PHARM HESI PRACTICE EXAM LATEST
UPDATE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2025
The nurse is caring for a client who has taken atenolol for 2 years. The healthcare
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
provider recently changed the medication to enalapril to manage the client's blood
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
pressure. Which instruction should the nurse provide the client regarding the new
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
medication?
CC
A. Take the medication at bedtime.
CC CC CC CC CC
B. Report presence of increased bruising.
CC CC CC CC CC
C. Check pulse before taking medication.
CC CC CC CC CC
D. Rise slowly when getting out of bed or chair. - ANSWER:D. Rise slowly when
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
getting out of bed or chair.
CC CC CC CC CC CC
A female client calls the clinic and talks with the nurse to inquire about a possible
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
reaction after taking amoxicillin for 5 days. She reports having vaginal discomfort,
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
itching, and a white discharge. The nurse should discuss which action with the
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
client?
CC
A. Discontinue the antibiotic because original symptoms have subsided.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
B. Continue taking medication until finished until the symptoms subside.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
C. Consult with healthcare provider about another treatment for this effect.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
D. Use an over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal wash to flush out the secretions. -
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
ANSWER:C. Consult with healthcare provider about another treatment for this
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
effect.
CC
The nurse is making early morning rounds on a group of clients when a client
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
begins exhibiting symptoms of an acute asthma attack. The nurse administers a
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
PRN prescription for a Beta 2 receptor agonist agent. Which client response should
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
the nurse expect?
CC CC CC
A. CC Tachycardia.
B. CC Increased blood pressure. CC CC
C. CC Rapid resolution of wheezing.
CC CC CC CC
D. CC Improved pulse oximetry values. CC CC CC CC
E. CC Reduce fever airway inflammation. - ANSWER:C, D
CC CC CC CC CC CC
A client prescribed atenolol has a blood pressure of 120/68 mmHg, displaying a
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
sinus bradycardia with a rate of 58 beats/minute, and a P-R interval of 0.24. Which
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
action should the nurse take?
CC CC CC CC CC
,A. Lower the head of the bed and assess the client for orthostatic vital sign
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
changes.
CC
B. Give the medication as prescribed and continue to monitor the client.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
C. Prepare to administer atropine sulfate IV push.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
D. Hold the prescribed dose and contact the healthcare provider. - ANSWER:B.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
Give the medication as prescribed and continue to monitor the client.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
The nurse is preparing the 0900 dose of losartan (Cozaar), an angiotensin II
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
receptor blocker (ARB), for a client with hypertension and heart failure. The nurse
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
reviews the client's laboratory results and notes that the client's serum potassium
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
level is 5.9 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
A. CC Withhold the scheduled dose. CC CC CC CC
B. CC Check the client's apical pulse.
CC CC CC CC
C. CC Notify the healthcare provider.
CC CC CC
D. CC Repeat the serum potassium level. - ANSWER:A. Withhold the scheduled dose.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
Upon admission to the emergency center, an adult client with acute status
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
asthmaticus is prescribed this series of medications. In which order should the
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
nurse administer the prescribed medications? (Arrange from first to last.) -
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
ANSWER:1. Albuterol (Proventil) puffs.
CC CC CC CC
2. Salmeterol (Serevent Diskus).
CC CC CC
3. Prednisone (Deltasone) orally.
CC CC CC
4. Gentamicin (Garamycin) IM.
CC CC CC
An adult client is given a prescription for a scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) to
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
prevent motion sickness while on a cruise. Which information should the nurse
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
provide to the client?
CC CC CC CC
A. Apply the patch at least 4 hours prior to departure.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
B. Change the patch every other day while on the cruise.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
C. Place the patch on a hairless area at the base of the skull.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
D. Drink no more than 2 alcoholic drinks during the cruise. - ANSWER:A. Apply the
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
patch at least 4 hours prior to departure.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
A client with giardiasis is taking metronidazole (Flagyl) 2 grams PO. Which
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
information should the nurse include in the client's instruction?
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
A. CC Notify the clinic of any changes in the color of urine.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
B. CC Avoid overexposure to the sun.
CC CC CC CC
C. CC Stop the medication after the diarrhea resolves.
CC CC CC CC CC CC
D. CC Take the medication with food. - ANSWER:D. Take the medication with food.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
A female client with rheumatoid arthritis takes ibuprofen (Motrin) 600 mg PO 4
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
times a day. To prevent gastrointestinal bleeding, misoprostol (Cytotec) 100 mcg
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
, CC PO is prescribed. Which information is most important for the nurse to include in
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
CC client teaching?
