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ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam (V1 & V2) |
180 Verified Questions with A+ Rationales |
Predicted for 2025 NGN
1.
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and has been prescribed
furosemide. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor
most closely?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Chloride
Correct Answer: B. Potassium
, 2
Rationale:
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes increased excretion of sodium, chloride,
and potassium in the urine. The most critical electrolyte to monitor is potassium
because hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Sodium
and chloride are also excreted but are less critical than potassium. Calcium levels
are not the primary concern with furosemide. Continuous monitoring of potassium
is essential to prevent arrhythmias and muscle weakness.
2.
A client receiving gentamicin IV for a severe infection develops tinnitus. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Continue the infusion and document the finding
B. Hold the medication and notify the provider
C. Ask the client about dizziness and headaches
D. Check the client’s blood pressure
Correct Answer: B. Hold the medication and notify the provider
Rationale:
Tinnitus is an early manifestation of ototoxicity, a serious adverse effect of
aminoglycosides like gentamicin. The nurse should stop the medication
, 3
immediately and notify the provider to prevent permanent hearing loss.
Documenting or assessing further delays the intervention. Blood pressure is not
directly related to gentamicin toxicity.
3.
A nurse is teaching a client starting warfarin therapy. Which statement indicates a
need for further teaching?
A. “I will eat spinach only once a week.”
B. “I will have my INR levels checked regularly.”
C. “I will take aspirin for headaches while on warfarin.”
D. “I will report any unusual bruising to my provider.”
Correct Answer: C. I will take aspirin for headaches while on warfarin.
Rationale:
Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding when combined with warfarin due to its
antiplatelet effect. Clients should avoid NSAIDs and aspirin unless prescribed.
Limiting high-vitamin K foods like spinach helps maintain a stable INR. Regular
INR monitoring and reporting bleeding are correct practices.
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4.
A client is prescribed metoprolol for hypertension. Which assessment is most
important before administering the medication?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Apical heart rate
C. Temperature
D. Oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: B. Apical heart rate
Rationale:
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that decreases heart rate and myocardial contractility.
The nurse must check the apical pulse before administration and hold the dose if
the heart rate is below 60 bpm. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are less
directly affected. Temperature monitoring is not a priority.
5.
A client receiving IV morphine reports new difficulty breathing and severe
drowsiness. What is the priority nursing action?
ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam (V1 & V2) |
180 Verified Questions with A+ Rationales |
Predicted for 2025 NGN
1.
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and has been prescribed
furosemide. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor
most closely?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Chloride
Correct Answer: B. Potassium
, 2
Rationale:
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes increased excretion of sodium, chloride,
and potassium in the urine. The most critical electrolyte to monitor is potassium
because hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Sodium
and chloride are also excreted but are less critical than potassium. Calcium levels
are not the primary concern with furosemide. Continuous monitoring of potassium
is essential to prevent arrhythmias and muscle weakness.
2.
A client receiving gentamicin IV for a severe infection develops tinnitus. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Continue the infusion and document the finding
B. Hold the medication and notify the provider
C. Ask the client about dizziness and headaches
D. Check the client’s blood pressure
Correct Answer: B. Hold the medication and notify the provider
Rationale:
Tinnitus is an early manifestation of ototoxicity, a serious adverse effect of
aminoglycosides like gentamicin. The nurse should stop the medication
, 3
immediately and notify the provider to prevent permanent hearing loss.
Documenting or assessing further delays the intervention. Blood pressure is not
directly related to gentamicin toxicity.
3.
A nurse is teaching a client starting warfarin therapy. Which statement indicates a
need for further teaching?
A. “I will eat spinach only once a week.”
B. “I will have my INR levels checked regularly.”
C. “I will take aspirin for headaches while on warfarin.”
D. “I will report any unusual bruising to my provider.”
Correct Answer: C. I will take aspirin for headaches while on warfarin.
Rationale:
Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding when combined with warfarin due to its
antiplatelet effect. Clients should avoid NSAIDs and aspirin unless prescribed.
Limiting high-vitamin K foods like spinach helps maintain a stable INR. Regular
INR monitoring and reporting bleeding are correct practices.
, 4
4.
A client is prescribed metoprolol for hypertension. Which assessment is most
important before administering the medication?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Apical heart rate
C. Temperature
D. Oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: B. Apical heart rate
Rationale:
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that decreases heart rate and myocardial contractility.
The nurse must check the apical pulse before administration and hold the dose if
the heart rate is below 60 bpm. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are less
directly affected. Temperature monitoring is not a priority.
5.
A client receiving IV morphine reports new difficulty breathing and severe
drowsiness. What is the priority nursing action?
