HESI Pharmacology Exam 2026 | Practice Questions &
Verified Answers | Comprehensive Nursing
Pharmacology Review
1. If a nurse observes tinnitus and hearing loss in a patient taking
salicylates, what should be the immediate nursing action?
Assess the patient's medication history and notify the
healthcare provider.
Document the findings and continue monitoring without
intervention.
Increase the patient's salicylate dosage to alleviate symptoms.
Administer an antihistamine to counteract the side effects.
2. A client is taking a decongestant for a cold. The nurse should be most
concerned if the client has a history of what medical condition?
Gastrointestinal reflux disease
Hypertension
Headache
Arthritis
3. If a patient on risperidone presents with tremors and muscle twitching,
what should the nurse's immediate action be?
Administer a dose of lorazepam to manage anxiety.
Increase the dosage of risperidone to alleviate symptoms.
Reassure the patient that these symptoms are normal.
Notify the healthcare provider about the symptoms.
4. The nurse correctly administers montelukast (Singulair) _______.
,twice daily in the morning and evening
, once daily in the evening
once daily in the morning
three times a day with meals
5. An asthmatic patient begins therapy with montelukast. When should the
maximum effects be experienced?
In about 12 hours
Within 24 hours
Within 30 minutes to 1 hour
Immediately
6. What is the primary therapeutic effect of lactulose in patients with
hepatic encephalopathy?
An increase in protein synthesis
A decrease in blood ammonia levels
An increase in liver enzymes
A reduction in blood glucose levels
7. What is the recommended method for discontinuing prednisone
therapy?
The remaining capsules in the medication bottle should be taken
until empty
The medication should be replaced with an alternative
immediately
The dose of the medication should be gradually reduced
The medication should be stopped immediately
8. Which medication is commonly prescribed for ventricular dysrhythmias
, following a myocardial infarction?
Adenosine
Bretylium
Diltiazem
Amiodarone
9. If a nurse identifies a client with both chronic hypertension and closed
angle glaucoma, what should be the nurse's immediate action regarding
OTC decongestant use?
Ignore the health conditions and proceed with the OTC
decongestant.
Suggest an alternative medication without consulting anyone.
Consult the healthcare provider before recommending any
OTC decongestants.
Advise the client to take the decongestant as needed.
10. The nurse working with a client who is started on Clozaril (clozapine)
will include which of the following in the teaching plan?
Do not discontinue the drug abruptly as this could precipitate
cardiovascular problems.
Plan for weekly CBCs to monitor for a drop in the white cell
count.
Expect to take the medication for a short period of time due to
the potential for dependency.
Drink six to eight glasses of water each day to avoid toxicity.
11. A client on cefadroxil reports missing a dose of her oral contraceptive.
What should the nurse advise her regarding her contraceptive method?
Verified Answers | Comprehensive Nursing
Pharmacology Review
1. If a nurse observes tinnitus and hearing loss in a patient taking
salicylates, what should be the immediate nursing action?
Assess the patient's medication history and notify the
healthcare provider.
Document the findings and continue monitoring without
intervention.
Increase the patient's salicylate dosage to alleviate symptoms.
Administer an antihistamine to counteract the side effects.
2. A client is taking a decongestant for a cold. The nurse should be most
concerned if the client has a history of what medical condition?
Gastrointestinal reflux disease
Hypertension
Headache
Arthritis
3. If a patient on risperidone presents with tremors and muscle twitching,
what should the nurse's immediate action be?
Administer a dose of lorazepam to manage anxiety.
Increase the dosage of risperidone to alleviate symptoms.
Reassure the patient that these symptoms are normal.
Notify the healthcare provider about the symptoms.
4. The nurse correctly administers montelukast (Singulair) _______.
,twice daily in the morning and evening
, once daily in the evening
once daily in the morning
three times a day with meals
5. An asthmatic patient begins therapy with montelukast. When should the
maximum effects be experienced?
In about 12 hours
Within 24 hours
Within 30 minutes to 1 hour
Immediately
6. What is the primary therapeutic effect of lactulose in patients with
hepatic encephalopathy?
An increase in protein synthesis
A decrease in blood ammonia levels
An increase in liver enzymes
A reduction in blood glucose levels
7. What is the recommended method for discontinuing prednisone
therapy?
The remaining capsules in the medication bottle should be taken
until empty
The medication should be replaced with an alternative
immediately
The dose of the medication should be gradually reduced
The medication should be stopped immediately
8. Which medication is commonly prescribed for ventricular dysrhythmias
, following a myocardial infarction?
Adenosine
Bretylium
Diltiazem
Amiodarone
9. If a nurse identifies a client with both chronic hypertension and closed
angle glaucoma, what should be the nurse's immediate action regarding
OTC decongestant use?
Ignore the health conditions and proceed with the OTC
decongestant.
Suggest an alternative medication without consulting anyone.
Consult the healthcare provider before recommending any
OTC decongestants.
Advise the client to take the decongestant as needed.
10. The nurse working with a client who is started on Clozaril (clozapine)
will include which of the following in the teaching plan?
Do not discontinue the drug abruptly as this could precipitate
cardiovascular problems.
Plan for weekly CBCs to monitor for a drop in the white cell
count.
Expect to take the medication for a short period of time due to
the potential for dependency.
Drink six to eight glasses of water each day to avoid toxicity.
11. A client on cefadroxil reports missing a dose of her oral contraceptive.
What should the nurse advise her regarding her contraceptive method?
