Page 1 of 101
Pharmacology HESI Comprehensive ACTUAL EXAM
WITH 200 REAL TESTBANK EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH WELL-ELABORATED
RATIONALES/ HESI LATEST EXAM 2025 (BRAND NEW!!)
A client with mild parkinsonism is started on oral amantadine (Symmetrel). Which statement accurately
describes the action of this medication? - Answer: Dopamine in the central nervous system is increased.
The nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results before a procedure in which a neuromuscular
blocking agent is a standing order. Which finding should the nurse report to the health care provider? -
Answer: Hypokalemia
A male client asks the nurse why condoms should not be lubricated with the spermicide nonoxynol-9.
Which response is best for the nurse to provide? - Answer: Nonoxynol-9 provides no protection from
STDs and has been linked to the transmission of HIV.
The nurse is assessing a stuporous client in the emergency department who is suspected of overdosing
with opioids. Which agent should the nurse prepare to administer if the client becomes comatose? -
Answer: Naloxone hydrochloride (Narcan)
A 2-month-old infant is scheduled to receive the first DPT immunization. What is the preferred injection
site to administer this immunization? - Answer: Vastus lateralis
A psychiatric client is discharged from the hospital with a prescription for haloperidol (Haldol). Which
instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching plan for this client? - Answer: Use
sunglasses and sunscreen when outdoors.
A primigravida at 34 weeks of gestation is admitted to labor and delivery in preterm labor. She is started
on a terbutaline sulfate (Brethine) continuous IV infusion via pump. This therapy is ineffective, and the
baby is delivered vaginally. For which complication should the nurse monitor in this infant during the
first few hours after delivery? - Answer: Hypoglycemia
,Page 2 of 101
A client with metastatic cancer reports severe continuous pain. Which route of administration should
the nurse use to provide the most effective continuous analgesia? - Answer: Transdermal
A client who is hypertensive receives a prescription for hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). When teaching
about the side effects of this drug, which symptoms are most important for the nurse to instruct the
client to report? - Answer: Fatigue and muscle weakness
Methylphenidate HCl (Concerta) is prescribed for daily administration to a 10-year-old child with
attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In preparing a teaching plan for the parents of this child
newly diagnosed with ADHD, which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide to the
parents? - Answer: Administer the medication in the morning before the child goes to school.
Prior to administering a scheduled dose of digoxin (Lanoxin), the nurse reviews the client's current
serum digoxin level, which is 1.3 ng/dL. Which action should the nurse implement? - Answer: Give the
dose of digoxin if the client's heart rate is within a safe range.
The health care provider has prescribed a low-molecular-weight heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox) prefilled
syringe, 30 mg/0.3 mL IV every 12 hours, for a client following hip replacement. Prior to administering
the first dose, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement? - Answer: Contact the
health care provider to clarify the prescription.
In administering the antiinfective agent chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) IV to a client with bacterial
meningitis, the nurse observes the client closely for signs of bone marrow depression. Which laboratory
data would be most important for the nurse to monitor? - Answer: Platelet count
A client with viral influenza is receiving vitamin C, 1000 mg PO daily, and acetaminophen elixir, 650 mg
PO every 4 hours PRN. The nurse calls the health care provider to report that the client has developed
diarrhea. Which change in prescriptions should the nurse anticipate? - Answer: Decrease the dose of
vitamin C.
A client who is receiving chlorpromazine HCl (Thorazine) to control his psychotic behavior also has a
prescription for benztropine (Cogentin). When teaching the client and/or significant others about these
medications, what should the nurse explain about the use of benztropine (Cogentin) in the treatment
plan for this client? - Answer: The benztropine (Cogentin) is used to control extrapyramidal symptoms.
,Page 3 of 101
A female client with myasthenia gravis is taking a cholinesterase inhibitor and asks the nurse what can
be done to remedy her fatigue and difficulty swallowing. What action should the nurse implement? -
Answer: Develop a teaching plan for the client to self-adjust the dose of medication in response to
symptoms.
The health care provider prescribes oral contraceptives for a client who wants to prevent pregnancy.
Which information is the most important for the nurse to provide to this client? - Answer: Take one pill
at the same time every day until all the pills are gone.
The nurse is preparing a plan of care for a client receiving the glucocorticoid methylprednisolone (Solu -
Medrol). Which nursing diagnosis reflects a problem related to this medication that should be included
in the care plan? - Answer: Risk for infection
Two hours after taking the first dose of penicillin, a client arrives at the emergency department
complaining of feeling ill, exhibiting hives, having difficulty breathing, and experiencing hypotension.
These findings are consistent with which client response that requires immediate action? - Answer:
Severe acute anaphylactic response
The health care provider prescribes carbamazepine (Tegretol) for a child whose tonic-clonic seizures
have been poorly controlled. The nurse informs the mother that the child must have blood tests every
week. The mother asks why so many blood tests are necessary. Which complication is assessed through
frequent laboratory testing that the nurse should explain to this mother? - Answer: Myelosuppression
When caring for a client on digoxin (Lanoxin) therapy, the nurse knows to be alert for digoxin (Lanoxin)
toxicity. Which finding would predispose this client to developing digoxin toxicity? - Answer: Low serum
potassium level
A client being treated for an acute myocardial infarction is to receive the tissue plasminogen activator
alteplase (Activase). The nurse would be correct in providing which explanation to the client regarding
the purpose of this drug? - Answer: This drug is a clot buster that dissolves clots within a coronary
artery.
