ATI PN PHARMACOLOGY PROCTORED EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Basic Pharmacology Principles
Cardiovascular Medications
Respiratory Medications
Endocrine Medications
Neurological and Psychiatric Medications
Antimicrobials and Anti-Infectives
Gastrointestinal, Renal, and Other Medications
Pain Management and Anesthetics
Immunizations and Emergency Medications
Introduction
This comprehensive examination assesses the candidate's mastery of pharmacological concepts required
for the ATI PN Pharmacology Proctored Exam. It evaluates knowledge of drug classifications, mechanisms
of action, adverse effects, contraindications, nursing interventions, and patient education across nine core
domains. Questions are presented in multiple-choice and scenario-based formats requiring integration of
pharmacological principles with clinical judgment. Emphasis is placed on medication safety, dosage
calculation, and real-world application. Successful completion demonstrates readiness for safe practical
nursing practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–60
Question 1
A practical nurse (PN) is preparing to administer digoxin 0.25 mg PO to a client with heart failure. Prior
to administration, the PN notes the client's apical pulse is 52 beats per minute. Which action should
the PN take?
A. Administer the medication as prescribed
B. Withhold the medication and notify the registered nurse
C. Administer the medication and recheck the pulse in 1 hour
D. Give half the prescribed dose
🟢 B. Withhold the medication and notify the registered nurse
🔴 RATIONALE: Digoxin should be withheld if the adult apical pulse is below 60 beats per minute. A
heart rate of 52 indicates bradycardia, and administering digoxin could further slow the heart rate and
lead to heart block. The PN must withhold the dose and notify the RN or provider.
Question 2
,A PN is reviewing a client's medication history. Which of the following medications is classified as a
loop diuretic?
A. Spironolactone
B. Furosemide
C. Hydrochlorothiazide
D. Mannitol
🟢 B. Furosemide
🔴 RATIONALE: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that acts on the ascending loop of Henle to inhibit
sodium and chloride reabsorption. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide
is a thiazide diuretic, and mannitol is an osmotic diuretic.
Question 3
A PN is caring for a client who has been prescribed warfarin. Which laboratory value should the PN
monitor to evaluate the therapeutic effect of this medication?
A. aPTT
B. INR
C. Platelet count
D. Hemoglobin
🟢 B. INR
🔴 RATIONALE: Warfarin therapy is monitored using the INR, with a therapeutic range of 2.0–3.0 for
most indications. The aPTT monitors heparin therapy. Platelet count and hemoglobin assess for
bleeding complications, not therapeutic anticoagulation.
Question 4
A PN is administering insulin to a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which type of insulin can be
administered intravenously?
A. NPH insulin
B. Glargine insulin
C. Regular insulin
D. Detemir insulin
🟢 C. Regular insulin
, 🔴 RATIONALE: Regular insulin is the only insulin that can be administered intravenously. It has a rapid
onset and short duration, making it suitable for IV use in acute situations such as diabetic ketoacidosis.
Question 5
A PN is teaching a client about a new prescription for metformin. Which of the following instructions
should the PN include?
A. "Take the medication at bedtime on an empty stomach."
B. "Take the medication with meals to reduce gastrointestinal upset."
C. "Stop the medication if you experience nausea."
D. "You can skip doses when your blood sugar is normal."
🟢 B. "Take the medication with meals to reduce gastrointestinal upset."
🔴 RATIONALE: Metformin should be taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects such
as nausea and diarrhea. Clients should not stop the medication without provider approval, and the
medication should be continued even when blood glucose is controlled.
Question 6
A PN is preparing to administer a dose of levothyroxine to a client. Which of the following findings
should the PN report to the registered nurse before administering the medication?
A. Heart rate of 58 beats per minute
B. Blood pressure of 118/72 mm Hg
C. Weight loss of 1 kg
D. Increased energy levels
🟢 A. Heart rate of 58 beats per minute
🔴 RATIONALE: Levothyroxine increases metabolic rate and heart rate. A heart rate below 60 beats per
minute may indicate that the medication dose is too high or that the client has an underlying cardiac
condition. The PN should report this finding before administration.
Question 7
A PN is reviewing a client's medication orders. Which of the following medications is classified as a
beta-adrenergic blocker?
