ATI PHARM PROCTORED EXAM LPN | ATI PHARMACOLOGY LPN PROCTORED EXAM, LATEST ACTUAL
EXAM WITH COMPLETE QUESTIONS & CORRECT ANSWERS/NEWEST UPDATE!!!
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism and notes that the client's serum calcium
level is 13 mg/dL. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer as prescribed to the
client?
A) Calcium gluconate
B) Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
C) Vitamin D supplements
D) Alendronate (Fosamax)
E) Calcium citrate
Correct Answer: B) Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
Rationale: The normal serum calcium level is 9 to 10.5 mg/dL. A level of 13 mg/dL indicates
hypercalcemia. Calcitonin is a thyroid hormone that decreases serum calcium by inhibiting
bone resorption and increasing renal excretion of calcium.
Question 2
Oral iron supplements are prescribed for a 6-year-old child with iron deficiency anemia. The
nurse instructs the mother to administer the iron with which best food item to enhance
absorption?
A) Glass of milk
B) Scrambled eggs
C) Orange juice
D) Whole wheat toast
E) Apple sauce
Correct Answer: C) Orange juice
Rationale: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) significantly increases the absorption of iron. Milk and
antacids should be avoided at the time of administration as they interfere with absorption.
Question 3
Salicylic acid is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of psoriasis. The nurse monitors the
client for which finding that indicates the presence of systemic toxicity (salicylism)?
A) Diarrhea
B) Tinnitus
C) Peripheral edema
D) Photosensitivity
E) Hypertension
Correct Answer: B) Tinnitus
Rationale: Salicylic acid is absorbed percutaneously. Systemic toxicity (salicylism) is
characterized by tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, hyperpnea (rapid breathing), and
psychological disturbances.
, 2
Question 4
The camp nurse is teaching children about the application of chemical sunscreens. The nurse
reminds the children that these sunscreens are most effective when applied at what time?
A) Immediately before jumping in the water
B) At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
C) Only when the sun is at its peak (12:00 PM)
D) After a sunburn has already started to develop
E) Every 4 hours regardless of activity
Correct Answer: B) At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
Rationale: Chemical sunscreens need time to be absorbed into the skin to be effective.
Applying them at least 30 minutes before sun exposure ensures maximum protection.
Question 5
Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) is prescribed for a client with a burn injury. When applying the
medication, the client complains of local discomfort and burning. Which of the following is the
most appropriate nursing action?
A) Discontinue the medication immediately
B) Notify the healthcare provider of an allergic reaction
C) Inform the client that this is a normal and expected occurrence
D) Dilute the medication with normal saline before application
E) Apply a thick layer of ice over the site
Correct Answer: C) Informing the client that this is normal
Rationale: Mafenide acetate is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that is known to cause a
stinging or burning sensation upon application. It is an expected side effect and not
necessarily an indication to stop treatment.
Question 6
A client with a major burn is receiving treatments of topical mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon). The
nurse monitors the client for which sign that indicates a systemic effect of the medication?
A) Hypoventilation
B) Hyperventilation
C) Bradycardia
D) Elevated blood pressure
E) Constipation
Correct Answer: B) Hyperventilation
Rationale: Mafenide acetate is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that can cause metabolic
acidosis. When systemic absorption occurs, the body attempts to compensate for the
acidosis by hyperventilating to "blow off" carbon dioxide.
Question 7
Isotretinoin is prescribed for a client with severe acne. Before the administration of this
, 3
medication, the nurse anticipates that which laboratory test will be prescribed?
A) Serum potassium
B) Hemoglobin A1c
C) Triglyceride level
D) Platelet count
E) Prothrombin time
Correct Answer: C) Triglyceride level
Rationale: Isotretinoin can cause significant elevations in serum triglyceride levels. Baseline
and periodic monitoring of blood lipids is essential during therapy.
Question 8
A nurse reviews a client's medication record and notes a prescription for isotretinoin for severe
acne. The nurse would contact the healthcare provider (HCP) if the client is taking which of the
following?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin C
C) Acetaminophen
D) Multivitamin without minerals
E) Ferrous sulfate
Correct Answer: A) Vitamin A
Rationale: Isotretinoin is a derivative of Vitamin A. Taking additional Vitamin A
supplements while on isotretinoin can lead to additive toxic effects, potentially causing
Vitamin A toxicity.
Question 9
The nurse is applying a topical corticosteroid to a client with eczema. The nurse would monitor
for increased systemic absorption if the medication were applied to which body area?