CC
A. Use contraception during intercourse.
CC CC CC CC CC
B. Ensure the Cytotec is taken on an empty stomach.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
C. Encourage oral fluid intake to prevent constipation.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
D. Take Cytotec 30 minutes prior to Motrin. - ANSWER:A. Use contraception during
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
intercourse.
CC
A client with osteoarthritis receives a new prescription for celecoxib (Celebrex) orally
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
for symptom management. The nurse notes the client is allergic to sulfa. Which
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
action is most important for the nurse to implement prior to administering the first
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
dose?
CC
A. CC Review the client's hemoglobin results.
CC CC CC CC
B. CC Notify the healthcare provider.
CC CC CC CC
C. CC Inquire about the reaction to sulfa.
CC CC CC CC CC
D. CC Record the client's vital signs. - ANSWER:B. Notify the healthcare provider.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
A client is admitted to the hospital for a new onset of supraventricular tachycardia
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
(SVT) and is prescribed digoxin. For which laboratory finding should the nurse
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
notify the healthcare provider immediately?
CC CC CC CC CC
A. CC Potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. CC CC CC CC CC
B. CC Sodium level of 132 mEq/L. CC CC CC CC
C. CC Calcium level of 8.6 mg/dL. CC CC CC CC
D. CC Magnesium level of 1.2 mEq/L. - ANSWER:A. Potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
The nurse is transcribing a new prescription for spironolactone (Aldactone) for a
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
client who receives an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Which action
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
should the nurse implement?
CC CC CC CC
A. Verify both prescriptions with the healthcare provider.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
B. Report the medication interactions to the nurse manager.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
C. Hold the ACE inhibitor and give the new prescription.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
D. Transcribe and send the prescription to the pharmacy. - ANSWER:A. Verify both
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
prescriptions with the healthcare provider.
CC CC CC CC CC
The nurse admits a client with tumor-induced spinal cord compression. Which
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
medication should the nurse anticipate to be prescribed to offer the best palliative
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
treatment for this client?
CC CC CC CC
A. CC Morphine sulfate. CC
B. CC Ibuprofen.
C. CC Amitriptyline.
D. CC Dexamethasone. - ANSWER:D. Dexamethasone. CC CC CC
UPDATE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2025
The nurse is caring for a client who has taken atenolol for 2 years. The healthcare
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
provider recently changed the medication to enalapril to manage the client's blood
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
pressure. Which instruction should the nurse provide the client regarding the new
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
medication?
CC
A. Take the medication at bedtime.
CC CC CC CC CC
B. Report presence of increased bruising.
CC CC CC CC CC
C. Check pulse before taking medication.
CC CC CC CC CC
D. Rise slowly when getting out of bed or chair. - ANSWER:D. Rise slowly when
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
getting out of bed or chair.
CC CC CC CC CC CC
A female client calls the clinic and talks with the nurse to inquire about a possible
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
reaction after taking amoxicillin for 5 days. She reports having vaginal discomfort,
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
itching, and a white discharge. The nurse should discuss which action with the
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
client?
CC
A. Discontinue the antibiotic because original symptoms have subsided.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
B. Continue taking medication until finished until the symptoms subside.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
C. Consult with healthcare provider about another treatment for this effect.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
D. Use an over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal wash to flush out the secretions. -
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
ANSWER:C. Consult with healthcare provider about another treatment for this
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
effect.
CC
The nurse is making early morning rounds on a group of clients when a client
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
begins exhibiting symptoms of an acute asthma attack. The nurse administers a
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
PRN prescription for a Beta 2 receptor agonist agent. Which client response should
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
the nurse expect?
CC CC CC
A. CC Tachycardia.
B. CC Increased blood pressure. CC CC
C. CC Rapid resolution of wheezing.
CC CC CC CC
D. CC Improved pulse oximetry values. CC CC CC CC
E. CC Reduce fever airway inflammation. - ANSWER:C, D
CC CC CC CC CC CC
A client prescribed atenolol has a blood pressure of 120/68 mmHg, displaying a
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
sinus bradycardia with a rate of 58 beats/minute, and a P-R interval of 0.24. Which
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
action should the nurse take?
CC CC CC CC CC
,A. Lower the head of the bed and assess the client for orthostatic vital sign
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
changes.
