PHARMACOLOGY HESI EXAM |
COMPLETE QUESTIONS WITH EXPERT
SOLUTIONS | 2026 LATEST UPDATED |
GET A+
1. A client with chronic heart failure is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin). Which finding would i
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
ndicate to the nurse that the medication is having a therapeutic effect?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. Increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• B. Decreased dyspnea and increased urinary output.
jh jh jh jh jh jh
• C. Increased jugular venous distention and peripheral edema.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• D. Decreased cardiac output and increased fatigue.
jh jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh
Rationale: Digoxin is a positive inotrope and negative chronotrope. A therapeutic effect is seen as
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh j
improved cardiac output, leading to decreased symptoms of heart failure such as dyspnea (due to
h jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
less pulmonary congestion) and increased urinary output (due to improved renal perfusion). Opti
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
on A is incorrect because digoxin decreases heart rate. Options C and D indicate worsening heart f
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
ailure.
2. The healthcare provider prescribes 1000 mL of 0.9% Normal Saline to infuse over 8 hours
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
. The IV tubing has a drop factor of 15 gtt/mL. At what rate in gtt/min should the nurse set
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
the infusion? jh
• A. 31 gtt/min
jh jh
• B. 125 gtt/min
jh jh
• C. 21 gtt/min
jh jh
• D. 15 gtt/min
jh jh
Correct Answer: A jh jh
Rationale: Use the formula: (Total volume in mL / Total time in minutes) x Drop factor.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• Total time in minutes: 8 hours x 60 minutes = 480 minutes.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• (1000 mL / 480 min) x 15 gtt/mL = 2.083 mL/min x 15 = 31.25 gtt/min. Round down to 31 g
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
tt/min.
,3. A client is receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of heparin. Which laboratory valu
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
e is the most important for the nurse to monitor?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. Prothrombin Time (PT)
jh jh jh
• B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
jh jh jh jh
• C. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
jh jh jh jh jh
• D. Platelet count
jh jh
Correct Answer: C jh jh
Rationale: Heparin’s therapeutic effect and safety are monitored by the aPTT. The therapeutic go
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
al for a client on heparin is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal control value. PT and INR are used
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
to monitor warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. Platelet count is monitored to assess for the complicatio
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
n of Heparin-
jh jh
Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT), but the aPTT is the primary lab for monitoring the drug's antico
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
agulant effect. jh
4. A client with tuberculosis is prescribed a combination of isoniazid (INH), rifampin, and p
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
yrazinamide. The client reports that their urine and tears have turned an orange-
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
red color. What is the nurse's best response?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. "This is a sign of liver toxicity and you need to stop the medication immediately."
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• B. "This is a harmless side effect of the medication, but you should avoid wearing contact l
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
enses."
• C. "This is expected due to the isoniazid. It will resolve on its own."
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• D. "I will notify the healthcare provider to change your prescription."
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh
Rationale: Rifampin is known to cause a harmless, reddish-
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
orange discoloration of body fluids, including urine, tears, sweat, and saliva. This is a benign side e
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
ffect but can permanently stain soft contact lenses, hence the warning. It is not a sign of liver toxici
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
ty.
5. Prior to administering a scheduled dose of furosemide (Lasix), which assessment finding
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
should be the nurse's priority?
jh jh jh jh
• A. Serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
jh jh jh jh jh jh
, • B. Blood pressure of 140/88 mmHg
jh jh jh jh jh
• C. Weight gain of 1 pound since yesterday
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• D. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths/min
jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: A jh jh
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium wasting. A serum po
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
tassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is below the normal range (3.5-
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
5.0 mEq/L) and indicates hypokalemia. Administering furosemide could further deplete potassium
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
, leading to dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias. This is a priority assessment before administration.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
6. A client on an MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) is being discharged. Which over-
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
the-counter medication should the nurse instruct the client to avoid? jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
jh jh
• B. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
jh jh
• C. Ibuprofen (Advil)
jh jh
• D. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh
Rationale: MAOIs can cause a severe hypertensive crisis when taken with sympathomimetic agent
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
s, which increase blood pressure and heart rate. Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic deconge
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
stant and is therefore contraindicated.
jh jh jh jh
7. The nurse is providing education to a client prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). Which state
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
ment by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. "I will need to have my blood drawn regularly to check my levels."
