HESI RN Pharmacology Exit Exam
2025/2026 – Updated 70 Questions
with Verified Correct Answers and
Explanations
1. A client with hyperparathyroidism has a serum calcium level of 13 mg/dL. Which
medication should the nurse prepare to administer as prescribed?
A. Calcium chloride
B. Calcium gluconate
C. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
D. Large doses of vitamin D
Correct Answer: C. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
Rationale: The normal serum calcium level is 8.6–10.0 mg/dL. Hypercalcemia
requires calcitonin, which lowers calcium by inhibiting bone resorption. Calcium
chloride and gluconate treat hypocalcemia, and vitamin D increases calcium levels,
worsening hypercalcemia.
2. A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which food should the nurse advise the patient to
avoid in large amounts?
A. Bananas
B. Apples
C. Leafy green vegetables
D. Rice
Correct Answer: C. Leafy green vegetables
Rationale: Leafy green vegetables are high in vitamin K, which can antagonize
warfarin’s anticoagulant effect, increasing clotting risk. Other options do not
significantly affect warfarin.
3. A patient is prescribed morphine for postoperative pain. What is the priority
assessment before administration?
A. Blood pressure
B. Respiratory rate
C. Temperature
D. Pulse rate
Correct Answer: B. Respiratory rate
Rationale: Morphine, an opioid, can cause respiratory depression. Assessing
respiratory rate is critical to ensure patient safety before administration.
4. A nurse is administering metoclopramide (Reglan). Which side effect requires
immediate notification of the healthcare provider?
A. Nausea
B. Tremors
, C. Diarrhea
D. Dry mouth
Correct Answer: B. Tremors
Rationale: Tremors may indicate extrapyramidal symptoms, a serious side effect of
metoclopramide, requiring immediate medical attention. Other side effects are less
urgent.
5. A patient is taking orlistat (Xenical) for weight management. What should the nurse
assess to minimize side effects?
A. Blood glucose levels
B. Dietary fat intake
C. Blood pressure
D. Heart rate
Correct Answer: B. Dietary fat intake
Rationale: Orlistat causes oily stool and flatulence if dietary fat exceeds 30%.
Assessing fat intake helps reduce these side effects.
6. Which intervention can decrease the side effects of orlistat (Xenical)?
A. Increasing fluid intake
B. Taking fiber laxatives
C. Reducing exercise
D. Increasing carbohydrate intake
Correct Answer: B. Taking fiber laxatives
Rationale: Fiber laxatives, like Metamucil, bind dietary fat, reducing
gastrointestinal side effects of orlistat.
7. A patient is prescribed a bulk-forming laxative. Why is adequate fluid intake
essential?
A. To enhance drug absorption
B. To prevent esophageal or intestinal obstruction
C. To increase drug metabolism
D. To reduce drug excretion
Correct Answer: B. To prevent esophageal or intestinal obstruction
Rationale: Bulk-forming laxatives absorb water to form soft stools, and insufficient
fluid intake can cause obstruction.
8. What should the nurse assess before administering a laxative?
A. Last bowel movement and abdominal pain
B. Blood pressure and pulse
C. Blood glucose and temperature
D. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: A. Last bowel movement and abdominal pain
Rationale: Assessing bowel movement history and abdominal pain helps identify
constipation or potential obstructions before laxative use.
9. A patient is prescribed ondansetron (Zofran). What is the primary indication for
this medication?
A. Pain relief
B. Antiemetic
C. Antihypertensive
D. Antibiotic
2025/2026 – Updated 70 Questions
with Verified Correct Answers and
Explanations
1. A client with hyperparathyroidism has a serum calcium level of 13 mg/dL. Which
medication should the nurse prepare to administer as prescribed?
A. Calcium chloride
B. Calcium gluconate
C. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
D. Large doses of vitamin D
Correct Answer: C. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
Rationale: The normal serum calcium level is 8.6–10.0 mg/dL. Hypercalcemia
requires calcitonin, which lowers calcium by inhibiting bone resorption. Calcium
chloride and gluconate treat hypocalcemia, and vitamin D increases calcium levels,
worsening hypercalcemia.
2. A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which food should the nurse advise the patient to
avoid in large amounts?
A. Bananas
B. Apples
C. Leafy green vegetables
D. Rice
Correct Answer: C. Leafy green vegetables
Rationale: Leafy green vegetables are high in vitamin K, which can antagonize
warfarin’s anticoagulant effect, increasing clotting risk. Other options do not
significantly affect warfarin.
3. A patient is prescribed morphine for postoperative pain. What is the priority
assessment before administration?
A. Blood pressure
B. Respiratory rate
C. Temperature
D. Pulse rate
Correct Answer: B. Respiratory rate
Rationale: Morphine, an opioid, can cause respiratory depression. Assessing
respiratory rate is critical to ensure patient safety before administration.
4. A nurse is administering metoclopramide (Reglan). Which side effect requires
immediate notification of the healthcare provider?
A. Nausea
B. Tremors
, C. Diarrhea
D. Dry mouth
Correct Answer: B. Tremors
Rationale: Tremors may indicate extrapyramidal symptoms, a serious side effect of
metoclopramide, requiring immediate medical attention. Other side effects are less
urgent.
5. A patient is taking orlistat (Xenical) for weight management. What should the nurse
assess to minimize side effects?
A. Blood glucose levels
B. Dietary fat intake
C. Blood pressure
D. Heart rate
Correct Answer: B. Dietary fat intake
Rationale: Orlistat causes oily stool and flatulence if dietary fat exceeds 30%.
Assessing fat intake helps reduce these side effects.
6. Which intervention can decrease the side effects of orlistat (Xenical)?
A. Increasing fluid intake
B. Taking fiber laxatives
C. Reducing exercise
D. Increasing carbohydrate intake
Correct Answer: B. Taking fiber laxatives
Rationale: Fiber laxatives, like Metamucil, bind dietary fat, reducing
gastrointestinal side effects of orlistat.
7. A patient is prescribed a bulk-forming laxative. Why is adequate fluid intake
essential?
A. To enhance drug absorption
B. To prevent esophageal or intestinal obstruction
C. To increase drug metabolism
D. To reduce drug excretion
Correct Answer: B. To prevent esophageal or intestinal obstruction
Rationale: Bulk-forming laxatives absorb water to form soft stools, and insufficient
fluid intake can cause obstruction.
8. What should the nurse assess before administering a laxative?
A. Last bowel movement and abdominal pain
B. Blood pressure and pulse
C. Blood glucose and temperature
D. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: A. Last bowel movement and abdominal pain
Rationale: Assessing bowel movement history and abdominal pain helps identify
constipation or potential obstructions before laxative use.
9. A patient is prescribed ondansetron (Zofran). What is the primary indication for
this medication?
A. Pain relief
B. Antiemetic
C. Antihypertensive
D. Antibiotic
