RN HESI Pharmacology Ver2 Examination
75 Comprehensive Questions with
Answers & Rationales
Current Update for the current Academic
Year
�Examination Overview
Details
Exam RN HESI Pharmacology V2
Total
75
Questions
Question
Multiple Choice, Select-All-That-Apply, Ordered Response
Types
,Details
Cardiovascular Drugs, Psychopharmacology, Anticoagulants, Endocrine
Topics Medications, Anti-infectives, Pain Management, Gastrointestinal Drugs,
Covered Respiratory Medications, Neurological Agents, Safe Medication
Administration
Section 1: Cardiovascular Drugs (Questions 1-12)
Question 1
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg IV push.
Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to check before
administering this dose?
A. Blood glucose level
B. Serum potassium level
C. Respiratory rate
D. Liver function tests
Answer: B. Serum potassium level
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant potassium
loss, increasing the risk for hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can lead to life-
threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, particularly in clients with heart failure
who may also be taking digoxin. The nurse should monitor potassium levels
before and during therapy.
,Question 2
A patient is prescribed metoprolol (Lopressor) for hypertension. Which
therapeutic effect should the nurse expect?
A. Increased heart rate
B. Decreased heart rate
C. Vasoconstriction
D. Increased cardiac output
Answer: B. Decreased heart rate
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-1 selective blocker that decreases heart rate,
myocardial contractility, and cardiac workload. This action reduces blood
pressure and myocardial oxygen demand. The nurse should monitor heart
rate and blood pressure regularly.
Question 3
A client receiving digoxin (Lanoxin) reports nausea, vomiting, and sees yellow
halos around lights. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer an antiemetic
B. Check the digoxin level
C. Hold the next dose and notify the provider
D. Document the findings as expected
Answer: C. Hold the next dose and notify the provider
Rationale: Nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances (yellow halos) are
classic signs of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should withhold the medication,
check the digoxin level, and notify the healthcare provider. Digoxin has a
narrow therapeutic range (0.5-2 ng/mL).
, Question 4
A client is started on lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) for hypertension. Which
adverse effect should the nurse include in client teaching?
A. Persistent dry cough
B. Tachycardia
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Constipation
Answer: A. Persistent dry cough
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril commonly cause a persistent dry
cough due to accumulation of bradykinin. Clients should be advised to report
this, but not to discontinue the medication without consulting the provider. If
cough is intolerable, an ARB may be substituted.
Question 5
A client taking spironolactone (Aldactone) should be monitored for which
electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks
aldosterone. It can cause hyperkalemia, especially in clients with renal
impairment or those taking potassium supplements. The nurse should
monitor potassium levels and teach clients to avoid potassium-rich foods and
salt substitutes.
75 Comprehensive Questions with
Answers & Rationales
Current Update for the current Academic
Year
�Examination Overview
Details
Exam RN HESI Pharmacology V2
Total
75
Questions
Question
Multiple Choice, Select-All-That-Apply, Ordered Response
Types
,Details
Cardiovascular Drugs, Psychopharmacology, Anticoagulants, Endocrine
Topics Medications, Anti-infectives, Pain Management, Gastrointestinal Drugs,
Covered Respiratory Medications, Neurological Agents, Safe Medication
Administration
Section 1: Cardiovascular Drugs (Questions 1-12)
Question 1
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg IV push.
Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to check before
administering this dose?
A. Blood glucose level
B. Serum potassium level
C. Respiratory rate
D. Liver function tests
Answer: B. Serum potassium level
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant potassium
loss, increasing the risk for hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can lead to life-
threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, particularly in clients with heart failure
who may also be taking digoxin. The nurse should monitor potassium levels
before and during therapy.
,Question 2
A patient is prescribed metoprolol (Lopressor) for hypertension. Which
therapeutic effect should the nurse expect?
A. Increased heart rate
B. Decreased heart rate
C. Vasoconstriction
D. Increased cardiac output
Answer: B. Decreased heart rate
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-1 selective blocker that decreases heart rate,
myocardial contractility, and cardiac workload. This action reduces blood
pressure and myocardial oxygen demand. The nurse should monitor heart
rate and blood pressure regularly.
Question 3
A client receiving digoxin (Lanoxin) reports nausea, vomiting, and sees yellow
halos around lights. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer an antiemetic
B. Check the digoxin level
C. Hold the next dose and notify the provider
D. Document the findings as expected
Answer: C. Hold the next dose and notify the provider
Rationale: Nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances (yellow halos) are
classic signs of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should withhold the medication,
check the digoxin level, and notify the healthcare provider. Digoxin has a
narrow therapeutic range (0.5-2 ng/mL).
, Question 4
A client is started on lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) for hypertension. Which
adverse effect should the nurse include in client teaching?
A. Persistent dry cough
B. Tachycardia
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Constipation
Answer: A. Persistent dry cough
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril commonly cause a persistent dry
cough due to accumulation of bradykinin. Clients should be advised to report
this, but not to discontinue the medication without consulting the provider. If
cough is intolerable, an ARB may be substituted.
Question 5
A client taking spironolactone (Aldactone) should be monitored for which
electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks
aldosterone. It can cause hyperkalemia, especially in clients with renal
impairment or those taking potassium supplements. The nurse should
monitor potassium levels and teach clients to avoid potassium-rich foods and
salt substitutes.