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• B. "I can take ibuprofen for a headache instead of acetaminophen."
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• C. "I should use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor."
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• D. "I will watch for signs of bleeding like dark, tarry stools."
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant. Ibuprofen (an NSAID) increases the risk of gastrointestina
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
l bleeding and can interfere with platelet function, significantly increasing the risk of bleeding whe
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
n taken with warfarin. Acetaminophen is the preferred analgesic for pain/fever, though even it sho
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
uld be limited, as high doses can potentiate warfarin's effect. Options A, C, and D are correct state
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
ments about warfarin therapy. jh jh jh
, 8. A healthcare provider orders 0.25 mg of digoxin (Lanoxin) IV push. The available vial is la
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
beled 0.5 mg/2 mL. How many mL will the nurse administer?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. 1 mL
jh jh
• B. 0.5 mL
jh jh
• C. 2 mL
jh jh
• D. 4 mLjh jh
Correct Answer: A jh jh
Rationale: Use the formula: (Desired dose / Available dose) x Volume.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• (0.25 mg / 0.5 mg) x 2 mL = 0.5 x 2 mL = 1 mL.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
9. A client with asthma is prescribed a beta2-
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
adrenergic agonist (albuterol) and an inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone). Which instructio
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
n should the nurse provide regarding the sequence of administration?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. Administer the corticosteroid first to open the airways, then the beta2-agonist.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• B. Administer the beta2-agonist first, wait 5 minutes, then administer the corticosteroid.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• C. Administer both medications at the same time to maximize effect.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• D. It does not matter which medication is administered first.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh
Rationale: A beta2- jh jh
agonist (bronchodilator) should be administered first to open up the airways, allowing for better p
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
enetration and deposition of the corticosteroid. The client should wait about 5 minutes between p
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
uffs to allow the first drug to take effect before using the second inhaler.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
10. An elderly client is prescribed a new medication. Which physiological change associated
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
with aging should the nurse consider when calculating the dosage?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. Increased glomerular filtration rate
jh jh jh jh
• B. Increased hepatic blood flow
jh jh jh jh
• C. Decreased percentage of body fat
jh jh jh jh jh
• D. Decreased renal function
jh jh jh
COMPLETE QUESTIONS WITH EXPERT
SOLUTIONS | 2026 LATEST UPDATED |
GET A+
1. A client with chronic heart failure is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin). Which finding would i
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
ndicate to the nurse that the medication is having a therapeutic effect?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. Increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• B. Decreased dyspnea and increased urinary output.
jh jh jh jh jh jh
• C. Increased jugular venous distention and peripheral edema.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• D. Decreased cardiac output and increased fatigue.
jh jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh
Rationale: Digoxin is a positive inotrope and negative chronotrope. A therapeutic effect is seen as
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh j
improved cardiac output, leading to decreased symptoms of heart failure such as dyspnea (due to
h jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
less pulmonary congestion) and increased urinary output (due to improved renal perfusion). Opti
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
on A is incorrect because digoxin decreases heart rate. Options C and D indicate worsening heart f
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
ailure.
2. The healthcare provider prescribes 1000 mL of 0.9% Normal Saline to infuse over 8 hours
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
. The IV tubing has a drop factor of 15 gtt/mL. At what rate in gtt/min should the nurse set
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
the infusion? jh
• A. 31 gtt/min
jh jh
• B. 125 gtt/min
jh jh
• C. 21 gtt/min
jh jh
• D. 15 gtt/min
jh jh
Correct Answer: A jh jh
Rationale: Use the formula: (Total volume in mL / Total time in minutes) x Drop factor.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• Total time in minutes: 8 hours x 60 minutes = 480 minutes.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• (1000 mL / 480 min) x 15 gtt/mL = 2.083 mL/min x 15 = 31.25 gtt/min. Round down to 31 g
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
tt/min.
,3. A client is receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of heparin. Which laboratory valu
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
e is the most important for the nurse to monitor?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. Prothrombin Time (PT)
jh jh jh
• B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
jh jh jh jh
• C. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
jh jh jh jh jh
• D. Platelet count
jh jh
Correct Answer: C jh jh
Rationale: Heparin’s therapeutic effect and safety are monitored by the aPTT. The therapeutic go
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
al for a client on heparin is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal control value. PT and INR are used
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
to monitor warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. Platelet count is monitored to assess for the complicatio
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
n of Heparin-
jh jh
Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT), but the aPTT is the primary lab for monitoring the drug's antico
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
agulant effect. jh
4. A client with tuberculosis is prescribed a combination of isoniazid (INH), rifampin, and p
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
yrazinamide. The client reports that their urine and tears have turned an orange-
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
red color. What is the nurse's best response?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. "This is a sign of liver toxicity and you need to stop the medication immediately."
