,HESI RN Pharmacology V1 Exam (3 Set Exams) | Actual
Exams with Rationales
HESI RN Pharmacology V1 Exam - Set 1
HESI RN Pharmacology V1 Exam - Set 2
HESI RN Pharmacology V1 Exam - Set 3
HESI RN Pharmacology V1 Exam - Set 1
Question 1: A client taking atorvastatin develops an increased serum creatine
phosphokinase (CK) level. The nurse should assess the client for the onset of which
problem?
A. Nausea and vomiting
B. Muscle tenderness
C. Excessive bruising
D. Peripheral edema
Answer: B. Muscle tenderness
Rationale: Statins (e.g., atorvastatin) can cause myopathy, which may progress to
rhabdomyolysis in severe cases. An elevated CK level often signifies muscle injury.
Muscle tenderness, especially in large muscle groups such as the calves, back, and
shoulders, is a hallmark symptom. The nurse should assess for these symptoms to catch
complications early .
Question 2: A client with chronic lower back pain has been taking the NSAID ibuprofen
twice daily for several months. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to
complete?
A. Assess back pain using a numeric scale
B. Palpate the volume of pedal pulses
,C. Determine presence of abdominal pain
D. Evaluate ongoing sleep patterns
Answer: C. Determine presence of abdominal pain
Rationale: Chronic NSAID therapy (like ibuprofen) increases the risk of peptic ulcer
disease and GI bleeding. Abdominal pain can be an early indicator. Teaching the client
about recognizing signs such as black, tarry stools or discomfort in the epigastric region
is essential .
Question 3: A client is receiving orlistat as part of a weight management program.
Which ongoing assessment should be included in the plan of care to determine the
effectiveness of the medication?
A. Body mass index
B. Depression screening
C. Daily calorie count
D. Serum protein levels
Answer: A. Body mass index (BMI)
Rationale: Orlistat reduces fat absorption, aiding in weight loss. Monitoring weight or
calculating BMI is the most direct and objective measure of therapeutic effectiveness.
BMI offers a standardized, serial measure to gauge weight loss and drug efficacy over
time .
Question 4: Which action should the nurse implement to assess the effectiveness of the
calcium channel blocker amlodipine?
A. Note the client's serum calcium levels
B. Monitor the client's serum electrolytes
C. Review the client's intake and output
D. Measure the client's blood pressure
Answer: D. Measure the client's blood pressure
, Rationale: Amlodipine is primarily prescribed for hypertension. Its direct effect is to
lower blood pressure via vasodilation. Checking BP is the best way to measure its clinical
effectiveness .
Question 5: A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine sodium. The nurse
should instruct the client to report which symptom that suggests overdose?
A. Intolerance to cold
B. Constipation
C. Restlessness
D. Decreased appetite
Answer: C. Restlessness
Rationale: Excess levothyroxine manifests as hyperthyroid-like symptoms, e.g.,
restlessness, palpitations, tremors, insomnia. Persistent overdose can strain the
cardiovascular system. Prompt reporting prevents cardiac complications .
Question 6: The nurse administers risedronate at 0700 to a client with osteoporosis. The
client requests milk to drink with the medication. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Instruct the client that only water is permitted with the medication
B. Assign a UAP to bring a glass of low-fat milk
C. Withhold the medication until the client's breakfast arrives
D. Consult with the pharmacist about scheduling the dose one hour after the client eats
Answer: A. Instruct the client that only water is permitted with the medication
Rationale: Risedronate and other bisphosphonates must be taken with plain water on
an empty stomach. Food or other beverages, including milk, interfere with absorption
and increase the risk of esophageal irritation. The client should remain upright for at
least 30 minutes after taking the drug .
Question 7: A client is receiving tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?
Exams with Rationales
HESI RN Pharmacology V1 Exam - Set 1
HESI RN Pharmacology V1 Exam - Set 2
HESI RN Pharmacology V1 Exam - Set 3
HESI RN Pharmacology V1 Exam - Set 1
Question 1: A client taking atorvastatin develops an increased serum creatine
phosphokinase (CK) level. The nurse should assess the client for the onset of which
problem?
A. Nausea and vomiting
B. Muscle tenderness
C. Excessive bruising
D. Peripheral edema
Answer: B. Muscle tenderness
Rationale: Statins (e.g., atorvastatin) can cause myopathy, which may progress to
rhabdomyolysis in severe cases. An elevated CK level often signifies muscle injury.
Muscle tenderness, especially in large muscle groups such as the calves, back, and
shoulders, is a hallmark symptom. The nurse should assess for these symptoms to catch
complications early .
Question 2: A client with chronic lower back pain has been taking the NSAID ibuprofen
twice daily for several months. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to
complete?
A. Assess back pain using a numeric scale
B. Palpate the volume of pedal pulses
,C. Determine presence of abdominal pain
D. Evaluate ongoing sleep patterns
Answer: C. Determine presence of abdominal pain
Rationale: Chronic NSAID therapy (like ibuprofen) increases the risk of peptic ulcer
disease and GI bleeding. Abdominal pain can be an early indicator. Teaching the client
about recognizing signs such as black, tarry stools or discomfort in the epigastric region
is essential .
Question 3: A client is receiving orlistat as part of a weight management program.
Which ongoing assessment should be included in the plan of care to determine the
effectiveness of the medication?
A. Body mass index
B. Depression screening
C. Daily calorie count
D. Serum protein levels
Answer: A. Body mass index (BMI)
Rationale: Orlistat reduces fat absorption, aiding in weight loss. Monitoring weight or
calculating BMI is the most direct and objective measure of therapeutic effectiveness.
BMI offers a standardized, serial measure to gauge weight loss and drug efficacy over
time .
Question 4: Which action should the nurse implement to assess the effectiveness of the
calcium channel blocker amlodipine?
A. Note the client's serum calcium levels
B. Monitor the client's serum electrolytes
C. Review the client's intake and output
D. Measure the client's blood pressure
Answer: D. Measure the client's blood pressure
, Rationale: Amlodipine is primarily prescribed for hypertension. Its direct effect is to
lower blood pressure via vasodilation. Checking BP is the best way to measure its clinical
effectiveness .
Question 5: A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine sodium. The nurse
should instruct the client to report which symptom that suggests overdose?
A. Intolerance to cold
B. Constipation
C. Restlessness
D. Decreased appetite
Answer: C. Restlessness
Rationale: Excess levothyroxine manifests as hyperthyroid-like symptoms, e.g.,
restlessness, palpitations, tremors, insomnia. Persistent overdose can strain the
cardiovascular system. Prompt reporting prevents cardiac complications .
Question 6: The nurse administers risedronate at 0700 to a client with osteoporosis. The
client requests milk to drink with the medication. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Instruct the client that only water is permitted with the medication
B. Assign a UAP to bring a glass of low-fat milk
C. Withhold the medication until the client's breakfast arrives
D. Consult with the pharmacist about scheduling the dose one hour after the client eats
Answer: A. Instruct the client that only water is permitted with the medication
Rationale: Risedronate and other bisphosphonates must be taken with plain water on
an empty stomach. Food or other beverages, including milk, interfere with absorption
and increase the risk of esophageal irritation. The client should remain upright for at
least 30 minutes after taking the drug .
Question 7: A client is receiving tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?
