ATI Substance-Related and Addiction Disorders Exam
(Simulated Professional Version) Questions and Answers
QUESTION 1
A client presents with pinpoint pupils, low respiratory rate, and hypotension. Which substance
use is most consistent with these findings?
A. Amphetamines
B. Opioids
C. Cannabis
D. Cocaine
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Opioid intoxication commonly causes respiratory depression, miosis, and decreased
blood pressure due to central nervous system suppression.
QUESTION 2
Which of the following laboratory results most strongly suggests alcohol-induced liver disease?
A. Decreased AST and ALT
B. Elevated AST and ALT (AST:ALT > 2:1 ratio)
C. Normal bilirubin
D. Low GGT
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: A high AST/ALT ratio (>2:1) and elevated GGT are typical of hepatic damage caused
by chronic alcohol intake.
QUESTION 3
During detoxification from alcohol, the priority nursing intervention is to:
A. Provide high-protein diet
B. Monitor for seizures and maintain airway patency
C. Encourage group therapy
D. Restrict fluids
,CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Alcohol withdrawal can lead to seizures and delirium tremens; airway maintenance
and safety take priority.
QUESTION 4
A client with long-term stimulant use may display:
A. Weight gain and bradycardia
B. Weight loss, insomnia, and anxiety
C. Hypotension and sedation
D. Flattened affect and hypersomnia
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Chronic stimulant use causes hyperarousal, appetite suppression, restlessness, and
decreased sleep.
QUESTION 5
Which medication is prescribed to maintain abstinence from alcohol by causing an adverse
reaction if alcohol is consumed?
A. Naltrexone
B. Acamprosate
C. Disulfiram
D. Methadone
CORRECT ANSWER: C
RATIONALE: Disulfiram blocks aldehyde dehydrogenase, leading to accumulation of
acetaldehyde when alcohol is ingested, producing unpleasant effects that deter drinking.
QUESTION 6
A nurse recognizes withdrawal from benzodiazepines by observing:
A. Bradycardia and sedation
B. Insomnia, tremors, hallucinations, and anxiety
C. Constipation and drowsiness
D. Euphoria and relaxation
,CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Benzodiazepine withdrawal mimics severe anxiety and may escalate to seizures—
close monitoring is essential.
QUESTION 7
Which client statement indicates effective teaching about naltrexone for opioid use disorder?
A. “I can use heroin safely while taking this.”
B. “I won't feel the same high if I use opioids.”
C. “This medication helps me sleep better.”
D. “It will make me vomit if I drink alcohol.”
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist that blocks euphoric effects of opioids,
discouraging use.
QUESTION 8
A nurse caring for a client undergoing nicotine withdrawal should anticipate:
A. Impaired concentration, irritability, and increased appetite
B. Elevated mood and alertness
C. Tachycardia and euphoria
D. Vomiting and diarrhea
CORRECT ANSWER: A
RATIONALE: Nicotine withdrawal causes agitation, craving, and physiologic symptoms due to
reduced dopaminergic activity.
QUESTION 9
During assessment, the nurse notes slurred speech, unsteady gait, and labile mood. What
substance is most likely involved?
A. Cocaine
B. Alcohol
C. LSD
D. Cannabis
, CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: These are characteristic signs of alcohol intoxication resulting from central nervous
system depression.
QUESTION 10
When teaching a family about codependent behaviors, which statement reflects
understanding?
A. “I will allow my loved one to face the consequences of using.”
B. “I try to protect them from losing their job.”
C. “I call them daily to ensure they are sober.”
D. “I remind them constantly how much they hurt me.”
CORRECT ANSWER: A
RATIONALE: Healthy boundaries require avoiding enabling or rescuing behaviors that perpetuate
substance dependence.
QUESTION 11
What finding indicates delirium tremens in alcohol withdrawal?
A. Mild irritability and tremor
B. Hypertension, hallucinations, and severe agitation 48–72 hours after cessation
C. Headache and insomnia
D. Bradycardia
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: DTs present with confusion, autonomic instability, and perceptual disturbances—
requiring immediate medical support.
QUESTION 12
Which nursing diagnosis is highest priority for a client in acute opioid withdrawal?
