ATI Pharmacology 2026 Proctored Exam Retake: 250+-Question Ultimate Prep
Guide (Latest 2025/2026 Update)
Pass your ATI Pharmacology retake with confidence! This 250-question ultimate
practice bank is updated for 2025/2026. It covers the hardest topics: Insulin
timing, Psychotropic toxicity (NMS/Serotonin Syndrome), Antidotes,
Cardiac monitoring (Digoxin/Metoprolol), and Herbal-Drug
interactions. Each question features a Broadway-bolded answer and
a detailed clinical rationale to help you understand the nursing 'why.' Perfect
for last-minute cramming or focused review. Get the grade you deserve
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking Digoxin 0.25 mg daily. Which of the
following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing
toxicity?
A. Blood pressure 150/90 mmHg
B. Heart rate 110/min
C. Yellow-green halos around lights
D. Increased appetite
Answer: C. YELLOW-GREEN HALOS AROUND LIGHTS
Rationale: Visual disturbances such as halos, along with nausea and bradycardia, are
classic signs of Digoxin toxicity. The nurse should always check the apical pulse for 1
full minute before administration.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer Albuterol to a client with asthma. Which of
the following side effects should the nurse monitor for?
A. Bradycardia
B. Lethargy
C. Tachycardia and tremors
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: C. TACHYCARDIA AND TREMORS
Rationale: Albuterol is a sympathomimetic beta-2 agonist. It stimulates the "fight or
flight" response, which frequently causes heart palpitations and fine muscle tremors.
3. A nurse is teaching a client about a new prescription for Lisinopril. Which of
the following should the nurse instruct the client to report to the provider
immediately?
,A. A dry, nonproductive cough
B. Swelling of the tongue or lips
C. Increased flatulence
D. A headache
Answer: B. SWELLING OF THE TONGUE OR LIPS
Rationale: While a dry cough is common, swelling of the face/tongue indicates
angioedema, a life-threatening adverse effect of ACE inhibitors that can compromise
the airway.
4. A nurse is caring for a client receiving a Heparin IV infusion. Which of the
following lab values should the nurse monitor to adjust the dose?
A. INR
B. aPTT
C. Platelets
D. Hemoglobin
Answer: B. APTT
Rationale: Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is used to monitor Heparin.
INR is used for Warfarin.
5. Which medication is the antidote used to reverse the effects of Warfarin?
A. Protamine Sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Naloxone
D. Acetylcysteine
Answer: B. VITAMIN K
Rationale: Vitamin K promotes the synthesis of clotting factors to counteract Warfarin.
Protamine sulfate is the antidote for Heparin.
6. A nurse is providing teaching to a client with a new prescription for
Spironolactone. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client
to avoid?
A. Bananas and potatoes
B. White bread
C. Chicken breast
D. Apples
Answer: A. BANANAS AND POTATOES
,Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Consuming high-potassium
foods like bananas, potatoes, and spinach increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
7. A client is prescribed Furosemide. Which of the following lab results should
the nurse report to the provider?
A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
B. Potassium 3.1 mEq/L
C. Glucose 110 mg/dL
D. Magnesium 2.0 mEq/L
Answer: B. POTASSIUM 3.1 MEQ/L
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium wasting. A level below
3.5 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia and requires intervention.
8. A nurse is preparing to administer Humalog (Lispro) insulin to a client. When
should the nurse provide this medication?
A. 30 minutes before a meal
B. Immediately after the client finishes eating
C. 15 minutes before a meal
D. At bedtime
Answer: C. 15 MINUTES BEFORE A MEAL
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes. It must be given
when the food is present to prevent hypoglycemia.
9. A nurse is teaching a client about taking Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism.
Which instruction is correct?
A. Take the medication with a full meal
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30-60 min before breakfast
C. Take the medication at bedtime with a snack
D. Only take the medication when feeling tired
Answer: B. TAKE THE MEDICATION ON AN EMPTY STOMACH 30-60 MIN
BEFORE BREAKFAST
Rationale: Absorption of Levothyroxine is increased when taken on an empty stomach.
It should not be taken with food or other medications.
10. A client is taking Rifampin for Tuberculosis. What is a common, harmless side
effect the nurse should mention?
A. Permanent hearing loss
B. Orange discoloration of urine and tears
, C. Severe muscle pain
D. Constant double vision
Answer: B. ORANGE DISCOLORATION OF URINE AND TEARS
Rationale: Rifampin causes a red-orange staining of all body fluids. It is harmless but
can be alarming to patients and may ruin contact lenses.
11. Which medication is the treatment of choice for a client experiencing an acute
gout attack?
A. Allopurinol
B. Colchicine
C. Probenecid
D. Methotrexate
Answer: B. COLCHICINE
Rationale: Colchicine is used for acute flares to reduce inflammation. Allopurinol is used
for chronic management to lower uric acid levels.
12. A nurse is preparing to administer Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. What is
the correct protocol for chest pain?
A. Take one tablet every 15 minutes for 3 doses
B. Take one tablet, if pain remains after 5 minutes, call emergency services and take a
second
C. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water
D. Take three tablets at once for severe pain
Answer: B. TAKE ONE TABLET, IF PAIN REMAINS AFTER 5 MINUTES, CALL
EMERGENCY SERVICES AND TAKE A SECOND
Rationale: The client should take one dose and wait 5 minutes. If pain persists, they
must call emergency services before taking subsequent doses.
13. Which laboratory value is a priority to monitor for a client taking Atorvastatin?
A. Serum Creatinine
B. LFTs (Liver Function Tests)
C. INR
D. Potassium
Answer: B. LFTS (LIVER FUNCTION TESTS)
Rationale: Statins can be hepatotoxic. The nurse must monitor ALT and AST levels
during therapy.