A lidocaine IV infusion at 4 mg/min via infusion pump is prescribed for a client having premature
ventricular contractions (PVCs). The available premixed infusion contains 2 mg/mL of D5W. How many
milliliters per hour should the nurse program the pump to deliver to this client? - Answer: 120
, Page 4 of 101
An older client who had a colon resection yesterday is receiving a constant dose of hydromorphone
(Dilaudid) via a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Which assessment finding is most significant
and requires that the nurse intervene? - Answer: Respirations decrease to 14 breaths/min.
The health care provider prescribes the H2 antagonist famotidine (Pepcid), 20 mg PO in the morning an d
at bedtime. Which statement regarding the action of H2 antagonists offers the correct rationale for
administering the medication at bedtime? - Answer: Hydrochloric acid secreted during the night is
blocked.
Amoxicillin, 500 mg PO every 8 hours, is prescribed for a client with an infection. The drug is available in
a suspension of 125 mg/5 mL. How many milliliters should the nurse administer with each dose? -
Answer: 20
Which factor is most important to ensure compliance when planning to teach a client about a drug
regimen? - Answer: Client education
The nurse is preparing to administer amphotericin B (Fungizone) IV to a client. What laboratory data is
most important for the nurse to assess before initiating an IV infusion of this medication? - Answer:
Serum potassium level
In developing a nursing care plan for a 9-month-old infant with cystic fibrosis, the nurse writes a nursing
diagnosis of Alteration in nutrition: less than body requirements, related to inadequate diges tion of
nutrients. Which intervention would best meet this child's needs? - Answer: Give pancrelipase
(Cotazym-S) capsule mixed with applesauce before each meal.
A client who is HIV-positive is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen) for the management of anemia secondary
to zidovudine (AZT) therapy. Which laboratory finding is most important for the nurse to report to the
health care provider? - Answer: Hematocrit (HCT) of 58%
A client with Tourette's syndrome takes haloperidol (Haldol) to control tics and vocalizations. The client
has become increasingly drowsy over the past 2 days and reports becoming dizzy when changing from a
supine to sitting position. Which action should the nurse take? - Answer: Assess for poor skin turgor,
sunken eyeballs, and concentrated urine output.
Pharmacology HESI Comprehensive ACTUAL EXAM
WITH 200 REAL TESTBANK EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH WELL-ELABORATED
RATIONALES/ HESI LATEST EXAM 2025 (BRAND NEW!!)
A client with mild parkinsonism is started on oral amantadine (Symmetrel). Which statement accurately
describes the action of this medication? - Answer: Dopamine in the central nervous system is increased.
The nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results before a procedure in which a neuromuscular
blocking agent is a standing order. Which finding should the nurse report to the health care provider? -
Answer: Hypokalemia
A male client asks the nurse why condoms should not be lubricated with the spermicide nonoxynol-9.
Which response is best for the nurse to provide? - Answer: Nonoxynol-9 provides no protection from
STDs and has been linked to the transmission of HIV.
The nurse is assessing a stuporous client in the emergency department who is suspected of overdosing
with opioids. Which agent should the nurse prepare to administer if the client becomes comatose? -
Answer: Naloxone hydrochloride (Narcan)
A 2-month-old infant is scheduled to receive the first DPT immunization. What is the preferred injection
site to administer this immunization? - Answer: Vastus lateralis
A psychiatric client is discharged from the hospital with a prescription for haloperidol (Haldol). Which
instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching plan for this client? - Answer: Use
sunglasses and sunscreen when outdoors.
A primigravida at 34 weeks of gestation is admitted to labor and delivery in preterm labor. She is started
on a terbutaline sulfate (Brethine) continuous IV infusion via pump. This therapy is ineffective, and the
baby is delivered vaginally. For which complication should the nurse monitor in this infant during the
first few hours after delivery? - Answer: Hypoglycemia
,Page 2 of 101
A client with metastatic cancer reports severe continuous pain. Which route of administration should
the nurse use to provide the most effective continuous analgesia? - Answer: Transdermal
A client who is hypertensive receives a prescription for hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). When teaching
about the side effects of this drug, which symptoms are most important for the nurse to instruct the
client to report? - Answer: Fatigue and muscle weakness
Methylphenidate HCl (Concerta) is prescribed for daily administration to a 10-year-old child with
attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In preparing a teaching plan for the parents of this child
newly diagnosed with ADHD, which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide to the
parents? - Answer: Administer the medication in the morning before the child goes to school.
Prior to administering a scheduled dose of digoxin (Lanoxin), the nurse reviews the client's current
serum digoxin level, which is 1.3 ng/dL. Which action should the nurse implement? - Answer: Give the
dose of digoxin if the client's heart rate is within a safe range.
