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HESI FINAL / HESI PHARMACOLOGY FINAL EXAM 2026-
2027 BANK QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED VERIFIED
ANSWERS EXAM QUESTIONS WILL COME FROM HERE
(100% CORRECT ANSWERS A+ GRADED
1. A patient is prescribed furosemide for heart failure. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum calcium
B. Serum potassium
C. Serum glucose
D. Serum albumin
Answer: B. Serum potassium
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion
of water, sodium, and potassium. Hypokalemia is a common and
potentially serious adverse effect that can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias.
The nurse must monitor serum potassium levels closely and advise the
patient on potassium-rich foods or supplements.
2. A client is receiving metoprolol. Which assessment finding requires
immediate nursing intervention?
A. Heart rate of 55 beats per minute
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B. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
C. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
D. Temperature of 98.6°F
Answer: A. Heart rate of 55 beats per minute
Explanation: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that reduces heart rate and
myocardial contractility. A heart rate of 55 indicates bradycardia, which
can compromise cardiac output. Standard nursing protocol often
requires holding the medication if the pulse is below 60 and notifying
the healthcare provider.
3. A patient is receiving warfarin therapy. Which statement by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will use an electric razor for shaving."
B. "I will increase my intake of green leafy vegetables."
C. "I will report any unusual bleeding or bruising."
D. "I will keep my appointments for blood tests."
Answer: B. "I will increase my intake of green leafy vegetables."
Explanation: Warfarin's anticoagulant effect is reduced by vitamin K,
which is abundant in green leafy vegetables. A consistent intake is
necessary, not a sudden increase, as it would antagonize the
medication's action and increase the risk of thrombosis. The other
statements reflect correct understanding.
4. A client is prescribed albuterol via metered-dose inhaler for asthma.
What is the primary action of this medication?
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A. Reduce inflammation in the airways
B. Block leukotriene receptors
C. Relax bronchial smooth muscle
D. Thin respiratory secretions
Answer: C. Relax bronchial smooth muscle
Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist. It
acts by stimulating beta-2 receptors in the lungs, leading to
bronchodilation. This provides rapid relief of bronchospasm during an
acute asthma attack. It does not have significant anti-inflammatory
properties.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving gentamicin. Which adverse
effect is the nurse's highest priority to monitor?
A. Hepatotoxicity
B. Ototoxicity
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Constipation
Answer: B. Ototoxicity
Explanation: Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is well-known
for its potential to cause irreversible ototoxicity (vestibular and
auditory damage) and nephrotoxicity. While monitoring for all adverse
effects is necessary, changes in hearing or balance are a high priority
because the damage can be permanent. Peak and trough levels are
monitored to minimize risk.
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6. A patient is prescribed spironolactone. Which instruction regarding
dietary intake should the nurse include?
A. Increase sodium intake
B. Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes
C. Increase protein intake
D. Avoid calcium-rich foods
Answer: B. Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes
Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that
antagonizes aldosterone. It promotes sodium and water excretion
while retaining potassium, creating a significant risk for life-threatening
hyperkalemia. Patients must avoid other sources of potassium,
including supplements and salt substitutes.
7. A client with diabetes mellitus type 2 is prescribed glyburide. What is
the mechanism of action?
A. Decreases hepatic glucose production
B. Stimulates insulin release from the pancreas
C. Increases cellular sensitivity to insulin
D. Delays carbohydrate absorption in the gut
Answer: B. Stimulates insulin release from the pancreas
Explanation: Glyburide is a second-generation sulfonylurea. Its primary
mechanism is to bind to potassium channels on pancreatic beta cells,
causing depolarization and the release of preformed insulin. It requires
a functioning pancreas to be effective and carries a risk of
hypoglycemia.
HESI FINAL / HESI PHARMACOLOGY FINAL EXAM 2026-
2027 BANK QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED VERIFIED
ANSWERS EXAM QUESTIONS WILL COME FROM HERE
(100% CORRECT ANSWERS A+ GRADED
1. A patient is prescribed furosemide for heart failure. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum calcium
B. Serum potassium
C. Serum glucose
D. Serum albumin
Answer: B. Serum potassium
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion
of water, sodium, and potassium. Hypokalemia is a common and
potentially serious adverse effect that can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias.
The nurse must monitor serum potassium levels closely and advise the
patient on potassium-rich foods or supplements.
2. A client is receiving metoprolol. Which assessment finding requires
immediate nursing intervention?
A. Heart rate of 55 beats per minute
,2|Page
B. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
C. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
D. Temperature of 98.6°F
Answer: A. Heart rate of 55 beats per minute
Explanation: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that reduces heart rate and
myocardial contractility. A heart rate of 55 indicates bradycardia, which
can compromise cardiac output. Standard nursing protocol often
requires holding the medication if the pulse is below 60 and notifying
the healthcare provider.
3. A patient is receiving warfarin therapy. Which statement by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will use an electric razor for shaving."
B. "I will increase my intake of green leafy vegetables."
C. "I will report any unusual bleeding or bruising."
D. "I will keep my appointments for blood tests."
Answer: B. "I will increase my intake of green leafy vegetables."
Explanation: Warfarin's anticoagulant effect is reduced by vitamin K,
which is abundant in green leafy vegetables. A consistent intake is
necessary, not a sudden increase, as it would antagonize the
medication's action and increase the risk of thrombosis. The other
statements reflect correct understanding.
4. A client is prescribed albuterol via metered-dose inhaler for asthma.
What is the primary action of this medication?
,3|Page
A. Reduce inflammation in the airways
B. Block leukotriene receptors
C. Relax bronchial smooth muscle
D. Thin respiratory secretions
Answer: C. Relax bronchial smooth muscle
Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist. It
acts by stimulating beta-2 receptors in the lungs, leading to
bronchodilation. This provides rapid relief of bronchospasm during an
acute asthma attack. It does not have significant anti-inflammatory
properties.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving gentamicin. Which adverse
effect is the nurse's highest priority to monitor?
A. Hepatotoxicity
B. Ototoxicity
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Constipation
Answer: B. Ototoxicity
Explanation: Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is well-known
for its potential to cause irreversible ototoxicity (vestibular and
auditory damage) and nephrotoxicity. While monitoring for all adverse
effects is necessary, changes in hearing or balance are a high priority
because the damage can be permanent. Peak and trough levels are
monitored to minimize risk.
, 4|Page
6. A patient is prescribed spironolactone. Which instruction regarding
dietary intake should the nurse include?
A. Increase sodium intake
B. Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes
C. Increase protein intake
D. Avoid calcium-rich foods
Answer: B. Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes
Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that
antagonizes aldosterone. It promotes sodium and water excretion
while retaining potassium, creating a significant risk for life-threatening
hyperkalemia. Patients must avoid other sources of potassium,
including supplements and salt substitutes.
7. A client with diabetes mellitus type 2 is prescribed glyburide. What is
the mechanism of action?
A. Decreases hepatic glucose production
B. Stimulates insulin release from the pancreas
C. Increases cellular sensitivity to insulin
D. Delays carbohydrate absorption in the gut
Answer: B. Stimulates insulin release from the pancreas
Explanation: Glyburide is a second-generation sulfonylurea. Its primary
mechanism is to bind to potassium channels on pancreatic beta cells,
causing depolarization and the release of preformed insulin. It requires
a functioning pancreas to be effective and carries a risk of
hypoglycemia.