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• B. "This is a harmless side effect of the medication, but you should avoid wearing contact l
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
enses."
• C. "This is expected due to the isoniazid. It will resolve on its own."
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• D. "I will notify the healthcare provider to change your prescription."
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh
Rationale: Rifampin is known to cause a harmless, reddish-
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
orange discoloration of body fluids, including urine, tears, sweat, and saliva. This is a benign side e
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
ffect but can permanently stain soft contact lenses, hence the warning. It is not a sign of liver toxici
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
ty.
5. Prior to administering a scheduled dose of furosemide (Lasix), which assessment finding
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
should be the nurse's priority?
jh jh jh jh
• A. Serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
jh jh jh jh jh jh
, • B. Blood pressure of 140/88 mmHg
jh jh jh jh jh
• C. Weight gain of 1 pound since yesterday
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• D. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths/min
jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: A jh jh
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium wasting. A serum po
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
tassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is below the normal range (3.5-
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
5.0 mEq/L) and indicates hypokalemia. Administering furosemide could further deplete potassium
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
, leading to dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias. This is a priority assessment before administration.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
6. A client on an MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) is being discharged. Which over-
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
the-counter medication should the nurse instruct the client to avoid? jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
jh jh
• B. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
jh jh
• C. Ibuprofen (Advil)
jh jh
• D. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh
Rationale: MAOIs can cause a severe hypertensive crisis when taken with sympathomimetic agent
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
s, which increase blood pressure and heart rate. Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic deconge
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
stant and is therefore contraindicated.
jh jh jh jh
7. The nurse is providing education to a client prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). Which state
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
ment by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. "I will need to have my blood drawn regularly to check my levels."
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• B. "I can take ibuprofen for a headache instead of acetaminophen."
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• C. "I should use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor."
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• D. "I will watch for signs of bleeding like dark, tarry stools."
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant. Ibuprofen (an NSAID) increases the risk of gastrointestina
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
l bleeding and can interfere with platelet function, significantly increasing the risk of bleeding whe
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
n taken with warfarin. Acetaminophen is the preferred analgesic for pain/fever, though even it sho
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
uld be limited, as high doses can potentiate warfarin's effect. Options A, C, and D are correct state
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
ments about warfarin therapy. jh jh jh
, 8. A healthcare provider orders 0.25 mg of digoxin (Lanoxin) IV push. The available vial is la
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
beled 0.5 mg/2 mL. How many mL will the nurse administer?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. 1 mL
jh jh
• B. 0.5 mL
jh jh
• C. 2 mL
jh jh
• D. 4 mLjh jh
Correct Answer: A jh jh
Rationale: Use the formula: (Desired dose / Available dose) x Volume.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• (0.25 mg / 0.5 mg) x 2 mL = 0.5 x 2 mL = 1 mL.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
9. A client with asthma is prescribed a beta2-
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
adrenergic agonist (albuterol) and an inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone). Which instructio
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
n should the nurse provide regarding the sequence of administration?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. Administer the corticosteroid first to open the airways, then the beta2-agonist.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• B. Administer the beta2-agonist first, wait 5 minutes, then administer the corticosteroid.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• C. Administer both medications at the same time to maximize effect.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• D. It does not matter which medication is administered first.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh
Rationale: A beta2- jh jh
agonist (bronchodilator) should be administered first to open up the airways, allowing for better p
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
enetration and deposition of the corticosteroid. The client should wait about 5 minutes between p
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
uffs to allow the first drug to take effect before using the second inhaler.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
10. An elderly client is prescribed a new medication. Which physiological change associated
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
with aging should the nurse consider when calculating the dosage?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
• A. Increased glomerular filtration rate
jh jh jh jh
• B. Increased hepatic blood flow
jh jh jh jh
• C. Decreased percentage of body fat
jh jh jh jh jh
• D. Decreased renal function
jh jh jh
