Fall Semester 2025 – December ATI CMS Pharmacology Comprehensive Study Guide | Updated Medication Classifications, High-Yield Drug Profiles, Dosage Calculations, 350+ ATI-Style Questions with Rationales, Adverse Effects, Nursing Interventions & Clinical J

Fall Semester 2025 – December ATI CMS Pharmacology
Comprehensive Study Guide | Updated Medication
Classifications, High-Yield Drug Profiles, Dosage
Calculations, 350+ ATI-Style Questions with
Rationales, Adverse Effects, Nursing Interventions &
Clinical Judgment Exam Preparation
Question 1:
Which of the following is a common side effect of opioid analgesics?
A) Hypertension
B) Constipation
C) Insomnia
D) Diarrhea
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Constipation
Rationale: Opioid analgesics are known to cause constipation due to their effects on
the gastrointestinal tract, slowing down the movement of the bowel.


Question 2:
What is the primary action of beta-blockers in the treatment of heart conditions?
A) Increase heart rate
B) Decrease heart rate and contractility
C) Dilate blood vessels
D) Increase blood volume
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Decrease heart rate and contractility
Rationale: Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart,
leading to a decrease in heart rate and the force of contraction, which helps to manage
conditions like hypertension and heart failure.


Question 3:
Which class of medications is used primarily for treating allergies?
A) Analgesics
B) Antihistamines
C) Antipyretics
D) Corticosteroids
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Antihistamines
Rationale: Antihistamines are specifically designed to counteract the effects of
histamines, which are responsible for allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and
runny nose.

,Question 4:
What is a major concern when administering anticoagulants?
A) Infection
B) Bleeding complications
C) Hypertension
D) Hypoglycemia
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Bleeding complications
Rationale: The primary risk associated with anticoagulant therapy is bleeding, as these
medications inhibit the clotting process, which can lead to severe bleeding events.


Question 5:
Which medication is classified as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)?
A) Ranitidine
B) Omeprazole
C) Magnesium hydroxide
D) Sucralfate
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Omeprazole
Rationale: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid
production and is commonly used to treat conditions like gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD) and ulcers.
Question 6:
Which of the following medications is a common treatment for hypertension?
A) Lisinopril
B) Acetaminophen
C) Metformin
D) Warfarin
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Lisinopril
Rationale: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that is commonly prescribed to manage
hypertension by relaxing blood vessels.


Question 7:
What is the action of aspirin as an antiplatelet agent?
A) Inhibits blood flow
B) Inhibits platelet aggregation
C) Increases clotting factors
D) Activates coagulation

,CORRECT ANSWER: B) Inhibits platelet aggregation
Rationale: Aspirin reduces the ability of platelets to stick together, which helps prevent
clot formation.


Question 8:
Which drug is primarily used to manage diabetes mellitus type 2?
A) Insulin
B) Metformin
C) Glipizide
D) Prednisone
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Metformin
Rationale: Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic agent that helps control blood sugar
levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.


Question 9:
What is a significant side effect of aminoglycosides?
A) Ototoxicity
B) Tachycardia
C) Fever
D) Hypokalemia
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Ototoxicity
Rationale: Aminoglycosides can cause damage to the inner ear, leading to hearing loss
or balance issues.


Question 10:
Which medication is used to treat hyperlipidemia?
A) Lisinopril
B) Atorvastatin
C) Metformin
D) Furosemide
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Atorvastatin
Rationale: Atorvastatin is a statin that lowers cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of
cardiovascular disease.


Question 11:

, What is the mechanism of action of corticosteroids?
A) Reduce inflammation
B) Suppress immune response
C) Increase blood sugar
D) Promote sleep
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Suppress immune response
Rationale: Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that work by
inhibiting the immune system.


Question 12:
Which of the following medications is contraindicated in pregnancy?
A) Folic acid
B) Isotretinoin
C) Levothyroxine
D) Iron supplements
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Isotretinoin
Rationale: Isotretinoin is known to cause severe birth defects, making it
contraindicated in pregnant women.


Question 13:
What is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose?
A) Activated charcoal
B) N-acetylcysteine
C) Flumazenil
D) Naloxone
CORRECT ANSWER: B) N-acetylcysteine
Rationale: N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione stores in the liver, counteracting
the toxic effects of acetaminophen.


Question 14:
Which medication is primarily used for treating anxiety disorders?
A) Fluoxetine
B) Alprazolam
C) Lithium
D) Clonidine