Pharmacology Practice HESI Exam questions
and answers 2025\2026 A+ Grade
The nurse is caring for a client who has taken atenolol for 2 years. The healthcare provider recently
changed the medication to enalapril to manage the client's blood pressure. Which instruction should the
nurse provide the client regarding the new medication?
- correct answer A. Take the medication at bedtime.
B. Report presence of increased bruising.
C. Check pulse before taking medication.
D. Rise slowly when getting out of bed or chair. Correct
The client's new medication is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which has the side
effect oforthostatic hypotension. Instructing the client to rise slowly from a sitting or lying down position
is important to teach the client to avoid dizziness and potentially falling.
A female client calls the clinic and talks with the nurse to inquire about a possible reaction after taking
amoxicillin for 5 days. She reports having vaginal discomfort, itching, and a white discharge. The nurse
should discuss which action with the client?
- correct answer Discontinue the antibiotic because original symptoms have subsided.
Continue taking medication until finished until the symptoms subside.
Consult with healthcare provider about another treatment for this effect. Correct
Use an over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal wash to flush out the secretions.
A superinfection with normal flora yeast may occur during antibiotic therapy. If suspected, the new
onset of findings should be reported to the healthcare provider for another prescribed treatment to
treat the superinfection.
,The nurse is making early morning rounds on a group of clients when a client begins exhibiting
symptoms of an acute asthma attack. The nurse administers a PRN prescription for a Beta 2 receptor
agonist agent. Which client response should the nurse expect?
- correct answer Tachycardia.
Increased blood pressure.
Rapid resolution of wheezing. Correct
Improved pulse oximetry values. Correct
Reduce fever airway inflammation.
Beta 2 receptor agonist agents should provide immediate return of airflow and resolve wheezing and
improve oxygenation.
A client prescribed atenolol has a blood pressure of 120/68 mmHg, displaying a sinus bradycardia with a
rate of 58 beats/minute, and a P-R interval of 0.24. Which action should the nurse take?
- correct answer Lower the head of the bed and assess the client for orthostatic vital sign changes.
Give the medication as prescribed and continue to monitor the client. Correct
Prepare to administer atropine sulfate IV push.
Hold the prescribed dose and contact the healthcare provider.
Since the client's blood pressure is within normal limits, and the pulse is above 50 beats/min with a first
degree block, the medication can be administered. Atenolol is a beta-blocker that slows the heart rate
and lowers the blood pressure; this drug is generally held if the heart rate is less than 50 beats/min or
the client exhibits dizziness related to hypotension.
,The nurse is preparing the 0900 dose of losartan (Cozaar), an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), for a
client with hypertension and heart failure. The nurse reviews the client's laboratory results and notes
that the client's serum potassium level is 5.9 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?
- correct answer Withhold the scheduled dose. Correct
Check the client's apical pulse.
Notify the healthcare provider.
Repeat the serum potassium level.
The nurse should first withhold the scheduled dose of Cozaar because the client is hyperkalemic (normal
range 3.5 to 5 mEq/l). Although hypokalemia is usually associated with diuretic therapy in heart failure,
hyperkalemia is associated with several heart failure medications, including ARBs. Because hyperkalemia
may lead to cardiac dysrhythmias, the nurse should check the apical pulse for rate and rhythm, and
blood pressure.
Awarded 1.0 points out of 1.0 possible
Upon admission to the emergency center, an adult client with acute status asthmaticus is prescribed this
series of medications. In which order should the nurse administer the prescribed medications? (Arrange
from first to last.)
- correct answer Albuterol (Proventil) puffs.
Salmeterol (Serevent Diskus).
Prednisone (Deltasone) orally.
Gentamicin (Garamycin) IM.
Status asthmaticus is potentially a life-threatening respiratory event, so albuterol, a beta2 adrenergic
agonist and short acting bronchodilator, should be administered by inhalation first to provide rapid and
deep topical penetration to relieve bronchospasms, dilate the bronchioles, and increase oxygenation. In
stepwise management of persistent asthma, a long-action bronchodilator, such as salmeterol (Serevent
Diskus), with a 12-hour duration of action should be given next. Prednisone, an oral corticosteroid,
, provides prolonged anti-inflammatory effects and should be given after the client's respiratory distress
begins to resolves. Gentamicin, an antibiotic, is given deep IM, which can be painful, and may require
repositioning the client, so should be last in the sequence.
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?
- correct answer Apply the patch at least 4 hours prior to departure. Correct
Change the patch every other day while on the cruise.
Place the patch on a hairless area at the base of the skull.
Drink no more than 2 alcoholic drinks during the cruise.
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 on the
cruise ship. The duration of the transdermal patch is 72 hours. 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.
Anticholinergic medications are CNS depressants, so the client should be instructed to avoid alcohol
while using the patch.
A client with giardiasis is taking metronidazole (Flagyl) 2 grams PO. Which information should the nurse
include in the client's instruction?
- correct answer Notify the clinic of any changes in the color of urine.
Avoid overexposure to the sun.
Stop the medication after the diarrhea resolves.
