HESI Pharmacology Exam Practice
With Verified Questions & Answers
Garanteed to PASS!! 2026 (NEWEST)
A healthcare provider prescribes cephalexin monohydrate (Keflex) for a client with a
postoperative infection. It is most important for the nurse to assess for what
additional drug allergy before administering this prescription?
A) Penicillins.
B) Aminoglycosides.
C) Erythromycins.
D) Sulfonamides. - Answer--A) Penicillins.
Cross-allergies exist between penicillins (A) and cephalosporins, such as cephalexin
monohydrate (Keflex), so checking for penicillin allergy is a wise precaution before
administering this drug.
Which nursing intervention is most important when caring for a client receiving the
antimetabolite cytosine arabinoside (Arc-C) for chemotherapy?
A) Hydrate the client with IV fluids before and after infusion.
B) Assess the client for numbness and tingling of extremities.
C) Inspect the client's oral mucosa for ulcerations.
D) Monitor the client's urine pH for increased acidity. - Answer--C) Inspect the client's
oral mucosa for ulcerations.
Cytosine arabinoside (Arc-C) affects the rapidly growing cells of the body, therefore
stomatitis and mucosal ulcerations are key signs of antimetabolite toxicity (C). (A, B,
and D) are not typical interventions associated with the administration of
antimetabolites.
When assessing an adolescent who recently overdosed on acetaminophen (Tylenol),
it is most important for the nurse to assess for pain in which area of the body?
A) Flank.
B) Abdomen.
C) Chest.
D) Head. - Answer--B) Abdomen.
Acetaminophen toxicity can result in liver damage; therefore, it is especially
important for the nurse to assess for pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen
,(B), which might indicate liver damage. (A, C, and D) are not areas where pain would
be anticipated.
An adult client is given a prescription for a scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) to
prevent motion sickness while on a cruise. Which information should the nurse
provide to the client?
A) Apply the patch at least 4 hours prior to departure.
B) Change the patch every other day while on the cruise.
C) Place the patch on a hairless area at the base of the skull.
D) Drink no more than 2 alcoholic drinks during the cruise. - Answer--A) Apply the
patch at least 4 hours prior to departure.
Scopolamine, an anticholinergic agent, is used to prevent motion sickness and has a
peak onset in 6 hours, so the client should be instructed to apply the patch at least 4
hours before departure (A) on the cruise ship. The duration of the transdermal patch
is 72 hours, so (B) is not needed. Scolopamine blocks muscarinic receptors in the
inner ear and to the vomiting center, so the best application site of the patch is
behind the ear, not at the base of the skull (C). Anticholinergic medications are CNS
depressants, so the client should be instructed to avoid alcohol (D) while using the
patch.
The nurse is reviewing the use of the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump with a
client in the immediate postoperative period. The client will receive morphine 1 mg IV
per hour basal rate with 1 mg IV every 15 minutes per PCA to total 5 mg IV
maximally per hour. What assessment has the highest priority before initiating the
PCA pump?
A) The expiration date on the morphine syringe in the pump.
B) The rate and depth of the client's respirations.
C) The type of anesthesia used during the surgical procedure.
D) The client's subjective and objective signs of pain. - Answer--B) The rate and
depth of the client's respirations.
A life-threatening side effect of intravenous administration of morphine sulfate, an
opiate narcotic, is respiratory depression (B). The PCA pump should be stopped and
the healthcare provider notified if the client's respiratory rate falls below 12 breaths
per minute, and the nurse should anticipate adjustments in the client's dosage before
the PCA pump is restarted. (A, C, and D) provide helpful information, but are not as
high a priority as the assessment described in (B).
A medication that is classified as a beta-1 agonist is most commonly prescribed for a
client with which condition?
A) Glaucoma.
B) Hypertension.
C) Heart failure.
,D) Asthma. - Answer--C) Heart failure.
Beta-1 agonists improve cardiac output by increasing the heart rate and blood
pressure and are indicated in heart failure (C), shock, atrioventricular block
dysrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. Glaucoma (A) is managed using adrenergic agents
and beta-adrenergic blocking agents. Beta-1 blocking agents are used in the
management of hypertension (B). Medications that stimulate beta-2 receptors in the
bronchi are effective for bronchoconstriction in respiratory disorders, such as asthma
(D).
