1|Page
HESI Pharmacology Practice Questions 1–250 (NEW UPDATED VERSION) LATEST
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS) | GUARANTEED PASS A+ [2026-2027]
1. Which electrolyte should be monitored closely in a patient taking furosemide (Lasix)?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium loss, leading to
hypokalemia and risk of arrhythmias.
2. A patient is prescribed digoxin. Which finding indicates toxicity?
A. Heart rate 70 bpm
B. Visual halos, nausea, and vomiting
C. Mild headache
D. Constipation
Answer: B
Rationale: Digoxin toxicity can present with GI symptoms, visual disturbances, and
arrhythmias.
3. Which medication is first-line for acute asthma attacks?
A. Albuterol
B. Montelukast
C. Salmeterol
D. Fluticasone
Answer: A
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist that provides rapid bronchodilation during
acute exacerbations.
2026 2027 GRADED A+
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4. A patient on warfarin should avoid which food?
A. Leafy green vegetables
B. Bananas
C. Citrus fruits
D. Apples
Answer: A
Rationale: Leafy greens are high in vitamin K, which can counteract warfarin’s anticoagulant
effect.
5. Which lab test is used to monitor heparin therapy?
A. INR
B. aPTT
C. PT
D. Platelet count
Answer: B
Rationale: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is used to monitor therapeutic heparin
levels.
6. A patient taking insulin reports sweating, dizziness, and confusion. Nursing action:
A. Check blood glucose and administer 15–20 g of fast-acting carbohydrate
B. Give insulin
C. Encourage exercise
D. Withhold fluids
Answer: A
Rationale: These are signs of hypoglycemia; rapid carbohydrate administration prevents severe
complications.
7. Which class of drugs is used to treat hypertension by blocking angiotensin II?
A. ACE inhibitors
B. Beta-blockers
C. ARBs
D. Calcium channel blockers
Answer: C
Rationale: ARBs block angiotensin II receptors, reducing vasoconstriction and blood pressure.
2026 2027 GRADED A+
,3|Page
8. Which adverse effect is common with ACE inhibitors?
A. Persistent dry cough
B. Bradycardia
C. Constipation
D. Visual disturbances
Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors often cause a persistent dry cough due to bradykinin accumulation.
9. A patient receiving vancomycin should be monitored for:
A. Red man syndrome and nephrotoxicity
B. Hypotension only
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Constipation
Answer: A
Rationale: Rapid infusion can cause Red Man Syndrome, and vancomycin is nephrotoxic.
10. Which antibiotic is contraindicated in pregnancy?
A. Penicillin
B. Tetracycline
C. Cephalosporin
D. Macrolide
Answer: B
Rationale: Tetracyclines can cause permanent tooth discoloration and affect fetal bone growth.
11. Which lab should be monitored in a patient taking statins?
A. Liver enzymes
B. Blood glucose
C. Serum potassium
D. WBC
Answer: A
Rationale: Statins can cause hepatotoxicity; liver function tests are monitored regularly.
2026 2027 GRADED A+
, 4|Page
12. A patient is prescribed metformin. Which side effect is most common?
A. GI upset (nausea, diarrhea)
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Weight gain
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin commonly causes GI symptoms, especially at the start of therapy.
13. Which insulin has the fastest onset?
A. Lispro (Humalog)
B. Regular
C. NPH
D. Glargine
Answer: A
Rationale: Rapid-acting insulin (Lispro) works within 15 minutes, ideal for postprandial glucose
control.
14. Patient taking prednisone reports moon face and buffalo hump. Nursing implication:
A. These are signs of Cushingoid side effects from long-term steroid use
B. Normal expected effects
C. Indicates steroid deficiency
D. Indicates liver failure
Answer: A
Rationale: Long-term corticosteroid therapy can cause redistribution of fat, resulting in
Cushingoid appearance.
15. Which is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose?
A. Naloxone
B. N-acetylcysteine
C. Vitamin K
D. Atropine
Answer: B
Rationale: N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione and prevents liver damage.
