Spring Semester February 2026 ATI Pharmacology Proctored
Exam Review & Practice Pack | High-Yield Drug Classes, Safe
Medication Administration, Adverse Effects & Interactions, Dosage
Calculations, NGN-Style Questions, Rationales & ATI Testing
Success Guide
, Question 1: What is the primary action of beta-blockers?
• A) Increase heart rate
• B) Decrease heart rate
• C) Increase cardiac contractility
• D) Cause vasodilation
Correct Option: B) Decrease heart rate
Rationale:
Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) on beta-
adrenergic receptors, leading to a decrease in heart rate, reduced myocardial oxygen
demand, and lower blood pressure. These effects are beneficial in managing conditions
like hypertension and heart failure.
Question 2: What class of medication is commonly used to treat hyperlipidemia?
• A) ACE inhibitors
• B) Statins
• C) Diuretics
• D) Beta-agonists
Correct Option: B) Statins
Rationale:
Statins are the first-line treatment for hyperlipidemia as they effectively lower LDL
cholesterol levels by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, which plays a central
role in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in cholesterol leads to decreased
risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Question 3: Which of the following is a common side effect of opioids?
• A) Hypertension
• B) Constipation
• C) Hyperkalemia
• D) Diarrhea
Correct Option: B) Constipation
Rationale:
Opioids bind to specific receptors in the brain and gastrointestinal tract, resulting in
decreased gastrointestinal motility, which often leads to constipation. This side effect is
Exam Review & Practice Pack | High-Yield Drug Classes, Safe
Medication Administration, Adverse Effects & Interactions, Dosage
Calculations, NGN-Style Questions, Rationales & ATI Testing
Success Guide
, Question 1: What is the primary action of beta-blockers?
• A) Increase heart rate
• B) Decrease heart rate
• C) Increase cardiac contractility
• D) Cause vasodilation
Correct Option: B) Decrease heart rate
Rationale:
Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) on beta-
adrenergic receptors, leading to a decrease in heart rate, reduced myocardial oxygen
demand, and lower blood pressure. These effects are beneficial in managing conditions
like hypertension and heart failure.
Question 2: What class of medication is commonly used to treat hyperlipidemia?
• A) ACE inhibitors
• B) Statins
• C) Diuretics
• D) Beta-agonists
Correct Option: B) Statins
Rationale:
Statins are the first-line treatment for hyperlipidemia as they effectively lower LDL
cholesterol levels by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, which plays a central
role in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in cholesterol leads to decreased
risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Question 3: Which of the following is a common side effect of opioids?
• A) Hypertension
• B) Constipation
• C) Hyperkalemia
• D) Diarrhea
Correct Option: B) Constipation
Rationale:
Opioids bind to specific receptors in the brain and gastrointestinal tract, resulting in
decreased gastrointestinal motility, which often leads to constipation. This side effect is
