ATI RN PHARMACOLOGY
PROCTORED STUDY GUIDE WITH
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
2026
1. A nurse is reviewing a prescription for propranolol. Which
condition should be considered a contraindication for this
medication?
A. Asthma
B. Hypertension
C. Migraine headaches
D. Hyperthyroidism
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Propranolol is a nonselective beta blocker that
can cause bronchoconstriction, making it contraindicated in
asthma. The other options are common indications for beta
blockers.
2. A patient receiving insulin glargine asks when it peaks.
What is the correct response?
A. It peaks in 30 minutes
B. It has no pronounced peak
C. It peaks in 2–4 hours
D. It peaks in 6–8 hours
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Insulin glargine is long-acting with a steady
release and no peak, reducing risk of hypoglycemia.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient on warfarin. Which lab value
indicates therapeutic effect?
A. aPTT 60 seconds
B. INR 2.5
C. Platelets 150,000/mm³
,D. Hemoglobin 15 g/dL
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The therapeutic INR range for most conditions
is 2.0–3.0. aPTT is used for heparin monitoring.
4. Which medication requires monitoring for ototoxicity?
A. Amoxicillin
B. Gentamicin
C. Ciprofloxacin
D. Azithromycin
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside associated
with ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
5. A patient is prescribed lisinopril. Which adverse effect
should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Persistent dry cough
C. Bradycardia
D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ACE inhibitors commonly cause a dry,
persistent cough due to bradykinin accumulation.
6. A nurse is administering furosemide. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Potassium 2.8 mEq/L
B. Sodium 140 mEq/L
C. Blood pressure 130/80 mmHg
D. Urine output 40 mL/hr
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Furosemide causes potassium loss; hypokalemia
can lead to life-threatening dysrhythmias.
, 7. Which medication is used as an antidote for heparin
overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Protamine sulfate
C. Acetylcysteine
D. Atropine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin.
8. A patient taking digoxin reports nausea and seeing yellow
halos. What is the priority action?
A. Administer next dose
B. Hold medication and notify provider
C. Increase fluid intake
D. Give antiemetic
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: These are signs of digoxin toxicity; the
medication should be held immediately.
9. Which instruction is most important for a patient taking
isoniazid?
A. Avoid sunlight
B. Take with antacids
C. Avoid alcohol
D. Increase vitamin C intake
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Isoniazid increases risk of hepatotoxicity, which
is worsened by alcohol.
10. A nurse is giving metformin. Which condition requires
holding the medication?
A. Fever
B. Scheduled surgery with contrast dye
C. Mild headache
PROCTORED STUDY GUIDE WITH
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
2026
1. A nurse is reviewing a prescription for propranolol. Which
condition should be considered a contraindication for this
medication?
A. Asthma
B. Hypertension
C. Migraine headaches
D. Hyperthyroidism
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Propranolol is a nonselective beta blocker that
can cause bronchoconstriction, making it contraindicated in
asthma. The other options are common indications for beta
blockers.
2. A patient receiving insulin glargine asks when it peaks.
What is the correct response?
A. It peaks in 30 minutes
B. It has no pronounced peak
C. It peaks in 2–4 hours
D. It peaks in 6–8 hours
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Insulin glargine is long-acting with a steady
release and no peak, reducing risk of hypoglycemia.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient on warfarin. Which lab value
indicates therapeutic effect?
A. aPTT 60 seconds
B. INR 2.5
C. Platelets 150,000/mm³
,D. Hemoglobin 15 g/dL
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The therapeutic INR range for most conditions
is 2.0–3.0. aPTT is used for heparin monitoring.
4. Which medication requires monitoring for ototoxicity?
A. Amoxicillin
B. Gentamicin
C. Ciprofloxacin
D. Azithromycin
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside associated
with ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
5. A patient is prescribed lisinopril. Which adverse effect
should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Persistent dry cough
C. Bradycardia
D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ACE inhibitors commonly cause a dry,
persistent cough due to bradykinin accumulation.
6. A nurse is administering furosemide. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Potassium 2.8 mEq/L
B. Sodium 140 mEq/L
C. Blood pressure 130/80 mmHg
D. Urine output 40 mL/hr
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Furosemide causes potassium loss; hypokalemia
can lead to life-threatening dysrhythmias.
, 7. Which medication is used as an antidote for heparin
overdose?
A. Vitamin K
B. Protamine sulfate
C. Acetylcysteine
D. Atropine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin.
8. A patient taking digoxin reports nausea and seeing yellow
halos. What is the priority action?
A. Administer next dose
B. Hold medication and notify provider
C. Increase fluid intake
D. Give antiemetic
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: These are signs of digoxin toxicity; the
medication should be held immediately.
9. Which instruction is most important for a patient taking
isoniazid?
A. Avoid sunlight
B. Take with antacids
C. Avoid alcohol
D. Increase vitamin C intake
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Isoniazid increases risk of hepatotoxicity, which
is worsened by alcohol.
10. A nurse is giving metformin. Which condition requires
holding the medication?
A. Fever
B. Scheduled surgery with contrast dye
C. Mild headache