A female client with rheumatoid arthritis take ibuprofen (Motrin) 600 mg PO 4 times a
day. To prevent gastrointestinal bleeding, misoprostol (Cytotec) 100 mcg PO is
prescribed. Which information is most important for the nurse to include in client
teaching?
A) Use contraception during intercourse.
B) Ensure the Cytotec is taken on an empty stomach.
C) Encourage oral fluid intake to prevent constipation.
D) Take Cytotec 30 minutes prior to Motrin. - Answer--A) Use contraception during
intercourse.
Cytotec, a synthetic form of a prostaglandin, is classified as pregnancy Category X
and can act as an abortifacient, so the client should be instructed to use
contraception during intercourse (A) to prevent loss of an early pregnancy. (B) is not
necessary. A common side effect of Cytotec is diarrhea, so constipation prevention
strategies are usually not needed (C). Cytotec and Motrin should be taken together
(D) to provide protective properties against gastrointestinal bleeding.
A client with heart failure is prescribed spironolactone (Aldactone). Which information
is most important for the nurse to provide to the client about diet modifications?
A) Do not add salt to foods during preparation.
B) Refrain for eating foods high in potassium.
C) Restrict fluid intake to 1000 ml per day.
D) Increase intake of milk and milk products. - Answer--B) Refrain for eating foods
high in potassium.
Spironolactone (Aldactone), an aldosterone antagonist, is a potassium-sparing
diuretic, so a diet high in potassium should be avoided (B), including potassium salt
substitutes, which can lead to hyperkalemia. Although (A) is a common diet
modification in heart failure, the risk of hyperkalemia is more important with
Aldactone. Restriction of fluids (C) or increasing milk and milk products (D) are not
indicated with this prescription.
In evaluating the effects of lactulose (Cephulac), which outcome should indicate that
the drug is performing as intended?
, A) An increase in urine output.
B) Two or three soft stools per day.
C) Watery, diarrhea stools.
D) Increased serum bilirubin. - Answer--B) Two or three soft stools per day.
Lactulose is administered to reduce blood ammonia by excretion of ammonia
through the stool. Two to three stools a day indicate that lactulose is performing as
intended (B). (A) would be expected if the patient received a diuretic. (C) would
indicate an overdose of lactulose and is not expected. Lactulose does not affect (D).
The healthcare provider prescribes naproxen (Naproxen) twice daily for a client with
osteoarthritis of the hands. The client tells the nurse that the drug does not seem to
be effective after three weeks. Which is the best response for the nurse to provide?
A) The frequency of the dosing is necessary to increase the effectiveness.
B) Therapeutic blood levels of this drug are reached in 4 to 6 weeks.
C) Another type of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug may be indicated.
D) Systemic corticosteroids are the next drugs of choice for pain relief. - Answer--C)
Another type of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug may be indicated.
Individual responses to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are variable, so (C) is
the best response. Naproxen is usually prescribed every 8 hours, so (A) is not
indicated. The peak for naproxen is one to two hours, not (B). Corticosteroids are not
indicated for osteoarthritis (D).
Which instruction(s) should the nurse give to a female client who just received a
prescription for oral metronidazole (Flagyl) for treatment of trichomonas vaginalis?
(Select all that apply.)
A) Increase fluid intake, especially cranberry juice.
B) Do not abruptly discontinue the medication; taper use.
C) Check blood pressure daily to detect hypertension.
D) Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
E) Use condoms until treatment is completed.
F) Ensure that all sexual partners are treated at the same time. - Answer--A)
Increase fluid intake, especially cranberry juice.
D) Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
E) Use condoms until treatment is completed.
F) Ensure that all sexual partners are treated at the same time.
Correct selections are (A, D, E, and F). Increased fluid intake and cranberry juice (A)
are recommended for prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections, which
frequently accompany vaginal infections. It is not necessary to taper use of this drug
(B) or to check the blood pressure daily (C), as this condition is not related to
hypertension. Flagyl can cause a disulfiram-like reaction if taken in conjunction with
ingestion of alcohol, so the client should be instructed to avoid alcohol (D). All sexual
With Verified Questions & Answers
Garanteed to PASS!! 2026 (NEWEST)
A healthcare provider prescribes cephalexin monohydrate (Keflex) for a client with a
postoperative infection. It is most important for the nurse to assess for what
additional drug allergy before administering this prescription?