A. Diltiazem
B. Metoprolol
C. Amlodipine
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Basic Pharmacology Principles
Cardiovascular Medications
Respiratory Medications
Endocrine Medications
Neurological and Psychiatric Medications
Antimicrobials and Anti-Infectives
Gastrointestinal, Renal, and Other Medications
Pain Management and Anesthetics
Immunizations and Emergency Medications
Introduction
This comprehensive examination assesses the candidate's mastery of pharmacological concepts required
for the ATI PN Pharmacology Proctored Exam. It evaluates knowledge of drug classifications, mechanisms
of action, adverse effects, contraindications, nursing interventions, and patient education across nine core
domains. Questions are presented in multiple-choice and scenario-based formats requiring integration of
pharmacological principles with clinical judgment. Emphasis is placed on medication safety, dosage
calculation, and real-world application. Successful completion demonstrates readiness for safe practical
nursing practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–60
Question 1
A practical nurse (PN) is preparing to administer digoxin 0.25 mg PO to a client with heart failure. Prior
to administration, the PN notes the client's apical pulse is 52 beats per minute. Which action should
the PN take?
A. Administer the medication as prescribed
B. Withhold the medication and notify the registered nurse
C. Administer the medication and recheck the pulse in 1 hour
D. Give half the prescribed dose
🟢 B. Withhold the medication and notify the registered nurse
🔴 RATIONALE: Digoxin should be withheld if the adult apical pulse is below 60 beats per minute. A
heart rate of 52 indicates bradycardia, and administering digoxin could further slow the heart rate and
lead to heart block. The PN must withhold the dose and notify the RN or provider.
Question 2
,A PN is reviewing a client's medication history. Which of the following medications is classified as a
loop diuretic?
A. Spironolactone
B. Furosemide
C. Hydrochlorothiazide
D. Mannitol
🟢 B. Furosemide
🔴 RATIONALE: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that acts on the ascending loop of Henle to inhibit
sodium and chloride reabsorption. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide
is a thiazide diuretic, and mannitol is an osmotic diuretic.
Question 3
A PN is caring for a client who has been prescribed warfarin. Which laboratory value should the PN
monitor to evaluate the therapeutic effect of this medication?
A. aPTT
B. INR
C. Platelet count
D. Hemoglobin
🟢 B. INR
🔴 RATIONALE: Warfarin therapy is monitored using the INR, with a therapeutic range of 2.0–3.0 for
most indications. The aPTT monitors heparin therapy. Platelet count and hemoglobin assess for
bleeding complications, not therapeutic anticoagulation.
Question 4
A PN is administering insulin to a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which type of insulin can be
administered intravenously?
A. NPH insulin
B. Glargine insulin
C. Regular insulin
D. Detemir insulin
🟢 C. Regular insulin
, 🔴 RATIONALE: Regular insulin is the only insulin that can be administered intravenously. It has a rapid
onset and short duration, making it suitable for IV use in acute situations such as diabetic ketoacidosis.
Question 5
A PN is teaching a client about a new prescription for metformin. Which of the following instructions
should the PN include?
A. "Take the medication at bedtime on an empty stomach."
B. "Take the medication with meals to reduce gastrointestinal upset."
C. "Stop the medication if you experience nausea."
D. "You can skip doses when your blood sugar is normal."
🟢 B. "Take the medication with meals to reduce gastrointestinal upset."
🔴 RATIONALE: Metformin should be taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects such
as nausea and diarrhea. Clients should not stop the medication without provider approval, and the
medication should be continued even when blood glucose is controlled.
Question 6
A PN is preparing to administer a dose of levothyroxine to a client. Which of the following findings
should the PN report to the registered nurse before administering the medication?
A. Heart rate of 58 beats per minute
B. Blood pressure of 118/72 mm Hg
C. Weight loss of 1 kg
D. Increased energy levels
🟢 A. Heart rate of 58 beats per minute
🔴 RATIONALE: Levothyroxine increases metabolic rate and heart rate. A heart rate below 60 beats per
minute may indicate that the medication dose is too high or that the client has an underlying cardiac
condition. The PN should report this finding before administration.
Question 7
A PN is reviewing a client's medication orders. Which of the following medications is classified as a
beta-adrenergic blocker?
A. Diltiazem
B. Metoprolol
C. Amlodipine