CC
B. Give the medication as prescribed and continue to monitor the client.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
C. Prepare to administer atropine sulfate IV push.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
D. Hold the prescribed dose and contact the healthcare provider. - ANSWER:B.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
Give the medication as prescribed and continue to monitor the client.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
The nurse is preparing the 0900 dose of losartan (Cozaar), an angiotensin II
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
receptor blocker (ARB), for a client with hypertension and heart failure. The nurse
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
reviews the client's laboratory results and notes that the client's serum potassium
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
level is 5.9 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
A. CC Withhold the scheduled dose. CC CC CC CC
B. CC Check the client's apical pulse.
CC CC CC CC
C. CC Notify the healthcare provider.
CC CC CC
D. CC Repeat the serum potassium level. - ANSWER:A. Withhold the scheduled dose.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
Upon admission to the emergency center, an adult client with acute status
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
asthmaticus is prescribed this series of medications. In which order should the
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
nurse administer the prescribed medications? (Arrange from first to last.) -
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
ANSWER:1. Albuterol (Proventil) puffs.
CC CC CC CC
2. Salmeterol (Serevent Diskus).
CC CC CC
3. Prednisone (Deltasone) orally.
CC CC CC
4. Gentamicin (Garamycin) IM.
CC CC CC
An adult client is given a prescription for a scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) to
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
prevent motion sickness while on a cruise. Which information should the nurse
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
provide to the client?
CC CC CC CC
A. Apply the patch at least 4 hours prior to departure.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
B. Change the patch every other day while on the cruise.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
C. Place the patch on a hairless area at the base of the skull.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
D. Drink no more than 2 alcoholic drinks during the cruise. - ANSWER:A. Apply the
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
patch at least 4 hours prior to departure.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
A client with giardiasis is taking metronidazole (Flagyl) 2 grams PO. Which
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
information should the nurse include in the client's instruction?
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
A. CC Notify the clinic of any changes in the color of urine.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
B. CC Avoid overexposure to the sun.
CC CC CC CC
C. CC Stop the medication after the diarrhea resolves.
CC CC CC CC CC CC
D. CC Take the medication with food. - ANSWER:D. Take the medication with food.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
A female client with rheumatoid arthritis takes ibuprofen (Motrin) 600 mg PO 4
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
times a day. To prevent gastrointestinal bleeding, misoprostol (Cytotec) 100 mcg
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
, CC PO is prescribed. Which information is most important for the nurse to include in
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
CC client teaching?
CC
A. Use contraception during intercourse.
CC CC CC CC CC
B. Ensure the Cytotec is taken on an empty stomach.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
C. Encourage oral fluid intake to prevent constipation.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
D. Take Cytotec 30 minutes prior to Motrin. - ANSWER:A. Use contraception during
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
intercourse.
CC
A client with osteoarthritis receives a new prescription for celecoxib (Celebrex) orally
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
for symptom management. The nurse notes the client is allergic to sulfa. Which
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
action is most important for the nurse to implement prior to administering the first
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
dose?
CC
A. CC Review the client's hemoglobin results.
CC CC CC CC
B. CC Notify the healthcare provider.
CC CC CC CC
C. CC Inquire about the reaction to sulfa.
CC CC CC CC CC
D. CC Record the client's vital signs. - ANSWER:B. Notify the healthcare provider.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
A client is admitted to the hospital for a new onset of supraventricular tachycardia
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
(SVT) and is prescribed digoxin. For which laboratory finding should the nurse
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
notify the healthcare provider immediately?
CC CC CC CC CC
A. CC Potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. CC CC CC CC CC
B. CC Sodium level of 132 mEq/L. CC CC CC CC
C. CC Calcium level of 8.6 mg/dL. CC CC CC CC
D. CC Magnesium level of 1.2 mEq/L. - ANSWER:A. Potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
The nurse is transcribing a new prescription for spironolactone (Aldactone) for a
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
client who receives an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Which action
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
should the nurse implement?
CC CC CC CC
A. Verify both prescriptions with the healthcare provider.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
B. Report the medication interactions to the nurse manager.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
C. Hold the ACE inhibitor and give the new prescription.
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
D. Transcribe and send the prescription to the pharmacy. - ANSWER:A. Verify both
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
prescriptions with the healthcare provider.
CC CC CC CC CC
The nurse admits a client with tumor-induced spinal cord compression. Which
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
medication should the nurse anticipate to be prescribed to offer the best palliative
CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC
treatment for this client?
CC CC CC CC
A. CC Morphine sulfate. CC
B. CC Ibuprofen.
C. CC Amitriptyline.
D. CC Dexamethasone. - ANSWER:D. Dexamethasone. CC CC CC
