Fall Semester 2025 – December ATI CMS Pharmacology Complete Study Guide | High-Yield Medication Review, 350+ ATI-Style Pharmacology Questions with Detailed Rationales, Drug Class Summaries, Adverse Effects, Dosage Calculations & Clinical Judgment Prep for

Fall Semester 2025 – December ATI CMS
Pharmacology Complete Study Guide | High-
Yield Medication Review, 350+ ATI-Style
Pharmacology Questions with Detailed
Rationales, Drug Class Summaries, Adverse
Effects, Dosage Calculations & Clinical Judgment
Prep for Nursing Students
Question 1:
Which class of drugs is commonly used to treat hypertension?
• A) Statins
• B) Beta-blockers
• C) Antibiotics
• D) Antacids
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Beta-blockers
Rationale: Beta-blockers reduce heart rate and cardiac output, making them effective
in lowering blood pressure.


Question 2:
What is the primary action of anticoagulants?
• A) Increase blood pressure
• B) Promote clot formation
• C) Inhibit platelet aggregation
• D) Treat infections
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Inhibit platelet aggregation
Rationale: Anticoagulants work by preventing the formation of blood clots, thus
inhibiting platelet aggregation.


Question 3:
Which medication is considered a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders?
• A) Lithium
• B) Fluoxetine
• C) Alprazolam

, • D) Metformin
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Alprazolam
Rationale: Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that is commonly prescribed for short-term
treatment of anxiety.


Question 4:
In which circumstance is it contraindicated to give aspirin?
• A) Headaches
• B) Asthma
• C) Active bleeding
• D) Fever
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Active bleeding
Rationale: Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent that can worsen bleeding; thus, it is
contraindicated in patients with active bleeding.


Question 5:
What is the mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors?
• A) Increase blood volume
• B) Block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
• C) Dilate blood vessels directly
• D) Increase heart rate
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
Rationale: ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by preventing the conversion of
angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor.
Question 6:
What is the antidote for opioid overdose?
• A) Flumazenil
• B) Naloxone
• C) Acetylcysteine
• D) Atropine

,CORRECT ANSWER: B) Naloxone
Rationale: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioid
overdose.


Question 7:
Which drug class is used to treat Type 2 diabetes?
• A) ACE inhibitors
• B) Sulfonylureas
• C) Antidepressants
• D) Beta-blockers
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Sulfonylureas
Rationale: Sulfonylureas stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin, helping to
lower blood glucose levels.


Question 8:
What is a common side effect of corticosteroids?
• A) Weight loss
• B) Hyperglycemia
• C) Bradycardia
• D) Hypotension
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Hyperglycemia
Rationale: Corticosteroids can increase blood glucose levels, leading to
hyperglycemia.


Question 9:
What should be monitored when a patient is prescribed warfarin?
• A) Hemoglobin levels
• B) INR levels
• C) Liver enzymes
• D) Blood pressure

, CORRECT ANSWER: B) INR levels
Rationale: INR (International Normalized Ratio) is monitored to ensure the patient is
within the therapeutic range for anticoagulation.


Question 10:
Which of the following medications is a macrolide antibiotic?
• A) Amoxicillin
• B) Azithromycin
• C) Ciprofloxacin
• D) Metronidazole
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Azithromycin
Rationale: Azithromycin is classified as a macrolide antibiotic, effective against a
variety of bacterial infections.


Question 11:
What is the primary use of beta-agonists?
• A) Diuretic effects
• B) Bronchodilation
• C) Antihypertensive effects
• D) Antibiotic effects
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Bronchodilation
Rationale: Beta-agonists are used to relax bronchial muscles, providing relief from
asthma and other respiratory conditions.


Question 12:
Which of the following drugs is a statin?
• A) Simvastatin
• B) Lisinopril
• C) Metformin
• D) Pantoprazole