Fall Semester 2025 – December ATI CMS Pharmacology Complete Review Guide | Updated Drug Classes, High-Yield Medications, Mechanisms of Action, Adverse Effects, Safe Dosage Calculations, Nursing Interventions & ATI-Style Questions with Detailed Rationales

Fall Semester 2025 – December ATI CMS Pharmacology
Complete Review Guide | Updated Drug Classes, High-Yield
Medications, Mechanisms of Action, Adverse Effects, Safe
Dosage Calculations, Nursing Interventions & ATI-Style
Questions with Detailed Rationales



Question 1:
Which of the following is considered a first-line treatment for hypertension?
A) Metoprolol
B) Ibuprofen
C) Amoxicillin
D) Prednisone
CORRECT OPTION: A) Metoprolol
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker commonly used as a first-line treatment for
hypertension to help lower blood pressure.


Question 2:
Which class of medication is commonly prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes?
A) ACE Inhibitors
B) Antidepressants
C) Sulfonylureas
D) Antihistamines
CORRECT OPTION: C) Sulfonylureas
Rationale: Sulfonylureas are oral hypoglycemic agents that stimulate insulin secretion
from the pancreas, commonly used in type 2 diabetes management.


Question 3:
What is the primary action of aspirin in the body?
A) Analgesic
B) Antipyretic
C) Anticoagulant
D) All of the above
CORRECT OPTION: D) All of the above
Rationale: Aspirin serves multiple functions, including analgesic (pain relief),
antipyretic (fever reduction), and anticoagulant (inhibition of platelet aggregation).

,Question 4:
Which of the following is a significant side effect of opioids?
A) Hypertension
B) Constipation
C) Hyperglycemia
D) Insomnia
CORRECT OPTION: B) Constipation
Rationale: Opioids are well-known for causing constipation due to their action on the
gastrointestinal tract.


Question 5:
What is the mechanism of action of beta-blockers?
A) Inhibition of angiotensin II
B) Blocking histamine receptors
C) Inhibition of calcium channels
D) Blocking beta-adrenergic receptors
CORRECT OPTION: D) Blocking beta-adrenergic receptors
Rationale: Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on beta-adrenergic
receptors, leading to decreased heart rate and blood pressure.
Question 6:
What class of drugs is used to treat asthma by dilating the bronchi?
A) Corticosteroids
B) Beta-agonists
C) Leukotriene inhibitors
D) Anticholinergics
CORRECT OPTION: B) Beta-agonists
Rationale: Beta-agonists, like albuterol, are bronchodilators that relieve asthma
symptoms by relaxing bronchial smooth muscles.


Question 7:
Which medication is an example of a generic ACE inhibitor?
A) Amlodipine
B) Lisinopril

,C) Losartan
D) Simvastatin
CORRECT OPTION: B) Lisinopril
Rationale: Lisinopril is a commonly prescribed ACE inhibitor used for hypertension and
heart failure management.


Question 8:
Which of the following is the main role of anticoagulants?
A) Reduce blood pressure
B) Prevent blood clots
C) Increase blood flow
D) Promote urination
CORRECT OPTION: B) Prevent blood clots
Rationale: Anticoagulants reduce the formation of blood clots, helping to prevent
thromboembolic events.


Question 9:
What is a common side effect of long-term corticosteroid use?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Weight loss
C) Osteoporosis
D) Hypertension
CORRECT OPTION: C) Osteoporosis
Rationale: Long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to decreased calcium absorption
and bone density, resulting in osteoporosis.


Question 10:
Which of the following medications can be used to reverse the effects of opioid
overdose?
A) Naloxone
B) Naltrexone
C) Morphine
D) Diazepam
CORRECT OPTION: A) Naloxone
Rationale: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid
overdose.

, Question 11:
A patient taking warfarin should avoid which of the following foods?
A) Oranges
B) Leafy green vegetables
C) Bananas
D) Apples
CORRECT OPTION: B) Leafy green vegetables
Rationale: Leafy greens are high in vitamin K, which can interfere with the effectiveness
of warfarin.


Question 12:
What is the primary purpose of diuretics in clinical practice?
A) Pain relief
B) Reduction of fluid overload
C) Prevention of allergic reactions
D) Control of cholesterol levels
CORRECT OPTION: B) Reduction of fluid overload
Rationale: Diuretics promote the excretion of water and electrolytes, helping manage
fluid balance, particularly in conditions like heart failure.


Question 13:
Which of the following is a side effect commonly associated with statins?
A) Tachycardia
B) Muscle pain
C) Impotence
D) Increased appetite
CORRECT OPTION: B) Muscle pain
Rationale: Statins can cause myopathy, leading to muscle pain or weakness in some
patients.


Question 14:
What is the mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors?
A) Blocking beta-receptors
B) Blocking calcium channels