2026 2027 GRADED A+
HESI Pharmacology Practice Questions 1–250 (NEW UPDATED VERSION) LATEST
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS) | GUARANTEED PASS A+ [2026-2027]
1. Which electrolyte should be monitored closely in a patient taking furosemide (Lasix)?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium loss, leading to
hypokalemia and risk of arrhythmias.
2. A patient is prescribed digoxin. Which finding indicates toxicity?
A. Heart rate 70 bpm
B. Visual halos, nausea, and vomiting
C. Mild headache
D. Constipation
Answer: B
Rationale: Digoxin toxicity can present with GI symptoms, visual disturbances, and
arrhythmias.
3. Which medication is first-line for acute asthma attacks?
A. Albuterol
B. Montelukast
C. Salmeterol
D. Fluticasone
Answer: A
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist that provides rapid bronchodilation during
acute exacerbations.
2026 2027 GRADED A+
,2|Page
4. A patient on warfarin should avoid which food?
A. Leafy green vegetables
B. Bananas
C. Citrus fruits
D. Apples
Answer: A
Rationale: Leafy greens are high in vitamin K, which can counteract warfarin’s anticoagulant
effect.
5. Which lab test is used to monitor heparin therapy?
A. INR
B. aPTT
C. PT
D. Platelet count
Answer: B
Rationale: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is used to monitor therapeutic heparin
levels.
6. A patient taking insulin reports sweating, dizziness, and confusion. Nursing action:
A. Check blood glucose and administer 15–20 g of fast-acting carbohydrate
B. Give insulin
C. Encourage exercise
D. Withhold fluids
Answer: A
Rationale: These are signs of hypoglycemia; rapid carbohydrate administration prevents severe
complications.
7. Which class of drugs is used to treat hypertension by blocking angiotensin II?
A. ACE inhibitors
B. Beta-blockers
C. ARBs
D. Calcium channel blockers
Answer: C
Rationale: ARBs block angiotensin II receptors, reducing vasoconstriction and blood pressure.
2026 2027 GRADED A+
,3|Page
8. Which adverse effect is common with ACE inhibitors?
A. Persistent dry cough
B. Bradycardia
C. Constipation
D. Visual disturbances
Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors often cause a persistent dry cough due to bradykinin accumulation.
9. A patient receiving vancomycin should be monitored for:
A. Red man syndrome and nephrotoxicity
B. Hypotension only
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Constipation
Answer: A
Rationale: Rapid infusion can cause Red Man Syndrome, and vancomycin is nephrotoxic.
10. Which antibiotic is contraindicated in pregnancy?
A. Penicillin
B. Tetracycline
C. Cephalosporin
D. Macrolide
Answer: B
Rationale: Tetracyclines can cause permanent tooth discoloration and affect fetal bone growth.
11. Which lab should be monitored in a patient taking statins?
A. Liver enzymes
B. Blood glucose
C. Serum potassium
D. WBC
Answer: A
Rationale: Statins can cause hepatotoxicity; liver function tests are monitored regularly.
2026 2027 GRADED A+
, 4|Page
12. A patient is prescribed metformin. Which side effect is most common?
A. GI upset (nausea, diarrhea)
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Weight gain
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin commonly causes GI symptoms, especially at the start of therapy.
13. Which insulin has the fastest onset?
A. Lispro (Humalog)
B. Regular
C. NPH
D. Glargine
Answer: A
Rationale: Rapid-acting insulin (Lispro) works within 15 minutes, ideal for postprandial glucose
control.
14. Patient taking prednisone reports moon face and buffalo hump. Nursing implication:
A. These are signs of Cushingoid side effects from long-term steroid use
B. Normal expected effects
C. Indicates steroid deficiency
D. Indicates liver failure
Answer: A
Rationale: Long-term corticosteroid therapy can cause redistribution of fat, resulting in
Cushingoid appearance.
15. Which is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose?
A. Naloxone
B. N-acetylcysteine
C. Vitamin K
D. Atropine
Answer: B
Rationale: N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione and prevents liver damage.
2026 2027 GRADED A+
