PHARMACOLOGY HESI EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS 2026/2027 UPDATE. JUST
RELEASED
1. A client is prescribed Digoxin 0.125 mg daily. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse
identify as an early sign of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Yellow-green halos around lights
B. Severe sinus bradycardia
C. Third-degree heart block
D. Anorexia and nausea
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Gastrointestinal symptoms like anorexia, nausea, and vomiting
are typically the earliest signs of Digoxin toxicity. Visual changes and cardiac arrhythmias
are later, more severe manifestations.
,2. A patient with bipolar disorder is taking Lithium Carbonate. Which laboratory value should
the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum Calcium
B. Serum Potassium
C. Serum Sodium
D. Serum Magnesium
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt; therefore, serum sodium levels significantly
impact lithium excretion. Hyponatremia leads to lithium retention and toxicity, while high
sodium intake increases lithium excretion.
3. A patient is receiving a continuous Heparin infusion for a pulmonary embolism. The aPTT is
110 seconds (Control: 35 seconds). Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer Vitamin K intramuscularly
B. Stop the Heparin infusion
C. Continue the infusion and recheck in 2 hours
D. Prepare to administer Protamine Sulfate
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic aPTT range is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the
control. A value of 110 is critically high (normal control is around 30-40). The first action is
to stop the infusion to prevent bleeding.
4. Which medication is contraindicated for a client with a history of severe asthma?
A. Metoprolol
B. Propranolol
C. Amlodipine
D. Lisinopril
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that affects both
Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors. Blocking Beta-2 receptors in the lungs can cause
bronchoconstriction, which is dangerous for asthma patients.
5. A client is taking Spironolactone for hypertension. Which dietary instruction is most
important for the nurse to provide?
A. Increase intake of citrus fruits
B. Drink at least 3 liters of water daily
C. Avoid foods high in Vitamin K
D. Limit intake of potassium-rich foods
Answer: D
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS 2026/2027 UPDATE. JUST
RELEASED
1. A client is prescribed Digoxin 0.125 mg daily. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse
identify as an early sign of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Yellow-green halos around lights
B. Severe sinus bradycardia
C. Third-degree heart block
D. Anorexia and nausea
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Gastrointestinal symptoms like anorexia, nausea, and vomiting
are typically the earliest signs of Digoxin toxicity. Visual changes and cardiac arrhythmias
are later, more severe manifestations.
,2. A patient with bipolar disorder is taking Lithium Carbonate. Which laboratory value should
the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum Calcium
B. Serum Potassium
C. Serum Sodium
D. Serum Magnesium
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt; therefore, serum sodium levels significantly
impact lithium excretion. Hyponatremia leads to lithium retention and toxicity, while high
sodium intake increases lithium excretion.
3. A patient is receiving a continuous Heparin infusion for a pulmonary embolism. The aPTT is
110 seconds (Control: 35 seconds). Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer Vitamin K intramuscularly
B. Stop the Heparin infusion
C. Continue the infusion and recheck in 2 hours
D. Prepare to administer Protamine Sulfate
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic aPTT range is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the
control. A value of 110 is critically high (normal control is around 30-40). The first action is
to stop the infusion to prevent bleeding.
4. Which medication is contraindicated for a client with a history of severe asthma?
A. Metoprolol
B. Propranolol
C. Amlodipine
D. Lisinopril
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that affects both
Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors. Blocking Beta-2 receptors in the lungs can cause
bronchoconstriction, which is dangerous for asthma patients.
5. A client is taking Spironolactone for hypertension. Which dietary instruction is most
important for the nurse to provide?
A. Increase intake of citrus fruits
B. Drink at least 3 liters of water daily
C. Avoid foods high in Vitamin K
D. Limit intake of potassium-rich foods
Answer: D
