The ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam is designed to test your understanding of key pharmacology concepts such as drug classifications, side effects, and medication administration. Doing well on this exam requires a clear grasp of how medications work and interact within the body, making thorough preparation essential.
Familiarizing yourself with past exam questions or sample questions, along with their detailed answers, can help you pinpoint areas that need improvement. Many students turn to resources like Ulosca.com for practice tests, which feature real exam-style questions and answers to better prepare you for the test.
>>>Check out ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam 2023<<<
2019 ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam Questions & Answers
Question 1:
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has a prescription for sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) every 6 hr. Which of the following should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Creatinine 0.72 mg/dL
B. Sodium 138 mEq/L
C. Magnesium 2 mEq/L
D. Potassium 5.2 mEq/L
Answer: D. Potassium 5.2 mEq/L
Rationale: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is used to treat hyperkalemia by reducing potassium levels. A potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is still above the normal range, indicating that the medication may not be effectively lowering the potassium level, and the nurse should report this to the provider.
Question 2:
A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for clopidogrel. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?
A. Insomnia
B. Hypotension
C. Bleeding
D. Constipation
Answer: C. Bleeding
Rationale: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication, and its most significant adverse effect is bleeding. It is essential to monitor for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, nosebleeds, or gastrointestinal bleeding, in clients taking clopidogrel.
Question 3:
A nurse is caring for a client who is taking sertraline and reports a desire to begin taking supplements. Which of the following supplements should the nurse advise the client to avoid?
A. St. John’s Wort
B. Ginger root
C. Black cohosh
D. Coenzyme Q10
Answer: A. St. John’s Wort
Rationale: St. John’s Wort is an herbal supplement that can interact with sertraline, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition. Therefore, clients taking sertraline should avoid St. John’s Wort and any other supplements that may increase serotonin levels.
Question 4:
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a seizure disorder and a new prescription for valproic acid. Which of the following lab values should the nurse plan to monitor? Select all that apply.
A. BUN
B. PTT
C. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
D. Urinalysis
E. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
Answer: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
E. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
Rationale:
- AST and ALT: Valproic acid can cause liver toxicity, so monitoring these liver enzymes is essential to assess for any liver damage.
- BUN and urinalysis are not typically monitored for valproic acid use in this case.
Question 5:
A nurse is administering Ciprofloxacin and Phenazopyridine to a client who has a severe urinary tract infection [UTI]. The client asks why both medications are needed. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. Phenazopyridine decreases adverse effects of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
B. Combining phenazopyridine with ciprofloxacin hydrochloride shortens the course of therapy
C. The use of phenazopyridine allows for a lower dosage of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
D. Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride treats the infection, and the phenazopyridine treats pain
Answer: D. Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride treats the infection, and the phenazopyridine treats pain
Rationale: Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that treats the UTI, while phenazopyridine is a urinary analgesic that helps alleviate pain, burning, and urgency associated with the infection. The two medications address different aspects of the UTI.
Question 6:
A nurse is providing teaching to a newly licensed nurse about metoclopramide. The nurse should include in the teaching that which of the following conditions is a contraindication to this medication?
A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Intestinal obstruction
C. Glaucoma
D. Low blood pressure
Answer: B. Intestinal obstruction
Rationale: Metoclopramide is contraindicated in patients with intestinal obstruction because it increases peristalsis, which could worsen the obstruction. It should also be avoided in patients with perforation or risk of perforation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Question 7:
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has hypertension and type 1 diabetes mellitus and a new prescription for metoprolol. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. “I might have difficulty recognizing when my blood sugar is low.”
B. “I will have less risk for developing an infection while I take this medication.”
C. “I should be concerned about losing excess weight while I take this medication.”
D. “I could have more problems with high blood sugars while taking this medication.”
Answer: A. “I might have difficulty recognizing when my blood sugar is low.”
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as tachycardia and tremors. This can make it difficult for clients with diabetes to recognize when their blood sugar is low, so they should monitor their blood sugar levels carefully.
Question 8:
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has a prescription for sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) every 6 hr. Which of the following should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Creatinine 0.72 mg/dL
B. Sodium 138 mEq/L
C. Magnesium 2 mEq/L
D. Potassium 5.2 mEq/L
Answer: D. Potassium 5.2 mEq/L
Rationale: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is used to treat hyperkalemia by reducing potassium levels. A potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is still above the normal range, indicating that the medication may not be effectively lowering the potassium level, and the nurse should report this to the provider.