A) Penicillins.
B) Aminoglycosides.
C) Erythromycins.
D) Sulfonamides. - Answer--A) Penicillins.
Cross-allergies exist between penicillins (A) and cephalosporins, such as cephalexin
monohydrate (Keflex), so checking for penicillin allergy is a wise precaution before
administering this drug.
Which nursing intervention is most important when caring for a client receiving the
antimetabolite cytosine arabinoside (Arc-C) for chemotherapy?
A) Hydrate the client with IV fluids before and after infusion.
B) Assess the client for numbness and tingling of extremities.
C) Inspect the client's oral mucosa for ulcerations.
D) Monitor the client's urine pH for increased acidity. - Answer--C) Inspect the client's
oral mucosa for ulcerations.
Cytosine arabinoside (Arc-C) affects the rapidly growing cells of the body, therefore
stomatitis and mucosal ulcerations are key signs of antimetabolite toxicity (C). (A, B,
and D) are not typical interventions associated with the administration of
antimetabolites.
When assessing an adolescent who recently overdosed on acetaminophen (Tylenol),
it is most important for the nurse to assess for pain in which area of the body?
A) Flank.
B) Abdomen.
C) Chest.
D) Head. - Answer--B) Abdomen.
Acetaminophen toxicity can result in liver damage; therefore, it is especially
important for the nurse to assess for pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen
,(B), which might indicate liver damage. (A, C, and D) are not areas where pain would
be anticipated.
An adult client is given a prescription for a scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) to
prevent motion sickness while on a cruise. Which information should the nurse
provide to the client?
A) Apply the patch at least 4 hours prior to departure.
B) Change the patch every other day while on the cruise.
C) Place the patch on a hairless area at the base of the skull.
D) Drink no more than 2 alcoholic drinks during the cruise. - Answer--A) Apply the
patch at least 4 hours prior to departure.
Scopolamine, an anticholinergic agent, is used to prevent motion sickness and has a
peak onset in 6 hours, so the client should be instructed to apply the patch at least 4
hours before departure (A) on the cruise ship. The duration of the transdermal patch
is 72 hours, so (B) is not needed. Scolopamine blocks muscarinic receptors in the
inner ear and to the vomiting center, so the best application site of the patch is
behind the ear, not at the base of the skull (C). Anticholinergic medications are CNS
depressants, so the client should be instructed to avoid alcohol (D) while using the
patch.
The nurse is reviewing the use of the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump with a
client in the immediate postoperative period. The client will receive morphine 1 mg IV
per hour basal rate with 1 mg IV every 15 minutes per PCA to total 5 mg IV
maximally per hour. What assessment has the highest priority before initiating the
PCA pump?
A) The expiration date on the morphine syringe in the pump.
B) The rate and depth of the client's respirations.
C) The type of anesthesia used during the surgical procedure.
D) The client's subjective and objective signs of pain. - Answer--B) The rate and
depth of the client's respirations.
A life-threatening side effect of intravenous administration of morphine sulfate, an
opiate narcotic, is respiratory depression (B). The PCA pump should be stopped and
the healthcare provider notified if the client's respiratory rate falls below 12 breaths
per minute, and the nurse should anticipate adjustments in the client's dosage before
the PCA pump is restarted. (A, C, and D) provide helpful information, but are not as
high a priority as the assessment described in (B).
A medication that is classified as a beta-1 agonist is most commonly prescribed for a
client with which condition?
A) Glaucoma.
B) Hypertension.
C) Heart failure.
,D) Asthma. - Answer--C) Heart failure.
Beta-1 agonists improve cardiac output by increasing the heart rate and blood
pressure and are indicated in heart failure (C), shock, atrioventricular block
dysrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. Glaucoma (A) is managed using adrenergic agents
and beta-adrenergic blocking agents. Beta-1 blocking agents are used in the
management of hypertension (B). Medications that stimulate beta-2 receptors in the
bronchi are effective for bronchoconstriction in respiratory disorders, such as asthma
(D).
