HESI PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE
EXAM – NGN STYLE QUESTIONS AND
RATIONALES NURSING EXAM PREP
COMPLETE REVIEW MATERIAL
VERIFIED A+ LATEST VERSION
Section 1: Cardiovascular Medications
Question 1 – Single Best Answer
A nurse is administering digoxin to an older adult client with heart failure. Which
assessment finding requires the nurse to withhold the medication and notify the provider?
A. Blood pressure 138/82 mmHg B. Apical pulse 54 beats/min C. Respiratory rate 20
breaths/min D. Oxygen saturation 95%
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Digoxin can cause bradycardia. The nurse should withhold digoxin if the apical
pulse is below 60 beats/min and notify the healthcare provider.
Question 2 – Select All That Apply
A nurse is teaching a client about furosemide therapy. Which statements indicate the client
understands the teaching?
A. “I will eat foods high in potassium.” B. “I should weigh myself every day.” C. “I will take
the medication before bedtime.” D. “I should report dizziness to my provider.” E. “I can
stop the medication once swelling decreases.”
Correct Answers: A, B, D
, Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss and orthostatic
hypotension. Daily weights monitor fluid balance. Taking the medication before bedtime
increases nighttime urination.
Question 3 – NGN Case Study
A client with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. After the first dose, the client develops
facial swelling and difficulty breathing.
Question 3A
Which complication is the client most likely experiencing?
A. Hypokalemia B. Angioedema C. Bronchitis D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: B
Question 3B
Which nursing action is the priority?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose B. Place the client in Trendelenburg position C. Stop
the medication and notify the provider immediately D. Encourage oral fluids
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ACE inhibitors can cause life-threatening angioedema. The medication should
be discontinued immediately.
Section 2: Insulin and Diabetes Management
Question 4 – Single Best Answer
A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro at 0730. The client’s breakfast tray has not
yet arrived. What is the nurse’s best action?
A. Administer the insulin immediately B. Hold the insulin until the meal is available C. Mix
the insulin with glargine D. Administer half the prescribed dose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid-acting insulin should be administered when food is available to reduce
the risk of hypoglycemia.
EXAM – NGN STYLE QUESTIONS AND
RATIONALES NURSING EXAM PREP
COMPLETE REVIEW MATERIAL
VERIFIED A+ LATEST VERSION
Section 1: Cardiovascular Medications
Question 1 – Single Best Answer
A nurse is administering digoxin to an older adult client with heart failure. Which
assessment finding requires the nurse to withhold the medication and notify the provider?
A. Blood pressure 138/82 mmHg B. Apical pulse 54 beats/min C. Respiratory rate 20
breaths/min D. Oxygen saturation 95%
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Digoxin can cause bradycardia. The nurse should withhold digoxin if the apical
pulse is below 60 beats/min and notify the healthcare provider.
Question 2 – Select All That Apply
A nurse is teaching a client about furosemide therapy. Which statements indicate the client
understands the teaching?
A. “I will eat foods high in potassium.” B. “I should weigh myself every day.” C. “I will take
the medication before bedtime.” D. “I should report dizziness to my provider.” E. “I can
stop the medication once swelling decreases.”
Correct Answers: A, B, D
, Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss and orthostatic
hypotension. Daily weights monitor fluid balance. Taking the medication before bedtime
increases nighttime urination.
Question 3 – NGN Case Study
A client with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. After the first dose, the client develops
facial swelling and difficulty breathing.
Question 3A
Which complication is the client most likely experiencing?
A. Hypokalemia B. Angioedema C. Bronchitis D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: B
Question 3B
Which nursing action is the priority?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose B. Place the client in Trendelenburg position C. Stop
the medication and notify the provider immediately D. Encourage oral fluids
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ACE inhibitors can cause life-threatening angioedema. The medication should
be discontinued immediately.
Section 2: Insulin and Diabetes Management
Question 4 – Single Best Answer
A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro at 0730. The client’s breakfast tray has not
yet arrived. What is the nurse’s best action?
A. Administer the insulin immediately B. Hold the insulin until the meal is available C. Mix
the insulin with glargine D. Administer half the prescribed dose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid-acting insulin should be administered when food is available to reduce
the risk of hypoglycemia.
