ATI PN PHARMACOLOGY
PROCTORED EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains:
• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
• Safe Medication Administration and Dosage Calculations
• Autonomic Nervous System Drugs
• Cardiovascular and Diuretic Medications
• Endocrine Medications
• Neurological and Psychiatric Medications
• Anti-infectives and Chemotherapy
• Pain Management and Controlled Substances
• Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Drugs
• Pediatric and Geriatric Pharmacology Considerations
• NGN Clinical Judgment and Case Studies
Introduction:
This examination assesses the core competencies required for
safe and effective practical nursing practice in pharmacology. It
evaluates knowledge of drug classifications, mechanisms of
,action, adverse effects, medication administration, and dosage
calculations. The assessment includes multiple-choice and
scenario-based questions designed to test clinical judgment,
prioritization, and evidence-based decision-making. Emphasis is
placed on the application of the ATI Pharmacology Nursing
Content Mastery Series blueprint, the NCLEX-PN test plan, and
Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) clinical judgment models to real-
world clinical scenarios involving clients across the lifespan.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A nurse is preparing to administer an otic medication to
a 6-month-old infant. Which action 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.
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 .
2. A client is prescribed colchicine for acute gout. Which
instruction 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."
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 .
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV acyclovir.
Which action 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.
C
RATIONALE: Acyclovir can crystallize in the renal tubules,
causing nephrotoxicity. Monitoring urine output is essential to
ensure adequate renal perfusion .
4. A client is prescribed cefuroxime. Which statement
indicates understanding?
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."
B
RATIONALE: Cefuroxime (a cephalosporin) 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 .
5. A nurse is assessing a client taking clopidogrel. Which
finding should the nurse report?
A. Bruising on the arms.
B. Black, tarry stools.
C. Headache.
D. Dizziness.
, B
RATIONALE: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet that increases
bleeding risk. Black, tarry stools (melena) indicate
gastrointestinal bleeding and must be reported immediately .
6. A client is prescribed amiodarone. The nurse should
monitor for which adverse effect?
A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypoglycemia
B
RATIONALE: Amiodarone contains iodine and can cause both
hypo- and hyperthyroidism, but hypothyroidism is a common
adverse effect requiring monitoring .
7. A nurse is preparing to administer subcutaneous insulin.
Which site is most appropriate?
A. Deltoid
B. Abdomen
C. Ventrogluteal
D. Dorsogluteal
B
RATIONALE: The abdomen is a common site for subcutaneous
injections, such as insulin, due to consistent absorption .
8. A nurse is administering an intramuscular injection to
an adult. Which site is preferred?
A. Deltoid
B. Ventrogluteal
C. Dorsogluteal
D. Vastus lateralis
PROCTORED EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains:
• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
• Safe Medication Administration and Dosage Calculations
• Autonomic Nervous System Drugs
• Cardiovascular and Diuretic Medications
• Endocrine Medications
• Neurological and Psychiatric Medications
• Anti-infectives and Chemotherapy
• Pain Management and Controlled Substances
• Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Drugs
• Pediatric and Geriatric Pharmacology Considerations
• NGN Clinical Judgment and Case Studies
Introduction:
This examination assesses the core competencies required for
safe and effective practical nursing practice in pharmacology. It
evaluates knowledge of drug classifications, mechanisms of
,action, adverse effects, medication administration, and dosage
calculations. The assessment includes multiple-choice and
scenario-based questions designed to test clinical judgment,
prioritization, and evidence-based decision-making. Emphasis is
placed on the application of the ATI Pharmacology Nursing
Content Mastery Series blueprint, the NCLEX-PN test plan, and
Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) clinical judgment models to real-
world clinical scenarios involving clients across the lifespan.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A nurse is preparing to administer an otic medication to
a 6-month-old infant. Which action 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.
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 .
2. A client is prescribed colchicine for acute gout. Which
instruction 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."
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 .
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV acyclovir.
Which action 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.
C
RATIONALE: Acyclovir can crystallize in the renal tubules,
causing nephrotoxicity. Monitoring urine output is essential to
ensure adequate renal perfusion .
4. A client is prescribed cefuroxime. Which statement
indicates understanding?
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."
B
RATIONALE: Cefuroxime (a cephalosporin) 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 .
5. A nurse is assessing a client taking clopidogrel. Which
finding should the nurse report?
A. Bruising on the arms.
B. Black, tarry stools.
C. Headache.
D. Dizziness.
, B
RATIONALE: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet that increases
bleeding risk. Black, tarry stools (melena) indicate
gastrointestinal bleeding and must be reported immediately .
6. A client is prescribed amiodarone. The nurse should
monitor for which adverse effect?
A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypoglycemia
B
RATIONALE: Amiodarone contains iodine and can cause both
hypo- and hyperthyroidism, but hypothyroidism is a common
adverse effect requiring monitoring .
7. A nurse is preparing to administer subcutaneous insulin.
Which site is most appropriate?
A. Deltoid
B. Abdomen
C. Ventrogluteal
D. Dorsogluteal
B
RATIONALE: The abdomen is a common site for subcutaneous
injections, such as insulin, due to consistent absorption .
8. A nurse is administering an intramuscular injection to
an adult. Which site is preferred?
A. Deltoid
B. Ventrogluteal
C. Dorsogluteal
D. Vastus lateralis