A female client with rheumatoid arthritis take ibuprofen (Motrin) 600 mg PO 4 times a
day. To prevent gastrointestinal bleeding, misoprostol (Cytotec) 100 mcg PO is
prescribed. Which information is most important for the nurse to include in client
teaching?
A) Use contraception during intercourse.
B) Ensure the Cytotec is taken on an empty stomach.
C) Encourage oral fluid intake to prevent constipation.
D) Take Cytotec 30 minutes prior to Motrin. - Answer--A) Use contraception during
intercourse.
Cytotec, a synthetic form of a prostaglandin, is classified as pregnancy Category X
and can act as an abortifacient, so the client should be instructed to use
contraception during intercourse (A) to prevent loss of an early pregnancy. (B) is not
necessary. A common side effect of Cytotec is diarrhea, so constipation prevention
strategies are usually not needed (C). Cytotec and Motrin should be taken together
(D) to provide protective properties against gastrointestinal bleeding.
A client with heart failure is prescribed spironolactone (Aldactone). Which information
is most important for the nurse to provide to the client about diet modifications?
A) Do not add salt to foods during preparation.
B) Refrain for eating foods high in potassium.
C) Restrict fluid intake to 1000 ml per day.
D) Increase intake of milk and milk products. - Answer--B) Refrain for eating foods
high in potassium.
Spironolactone (Aldactone), an aldosterone antagonist, is a potassium-sparing
diuretic, so a diet high in potassium should be avoided (B), including potassium salt
substitutes, which can lead to hyperkalemia. Although (A) is a common diet
modification in heart failure, the risk of hyperkalemia is more important with
Aldactone. Restriction of fluids (C) or increasing milk and milk products (D) are not
indicated with this prescription.
In evaluating the effects of lactulose (Cephulac), which outcome should indicate that
the drug is performing as intended?
, A) An increase in urine output.
B) Two or three soft stools per day.
C) Watery, diarrhea stools.
D) Increased serum bilirubin. - Answer--B) Two or three soft stools per day.
Lactulose is administered to reduce blood ammonia by excretion of ammonia
through the stool. Two to three stools a day indicate that lactulose is performing as
intended (B). (A) would be expected if the patient received a diuretic. (C) would
indicate an overdose of lactulose and is not expected. Lactulose does not affect (D).
The healthcare provider prescribes naproxen (Naproxen) twice daily for a client with
osteoarthritis of the hands. The client tells the nurse that the drug does not seem to
be effective after three weeks. Which is the best response for the nurse to provide?
A) The frequency of the dosing is necessary to increase the effectiveness.
B) Therapeutic blood levels of this drug are reached in 4 to 6 weeks.
C) Another type of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug may be indicated.
D) Systemic corticosteroids are the next drugs of choice for pain relief. - Answer--C)
Another type of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug may be indicated.
Individual responses to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are variable, so (C) is
the best response. Naproxen is usually prescribed every 8 hours, so (A) is not
indicated. The peak for naproxen is one to two hours, not (B). Corticosteroids are not
indicated for osteoarthritis (D).
Which instruction(s) should the nurse give to a female client who just received a
prescription for oral metronidazole (Flagyl) for treatment of trichomonas vaginalis?
(Select all that apply.)
A) Increase fluid intake, especially cranberry juice.
B) Do not abruptly discontinue the medication; taper use.
C) Check blood pressure daily to detect hypertension.
D) Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
E) Use condoms until treatment is completed.
F) Ensure that all sexual partners are treated at the same time. - Answer--A)
Increase fluid intake, especially cranberry juice.
D) Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
E) Use condoms until treatment is completed.
F) Ensure that all sexual partners are treated at the same time.
Correct selections are (A, D, E, and F). Increased fluid intake and cranberry juice (A)
are recommended for prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections, which
frequently accompany vaginal infections. It is not necessary to taper use of this drug
(B) or to check the blood pressure daily (C), as this condition is not related to
hypertension. Flagyl can cause a disulfiram-like reaction if taken in conjunction with
ingestion of alcohol, so the client should be instructed to avoid alcohol (D). All sexual
