HESI PHARMACOLOGY
PRACTICE EXAMS 2026–2027
|NGN-STYLE QUESTIONS,
RATIONALES & HIGH-ALERT
MEDICATION REVIEW
HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam
75 NGN-Style Questions with Answers & Rationales
Question 1
A nurse administers digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which assessment finding
requires the nurse to hold the medication?
A. Blood pressure 140/88 mmHg B. Apical pulse 54 bpm C. Respiratory rate 18/min D.
Oxygen saturation 96%
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Digoxin should be withheld if the apical pulse is below 60 bpm due to risk for
bradycardia and toxicity.
Question 2
Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely for a client receiving furosemide?
A. Calcium B. Magnesium C. Potassium D. Phosphorus
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that commonly causes hypokalemia.
, Question 3
A client taking warfarin reports black tarry stools. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer vitamin K B. Document the finding C. Notify the healthcare provider
immediately D. Encourage fluid intake
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Black tarry stools may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, a serious adverse
effect of warfarin.
Question 4
The nurse teaches a client prescribed nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which statement
indicates understanding?
A. “I will store the tablets in the bathroom.” B. “I can take up to three tablets five minutes
apart.” C. “I should swallow the tablet with water.” D. “I will take this medication after
meals only.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nitroglycerin may be repeated every 5 minutes for chest pain up to three doses.
Question 5
Which adverse effect is most important for the nurse to monitor in a client receiving
morphine IV?
A. Hypertension B. Tachycardia C. Respiratory depression D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Respiratory depression is the most dangerous adverse effect of opioid
medications.
Question 6
A nurse prepares to administer insulin lispro. When should the medication be given?
A. 1 hour before meals B. Immediately before meals C. At bedtime only D. 2 hours after
meals
PRACTICE EXAMS 2026–2027
|NGN-STYLE QUESTIONS,
RATIONALES & HIGH-ALERT
MEDICATION REVIEW
HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam
75 NGN-Style Questions with Answers & Rationales
Question 1
A nurse administers digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which assessment finding
requires the nurse to hold the medication?
A. Blood pressure 140/88 mmHg B. Apical pulse 54 bpm C. Respiratory rate 18/min D.
Oxygen saturation 96%
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Digoxin should be withheld if the apical pulse is below 60 bpm due to risk for
bradycardia and toxicity.
Question 2
Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely for a client receiving furosemide?
A. Calcium B. Magnesium C. Potassium D. Phosphorus
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that commonly causes hypokalemia.
, Question 3
A client taking warfarin reports black tarry stools. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer vitamin K B. Document the finding C. Notify the healthcare provider
immediately D. Encourage fluid intake
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Black tarry stools may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, a serious adverse
effect of warfarin.
Question 4
The nurse teaches a client prescribed nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which statement
indicates understanding?
A. “I will store the tablets in the bathroom.” B. “I can take up to three tablets five minutes
apart.” C. “I should swallow the tablet with water.” D. “I will take this medication after
meals only.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nitroglycerin may be repeated every 5 minutes for chest pain up to three doses.
Question 5
Which adverse effect is most important for the nurse to monitor in a client receiving
morphine IV?
A. Hypertension B. Tachycardia C. Respiratory depression D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Respiratory depression is the most dangerous adverse effect of opioid
medications.
Question 6
A nurse prepares to administer insulin lispro. When should the medication be given?
A. 1 hour before meals B. Immediately before meals C. At bedtime only D. 2 hours after
meals