A) The soles of the feet
B) The palms of the hands
C) The axilla
D) The back
E) The forearms
Correct Answer: C) Axilla
Rationale: Absorption of topical medications is higher in areas where the skin is thin or
where skin-to-skin contact occurs (intertriginous areas), such as the axilla, groin, or scalp.
Question 10
A nurse is performing an admission assessment and notes the client is taking azelaic acid
(Azelex). The nurse understands this medication is primarily used to treat:
A) Psoriasis
B) Eczema
, 4
C) Acne
D) Athlete's foot
E) Pressure ulcers
Correct Answer: C) Acne
Rationale: Azelaic acid is a topical medication used for its antibacterial and anti-
inflammatory properties in the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne.
Question 11
The healthcare provider prescribes silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) for a client with a partial-
thickness burn. Which statement by the client indicates a lack of understanding?
A) "I should wash off the old cream before applying new cream."
B) "The medication will permanently stain my skin."
C) "I will monitor the site for signs of infection."
D) "The cream will help prevent bacteria from growing."
E) "I will apply the cream using sterile gloves."
Correct Answer: B) "The medication will permanently stain my skin."
Rationale: Unlike silver nitrate, silver sulfadiazine does not cause permanent staining of the
skin. It may cause a temporary localized discoloration that can be washed off.
Question 12
A nurse is caring for a client receiving an IV infusion of an antineoplastic medication. The client
complains of pain at the site. The nurse notes redness and swelling and a slowed infusion rate.
What is the priority action?
A) Increase the infusion rate to finish the dose
B) Apply a warm compress immediately
C) Notify the registered nurse
D) Administer an analgesic as prescribed
E) Flush the line with 10 mL of heparin
Correct Answer: C) Notify the registered nurse.
Rationale: These are signs of extravasation (the leakage of a vesicant into the tissue). In
many facilities, the LPN must immediately stop the infusion and notify the RN or
supervisor to follow specific extravasation protocols.
Question 13
A client with carcinoma of the larynx is receiving bleomycin intravenously. Which diagnostic
study should the nurse anticipate monitoring?
A) Echocardiogram
B) Pulmonary function studies
C) Bone density scan
D) Electroencephalogram
E) Visual acuity test
EXAM WITH COMPLETE QUESTIONS & CORRECT ANSWERS/NEWEST UPDATE!!!
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism and notes that the client's serum calcium
level is 13 mg/dL. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer as prescribed to the
client?
A) Calcium gluconate
B) Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
C) Vitamin D supplements
D) Alendronate (Fosamax)
E) Calcium citrate
Correct Answer: B) Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
Rationale: The normal serum calcium level is 9 to 10.5 mg/dL. A level of 13 mg/dL indicates
hypercalcemia. Calcitonin is a thyroid hormone that decreases serum calcium by inhibiting
bone resorption and increasing renal excretion of calcium.
Question 2
Oral iron supplements are prescribed for a 6-year-old child with iron deficiency anemia. The
nurse instructs the mother to administer the iron with which best food item to enhance
absorption?
A) Glass of milk
B) Scrambled eggs
C) Orange juice
D) Whole wheat toast
E) Apple sauce
Correct Answer: C) Orange juice
Rationale: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) significantly increases the absorption of iron. Milk and
antacids should be avoided at the time of administration as they interfere with absorption.
Question 3
Salicylic acid is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of psoriasis. The nurse monitors the
client for which finding that indicates the presence of systemic toxicity (salicylism)?
A) Diarrhea
B) Tinnitus
C) Peripheral edema
D) Photosensitivity
E) Hypertension
Correct Answer: B) Tinnitus
Rationale: Salicylic acid is absorbed percutaneously. Systemic toxicity (salicylism) is
characterized by tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, hyperpnea (rapid breathing), and
psychological disturbances.
, 2
Question 4
The camp nurse is teaching children about the application of chemical sunscreens. The nurse
reminds the children that these sunscreens are most effective when applied at what time?
A) Immediately before jumping in the water
B) At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
C) Only when the sun is at its peak (12:00 PM)
D) After a sunburn has already started to develop
E) Every 4 hours regardless of activity
Correct Answer: B) At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
Rationale: Chemical sunscreens need time to be absorbed into the skin to be effective.
Applying them at least 30 minutes before sun exposure ensures maximum protection.