>>>Read more ATI PN Pharmacology Proctored Exam <<<
Nursing Test Banks
Test Bank #1: ATI Pharmacology Exam
Test Bank #2: ATI RN Adult Medical Surgical Exam
Test Bank #3: ATI Anatomy and Physiology Exam
Test Bank #4: ATI Leadership Exam
Test Bank #5: ATI Nutrition Practice Exam
Test Bank #6: ATI Dosage Calculatuion Exam
Test Bank #7: ATI RN Pediatric Nursing
Test Bank #8: ATI PN Exit Exam
Subscribe For Premium Questions and Answers
2019 ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam: Sample Questions & Answers
Sample Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving intravenous therapy. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as a manifestation of fluid volume excess?
A. Decreased bowel sounds
B. Distended neck veins
C. Bilateral muscle weakness
D. Thread pulse
Answer: B. Distended neck veins
Rationale: Distended neck veins are a classic sign of fluid volume excess, indicating increased central venous pressure. This condition can result from excessive intravenous fluid administration or heart failure, leading to venous congestion.
Sample Question 2
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for a nitroglycerin transdermal patch. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. “Discontinue the patch if you experience a headache.”
B. “Apply a new patch if you have chest pain.”
C. “Cover the patch with dry gauze when taking a shower.”
D. “Remove the patch prior to going to bed.”
Answer: D. “Remove the patch prior to going to bed.”
Rationale: To prevent tolerance, nitroglycerin patches should be removed for 10–12 hours daily, typically at night. This nitrate-free interval helps maintain the medication’s effectiveness.
Sample Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client after administering phenytoin IV bolus for a seizure. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of this medication?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Bradycardia
C. Red man syndrome
D. Hypotension
Answer: B. Bradycardia
Rationale: Phenytoin can cause bradycardia and hypotension, especially when administered rapidly. Monitoring vital signs during and after administration is crucial to detect these adverse effects.
Sample Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who has tuberculosis and is taking isoniazid and rifampin. Which of the following outcomes indicates that the client is adhering to the medication regimen?
A. The client has a negative sputum culture
B. The client tests negative for HIV
C. The client has a positive purified protein derivative test
D. The client reports no adverse effects
Answer: A. The client has a negative sputum culture
Rationale: A negative sputum culture indicates that the tuberculosis bacteria are no longer present in the respiratory secretions, suggesting effective treatment and adherence to the prescribed regimen.
Sample Question 5
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has chronic kidney failure with an AV fistula for hemodialysis and a new prescription for epoetin alfa. Which of the following therapeutic effects of epoetin alfa should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Reduces blood pressure
B. Inhibits clotting of fistula
C. Promotes RBC production
D. Stimulates growth of neutrophils
Answer: C. Promotes RBC production
Rationale: Epoetin alfa is a synthetic form of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell (RBC) production. It is commonly prescribed to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease, helping to increase RBC levels.
Sample Question 6
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who is prescribed warfarin. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. “I will take aspirin if I develop a headache.”
B. “I should avoid eating foods high in vitamin K.”
C. “I can take herbal supplements to improve my circulation.”
D. “I need to stop taking warfarin if I notice any bruising.”
Answer: B. “I should avoid eating foods high in vitamin K.”
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. Consuming foods high in vitamin K (such as leafy greens) can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin, so clients should avoid or limit their intake of these foods.
Sample Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving digoxin for heart failure. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following symptoms of digoxin toxicity?
A. Tachycardia
B. Weight gain
C. Yellow-tinged vision
D. Increased urination
Answer: C. Yellow-tinged vision
Rationale: One of the classic signs of digoxin toxicity is visual disturbances, including yellow-tinged or blurred vision. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and bradycardia. The nurse should monitor the client closely for these signs and notify the provider if they occur.
>>>Check out LPN exam preparation<<<
ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam: Key Takeaways
Successfully passing the ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam requires more than just rote memorization; it requires a deep understanding of pharmacology concepts. Focusing on drug classifications, mechanisms of action, side effects, and interactions will help ensure you grasp the material in a meaningful way. Proper preparation, including consistent practice and review, is key to excelling on the exam.
At Ulosca.com, we offer tailored resources to support your exam preparation, including a comprehensive question bank with detailed rationales. Our practice exams closely mirror the real test, helping you pinpoint areas for improvement. By utilizing Ulosca’s expertly designed tools, you can confidently approach the exam and maximize your chances of success.