ATI Pharmacology Proctored 2026

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Sample questions from ATI Pharmacology Proctored 2026

This material has 90 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.A client taking an extended-release tablet reports difficulty swallowing it. Which instruction should the nurse provide?

   • A.Crush the tablet and mix it with applesauce.
   • B.Dissolve the tablet in water before taking it.
   • C.Split the tablet in half and take both pieces.
   • D.Ask the pharmacist or prescriber whether a suitable alternative formulation is available.

   Rationale: Extended-release formulations are designed to release medication gradually, and crushing, splitting, or dissolving them can alter drug release and increase the risk of adverse effects. The client should ask whether a liquid or another appropriate formulation is available. Do not assume that every tablet can be safely altered; check product-specific instructions.

2. 2.Refer to the client's chart. Which actions should the nurse take in response to the findings? Select all that apply.

   • A.Review the client's fluid status and report the declining urine output.
   • B.Administer the scheduled dose because the temperature remains elevated.
   • C.Hold the next gentamicin dose and notify the provider.
   • D.Anticipate evaluation of renal function and gentamicin concentrations.
   • E.Reassure the client that ringing in the ears is an expected effect.

   Rationale: The creatinine has increased from 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL, urine output has declined, and the client reports tinnitus while receiving gentamicin, which can cause nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. The nurse should hold the next dose and promptly notify the provider, report the urine-output trend, and anticipate assessment of renal function and drug concentrations. A fever alone does not justify giving a potentially unsafe dose, and tinnitus is not an expected effect to dismiss.

3. 3.The provider prescribes 240 mg of an oral medication. The bottle contains 160 mg per 5 mL. How many milliliters should the nurse administer?

   • A.12.5 mL
   • B.7.5 mL
   • C.10 mL
   • D.5 mL

   Rationale: Set up the proportion: 240 mg x 5 mL / 160 mg = 7.5 mL. Five milliliters contains only 160 mg, while 10 mL and 12.5 mL would deliver more than the prescribed dose. Verify the concentration on the label and measure the liquid with an appropriate oral syringe or medication cup.

4. 4.A client asks why a medication taken by mouth has a different effect than the same medication given intravenously. Which explanation is accurate?

   • A.Intravenous medication must be absorbed across the intestinal wall.
   • B.Intravenous medication is absorbed more slowly from the gastrointestinal tract.
   • C.Oral medication may be metabolized in the liver before reaching systemic circulation.
   • D.Oral medication bypasses the liver on its first pass through the body.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.Refer to the client's chart. Which action should the nurse take before administering the next scheduled dose of digoxin?

   • A.Hold the dose and notify the provider about the findings.
   • B.Administer half the dose and recheck the pulse in 1 hour.
   • C.Give the dose with food to reduce the risk of toxicity.
   • D.Administer the dose because the client is not reporting nausea.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.