Fall Semester 2025 – December ATI CMS Pharmacology High-Yield Study Pack | Complete Medication Review, Updated Drug Classes, Nursing Considerations, Side Effects, Dosage Calculations, Critical Thinking Practice, and 350+ ATI-Style Questions with Detailed

Fall Semester 2025 – December ATI CMS Pharmacology
High-Yield Study Pack | Complete Medication Review,
Updated Drug Classes, Nursing Considerations, Side
Effects, Dosage Calculations, Critical Thinking
Practice, and 350+ ATI-Style Questions with Detailed
Rationales for Exam Success
Question 1:
Which of the following drugs is a beta-blocker?
• A) Lisinopril
• B) Metoprolol
• C) Albuterol
• D) Amlodipine
CORRECT OPTION: B) Metoprolol
Rationale: Metoprolol is a selective beta-1 adrenergic antagonist used to manage high
blood pressure and heart conditions. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor, Albuterol is a
bronchodilator, and Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker.


Question 2:
What is the primary use of Warfarin?
• A) To lower blood pressure
• B) To prevent blood clots
• C) To treat infections
• D) To reduce inflammation
CORRECT OPTION: B) To prevent blood clots
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent the formation of blood clots.
It is not used for lowering blood pressure, treating infections, or reducing inflammation.


Question 3:
Which of the following is a common side effect of opioid analgesics?
• A) Diarrhea
• B) Dizziness

, • C) Constipation
• D) Increased appetite
CORRECT OPTION: C) Constipation
Rationale: Opioid analgesics often cause constipation due to their impact on the
gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea, dizziness, and increased appetite are not typical side
effects.


Question 4:
What classification of medication is primarily used to treat hyperlipidemia?
• A) Antihypertensives
• B) Statins
• C) Anticoagulants
• D) Diuretics
CORRECT OPTION: B) Statins
Rationale: Statins are a class of drugs specifically designed to lower cholesterol levels
and treat hyperlipidemia. Antihypertensives are for high blood pressure, anticoagulants
prevent blood clotting, and diuretics promote urine production.
Question 5:
Which medication is commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes?
• A) Metformin
• B) Levothyroxine
• C) Simvastatin
• D) Ibuprofen
CORRECT OPTION: A) Metformin
Rationale: Metformin is a first-line medication used to manage type 2 diabetes by
improving insulin sensitivity. The other medications listed are for different conditions.


Question 6:
What is the main therapeutic effect of ACE inhibitors?
• A) Muscle relaxation
• B) Diuresis

, • C) Vasodilation
• D) Anticoagulation
CORRECT OPTION: C) Vasodilation
Rationale: ACE inhibitors primarily cause vasodilation, which helps lower blood
pressure. They do not directly produce muscle relaxation, diuresis, or anticoagulation.


Question 7:
Which of the following is a common side effect of antibiotics?
• A) Hypokalemia
• B) Allergic reactions
• C) Hyperglycemia
• D) Hypotension
CORRECT OPTION: B) Allergic reactions
Rationale: Antibiotics can cause allergic reactions in some patients. The other options
are not typical side effects associated with antibiotics.


Question 8:
What is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose?
• A) Naloxone
• B) N-acetylcysteine
• C) Flumazenil
• D) Atropine
CORRECT OPTION: B) N-acetylcysteine
Rationale: N-acetylcysteine is the specific antidote for acetaminophen overdose, as it
replenishes glutathione stores. The other options are antidotes for different types of
overdoses.


Question 9:
Which medication increases the risk of bleeding when taken with Warfarin?
• A) Aspirin
• B) Levothyroxine

, • C) Metoprolol
• D) Ciprofloxacin
CORRECT OPTION: A) Aspirin
Rationale: Aspirin can increase the anticoagulant effects of Warfarin, leading to a
higher risk of bleeding. The other medications do not have this interaction.


Question 10:
What is the primary action of diuretics?
• A) Increase blood pressure
• B) Block potassium channels
• C) Promote urine output
• D) Reduce cholesterol levels
CORRECT OPTION: C) Promote urine output
Rationale: Diuretics are primarily used to promote urine output, which helps to reduce
fluid overload and lower blood pressure.


Question 11:
Which class of drugs is commonly used to treat asthma?
• A) Beta-agonists
• B) ACE inhibitors
• C) Anticholinergics
• D) SSRIs
CORRECT OPTION: A) Beta-agonists
Rationale: Beta-agonists are bronchodilators commonly used to treat asthma by
relaxing airway muscles. The other classes listed are not indicated for asthma
treatment.


Question 12:
Which side effect is commonly associated with corticosteroids?
• A) Weight loss
• B) Hypoglycemia