
Rationale: Tinnitus is a sign of ototoxicity, a known adverse effect of
aminoglycosides like gentamicin. Immediate discontinuation may
prevent permanent hearing loss.
, 3
Topic: Opioid Analgesics – Adverse Effects
Question 3:
A client receiving morphine IV for postoperative pain becomes drowsy,
with a respiratory rate of 8/min. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Turn the client to the side
B. Stop the infusion and administer naloxone
C. Decrease the rate of the morphine infusion
D. Document and reassess in 30 minutes
✅ Correct Answer: B. Stop the infusion and administer naloxone
Rationale: Respiratory depression is a life-threatening adverse effect of
opioids. Naloxone reverses opioid effects and must be administered
immediately.
Topic: Pharmacokinetics – Older Adults
Question 4:
Which pharmacokinetic change occurs in older adults and increases the
risk of drug toxicity?
A. Increased hepatic blood flow
, 4
B. Enhanced renal clearance
C. Decreased first-pass metabolism
D. Reduced body fat percentage
✅ Correct Answer: C. Decreased first-pass metabolism
Rationale: Liver function declines with age, reducing metabolism and
increasing drug bioavailability, which raises toxicity risk.
Topic: Antihypertensives – ACE Inhibitors
Question 5:
A client taking lisinopril reports a persistent dry cough. What should the
nurse explain?
A. This is a rare allergic reaction
B. Cough indicates a respiratory infection
C. This is a common side effect and may require a medication change
D. Take the medication with food to reduce coughing
✅ Correct Answer: C. This is a common side effect and may require a
medication change