The health care provider has prescribed a low-molecular-weight heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox) prefilled
syringe, 30 mg/0.3 mL IV every 12 hours, for a client following hip replacement. Prior to administering
the first dose, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement? - Answer: Contact the
health care provider to clarify the prescription.
In administering the antiinfective agent chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) IV to a client with bacterial
meningitis, the nurse observes the client closely for signs of bone marrow depression. Which laboratory
data would be most important for the nurse to monitor? - Answer: Platelet count
A client with viral influenza is receiving vitamin C, 1000 mg PO daily, and acetaminophen elixir, 650 mg
PO every 4 hours PRN. The nurse calls the health care provider to report that the client has developed
diarrhea. Which change in prescriptions should the nurse anticipate? - Answer: Decrease the dose of
vitamin C.
A client who is receiving chlorpromazine HCl (Thorazine) to control his psychotic behavior also has a
prescription for benztropine (Cogentin). When teaching the client and/or significant others about these
medications, what should the nurse explain about the use of benztropine (Cogentin) in the treatment
plan for this client? - Answer: The benztropine (Cogentin) is used to control extrapyramidal symptoms.
,Page 3 of 101
A female client with myasthenia gravis is taking a cholinesterase inhibitor and asks the nurse what can
be done to remedy her fatigue and difficulty swallowing. What action should the nurse implement? -
Answer: Develop a teaching plan for the client to self-adjust the dose of medication in response to
symptoms.
The health care provider prescribes oral contraceptives for a client who wants to prevent pregnancy.
Which information is the most important for the nurse to provide to this client? - Answer: Take one pill
at the same time every day until all the pills are gone.
The nurse is preparing a plan of care for a client receiving the glucocorticoid methylprednisolone (Solu -
Medrol). Which nursing diagnosis reflects a problem related to this medication that should be included
in the care plan? - Answer: Risk for infection
Two hours after taking the first dose of penicillin, a client arrives at the emergency department
complaining of feeling ill, exhibiting hives, having difficulty breathing, and experiencing hypotension.
These findings are consistent with which client response that requires immediate action? - Answer:
Severe acute anaphylactic response
The health care provider prescribes carbamazepine (Tegretol) for a child whose tonic-clonic seizures
have been poorly controlled. The nurse informs the mother that the child must have blood tests every
week. The mother asks why so many blood tests are necessary. Which complication is assessed through
frequent laboratory testing that the nurse should explain to this mother? - Answer: Myelosuppression
When caring for a client on digoxin (Lanoxin) therapy, the nurse knows to be alert for digoxin (Lanoxin)
toxicity. Which finding would predispose this client to developing digoxin toxicity? - Answer: Low serum
potassium level
A client being treated for an acute myocardial infarction is to receive the tissue plasminogen activator
alteplase (Activase). The nurse would be correct in providing which explanation to the client regarding
the purpose of this drug? - Answer: This drug is a clot buster that dissolves clots within a coronary
artery.
A lidocaine IV infusion at 4 mg/min via infusion pump is prescribed for a client having premature
ventricular contractions (PVCs). The available premixed infusion contains 2 mg/mL of D5W. How many
milliliters per hour should the nurse program the pump to deliver to this client? - Answer: 120
, Page 4 of 101
An older client who had a colon resection yesterday is receiving a constant dose of hydromorphone
(Dilaudid) via a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Which assessment finding is most significant
and requires that the nurse intervene? - Answer: Respirations decrease to 14 breaths/min.
The health care provider prescribes the H2 antagonist famotidine (Pepcid), 20 mg PO in the morning an d
at bedtime. Which statement regarding the action of H2 antagonists offers the correct rationale for
administering the medication at bedtime? - Answer: Hydrochloric acid secreted during the night is
blocked.
Amoxicillin, 500 mg PO every 8 hours, is prescribed for a client with an infection. The drug is available in
a suspension of 125 mg/5 mL. How many milliliters should the nurse administer with each dose? -
Answer: 20
Which factor is most important to ensure compliance when planning to teach a client about a drug
regimen? - Answer: Client education
The nurse is preparing to administer amphotericin B (Fungizone) IV to a client. What laboratory data is
most important for the nurse to assess before initiating an IV infusion of this medication? - Answer:
Serum potassium level
In developing a nursing care plan for a 9-month-old infant with cystic fibrosis, the nurse writes a nursing
diagnosis of Alteration in nutrition: less than body requirements, related to inadequate diges tion of
nutrients. Which intervention would best meet this child's needs? - Answer: Give pancrelipase
(Cotazym-S) capsule mixed with applesauce before each meal.
A client who is HIV-positive is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen) for the management of anemia secondary
to zidovudine (AZT) therapy. Which laboratory finding is most important for the nurse to report to the
health care provider? - Answer: Hematocrit (HCT) of 58%
A client with Tourette's syndrome takes haloperidol (Haldol) to control tics and vocalizations. The client
has become increasingly drowsy over the past 2 days and reports becoming dizzy when changing from a
supine to sitting position. Which action should the nurse take? - Answer: Assess for poor skin turgor,
sunken eyeballs, and concentrated urine output.