Take the medication with food. Correct
and answers 2025\2026 A+ Grade
The nurse is caring for a client who has taken atenolol for 2 years. The healthcare provider recently
changed the medication to enalapril to manage the client's blood pressure. Which instruction should the
nurse provide the client regarding the new medication?
- correct answer A. Take the medication at bedtime.
B. Report presence of increased bruising.
C. Check pulse before taking medication.
D. Rise slowly when getting out of bed or chair. Correct
The client's new medication is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which has the side
effect oforthostatic hypotension. Instructing the client to rise slowly from a sitting or lying down position
is important to teach the client to avoid dizziness and potentially falling.
A female client calls the clinic and talks with the nurse to inquire about a possible reaction after taking
amoxicillin for 5 days. She reports having vaginal discomfort, itching, and a white discharge. The nurse
should discuss which action with the client?
- correct answer Discontinue the antibiotic because original symptoms have subsided.
Continue taking medication until finished until the symptoms subside.
Consult with healthcare provider about another treatment for this effect. Correct
Use an over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal wash to flush out the secretions.
A superinfection with normal flora yeast may occur during antibiotic therapy. If suspected, the new
onset of findings should be reported to the healthcare provider for another prescribed treatment to
treat the superinfection.
,The nurse is making early morning rounds on a group of clients when a client begins exhibiting
symptoms of an acute asthma attack. The nurse administers a PRN prescription for a Beta 2 receptor
agonist agent. Which client response should the nurse expect?
- correct answer Tachycardia.
Increased blood pressure.
Rapid resolution of wheezing. Correct
Improved pulse oximetry values. Correct
Reduce fever airway inflammation.
Beta 2 receptor agonist agents should provide immediate return of airflow and resolve wheezing and
improve oxygenation.
A client prescribed atenolol has a blood pressure of 120/68 mmHg, displaying a sinus bradycardia with a
rate of 58 beats/minute, and a P-R interval of 0.24. Which action should the nurse take?
- correct answer Lower the head of the bed and assess the client for orthostatic vital sign changes.
Give the medication as prescribed and continue to monitor the client. Correct
Prepare to administer atropine sulfate IV push.
Hold the prescribed dose and contact the healthcare provider.
Since the client's blood pressure is within normal limits, and the pulse is above 50 beats/min with a first
degree block, the medication can be administered. Atenolol is a beta-blocker that slows the heart rate
and lowers the blood pressure; this drug is generally held if the heart rate is less than 50 beats/min or
the client exhibits dizziness related to hypotension.
,The nurse is preparing the 0900 dose of losartan (Cozaar), an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), for a
client with hypertension and heart failure. The nurse reviews the client's laboratory results and notes
that the client's serum potassium level is 5.9 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?
- correct answer Withhold the scheduled dose. Correct
Check the client's apical pulse.
Notify the healthcare provider.
Repeat the serum potassium level.
The nurse should first withhold the scheduled dose of Cozaar because the client is hyperkalemic (normal
range 3.5 to 5 mEq/l). Although hypokalemia is usually associated with diuretic therapy in heart failure,
hyperkalemia is associated with several heart failure medications, including ARBs. Because hyperkalemia
may lead to cardiac dysrhythmias, the nurse should check the apical pulse for rate and rhythm, and
blood pressure.
Awarded 1.0 points out of 1.0 possible
Upon admission to the emergency center, an adult client with acute status asthmaticus is prescribed this
series of medications. In which order should the nurse administer the prescribed medications? (Arrange
from first to last.)
- correct answer Albuterol (Proventil) puffs.
Salmeterol (Serevent Diskus).
Prednisone (Deltasone) orally.
Gentamicin (Garamycin) IM.
Status asthmaticus is potentially a life-threatening respiratory event, so albuterol, a beta2 adrenergic
agonist and short acting bronchodilator, should be administered by inhalation first to provide rapid and
deep topical penetration to relieve bronchospasms, dilate the bronchioles, and increase oxygenation. In
stepwise management of persistent asthma, a long-action bronchodilator, such as salmeterol (Serevent
Diskus), with a 12-hour duration of action should be given next. Prednisone, an oral corticosteroid,
, provides prolonged anti-inflammatory effects and should be given after the client's respiratory distress
begins to resolves. Gentamicin, an antibiotic, is given deep IM, which can be painful, and may require
repositioning the client, so should be last in the sequence.
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?
- correct answer Apply the patch at least 4 hours prior to departure. Correct
Change the patch every other day while on the cruise.
Place the patch on a hairless area at the base of the skull.
Drink no more than 2 alcoholic drinks during the cruise.
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 on the
cruise ship. The duration of the transdermal patch is 72 hours. 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.
Anticholinergic medications are CNS depressants, so the client should be instructed to avoid alcohol
while using the patch.
A client with giardiasis is taking metronidazole (Flagyl) 2 grams PO. Which information should the nurse
include in the client's instruction?
- correct answer Notify the clinic of any changes in the color of urine.
Avoid overexposure to the sun.
Stop the medication after the diarrhea resolves.
Take the medication with food. Correct
