2026-2027 ATI PHARMACOLOGY PROCTORED ACTUAL EXAM
NEWEST VERSION 2026-2027 ACTUAL QUESTION AND
CORRECT DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS FROM VERIFIED
SOURCES BY EXPERT RATED A GRADE.
A nurse in a provider's office is preparing to teach a middle-aged
adult client who has a new diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and
an HbA1c of 6.5%. Which of the following medications should the
nurse plan to teach the client about first?
A) Metformin
B) Glipizide
C) Insulin glargine
D) Pioglitazone
Correct Answer: A
Expert Rationale
An HbA1c of 6.5% or higher is diagnostic of diabetes mellitus.
Metformin is the first-line pharmacological agent for the
treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, as recommended by the
American Diabetes Association (ADA). Metformin works by
decreasing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin
sensitivity. It is preferred due to its efficacy, safety profile, low risk
of hypoglycemia, and potential for modest weight loss. Glipizide
,is a sulfonylurea that increases insulin secretion and is typically
used as a second-line agent. Insulin glargine is a long-acting
insulin used when oral agents are insufficient. Pioglitazone is a
thiazolidinedione that improves insulin sensitivity but has more
adverse effects and is not the first-line choice. The nurse should
prioritize teaching about metformin and its common adverse
effects, including gastrointestinal upset and the rare but serious
risk of lactic acidosis.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
TOP: Pharmacology: Antidiabetic Agents
MSC: NCLEX: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results before
administering furosemide 40 mg IV bolus. For which of the
following values should the nurse withhold the medication and
contact the provider?
A) Potassium 2.5 mEq/L
B) Sodium 140 mEq/L
C) Chloride 100 mEq/L
D) Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
Correct Answer: A
Expert Rationale
,Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant potassium
excretion. A potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is critically low (normal
range 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L) and indicates severe hypokalemia.
Administering furosemide to a client with hypokalemia can
further deplete potassium levels, leading to life-threatening
cardiac arrhythmias. The nurse should withhold the medication,
notify the provider, and anticipate potassium replacement
therapy. Sodium 140 mEq/L, chloride 100 mEq/L, and calcium 9.5
mg/dL are within normal limits and do not require withholding
furosemide. The nurse should also assess the client for signs of
hypokalemia, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and cardiac
arrhythmias.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)
TOP: Pharmacology: Diuretics
MSC: NCLEX: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A nurse is preparing to administer the initial dose of penicillin G
IM to a client. The nurse should monitor which of the following
as an indication of an allergic reaction following the injection?
A) Urticaria
B) Nausea
C) Headache
D) Dizziness
Correct Answer: A
, Expert Rationale
Urticaria (hives) is a common manifestation of an allergic
reaction to penicillin and can indicate a hypersensitivity
response. Other signs of an allergic reaction include pruritus,
rash, angioedema, wheezing, and anaphylaxis. The nurse should
monitor the client closely for signs of an allergic reaction,
especially after the first dose. Nausea, headache, and dizziness
are not specific indicators of an allergic reaction and may be
related to other factors. The nurse should have emergency
equipment available and be prepared to administer epinephrine
if anaphylaxis occurs. The client should be educated to report any
rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
TOP: Pharmacology: Penicillins
MSC: NCLEX: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes mellitus and is
taking pioglitazone. The nurse should plan to monitor the client
for which of the following adverse effects?
A) Orthostatic hypotension
B) Hypoglycemia
C) Weight gain
D) Edema
NEWEST VERSION 2026-2027 ACTUAL QUESTION AND
CORRECT DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS FROM VERIFIED
SOURCES BY EXPERT RATED A GRADE.
A nurse in a provider's office is preparing to teach a middle-aged
adult client who has a new diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and
an HbA1c of 6.5%. Which of the following medications should the
nurse plan to teach the client about first?
A) Metformin
B) Glipizide
C) Insulin glargine
D) Pioglitazone
Correct Answer: A
Expert Rationale
An HbA1c of 6.5% or higher is diagnostic of diabetes mellitus.
Metformin is the first-line pharmacological agent for the
treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, as recommended by the
American Diabetes Association (ADA). Metformin works by
decreasing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin
sensitivity. It is preferred due to its efficacy, safety profile, low risk
of hypoglycemia, and potential for modest weight loss. Glipizide
,is a sulfonylurea that increases insulin secretion and is typically
used as a second-line agent. Insulin glargine is a long-acting
insulin used when oral agents are insufficient. Pioglitazone is a
thiazolidinedione that improves insulin sensitivity but has more
adverse effects and is not the first-line choice. The nurse should
prioritize teaching about metformin and its common adverse
effects, including gastrointestinal upset and the rare but serious
risk of lactic acidosis.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
TOP: Pharmacology: Antidiabetic Agents
MSC: NCLEX: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results before
administering furosemide 40 mg IV bolus. For which of the
following values should the nurse withhold the medication and
contact the provider?
A) Potassium 2.5 mEq/L
B) Sodium 140 mEq/L
C) Chloride 100 mEq/L
D) Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
Correct Answer: A
Expert Rationale
,Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant potassium
excretion. A potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is critically low (normal
range 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L) and indicates severe hypokalemia.
Administering furosemide to a client with hypokalemia can
further deplete potassium levels, leading to life-threatening
cardiac arrhythmias. The nurse should withhold the medication,
notify the provider, and anticipate potassium replacement
therapy. Sodium 140 mEq/L, chloride 100 mEq/L, and calcium 9.5
mg/dL are within normal limits and do not require withholding
furosemide. The nurse should also assess the client for signs of
hypokalemia, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and cardiac
arrhythmias.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)
TOP: Pharmacology: Diuretics
MSC: NCLEX: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A nurse is preparing to administer the initial dose of penicillin G
IM to a client. The nurse should monitor which of the following
as an indication of an allergic reaction following the injection?
A) Urticaria
B) Nausea
C) Headache
D) Dizziness
Correct Answer: A
, Expert Rationale
Urticaria (hives) is a common manifestation of an allergic
reaction to penicillin and can indicate a hypersensitivity
response. Other signs of an allergic reaction include pruritus,
rash, angioedema, wheezing, and anaphylaxis. The nurse should
monitor the client closely for signs of an allergic reaction,
especially after the first dose. Nausea, headache, and dizziness
are not specific indicators of an allergic reaction and may be
related to other factors. The nurse should have emergency
equipment available and be prepared to administer epinephrine
if anaphylaxis occurs. The client should be educated to report any
rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
TOP: Pharmacology: Penicillins
MSC: NCLEX: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes mellitus and is
taking pioglitazone. The nurse should plan to monitor the client
for which of the following adverse effects?
A) Orthostatic hypotension
B) Hypoglycemia
C) Weight gain
D) Edema
