VIRTUAL ATI PHARMACOLOGY REVIEW 2026
EXAM PREPARATION PACK KEY MEDICATION
SAFETY PHARMACOKINETICS AND ADVERSE
EFFECTS WITH SAMPLE QUESTIONS
◉ Erythropoiesis Growth Factors: Epoetin Alfa. Answer: -Uses:
anemia related to CKD, HIV, or chemo
-MOA: stimulates bone marrow TO INCREASE PRODUCTION OF RBC
-SE: hypertension due to increase in Hct levels
-Key Points: do not agitate vial, monitor BP, monitor Hgb and Hct
twice weekly, monitor iron levels to ensure adequacy to promote
RBC production
◉ Leukopoietic Growth Factors: Filgrastim. Answer: -Uses:
neutropenia (low neutrophil levels)
-MOA: stimulates bone marrow to increase production of
neutrophils (decreases risk for infection)
-SE: bone pain, leukocytosis (high WBC level), enlarged spleen
-Key Points: do not agitate vial, monitor CBC twice weekly
◉ Antiemetics: Ondansteron. Answer: -Uses: to treat nausea and
vomiting
,-MOA: blocks serotonin receptors in CTZ
-SE: headache, dizziness, gi upset
-Key Points: give medication before chemotherapy to prevent
nausea/vomiting
◉ Laxatives: Psyllium. Answer: Bulk-forming laxative that softens
stool and increases bulk
◉ Laxatives: Docusate Sodium. Answer: surfactant laxative, softens
stool by increasing water content
◉ Laxatives (Bisacodyl). Answer: stimulant laxative, stimulates
peristalsis
◉ Laxatives: Magnesium Hydroxide. Answer: Osmotic Laxative,
draws water into the intestine and promotes peristalsis
*Monitor for magnesium toxicity!!!
◉ Laxative Key Points. Answer: -Encourage pt to increase fluid and
fiber intake
-Encourage pt to participate in exercise to prevent further
constipation
-Do not give to pts with bowel obstructions
, ◉ Laxative uses for Hepatic Encephalopathy: Lactulose. Answer: -
Uses: constipation and hepatic encephalopathy
-Uses for HE because it decreases ammonia levels and improves
mental status
-MOA: lowers pH in the colon which promotes ammonia excretion
(less ammonia causes decrease in confusion)
-SE: gi upset, electrolyte imbalances, hyperglycemia
◉ Antidiarrheals: Loperamide and Diphenoxylate Plus Atropine.
Answer: -Uses: to slow down or stop diarrhea
-MOA: stimulates opioid receptors in the intestines which causes a
decrease in motility
-SE: constipation, drowsiness, opioid and anticholinergic SE at high
doses (only for second med)
◉ Prokinetic Agents: Metoclopramide (Reglan). Answer: -Uses:
nausea and vomiting, gastroparesis, GERD
-MOA: accelerates gastric emptying and blocks receptors in CTZ
-Empties stomach quickly to prevent contents from coming up
-SE: gi upset, drowsiness, extra pyramidal SE
◉ Extra Pyramidal Symptoms. Answer: -Rigidity
-Tardive Dyskinesia
-Restlessness
EXAM PREPARATION PACK KEY MEDICATION
SAFETY PHARMACOKINETICS AND ADVERSE
EFFECTS WITH SAMPLE QUESTIONS
◉ Erythropoiesis Growth Factors: Epoetin Alfa. Answer: -Uses:
anemia related to CKD, HIV, or chemo
-MOA: stimulates bone marrow TO INCREASE PRODUCTION OF RBC
-SE: hypertension due to increase in Hct levels
-Key Points: do not agitate vial, monitor BP, monitor Hgb and Hct
twice weekly, monitor iron levels to ensure adequacy to promote
RBC production
◉ Leukopoietic Growth Factors: Filgrastim. Answer: -Uses:
neutropenia (low neutrophil levels)
-MOA: stimulates bone marrow to increase production of
neutrophils (decreases risk for infection)
-SE: bone pain, leukocytosis (high WBC level), enlarged spleen
-Key Points: do not agitate vial, monitor CBC twice weekly
◉ Antiemetics: Ondansteron. Answer: -Uses: to treat nausea and
vomiting
,-MOA: blocks serotonin receptors in CTZ
-SE: headache, dizziness, gi upset
-Key Points: give medication before chemotherapy to prevent
nausea/vomiting
◉ Laxatives: Psyllium. Answer: Bulk-forming laxative that softens
stool and increases bulk
◉ Laxatives: Docusate Sodium. Answer: surfactant laxative, softens
stool by increasing water content
◉ Laxatives (Bisacodyl). Answer: stimulant laxative, stimulates
peristalsis
◉ Laxatives: Magnesium Hydroxide. Answer: Osmotic Laxative,
draws water into the intestine and promotes peristalsis
*Monitor for magnesium toxicity!!!
◉ Laxative Key Points. Answer: -Encourage pt to increase fluid and
fiber intake
-Encourage pt to participate in exercise to prevent further
constipation
-Do not give to pts with bowel obstructions
, ◉ Laxative uses for Hepatic Encephalopathy: Lactulose. Answer: -
Uses: constipation and hepatic encephalopathy
-Uses for HE because it decreases ammonia levels and improves
mental status
-MOA: lowers pH in the colon which promotes ammonia excretion
(less ammonia causes decrease in confusion)
-SE: gi upset, electrolyte imbalances, hyperglycemia
◉ Antidiarrheals: Loperamide and Diphenoxylate Plus Atropine.
Answer: -Uses: to slow down or stop diarrhea
-MOA: stimulates opioid receptors in the intestines which causes a
decrease in motility
-SE: constipation, drowsiness, opioid and anticholinergic SE at high
doses (only for second med)
◉ Prokinetic Agents: Metoclopramide (Reglan). Answer: -Uses:
nausea and vomiting, gastroparesis, GERD
-MOA: accelerates gastric emptying and blocks receptors in CTZ
-Empties stomach quickly to prevent contents from coming up
-SE: gi upset, drowsiness, extra pyramidal SE
◉ Extra Pyramidal Symptoms. Answer: -Rigidity
-Tardive Dyskinesia
-Restlessness
