ATI PN PHARMACOLOGY CMS QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF . It evaluates pharmacokinetics, drug calculations,
medication safety, and the application of pharmacological principles across
diverse patient populations
Core Domains
• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
• Medication Administration and Safety
• Drug Calculations and Dosage Preparation
• Cardiovascular and Hematologic Medications
• Endocrine and Metabolic Medications
• Anti-Infective and Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Neurological and Psychotropic Medications
• Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Medications
• Adverse Effects and Drug Interactions
• Patient Education and Medication Adherence
Introduction
This examination assesses the entry-level competencies required for safe and
effective medication administration in practical nursing practice. It evaluates
pharmacokinetics, drug calculations, medication safety, and the application of
pharmacological principles across diverse patient populations. Items
emphasize adverse effect recognition, patient teaching, and evidence-informed
nursing interventions. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in calculating
dosages, identifying drug interactions, and prioritizing nursing actions related
to pharmacotherapy. This format reflects professional licensure and
,certification expectations, promoting accountability and quality in practical
nursing practice.
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client. Which assessment
finding should the nurse report before administering the medication?
A. Heart rate of 88 beats per minute
B. Heart rate of 52 beats per minute
C. Blood pressure of 118/76 mm Hg
D. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
B. Heart rate of 52 beats per minute
RATIONALE: Digoxin should be withheld if the heart rate is below 60
beats per minute in adults. Bradycardia is a sign of digoxin toxicity. The nurse
should hold the medication and notify the provider.
Question 2
A nurse is teaching a client about warfarin therapy. Which instruction is most
important?
A. "Increase your intake of green leafy vegetables."
B. "Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor."
C. "Take aspirin for headaches."
D. "Double the dose if you miss one."
B. "Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor."
RATIONALE: Warfarin increases bleeding risk. Clients should use soft
toothbrushes and electric razors to prevent bleeding. Aspirin should be
avoided due to increased bleeding risk.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer insulin to a client. Which action is most
appropriate?
,A. Administer insulin intravenously
B. Verify the dose with another nurse
C. Shake the insulin vial vigorously
D. Administer at room temperature
B. Verify the dose with another nurse
RATIONALE: Insulin is a high-alert medication requiring independent
double-check verification with another nurse before administration to
prevent medication errors.
Question 4
A client is prescribed levothyroxine. Which instruction should the nurse
include in the teaching plan?
A. "Take this medication at bedtime."
B. "Take this medication on an empty stomach."
C. "Take this medication with calcium supplements."
D. "Stop taking this medication if you feel better."
B. "Take this medication on an empty stomach."
RATIONALE: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, 30 to
60 minutes before breakfast, for optimal absorption. Calcium interferes with
absorption.
Question 5
A nurse is administering morphine sulfate to a client. Which assessment
finding indicates a need for immediate intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
B. Pain relief within 30 minutes
C. Blood pressure of 118/76 mm Hg
D. Drowsiness after administration
A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
, RATIONALE: Morphine sulfate can cause respiratory depression. A
respiratory rate below 12 breaths per minute requires immediate intervention,
including withholding the medication and notifying the provider.
Question 6
A nurse is teaching a client about metformin. Which instruction is most
important?
A. "Take this medication with food."
B. "Take this medication at bedtime."
C. "Avoid alcohol while taking this medication."
D. "Monitor for hyperglycemia."
A. "Take this medication with food."
RATIONALE: Metformin should be taken with food to reduce
gastrointestinal side effects. Alcohol should be avoided due to the risk of
lactic acidosis.
Question 7
A nurse is preparing to administer heparin subcutaneously. Which action is
most appropriate?
A. Massage the injection site after administration
B. Use a 45-degree angle for injection
C. Aspirate before injecting
D. Administer in the abdomen
D. Administer in the abdomen
RATIONALE: Heparin is administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, at
least 2 inches from the umbilicus. The site should not be massaged, and
aspiration is not recommended.
Question 8
A client is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory finding should the nurse
monitor?
