ATI PN PHARMACOLOGY 2026 PROCTORED
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Pharmacological Principles and Medication Administration
• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
• Cardiovascular and Hematologic Medications
• Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Medications
• Endocrine and Metabolic Medications
• Neurological and Psychiatric Medications
• Anti-Infective and Chemotherapeutic Agents
• Pain Management and Anesthetics
• Medication Safety, Calculations, and Error Prevention
Introduction
The ATI PN Pharmacology Proctored Examination assesses the
knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment required for safe
medication administration in practical nursing practice. The test
evaluates understanding of pharmacological principles, drug
classifications, dosage calculations, adverse effects, and nursing
considerations across body systems. Questions are multiple-
choice and NGN-style, including matrix grids, bowtie items, and
extended multiple-response questions. The exam emphasizes
real-world application, prioritization, and critical decision-making
to ensure safe, evidence-based pharmacological care.
Section One: Questions 1–100
,Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer an otic medication to a 6-
month-old infant. Which of the following actions is correct?
A. Pull the pinna down and back.
B. Pull the pinna up and back.
C. Pull the earlobe straight out.
D. Place the client in a supine position with the head turned
toward the affected ear.
Correct answer: A
RATIONALE: For children under 3 years of age, the pinna
should be pulled down and back to straighten the ear canal. For
adults and children over 3, the pinna is pulled up and back.
Question 2
A client is prescribed colchicine for acute gout. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A. "Take this medication with a full glass of water."
B. "This medication is safe for clients with renal impairment."
C. "You may experience constipation as a common side effect."
D. "Take this medication at the first sign of a gout attack."
Correct answer: D
RATIONALE: Colchicine is most effective when taken at the
first sign of a gout flare. It is not safe for renal impairment and
can cause diarrhea, not constipation.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving IV acyclovir. Which
of the following actions is most important?
,A. Monitor the IV site for infiltration.
B. Encourage oral fluids.
C. Monitor urine output.
D. Administer the medication over 1 hour.
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: Acyclovir can crystallize in the renal tubules,
causing nephrotoxicity. Monitoring urine output is essential to
ensure adequate renal perfusion.
Question 4
A client is prescribed cefuroxime. Which of the following
statements indicates the client understands the medication?
A. "I can stop this medication if my symptoms improve."
B. "I should take this medication with food to reduce stomach
upset."
C. "I can drink alcohol while taking this medication."
D. "This medication is safe for my penicillin allergy."
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Cefuroxime can cause GI upset; taking it with
food helps reduce this. It should be taken for the full course, and
cross-sensitivity with penicillin exists.
Question 5
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin 0.125 mg orally to a
client with heart failure. Which lab value should the nurse check
before administration?
A. Serum potassium
B. Serum sodium
C. Blood urea nitrogen
D. Hemoglobin
, Correct answer: A
RATIONALE: Digoxin toxicity is potentiated by hypokalemia.
The nurse must check serum potassium levels to ensure they are
within the normal range before administration.
Question 6
A client is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. Which
instruction should the nurse include in patient teaching?
A. Take the medication with a high-fat meal
B. Monitor for signs of lactic acidosis
C. Expect weight gain as a side effect
D. Take the medication only at bedtime
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Metformin can rarely cause lactic acidosis, a
serious side effect. Patients should be taught to recognize
symptoms like muscle pain or weakness.
Question 7
A nurse is administering heparin 5,000 units subcutaneously.
What is the most important nursing action to prevent
complications?
A. Rotate injection sites
B. Administer with a meal
C. Monitor blood glucose levels
D. Apply a warm compress post-injection
Correct answer: A
RATIONALE: Rotating injection sites prevents tissue damage
and ensures proper absorption of heparin.
Question 8
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Pharmacological Principles and Medication Administration
• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
• Cardiovascular and Hematologic Medications
• Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Medications
• Endocrine and Metabolic Medications
• Neurological and Psychiatric Medications
• Anti-Infective and Chemotherapeutic Agents
• Pain Management and Anesthetics
• Medication Safety, Calculations, and Error Prevention
Introduction
The ATI PN Pharmacology Proctored Examination assesses the
knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment required for safe
medication administration in practical nursing practice. The test
evaluates understanding of pharmacological principles, drug
classifications, dosage calculations, adverse effects, and nursing
considerations across body systems. Questions are multiple-
choice and NGN-style, including matrix grids, bowtie items, and
extended multiple-response questions. The exam emphasizes
real-world application, prioritization, and critical decision-making
to ensure safe, evidence-based pharmacological care.
Section One: Questions 1–100
,Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer an otic medication to a 6-
month-old infant. Which of the following actions is correct?
A. Pull the pinna down and back.
B. Pull the pinna up and back.
C. Pull the earlobe straight out.
D. Place the client in a supine position with the head turned
toward the affected ear.
Correct answer: A
RATIONALE: For children under 3 years of age, the pinna
should be pulled down and back to straighten the ear canal. For
adults and children over 3, the pinna is pulled up and back.
Question 2
A client is prescribed colchicine for acute gout. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A. "Take this medication with a full glass of water."
B. "This medication is safe for clients with renal impairment."
C. "You may experience constipation as a common side effect."
D. "Take this medication at the first sign of a gout attack."
Correct answer: D
RATIONALE: Colchicine is most effective when taken at the
first sign of a gout flare. It is not safe for renal impairment and
can cause diarrhea, not constipation.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving IV acyclovir. Which
of the following actions is most important?
,A. Monitor the IV site for infiltration.
B. Encourage oral fluids.
C. Monitor urine output.
D. Administer the medication over 1 hour.
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: Acyclovir can crystallize in the renal tubules,
causing nephrotoxicity. Monitoring urine output is essential to
ensure adequate renal perfusion.
Question 4
A client is prescribed cefuroxime. Which of the following
statements indicates the client understands the medication?
A. "I can stop this medication if my symptoms improve."
B. "I should take this medication with food to reduce stomach
upset."
C. "I can drink alcohol while taking this medication."
D. "This medication is safe for my penicillin allergy."
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Cefuroxime can cause GI upset; taking it with
food helps reduce this. It should be taken for the full course, and
cross-sensitivity with penicillin exists.
Question 5
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin 0.125 mg orally to a
client with heart failure. Which lab value should the nurse check
before administration?
A. Serum potassium
B. Serum sodium
C. Blood urea nitrogen
D. Hemoglobin
, Correct answer: A
RATIONALE: Digoxin toxicity is potentiated by hypokalemia.
The nurse must check serum potassium levels to ensure they are
within the normal range before administration.
Question 6
A client is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. Which
instruction should the nurse include in patient teaching?
A. Take the medication with a high-fat meal
B. Monitor for signs of lactic acidosis
C. Expect weight gain as a side effect
D. Take the medication only at bedtime
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Metformin can rarely cause lactic acidosis, a
serious side effect. Patients should be taught to recognize
symptoms like muscle pain or weakness.
Question 7
A nurse is administering heparin 5,000 units subcutaneously.
What is the most important nursing action to prevent
complications?
A. Rotate injection sites
B. Administer with a meal
C. Monitor blood glucose levels
D. Apply a warm compress post-injection
Correct answer: A
RATIONALE: Rotating injection sites prevents tissue damage
and ensures proper absorption of heparin.
Question 8