Guide (Latest 2025/2026 Update)
Pass your ATI Pharmacology retake with confidence! This 250-question ultimate
practice bank is updated for 2025/2026. It covers the hardest topics: Insulin
timing, Psychotropic toxicity (NMS/Serotonin Syndrome), Antidotes,
Cardiac monitoring (Digoxin/Metoprolol), and Herbal-Drug
interactions. Each question features a Broadway-bolded answer and
a detailed clinical rationale to help you understand the nursing 'why.' Perfect
for last-minute cramming or focused review. Get the grade you deserve
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking Digoxin 0.25 mg daily. Which of the
following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing
toxicity?
A. Blood pressure 150/90 mmHg
B. Heart rate 110/min
C. Yellow-green halos around lights
D. Increased appetite
Answer: C. YELLOW-GREEN HALOS AROUND LIGHTS
Rationale: Visual disturbances such as halos, along with nausea and bradycardia, are
classic signs of Digoxin toxicity. The nurse should always check the apical pulse for 1
full minute before administration.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer Albuterol to a client with asthma. Which of
the following side effects should the nurse monitor for?
A. Bradycardia
B. Lethargy
C. Tachycardia and tremors
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: C. TACHYCARDIA AND TREMORS
Rationale: Albuterol is a sympathomimetic beta-2 agonist. It stimulates the "fight or
flight" response, which frequently causes heart palpitations and fine muscle tremors.
3. A nurse is teaching a client about a new prescription for Lisinopril. Which of
the following should the nurse instruct the client to report to the provider
immediately?
,A. A dry, nonproductive cough
B. Swelling of the tongue or lips
C. Increased flatulence
D. A headache
Answer: B. SWELLING OF THE TONGUE OR LIPS
Rationale: While a dry cough is common, swelling of the face/tongue indicates
angioedema, a life-threatening adverse effect of ACE inhibitors that can compromise
the airway.
4. A nurse is caring for a client receiving a Heparin IV infusion. Which of the
following lab values should the nurse monitor to adjust the dose?
A. INR
B. aPTT
C. Platelets
D. Hemoglobin
Answer: B. APTT
Rationale: Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is used to monitor Heparin.
INR is used for Warfarin.
5. Which medication is the antidote used to reverse the effects of Warfarin?
A. Protamine Sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Naloxone
D. Acetylcysteine
Answer: B. VITAMIN K
Rationale: Vitamin K promotes the synthesis of clotting factors to counteract Warfarin.
Protamine sulfate is the antidote for Heparin.
6. A nurse is providing teaching to a client with a new prescription for
Spironolactone. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client
to avoid?
A. Bananas and potatoes
B. White bread
C. Chicken breast
D. Apples
Answer: A. BANANAS AND POTATOES
,Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Consuming high-potassium
foods like bananas, potatoes, and spinach increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
7. A client is prescribed Furosemide. Which of the following lab results should
the nurse report to the provider?
A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
B. Potassium 3.1 mEq/L
C. Glucose 110 mg/dL
D. Magnesium 2.0 mEq/L
Answer: B. POTASSIUM 3.1 MEQ/L
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium wasting. A level below
3.5 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia and requires intervention.
8. A nurse is preparing to administer Humalog (Lispro) insulin to a client. When
should the nurse provide this medication?
A. 30 minutes before a meal
B. Immediately after the client finishes eating
C. 15 minutes before a meal
D. At bedtime
Answer: C. 15 MINUTES BEFORE A MEAL
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes. It must be given
when the food is present to prevent hypoglycemia.
9. A nurse is teaching a client about taking Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism.
Which instruction is correct?
A. Take the medication with a full meal
B. Take the medication on an empty stomach 30-60 min before breakfast
C. Take the medication at bedtime with a snack
D. Only take the medication when feeling tired
Answer: B. TAKE THE MEDICATION ON AN EMPTY STOMACH 30-60 MIN
BEFORE BREAKFAST
Rationale: Absorption of Levothyroxine is increased when taken on an empty stomach.
It should not be taken with food or other medications.
10. A client is taking Rifampin for Tuberculosis. What is a common, harmless side
effect the nurse should mention?
A. Permanent hearing loss
B. Orange discoloration of urine and tears
, C. Severe muscle pain
D. Constant double vision
Answer: B. ORANGE DISCOLORATION OF URINE AND TEARS
Rationale: Rifampin causes a red-orange staining of all body fluids. It is harmless but
can be alarming to patients and may ruin contact lenses.
11. Which medication is the treatment of choice for a client experiencing an acute
gout attack?
A. Allopurinol
B. Colchicine
C. Probenecid
D. Methotrexate
Answer: B. COLCHICINE
Rationale: Colchicine is used for acute flares to reduce inflammation. Allopurinol is used
for chronic management to lower uric acid levels.
12. A nurse is preparing to administer Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. What is
the correct protocol for chest pain?
A. Take one tablet every 15 minutes for 3 doses
B. Take one tablet, if pain remains after 5 minutes, call emergency services and take a
second
C. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water
D. Take three tablets at once for severe pain
Answer: B. TAKE ONE TABLET, IF PAIN REMAINS AFTER 5 MINUTES, CALL
EMERGENCY SERVICES AND TAKE A SECOND
Rationale: The client should take one dose and wait 5 minutes. If pain persists, they
must call emergency services before taking subsequent doses.
13. Which laboratory value is a priority to monitor for a client taking Atorvastatin?
A. Serum Creatinine
B. LFTs (Liver Function Tests)
C. INR
D. Potassium
Answer: B. LFTS (LIVER FUNCTION TESTS)
Rationale: Statins can be hepatotoxic. The nurse must monitor ALT and AST levels
during therapy.