A. Risk for infection
B. Risk for injury related to dehydration and vomiting
C. Social isolation
D. Knowledge deficit
(Simulated Professional Version) Questions and Answers
QUESTION 1
A client presents with pinpoint pupils, low respiratory rate, and hypotension. Which substance
use is most consistent with these findings?
A. Amphetamines
B. Opioids
C. Cannabis
D. Cocaine
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Opioid intoxication commonly causes respiratory depression, miosis, and decreased
blood pressure due to central nervous system suppression.
QUESTION 2
Which of the following laboratory results most strongly suggests alcohol-induced liver disease?
A. Decreased AST and ALT
B. Elevated AST and ALT (AST:ALT > 2:1 ratio)
C. Normal bilirubin
D. Low GGT
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: A high AST/ALT ratio (>2:1) and elevated GGT are typical of hepatic damage caused
by chronic alcohol intake.
QUESTION 3
During detoxification from alcohol, the priority nursing intervention is to:
A. Provide high-protein diet
B. Monitor for seizures and maintain airway patency
C. Encourage group therapy
D. Restrict fluids
,CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Alcohol withdrawal can lead to seizures and delirium tremens; airway maintenance
and safety take priority.
QUESTION 4
A client with long-term stimulant use may display:
A. Weight gain and bradycardia
B. Weight loss, insomnia, and anxiety
C. Hypotension and sedation
D. Flattened affect and hypersomnia
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Chronic stimulant use causes hyperarousal, appetite suppression, restlessness, and
decreased sleep.
QUESTION 5
Which medication is prescribed to maintain abstinence from alcohol by causing an adverse
reaction if alcohol is consumed?
A. Naltrexone
B. Acamprosate
C. Disulfiram
D. Methadone
CORRECT ANSWER: C
RATIONALE: Disulfiram blocks aldehyde dehydrogenase, leading to accumulation of
acetaldehyde when alcohol is ingested, producing unpleasant effects that deter drinking.
QUESTION 6
A nurse recognizes withdrawal from benzodiazepines by observing:
A. Bradycardia and sedation
B. Insomnia, tremors, hallucinations, and anxiety
C. Constipation and drowsiness
D. Euphoria and relaxation
,CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Benzodiazepine withdrawal mimics severe anxiety and may escalate to seizures—
close monitoring is essential.
QUESTION 7
Which client statement indicates effective teaching about naltrexone for opioid use disorder?
A. “I can use heroin safely while taking this.”
B. “I won't feel the same high if I use opioids.”
C. “This medication helps me sleep better.”
D. “It will make me vomit if I drink alcohol.”
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist that blocks euphoric effects of opioids,
discouraging use.
QUESTION 8
A nurse caring for a client undergoing nicotine withdrawal should anticipate:
A. Impaired concentration, irritability, and increased appetite
B. Elevated mood and alertness
C. Tachycardia and euphoria
D. Vomiting and diarrhea
CORRECT ANSWER: A
RATIONALE: Nicotine withdrawal causes agitation, craving, and physiologic symptoms due to
reduced dopaminergic activity.
QUESTION 9
During assessment, the nurse notes slurred speech, unsteady gait, and labile mood. What
substance is most likely involved?
A. Cocaine
B. Alcohol
C. LSD
D. Cannabis
, CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: These are characteristic signs of alcohol intoxication resulting from central nervous
system depression.
QUESTION 10
When teaching a family about codependent behaviors, which statement reflects
understanding?
A. “I will allow my loved one to face the consequences of using.”
B. “I try to protect them from losing their job.”
C. “I call them daily to ensure they are sober.”
D. “I remind them constantly how much they hurt me.”
CORRECT ANSWER: A
RATIONALE: Healthy boundaries require avoiding enabling or rescuing behaviors that perpetuate
substance dependence.
QUESTION 11
What finding indicates delirium tremens in alcohol withdrawal?
A. Mild irritability and tremor
B. Hypertension, hallucinations, and severe agitation 48–72 hours after cessation
C. Headache and insomnia
D. Bradycardia
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: DTs present with confusion, autonomic instability, and perceptual disturbances—
requiring immediate medical support.
QUESTION 12
Which nursing diagnosis is highest priority for a client in acute opioid withdrawal?
A. Risk for infection
B. Risk for injury related to dehydration and vomiting
C. Social isolation
D. Knowledge deficit
