ATI PHARMACOLOGY PROCTORED RETAKE EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

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2025-2026 ATI PHARMACOLOGY PROCTORED RETAKE
EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS




1) Cardiac Glycoside — Digoxin

A nurse prepares to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which
finding is the priority to report before giving the dose?
A. Apical HR 55 bpm
B. BP 138/76 mmHg
C. K⁺ 4.2 mEq/L
D. Patient reports mild nausea
E. Respiratory rate 18/min
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hold digoxin if apical HR < 60 in adults. Hypokalemia and GI
symptoms are important but not as immediate as bradycardia risk.



2) Anticoagulant — Warfarin

Patient education for warfarin should include which statement?
A. “I will eat consistent amounts of leafy greens.”
B. “I can stop my INR checks once I feel stable.”
C. “I will take ibuprofen for headaches.”
D. “I can double my dose if I miss one.”
E. “I don’t need to tell my dentist I’m on warfarin.”

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Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Consistent vitamin K intake is required. INR must be monitored.
NSAIDs ↑ bleeding risk.



3) Opioid Analgesics — Morphine

A post-op patient receives IV morphine. Which finding is the nurse’s priority?
A. RR 8/min
B. Constipation
C. Nausea
D. Itching
E. Drowsiness but arousable
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Respiratory depression (<12/min) is life-threatening. Other effects are
expected/manageable.



4) Antidiabetic — Insulin

Which technique demonstrates correct insulin administration?
A. Draw regular insulin before NPH when mixing
B. Store opened vials in freezer
C. Shake NPH vigorously before use
D. Inject into same site daily
E. Discard insulin if cloudy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: “Clear before cloudy.” NPH should be rolled gently, not shaken.

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5) Antihypertensive — ACE Inhibitor

Patient prescribed lisinopril reports persistent dry cough. Best nursing action?
A. Notify provider about adverse effect
B. Reassure patient this is harmless
C. Instruct patient to double fluid intake
D. Continue therapy as prescribed
E. Administer cough suppressant
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors commonly cause cough → may require switching to
ARB.



6) Antiplatelet — Aspirin

Which statement indicates a patient understands aspirin therapy?
A. “I will call provider if I notice black stools.”
B. “I can crush and take with milk for stomach upset.”
C. “I should avoid food with vitamin K.”
D. “I can drink alcohol with aspirin safely.”
E. “I should stop medication if I have mild bruising.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Black stools = GI bleed. Aspirin causes gastric irritation and ↑ bleeding
risk.



7) Antipsychotic — Haloperidol

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Which assessment is most concerning for a patient on haloperidol?
A. Muscle rigidity and fever
B. Dry mouth
C. Constipation
D. Weight gain
E. Mild tremor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome = life-threatening emergency
(rigidity, fever, dysrhythmia).



8) Thyroid Replacement — Levothyroxine

Patient teaching for levothyroxine should include:
A. “Take on empty stomach in the morning.”
B. “Stop taking if heart rate increases.”
C. “Take with iron supplements for best effect.”
D. “Expect to see effects within 2 days.”
E. “This medication is for short-term use only.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorbed best on empty stomach. Full effect takes 6–8
weeks. Lifelong therapy.



9) Antibiotics — Aminoglycosides

Which finding is priority in a patient taking gentamicin?
A. Creatinine 2.5 mg/dL
B. Mild nausea