Fall Semester 2025 – December ATI CMS Pharmacology Comprehensive Master Guide | Updated Drug Classes, Mechanisms of Action, High-Alert Medications, Nursing Interventions, Dosage Calculations, Clinical Judgment Scenarios & 360+ ATI-Style Practice Questions

Fall Semester 2025 – December ATI CMS
Pharmacology Comprehensive Master Guide |
Updated Drug Classes, Mechanisms of Action,
High-Alert Medications, Nursing Interventions,
Dosage Calculations, Clinical Judgment
Scenarios & 360+ ATI-Style Practice Questions
with Full Rationales
Question 1: What is the primary action of beta-blockers?
A) Increase heart rate
B) Decrease heart rate
C) Dilate blood vessels
D) Increase cardiac output
Correct Option: B) Decrease heart rate
Rationale: Beta-blockers primarily work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on beta
receptors, leading to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure.


Question 2: What classification of drug is used to treat hypertension by inhibiting
the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)?
A) Calcium Channel Blockers
B) ACE Inhibitors
C) Diuretics
D) Beta Agonists
Correct Option: B) ACE Inhibitors
Rationale: ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II,
leading to decreased blood pressure through vasodilation and reduced blood volume.


Question 3: Which of the following is a common side effect of opioid analgesics?
A) Diarrhea
B) Sedation
C) Hypertension
D) Increased appetite
Correct Option: B) Sedation
Rationale: Opioid analgesics often cause sedation as a result of their action on the
central nervous system, which can lead to drowsiness and decreased alertness.

,Question 4: What is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose?
A) Naloxone
B) N-acetylcysteine
C) Atropine
D) Flumazenil
Correct Option: B) N-acetylcysteine
Rationale: N-acetylcysteine is an effective antidote for acetaminophen overdose as it
restores glutathione levels and protects the liver from damage.


Question 5: Which medication is commonly prescribed for the management of type
2 diabetes?
A) Metformin
B) Insulin
C) Glucagon
D) Sitagliptin
Correct Option: A) Metformin
Rationale: Metformin is often the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, helping to
lower blood glucose levels by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing hepatic glucose
production.
Question 6: Which class of medications is most effective for treating ventricular
tachycardia?
A) Antihistamines
B) Antiarrhythmics
C) Beta-blockers
D) Diuretics
Correct Option: B) Antiarrhythmics
Rationale: Antiarrhythmics are specifically designed to manage and treat various
arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia.


Question 7: What is the mechanism of action of statins?
A) Increase insulin sensitivity
B) Inhibit cholesterol synthesis
C) Promote renal excretion of sodium
D) Block beta-adrenergic stimulation
Correct Option: B) Inhibit cholesterol synthesis
Rationale: Statins work by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, which is crucial for
cholesterol production in the liver.

,Question 8: Which of the following is a side effect of long-term steroid use?
A) Increased muscle mass
B) Weight loss
C) Osteoporosis
D) Hypoglycemia
Correct Option: C) Osteoporosis
Rationale: Long-term use of corticosteroids is associated with bone density loss,
leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis.


Question 9: Which drug class is typically used to prevent blood clots in patients
with atrial fibrillation?
A) Thrombolytics
B) Anticoagulants
C) Antiplatelets
D) Diuretics
Correct Option: B) Anticoagulants
Rationale: Anticoagulants reduce the risk of clot formation in patients with atrial
fibrillation by inhibiting various factors in the coagulation cascade.


Question 10: What common medication can cause photosensitivity?
A) Ibuprofen
B) Tetracycline
C) Metoprolol
D) Simvastatin
Correct Option: B) Tetracycline
Rationale: Tetracycline antibiotics are known to cause photosensitivity, increasing the
risk of sunburn and skin reactions.


Question 11: Which class of drugs is contraindicated in pregnant women due to
potential teratogenic effects?
A) Antidepressants
B) Antibiotics
C) ACE inhibitors
D) Antihypertensives
Correct Option: C) ACE inhibitors

, Rationale: ACE inhibitors can cause fetal organ damage and other complications,
making them contraindicated during pregnancy.


Question 12: Which of the following is a common side effect of benzodiazepines?
A) Increased heart rate
B) Drowsiness
C) Hypertension
D) Nausea
Correct Option: B) Drowsiness
Rationale: Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that often cause
sedation and drowsiness.


Question 13: Which medication is considered a first-line treatment for
hypertension?
A) Losartan
B) Digoxin
C) Lidocaine
D) Atropine
Correct Option: A) Losartan
Rationale: Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), is commonly used as a
first-line treatment option for hypertension.


Question 14: What class of drugs is commonly prescribed for depression?
A) Antipsychotics
B) SSRIs
C) Beta-blockers
D) Opioids
Correct Option: B) SSRIs
Rationale: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently
prescribed class for treating depression due to their efficacy and safety profile.


Question 15: Which of the following should be monitored in patients taking digoxin?
A) Liver function tests
B) Blood glucose levels
C) Serum potassium levels
D) Thyroid function tests