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF . It evaluates pharmacokinetics, drug calculations,
medication safety, and the application of pharmacological principles across
diverse patient populations
Core Domains
• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
• Medication Administration and Safety
• Drug Calculations and Dosage Preparation
• Cardiovascular and Hematologic Medications
• Endocrine and Metabolic Medications
• Anti-Infective and Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Neurological and Psychotropic Medications
• Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Medications
• Adverse Effects and Drug Interactions
• Patient Education and Medication Adherence
Introduction
This examination assesses the entry-level competencies required for safe and
effective medication administration in practical nursing practice. It evaluates
pharmacokinetics, drug calculations, medication safety, and the application of
pharmacological principles across diverse patient populations. Items
emphasize adverse effect recognition, patient teaching, and evidence-informed
nursing interventions. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in calculating
dosages, identifying drug interactions, and prioritizing nursing actions related
to pharmacotherapy. This format reflects professional licensure and
,certification expectations, promoting accountability and quality in practical
nursing practice.
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client. Which assessment
finding should the nurse report before administering the medication?
A. Heart rate of 88 beats per minute
B. Heart rate of 52 beats per minute
C. Blood pressure of 118/76 mm Hg
D. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
B. Heart rate of 52 beats per minute
RATIONALE: Digoxin should be withheld if the heart rate is below 60
beats per minute in adults. Bradycardia is a sign of digoxin toxicity. The nurse
should hold the medication and notify the provider.
Question 2
A nurse is teaching a client about warfarin therapy. Which instruction is most
important?
A. "Increase your intake of green leafy vegetables."
B. "Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor."
C. "Take aspirin for headaches."
D. "Double the dose if you miss one."
B. "Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor."
RATIONALE: Warfarin increases bleeding risk. Clients should use soft
toothbrushes and electric razors to prevent bleeding. Aspirin should be
avoided due to increased bleeding risk.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer insulin to a client. Which action is most
appropriate?
,A. Administer insulin intravenously
B. Verify the dose with another nurse
C. Shake the insulin vial vigorously
D. Administer at room temperature
B. Verify the dose with another nurse
RATIONALE: Insulin is a high-alert medication requiring independent
double-check verification with another nurse before administration to
prevent medication errors.
Question 4
A client is prescribed levothyroxine. Which instruction should the nurse
include in the teaching plan?
A. "Take this medication at bedtime."
B. "Take this medication on an empty stomach."
C. "Take this medication with calcium supplements."
D. "Stop taking this medication if you feel better."
B. "Take this medication on an empty stomach."
RATIONALE: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, 30 to
60 minutes before breakfast, for optimal absorption. Calcium interferes with
absorption.
Question 5
A nurse is administering morphine sulfate to a client. Which assessment
finding indicates a need for immediate intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
B. Pain relief within 30 minutes
C. Blood pressure of 118/76 mm Hg
D. Drowsiness after administration
A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
, RATIONALE: Morphine sulfate can cause respiratory depression. A
respiratory rate below 12 breaths per minute requires immediate intervention,
including withholding the medication and notifying the provider.
Question 6
A nurse is teaching a client about metformin. Which instruction is most
important?
A. "Take this medication with food."
B. "Take this medication at bedtime."
C. "Avoid alcohol while taking this medication."
D. "Monitor for hyperglycemia."
A. "Take this medication with food."
RATIONALE: Metformin should be taken with food to reduce
gastrointestinal side effects. Alcohol should be avoided due to the risk of
lactic acidosis.
Question 7
A nurse is preparing to administer heparin subcutaneously. Which action is
most appropriate?
A. Massage the injection site after administration
B. Use a 45-degree angle for injection
C. Aspirate before injecting
D. Administer in the abdomen
D. Administer in the abdomen
RATIONALE: Heparin is administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, at
least 2 inches from the umbilicus. The site should not be massaged, and
aspiration is not recommended.
Question 8
A client is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory finding should the nurse
monitor?
