HESI PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE EXAM – QUESTIONS AND
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1. A patient is prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) for long-term management of atrial
fibrillation. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate the therapeutic
effectiveness of this medication?
A. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Platelet count
D. Bleeding time
The INR is the standardized laboratory test used to monitor the therapeutic efficacy of
warfarin therapy. PTT is used for heparin, not warfarin.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart failure. The apical pulse
is 58 beats per minute. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the medication as ordered.
B. Withhold the dose and notify the healthcare provider.
C. Check the blood pressure and then administer the dose.
D. Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) before administration.
Digoxin slows heart rate; clinical guidelines generally mandate withholding the drug if the
apical pulse is below 60 beats per minute in adults to prevent symptomatic bradycardia.
3. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a patient starting alendronate (Fosamax)
for osteoporosis?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of orange juice.
B. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication.
C. Take the medication immediately before bedtime.
D. Crush the tablet if you have difficulty swallowing it.
Alendronate is highly irritating to the esophagus. Remaining upright prevents esophageal
reflux and potential ulceration.
4. A patient is receiving intravenous vancomycin. The nurse notices the patient has
developed flushing of the face, neck, and upper torso. What is the appropriate action?
, A. Increase the rate of infusion.
B. Discontinue the infusion immediately and document as an allergy.
C. Slow the rate of the infusion.
D. Administer a PRN dose of acetaminophen.
This reaction is "Red Man Syndrome," often caused by a rapid infusion of vancomycin.
Slowing the infusion rate usually resolves the symptoms.
5. Which adverse effect is most important for the nurse to monitor in a client taking
lisinopril?
A. Persistent dry cough
B. Diarrhea
C. Blurred vision
D. Tinnitus
A persistent, dry, non-productive cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors like
lisinopril, caused by the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs.
6. A client is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse
be most concerned about?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of potassium. Hypokalemia is a
common and dangerous side effect.
7. A patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus is started on metformin. Which statement by the
patient indicates a need for further education?
A. "I will take this medication with my meals."
B. "I should avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication."
C. "I can skip doses if I am not feeling well."
D. "I will monitor my blood glucose levels as directed."
Metformin requires consistent daily dosing to maintain stable blood glucose levels; patients
should never skip doses without medical guidance.
8. Which medication is contraindicated for a patient taking sildenafil (Viagra)?
A. Nitroglycerin
B. Metformin
C. Lisinopril
ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS PLUS
RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE |
EXAM PREP | STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE TEST| DOWNLOAD
INSTANT PDF
1. A patient is prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) for long-term management of atrial
fibrillation. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate the therapeutic
effectiveness of this medication?
A. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Platelet count
D. Bleeding time
The INR is the standardized laboratory test used to monitor the therapeutic efficacy of
warfarin therapy. PTT is used for heparin, not warfarin.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart failure. The apical pulse
is 58 beats per minute. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the medication as ordered.
B. Withhold the dose and notify the healthcare provider.
C. Check the blood pressure and then administer the dose.
D. Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) before administration.
Digoxin slows heart rate; clinical guidelines generally mandate withholding the drug if the
apical pulse is below 60 beats per minute in adults to prevent symptomatic bradycardia.
3. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a patient starting alendronate (Fosamax)
for osteoporosis?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of orange juice.
B. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication.
C. Take the medication immediately before bedtime.
D. Crush the tablet if you have difficulty swallowing it.
Alendronate is highly irritating to the esophagus. Remaining upright prevents esophageal
reflux and potential ulceration.
4. A patient is receiving intravenous vancomycin. The nurse notices the patient has
developed flushing of the face, neck, and upper torso. What is the appropriate action?
, A. Increase the rate of infusion.
B. Discontinue the infusion immediately and document as an allergy.
C. Slow the rate of the infusion.
D. Administer a PRN dose of acetaminophen.
This reaction is "Red Man Syndrome," often caused by a rapid infusion of vancomycin.
Slowing the infusion rate usually resolves the symptoms.
5. Which adverse effect is most important for the nurse to monitor in a client taking
lisinopril?
A. Persistent dry cough
B. Diarrhea
C. Blurred vision
D. Tinnitus
A persistent, dry, non-productive cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors like
lisinopril, caused by the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs.
6. A client is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse
be most concerned about?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of potassium. Hypokalemia is a
common and dangerous side effect.
7. A patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus is started on metformin. Which statement by the
patient indicates a need for further education?
A. "I will take this medication with my meals."
B. "I should avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication."
C. "I can skip doses if I am not feeling well."
D. "I will monitor my blood glucose levels as directed."
Metformin requires consistent daily dosing to maintain stable blood glucose levels; patients
should never skip doses without medical guidance.
8. Which medication is contraindicated for a patient taking sildenafil (Viagra)?
A. Nitroglycerin
B. Metformin
C. Lisinopril
