NUR100 HESI PHARMACOLOGY EXAM
VERSION 1 | Questions And Answers Plus
Rationales | Instant Pdf Download 2026
Questions 1–25: Drug Classifications & Mechanisms of
Action
1. A client with heart failure is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin).
Which finding indicates digoxin toxicity?
a) Heart rate 72 bpm
b) Anorexia, nausea, and blurred vision
c) Blood pressure 120/80 mmHg
d) Serum digoxin level 1.0 ng/mL
Answer: b) Anorexia, nausea, and blurred vision
*Rationale: Early signs of digoxin toxicity include GI symptoms
(anorexia, nausea, vomiting) and visual disturbances (yellow-
green halos, blurred vision). Therapeutic digoxin level is 0.5–2.0
ng/mL.*
,2. A client is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Which
electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor most
closely?
a) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypokalemia
c) Hypernatremia
d) Hypocalcemia
Answer: b) Hypokalemia
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium
wasting; hypokalemia increases risk of digoxin toxicity and
cardiac arrhythmias.
3. A client with asthma is prescribed albuterol (Proventil).
Which statement indicates the client understands proper
use?
a) "I will use this inhaler daily to prevent asthma attacks."
b) "I will use this inhaler when I have wheezing or shortness of
breath."
c) "This medication will reduce inflammation in my airways."
d) "I should wait 5 seconds between puffs."
Answer: b) "I will use this inhaler when I have wheezing or
shortness of breath."
,Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (rescue
inhaler) for acute symptoms; it does not prevent attacks or
reduce inflammation (that is the role of corticosteroids).
4. A client with type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin
(Glucophage). Which instruction is most important?
a) "Take this medication on an empty stomach."
b) "Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia, especially after meals."
c) "Report any unusual muscle pain or weakness, especially with
malaise."
d) "This medication may cause weight gain."
Answer: c) "Report any unusual muscle pain or weakness,
especially with malaise."
Rationale: Metformin can cause lactic acidosis (rare but serious);
symptoms include muscle pain, weakness, malaise, and difficulty
breathing.
5. A client is prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). Which
laboratory test is used to monitor its therapeutic effect?
a) aPTT
b) INR
c) Platelet count
d) Bleeding time
, Answer: b) INR
Rationale: Warfarin is monitored by INR (target 2.0–3.0 for most
indications). aPTT monitors heparin.
6. A client is prescribed enoxaparin (Lovenox). Which
statement is correct regarding this medication?
a) Routine aPTT monitoring is required.
b) The medication is given orally.
c) It prevents clot formation by inhibiting factor Xa.
d) It should be massaged into the injection site.
Answer: c) It prevents clot formation by inhibiting factor Xa.
Rationale: Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
given subcutaneously; it does not require routine aPTT
monitoring and should not be massaged after injection.
7. A client is prescribed lisinopril (Zestril). Which adverse
effect requires immediate intervention?
a) Dry cough
b) Angioedema (swelling of lips/tongue)
c) Dizziness
d) Headache
VERSION 1 | Questions And Answers Plus
Rationales | Instant Pdf Download 2026
Questions 1–25: Drug Classifications & Mechanisms of
Action
1. A client with heart failure is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin).
Which finding indicates digoxin toxicity?
a) Heart rate 72 bpm
b) Anorexia, nausea, and blurred vision
c) Blood pressure 120/80 mmHg
d) Serum digoxin level 1.0 ng/mL
Answer: b) Anorexia, nausea, and blurred vision
*Rationale: Early signs of digoxin toxicity include GI symptoms
(anorexia, nausea, vomiting) and visual disturbances (yellow-
green halos, blurred vision). Therapeutic digoxin level is 0.5–2.0
ng/mL.*
,2. A client is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Which
electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor most
closely?
a) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypokalemia
c) Hypernatremia
d) Hypocalcemia
Answer: b) Hypokalemia
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium
wasting; hypokalemia increases risk of digoxin toxicity and
cardiac arrhythmias.
3. A client with asthma is prescribed albuterol (Proventil).
Which statement indicates the client understands proper
use?
a) "I will use this inhaler daily to prevent asthma attacks."
b) "I will use this inhaler when I have wheezing or shortness of
breath."
c) "This medication will reduce inflammation in my airways."
d) "I should wait 5 seconds between puffs."
Answer: b) "I will use this inhaler when I have wheezing or
shortness of breath."
,Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (rescue
inhaler) for acute symptoms; it does not prevent attacks or
reduce inflammation (that is the role of corticosteroids).
4. A client with type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin
(Glucophage). Which instruction is most important?
a) "Take this medication on an empty stomach."
b) "Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia, especially after meals."
c) "Report any unusual muscle pain or weakness, especially with
malaise."
d) "This medication may cause weight gain."
Answer: c) "Report any unusual muscle pain or weakness,
especially with malaise."
Rationale: Metformin can cause lactic acidosis (rare but serious);
symptoms include muscle pain, weakness, malaise, and difficulty
breathing.
5. A client is prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). Which
laboratory test is used to monitor its therapeutic effect?
a) aPTT
b) INR
c) Platelet count
d) Bleeding time
, Answer: b) INR
Rationale: Warfarin is monitored by INR (target 2.0–3.0 for most
indications). aPTT monitors heparin.
6. A client is prescribed enoxaparin (Lovenox). Which
statement is correct regarding this medication?
a) Routine aPTT monitoring is required.
b) The medication is given orally.
c) It prevents clot formation by inhibiting factor Xa.
d) It should be massaged into the injection site.
Answer: c) It prevents clot formation by inhibiting factor Xa.
Rationale: Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
given subcutaneously; it does not require routine aPTT
monitoring and should not be massaged after injection.
7. A client is prescribed lisinopril (Zestril). Which adverse
effect requires immediate intervention?
a) Dry cough
b) Angioedema (swelling of lips/tongue)
c) Dizziness
d) Headache
