Pharmacology HESI RN Exam 2026/2027 | 60+ Questions & Answers | Insulin, Cardiac Drugs, Anticoagulants, CNS, Respiratory & Antibiotics

This Pharmacology HESI RN 2026/2027 study guide contains 60+ exam-focused questions and answers, medication indications, adverse effects, therapeutic levels and nursing considerations across 11 pages. The document provides broad HESI pharmacology review covering central nervous system medications, anticonvulsants, cardiovascular drugs, anticoagulants, insulin, diuretics, respiratory medications, antibiotics, psychiatric drugs and medication antidotes. It emphasizes the information nursing students commonly need when reviewing medications: drug class, therapeutic use, important adverse reactions, monitoring requirements and patient education. The neurological and CNS pharmacology section reviews methadone, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, baclofen, benzodiazepines, methylphenidate, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, sumatriptan and Fioricet. Students also review anticonvulsants such as valproic acid, phenobarbital, levetiracetam, phenytoin, gabapentin and pregabalin. High-yield concepts include benzodiazepine withdrawal manifestations, CNS depression, neuropathic pain, seizure treatment, bedtime administration considerations and adverse effects such as sedation, dizziness, ataxia, nystagmus and gingival hyperplasia. A major section focuses on cardiovascular pharmacology and hemodynamic medications. The guide covers norepinephrine as a vasopressor for severe hypotension and shock, along with continuous blood-pressure monitoring and cardiac assessment. Other medications include amlodipine, metoprolol, atenolol, carvedilol, propranolol, lisinopril, lidocaine, amiodarone, diltiazem and procainamide. Students review calcium-channel blockers, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and antidysrhythmic medications while connecting their therapeutic effects with blood pressure, heart rate, heart failure and ventricular or atrial dysrhythmias. The document also addresses anticoagulant and lipid-lowering therapy. Warfarin content includes PT/INR monitoring, vitamin K as the antidote, bleeding precautions and dietary considerations involving leafy green vegetables as presented in the source. Simvastatin and atorvastatin are reviewed for hypercholesterolemia, including their effects on LDL, triglycerides and HDL and adverse reactions such as myopathy, rhabdomyolysis and hepatotoxicity. Liver-function monitoring and medication-administration considerations are also included. Diabetes pharmacology receives focused attention through insulin glargine (Lantus), insulin lispro (Humalog), regular insulin (Humulin R) and NPH insulin (Humulin N). The guide compares onset, peak and duration information and highlights hypoglycemia, blood-glucose monitoring and administration timing. It specifically notes that glargine should not be mixed with other insulin and presents NPH as intermediate acting. These questions are useful for reviewing the distinctions among rapid-, short-, intermediate- and long-acting insulin preparations. Another important section covers diuretics, fluid balance and endocrine-related medications. Students review furosemide and bumetanide as loop diuretics, spironolactone and triamterene as potassium-sparing diuretics, and mannitol as an osmotic diuretic. The source connects these medications with hypertension, fluid retention, heart failure, intracranial pressure and electrolyte management. Desmopressin (DDAVP) is reviewed for diabetes insipidus, with effectiveness assessed through intake and output, daily weight, edema and overall fluid balance. Respiratory and allergy pharmacology includes loratadine, cetirizine, benzonatate, codeine, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline, ipratropium and theophylline. Students review antihistamines, antitussives, expectorants, decongestants and bronchodilators, including rebound congestion with prolonged oxymetazoline use. Theophylline is presented for asthma and COPD maintenance, with a therapeutic level of 10–20 mcg/dL in the document. Anti-infective medications covered include metronidazole, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim), isoniazid, rifampin and quinolones. The source reviews metronidazole for several infections and warns against alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours afterward. Tuberculosis pharmacology includes liver-function monitoring with isoniazid and the characteristic discoloration associated with rifampin. Quinolones are linked with tendonitis and tendon rupture. The study guide further incorporates psychiatric medications and medication toxicity. Lithium is reviewed for mood stabilization, including the therapeutic serum range listed as 0.8–1.2 mmol/L and toxicity manifestations such as nausea, diarrhea, hand tremors, dizziness, twitching, seizures, slurred speech and confusion. Alprazolam is discussed as a benzodiazepine with dependence and CNS-depressant considerations, while amitriptyline is reviewed as a tricyclic antidepressant associated with sedation, dry mouth, blurred vision, hypotension and constipation. Zolpidem content includes sleep-related behaviors and safety considerations. Other high-yield medications include digoxin, prednisone, bisphosphonates, megestrol, tolterodine and magnesium sulfate. Digoxin content covers heart-rate monitoring, serum levels and toxicity manifestations such as GI symptoms, irregular pulse and visual changes. Bisphosphonate teaching includes taking the medication with water on an empty stomach and remaining upright afterward. The source identifies calcium gluconate as the antidote for magnesium sulfate. Overall, the document functions as a compact HESI RN pharmacology review centered on medication recognition, nursing assessment, safety, therapeutic monitoring and patient teaching. Relevant students: This document is particularly relevant for RN students preparing for the Pharmacology HESI, BSN students, ADN students, prelicensure nursing students, nursing pharmacology students and learners preparing for medication-focused HESI or NCLEX-style questions. It is especially useful for students reviewing cardiovascular medications, insulin, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, psychiatric drugs, respiratory medications, antibiotics, diuretics, therapeutic drug levels, adverse effects and medication safety. The uploaded source identifies Pharmacology HESI RN and 2026/2027, but it does not provide a university or college name, so adding a specific institution would not be supported by the document. 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