ATI PN Pharmacology Proctored Exam Review –
Latest 2026/2027 Update – 75 Questions with
Answers Act
Table of Contents
Section Topics Covered Questions
1 Pharmacological Principles & Medication Safety 1–15
2 Dosage Calculations 16–30
3 Cardiovascular Medications 31–50
4 Endocrine Medications 51–65
5 Anti-Infective Medications 66–80
6 Neurological & Psychiatric Medications 81–95
7 Pain Management & Musculoskeletal Medications 96–110
8 Respiratory & Gastrointestinal Medications 111–120
9 Reproductive, Immune & Miscellaneous Medications 121–130
10 Complete Answer Key —
11 High-Yield Clinical Judgment Review —
Section 1: Pharmacological Principles & Medication Safety (Questions 1–15)
,Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. Which of the following is the
priority nursing action before administration?
A. Document the medication in the MAR
B. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
C. Check the medication's expiration date
D. Assess the client's pain level
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority before any medication administration is positive client identification
using two identifiers (name and date of birth or medical record number). While checking
expiration dates and documenting are important, verifying the right client is the foundational
safety step. Administering medication to the wrong client is a never event.
Question 2
A nurse is reviewing a medication order that reads: "Heparin 5,000 units SUBQ q12h."
Which of the following should the nurse recognize as the correct interpretation?
A. Give heparin intravenously every 12 hours
B. Give heparin subcutaneously every 12 hours
C. Give heparin intramuscularly every 12 hours
D. Give heparin by mouth every 12 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: "SUBQ" or "subcut" is the standard abbreviation for subcutaneous. Heparin is
commonly administered subcutaneously for prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis. The "q12h"
means every 12 hours. Nurses must clarify any unclear orders with the provider.
Question 3 (SATA)
A nurse is implementing the "rights" of medication administration. Which of the following
are essential rights the nurse must verify? Select all that apply.
A. Right client
B. Right medication
C. Right dose
D. Right route
,E. Right time
F. Right to refuse
Correct Answers: A, B, C, D, E
Rationale: The traditional "Five Rights" are: right client, right medication, right dose, right
route, and right time. Many institutions expand this to include right documentation, right reason,
and right to refuse. However, the "right to refuse" is a client right, not a verification step
performed before administration.
Question 4
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client who states, "That pill looks
different from what I usually take." Which of the following actions should the nurse take
first?
A. Administer the medication because the pharmacy profile is accurate
B. Recheck the medication label against the MAR and consult the pharmacist
C. Tell the client the provider changed the dose
D. Document the client's concern and administer the medication
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Any discrepancy in medication appearance must be investigated before
administration. The nurse should recheck the label against the MAR and consult the pharmacy.
The client is often the last line of defense against medication errors.
Question 5
Which route of administration provides the most rapid onset of medication action?
A. Oral
B. Subcutaneous
C. Intramuscular
D. Intravenous
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Intravenous (IV) administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream,
bypassing absorption barriers. This provides the fastest onset of action and is essential in
emergencies. However, IV administration also carries the highest risk for adverse reactions.
, Question 6
A nurse is transcribing a telephone order from a provider. Which of the following is the
correct format for documenting the order?
A. "TO" followed by provider signature within 24 hours
B. Date/time, full order, read-back verification, provider name, "VO," nurse signature
C. "VO" and the nurse's initials only
D. Verbal orders should never be accepted by an LPN
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Telephone/verbal orders require: date and time, the complete order, read-back
verification to the provider, the provider's name, "VO" or "TO" notation, and the nurse's
signature. The provider must countersign within facility policy timeframe (often 24–48 hours).
Question 7
A client refuses a scheduled medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take?
A. Administer the medication by hiding it in food
B. Document the refusal and notify the provider
C. Tell the client they will not be discharged if they refuse
D. Crush the medication and mix it with juice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clients have the right to refuse medication. The nurse should respect the refusal,
document it, notify the provider, and continue to monitor. Hiding medication in food or coercing
the client violates autonomy and is unethical.
Question 8
A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection. Which of the following
needle lengths is appropriate for an average adult client?