Question 5
Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) is prescribed for a client with a burn injury. When applying the
medication, the client complains of local discomfort and burning. Which of the following is the
most appropriate nursing action?
A) Discontinue the medication immediately
B) Notify the healthcare provider of an allergic reaction
C) Inform the client that this is a normal and expected occurrence
D) Dilute the medication with normal saline before application
E) Apply a thick layer of ice over the site
Correct Answer: C) Informing the client that this is normal
Rationale: Mafenide acetate is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that is known to cause a
stinging or burning sensation upon application. It is an expected side effect and not
necessarily an indication to stop treatment.
Question 6
A client with a major burn is receiving treatments of topical mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon). The
nurse monitors the client for which sign that indicates a systemic effect of the medication?
A) Hypoventilation
B) Hyperventilation
C) Bradycardia
D) Elevated blood pressure
E) Constipation
Correct Answer: B) Hyperventilation
Rationale: Mafenide acetate is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that can cause metabolic
acidosis. When systemic absorption occurs, the body attempts to compensate for the
acidosis by hyperventilating to "blow off" carbon dioxide.
Question 7
Isotretinoin is prescribed for a client with severe acne. Before the administration of this
, 3
medication, the nurse anticipates that which laboratory test will be prescribed?
A) Serum potassium
B) Hemoglobin A1c
C) Triglyceride level
D) Platelet count
E) Prothrombin time
Correct Answer: C) Triglyceride level
Rationale: Isotretinoin can cause significant elevations in serum triglyceride levels. Baseline
and periodic monitoring of blood lipids is essential during therapy.
Question 8
A nurse reviews a client's medication record and notes a prescription for isotretinoin for severe
acne. The nurse would contact the healthcare provider (HCP) if the client is taking which of the
following?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin C
C) Acetaminophen
D) Multivitamin without minerals
E) Ferrous sulfate
Correct Answer: A) Vitamin A
Rationale: Isotretinoin is a derivative of Vitamin A. Taking additional Vitamin A
supplements while on isotretinoin can lead to additive toxic effects, potentially causing
Vitamin A toxicity.
Question 9
The nurse is applying a topical corticosteroid to a client with eczema. The nurse would monitor
for increased systemic absorption if the medication were applied to which body area?
A) The soles of the feet
B) The palms of the hands
C) The axilla
D) The back
E) The forearms
Correct Answer: C) Axilla
Rationale: Absorption of topical medications is higher in areas where the skin is thin or
where skin-to-skin contact occurs (intertriginous areas), such as the axilla, groin, or scalp.
Question 10
A nurse is performing an admission assessment and notes the client is taking azelaic acid
(Azelex). The nurse understands this medication is primarily used to treat:
A) Psoriasis
B) Eczema
, 4
C) Acne
D) Athlete's foot
E) Pressure ulcers
Correct Answer: C) Acne
Rationale: Azelaic acid is a topical medication used for its antibacterial and anti-
inflammatory properties in the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne.
Question 11
The healthcare provider prescribes silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) for a client with a partial-
thickness burn. Which statement by the client indicates a lack of understanding?
A) "I should wash off the old cream before applying new cream."
B) "The medication will permanently stain my skin."
C) "I will monitor the site for signs of infection."
D) "The cream will help prevent bacteria from growing."
E) "I will apply the cream using sterile gloves."
Correct Answer: B) "The medication will permanently stain my skin."
Rationale: Unlike silver nitrate, silver sulfadiazine does not cause permanent staining of the
skin. It may cause a temporary localized discoloration that can be washed off.
Question 12
A nurse is caring for a client receiving an IV infusion of an antineoplastic medication. The client
complains of pain at the site. The nurse notes redness and swelling and a slowed infusion rate.
What is the priority action?
A) Increase the infusion rate to finish the dose
B) Apply a warm compress immediately
C) Notify the registered nurse
D) Administer an analgesic as prescribed
E) Flush the line with 10 mL of heparin
Correct Answer: C) Notify the registered nurse.
Rationale: These are signs of extravasation (the leakage of a vesicant into the tissue). In
many facilities, the LPN must immediately stop the infusion and notify the RN or
supervisor to follow specific extravasation protocols.
Question 13
A client with carcinoma of the larynx is receiving bleomycin intravenously. Which diagnostic
study should the nurse anticipate monitoring?
A) Echocardiogram
B) Pulmonary function studies
C) Bone density scan
D) Electroencephalogram
E) Visual acuity test