RN HESI Pharmacology V1 (2026) | Nursing Pharmacology
HESI Exam | 2025–2026 Actual Questions and Answers
Compilation
THIS EXAM INCLUDES:
• This document provides a structured collection of RN HESI Pharmacology
V1 (2026) actual exam questions and verified answers. It focuses on key
pharmacology concepts such as drug mechanisms, safe medication
administration, adverse effects, and nursing responsibilities.
• The content is tailored to support exam preparation, combining core
theory with application-based questions that reflect real HESI testing
standards. It is useful for reinforcing critical thinking and improving
performance in pharmacology assessments.
,RN HESI PHARMACOLOGY V1 EXAM
Instructions: Each question has four answer choices (A, B, C, D). The correct answer is shown
in bold below each question.
1. A client taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) develops an increased serum creatine phosphokinase
(CK) level. The nurse should assess the client for the onset of which problem?
• A) Muscle tenderness
• B) Nausea and vomiting
• C) Excessive bruising
• D) Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: A
2. The nurse administers promethazine (Phenergan) to the patient before sending the patient
to the preoperative holding area. What is the rationale for administration of this drug?
• A) Sedation
• B) Decrease oral secretions
• C) Treat hypotension and bradycardia
• D) Prevent confusion
Correct Answer: A
3. A client with heart failure is prescribed spironolactone (Aldactone). Which information is
most important for the nurse to provide to the client about diet modifications?
• A) Do not add salt to foods during preparation
• B) Refrain from eating foods high in potassium
• C) Restrict fluid intake to 1000 mL per day
• D) Increase intake of milk and milk products
Correct Answer: B
4. A client has been taking isoniazid (INH) for 2 months. The client complains of numbness,
paresthesias, and tingling in the extremities. The nurse interprets that the client is experiencing:
, • A) Hypercalcemia
• B) Peripheral neuritis
• C) Small blood vessel spasm
• D) Impaired peripheral circulation
Correct Answer: B
5. A healthcare provider prescribes cephalexin monohydrate (Keflex) for a client with a
postoperative infection. It is most important for the nurse to assess for what additional drug
allergy?
• A) Penicillins
• B) Aminoglycosides
• C) Erythromycins
• D) Sulfonamides
Correct Answer: A
6. A client receiving haloperidol (Haldol) develops a temperature of 104°F, muscle rigidity, and
confusion. What is the nurse's priority action?
• A) Administer acetaminophen
• B) Place a cooling blanket
• C) Notify the healthcare provider immediately
• D) Increase oral fluids
Correct Answer: C
7. A client is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. Which adverse effect should the nurse
monitor for?
• A) Hypertension
• B) Lactic acidosis
• C) Hyperkalemia
, • D) Bradycardia
Correct Answer: B
8. A client with tuberculosis is prescribed rifampin (Rifadin). Which client teaching is most
important?
• A) "Take this medication with antacids to prevent upset stomach."
• B) "Your urine, sweat, and tears may turn orange-red."
• C) "You will see results within 24 hours."
• D) "This medication is safe to take during pregnancy."
Correct Answer: B
9. Which nursing intervention is most important when caring for a client receiving the
antimetabolite cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) for chemotherapy?
• A) Hydrate the client with IV fluids before and after infusion
• B) Assess the client for numbness and tingling of extremities
• C) Inspect the client's oral mucosa for ulcerations
• D) Monitor the client's urine pH for increased acidity
Correct Answer: C
10. A client is prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). Which symptom requires immediate reporting?
• A) Mild headache
• B) Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• C) Slight fatigue
• D) Dizziness
Correct Answer: B
11. The nurse is caring for a client treated with flumazenil (Anexate) for benzodiazepine
toxicity. After administering flumazenil, what will the nurse carefully assess for?
HESI Exam | 2025–2026 Actual Questions and Answers
Compilation
THIS EXAM INCLUDES:
• This document provides a structured collection of RN HESI Pharmacology
V1 (2026) actual exam questions and verified answers. It focuses on key
pharmacology concepts such as drug mechanisms, safe medication
administration, adverse effects, and nursing responsibilities.
• The content is tailored to support exam preparation, combining core
theory with application-based questions that reflect real HESI testing
standards. It is useful for reinforcing critical thinking and improving
performance in pharmacology assessments.
,RN HESI PHARMACOLOGY V1 EXAM
Instructions: Each question has four answer choices (A, B, C, D). The correct answer is shown
in bold below each question.
1. A client taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) develops an increased serum creatine phosphokinase
(CK) level. The nurse should assess the client for the onset of which problem?
• A) Muscle tenderness
• B) Nausea and vomiting
• C) Excessive bruising
• D) Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: A
2. The nurse administers promethazine (Phenergan) to the patient before sending the patient
to the preoperative holding area. What is the rationale for administration of this drug?
• A) Sedation
• B) Decrease oral secretions
• C) Treat hypotension and bradycardia
• D) Prevent confusion
Correct Answer: A
3. A client with heart failure is prescribed spironolactone (Aldactone). Which information is
most important for the nurse to provide to the client about diet modifications?
• A) Do not add salt to foods during preparation
• B) Refrain from eating foods high in potassium
• C) Restrict fluid intake to 1000 mL per day
• D) Increase intake of milk and milk products
Correct Answer: B
4. A client has been taking isoniazid (INH) for 2 months. The client complains of numbness,
paresthesias, and tingling in the extremities. The nurse interprets that the client is experiencing:
, • A) Hypercalcemia
• B) Peripheral neuritis
• C) Small blood vessel spasm
• D) Impaired peripheral circulation
Correct Answer: B
5. A healthcare provider prescribes cephalexin monohydrate (Keflex) for a client with a
postoperative infection. It is most important for the nurse to assess for what additional drug
allergy?
• A) Penicillins
• B) Aminoglycosides
• C) Erythromycins
• D) Sulfonamides
Correct Answer: A
6. A client receiving haloperidol (Haldol) develops a temperature of 104°F, muscle rigidity, and
confusion. What is the nurse's priority action?
• A) Administer acetaminophen
• B) Place a cooling blanket
• C) Notify the healthcare provider immediately
• D) Increase oral fluids
Correct Answer: C
7. A client is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. Which adverse effect should the nurse
monitor for?
• A) Hypertension
• B) Lactic acidosis
• C) Hyperkalemia
, • D) Bradycardia
Correct Answer: B
8. A client with tuberculosis is prescribed rifampin (Rifadin). Which client teaching is most
important?
• A) "Take this medication with antacids to prevent upset stomach."
• B) "Your urine, sweat, and tears may turn orange-red."
• C) "You will see results within 24 hours."
• D) "This medication is safe to take during pregnancy."
Correct Answer: B
9. Which nursing intervention is most important when caring for a client receiving the
antimetabolite cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) for chemotherapy?
• A) Hydrate the client with IV fluids before and after infusion
• B) Assess the client for numbness and tingling of extremities
• C) Inspect the client's oral mucosa for ulcerations
• D) Monitor the client's urine pH for increased acidity
Correct Answer: C
10. A client is prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). Which symptom requires immediate reporting?
• A) Mild headache
• B) Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• C) Slight fatigue
• D) Dizziness
Correct Answer: B
11. The nurse is caring for a client treated with flumazenil (Anexate) for benzodiazepine
toxicity. After administering flumazenil, what will the nurse carefully assess for?