A. ½ inch
B. 1 inch
C. 1½ inch
D. 3 inch
Correct Answer: C
Latest 2026/2027 Update – 75 Questions with
Answers Act
Table of Contents
Section Topics Covered Questions
1 Pharmacological Principles & Medication Safety 1–15
2 Dosage Calculations 16–30
3 Cardiovascular Medications 31–50
4 Endocrine Medications 51–65
5 Anti-Infective Medications 66–80
6 Neurological & Psychiatric Medications 81–95
7 Pain Management & Musculoskeletal Medications 96–110
8 Respiratory & Gastrointestinal Medications 111–120
9 Reproductive, Immune & Miscellaneous Medications 121–130
10 Complete Answer Key —
11 High-Yield Clinical Judgment Review —
Section 1: Pharmacological Principles & Medication Safety (Questions 1–15)
,Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. Which of the following is the
priority nursing action before administration?
A. Document the medication in the MAR
B. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
C. Check the medication's expiration date
D. Assess the client's pain level
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority before any medication administration is positive client identification
using two identifiers (name and date of birth or medical record number). While checking
expiration dates and documenting are important, verifying the right client is the foundational
safety step. Administering medication to the wrong client is a never event.
Question 2
A nurse is reviewing a medication order that reads: "Heparin 5,000 units SUBQ q12h."
Which of the following should the nurse recognize as the correct interpretation?
A. Give heparin intravenously every 12 hours
B. Give heparin subcutaneously every 12 hours
C. Give heparin intramuscularly every 12 hours
D. Give heparin by mouth every 12 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: "SUBQ" or "subcut" is the standard abbreviation for subcutaneous. Heparin is
commonly administered subcutaneously for prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis. The "q12h"
means every 12 hours. Nurses must clarify any unclear orders with the provider.
Question 3 (SATA)
A nurse is implementing the "rights" of medication administration. Which of the following
are essential rights the nurse must verify? Select all that apply.
A. Right client
B. Right medication
C. Right dose
D. Right route
,E. Right time
F. Right to refuse
Correct Answers: A, B, C, D, E
Rationale: The traditional "Five Rights" are: right client, right medication, right dose, right
route, and right time. Many institutions expand this to include right documentation, right reason,
and right to refuse. However, the "right to refuse" is a client right, not a verification step
performed before administration.
Question 4
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client who states, "That pill looks
different from what I usually take." Which of the following actions should the nurse take
first?
A. Administer the medication because the pharmacy profile is accurate
B. Recheck the medication label against the MAR and consult the pharmacist
C. Tell the client the provider changed the dose
D. Document the client's concern and administer the medication
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Any discrepancy in medication appearance must be investigated before
administration. The nurse should recheck the label against the MAR and consult the pharmacy.
The client is often the last line of defense against medication errors.
Question 5
Which route of administration provides the most rapid onset of medication action?
A. Oral
B. Subcutaneous
C. Intramuscular
D. Intravenous
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Intravenous (IV) administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream,
bypassing absorption barriers. This provides the fastest onset of action and is essential in
emergencies. However, IV administration also carries the highest risk for adverse reactions.
, Question 6
A nurse is transcribing a telephone order from a provider. Which of the following is the
correct format for documenting the order?
A. "TO" followed by provider signature within 24 hours
B. Date/time, full order, read-back verification, provider name, "VO," nurse signature
C. "VO" and the nurse's initials only
D. Verbal orders should never be accepted by an LPN
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Telephone/verbal orders require: date and time, the complete order, read-back
verification to the provider, the provider's name, "VO" or "TO" notation, and the nurse's
signature. The provider must countersign within facility policy timeframe (often 24–48 hours).
Question 7
A client refuses a scheduled medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take?
A. Administer the medication by hiding it in food
B. Document the refusal and notify the provider
C. Tell the client they will not be discharged if they refuse
D. Crush the medication and mix it with juice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clients have the right to refuse medication. The nurse should respect the refusal,
document it, notify the provider, and continue to monitor. Hiding medication in food or coercing
the client violates autonomy and is unethical.
Question 8
A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection. Which of the following
needle lengths is appropriate for an average adult client?
A. ½ inch
B. 1 inch
C. 1½ inch
D. 3 inch
Correct Answer: C
