HESI Pharmacology Practice Test with
Correct Answers Graded A+
The nurse reviews the new prescription, phenelzine (Nardil), a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor (MAOI), for a client with depression on the psychiatric unit. Which
information is most important for the nurse to assess?
A. Consumption of any alcohol or tyramine rich foods
B. Reports of nausea or vomiting
C. Therapeutic serum drug levels
D. Blood pressure and pulse prior to taking each dose -
Ans A
The nurse is administering haloperidol 0.5 mg IM PRN to a client for the first time.
What side effects should the nurse assess thr client during the initial dose?
A. Bradykinesia
B. Dystonia
C. Somatization
D. Akathisia -
Ans B
While reviewing the client's electronic medical record (EMR), the nurse assesses a
client who is at risk for a possible interaction with an over-the-counter (OTC)
decongestant. Which client health history should the nurse report to the health care
provider concerning the OTC medication? (Select all that apply)
A. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM)
B. Closed angle glaucome
C. Chronic hypertension
D. Rheumatoid arthritis
E. Crohn's disease -
Ans B,C
A client prescribed ipratropium reports nausea, blurred vision, headaches, and
insomnia after using the inhaler. Which action should the nurse implement first?
A. Withhold the medication and report symptoms and vital signs to the healthcare
provider
B. Give PRN medication for nausea and vomiting and evaluate client in 30 minutes
C. reassure client that the ipratropium given will alleviate the symptoms
D. Delay administration of ipratropium until the next maintenance medication is
scheduled -
Ans A
,A client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is experiencing profound weakness, blurry
vision, and shooting pains in both legs. Which medication is considered the best
course of treatment for the nurse to administer?
A. High dose methylprednisolone intravenously
B. Baclofen three times a day
C. Broad spectrum antibiotic coverage orally
D. Immunomodulatory drug therapy periodically -
Ans A
The nurse administers 30 mL of lactulose for a client with stage 2 hepatic
encephalopathy. Which assessment finding would indicate the medication is being
therapeutic?
A. A decrease in blood ammonia levels
B. A softening in the stools
C. An increase in glucose absorption
D. A suppression of gut acidification -
Ans A
The nurse is teaching a client who is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about
neutral protamine Hagedor (NPH) insulin. Which statement by the client indicates an
understanding of how the medication works?
A. It facilitates the transport of glucose into the cells
B. It stimulates the function of beta cells in the pancreas
C. It increases the intracellular receptor site sensitivity
D. It delays the carbohydrate digestion and absorption -
Ans A
The nurse should withhold which medication if a client reports nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea?
A. Colchicine (Mitigare, Colcrys)
B. Erythromycin (E-mycin)
C. Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
D. Labetolol (Normodyne) -
Ans A
A client newly prescribed esomeprazole for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
asks the nurse how the medication will help. Which is the best explanation to provide
the client?
A. It will promote rapid tissue healing
B. It will increase gastric emptying
C. It will improve esophageal peristalsis
D. It will neutralize gastric secretions -
Ans A
, A nurse is providing medication education for a client prescribed a beta-blocking
agent for treatment of glaucoma. Which statement by the client demonstrates an
understanding of the mechanism of the medication?
A. It inhibits the aqueous humor production
B. It enhances the aqueous humor outflow
C. It increases the intraocular pressure
D. It prevents extraocular infection -
Ans A
A nurse is planning a teaching session for a client newly prescribed a miotic drug for
the treatment of glaucoma. Which information should the nurse include in the
teaching session?
A. The medication enhances the aqueous humor outflow
B. The medication inhibits the aqueous humor production
C. The medication dilates the pupils
D. The medication prevents extraocular infection -
Ans A
The healthcare provider (HCP) prescribes a medication for an older adult client who
is reporting insomnia, and the HCP instructs the client to return in two weeks. The
nurse should question which prescription?
A Zolpidem (Ambien) 10 milligrams orally at bedtime
B. Eszopiclone (Lunesta) 10 milligrams orally at bedtime
C. Temazepam (Restoril) 7.5 milligrams orally at bedtime
D. Ramelteon (Rozerem) 8 milligrams orally at bedtime -
Ans B
A client is diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease and receives a prescription for
esomeprazole (Nexium) 20 mg capsule daily. When providing this client with
discharge teaching, the nurse should include which instruction?
A. Drink fluids between meals to relieve gastric distress
B. Monitor for an increase in blood pressure during therapy
C. Dissolve capsule contents in fruit juice for easier ingestion
D. Take at same time each day one hour before eating a meal -
Ans D
A client receives a new prescription for ciprofloxacin (Cipro), a synthetic quinolone.
When teaching about this drug, which information in the client history requires
special emphasis by the nurse?
A. Snacks on dairy products such as yogurt or ice cream
B. Previously had a mild allergic reaction to a cephalosporin
C. Consumes alcoholic drinks occasionally on the weekends
Correct Answers Graded A+
The nurse reviews the new prescription, phenelzine (Nardil), a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor (MAOI), for a client with depression on the psychiatric unit. Which
information is most important for the nurse to assess?
A. Consumption of any alcohol or tyramine rich foods
B. Reports of nausea or vomiting
C. Therapeutic serum drug levels
D. Blood pressure and pulse prior to taking each dose -
Ans A
The nurse is administering haloperidol 0.5 mg IM PRN to a client for the first time.
What side effects should the nurse assess thr client during the initial dose?
A. Bradykinesia
B. Dystonia
C. Somatization
D. Akathisia -
Ans B
While reviewing the client's electronic medical record (EMR), the nurse assesses a
client who is at risk for a possible interaction with an over-the-counter (OTC)
decongestant. Which client health history should the nurse report to the health care
provider concerning the OTC medication? (Select all that apply)
A. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM)
B. Closed angle glaucome
C. Chronic hypertension
D. Rheumatoid arthritis
E. Crohn's disease -
Ans B,C
A client prescribed ipratropium reports nausea, blurred vision, headaches, and
insomnia after using the inhaler. Which action should the nurse implement first?
A. Withhold the medication and report symptoms and vital signs to the healthcare
provider
B. Give PRN medication for nausea and vomiting and evaluate client in 30 minutes
C. reassure client that the ipratropium given will alleviate the symptoms
D. Delay administration of ipratropium until the next maintenance medication is
scheduled -
Ans A
,A client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is experiencing profound weakness, blurry
vision, and shooting pains in both legs. Which medication is considered the best
course of treatment for the nurse to administer?
A. High dose methylprednisolone intravenously
B. Baclofen three times a day
C. Broad spectrum antibiotic coverage orally
D. Immunomodulatory drug therapy periodically -
Ans A
The nurse administers 30 mL of lactulose for a client with stage 2 hepatic
encephalopathy. Which assessment finding would indicate the medication is being
therapeutic?
A. A decrease in blood ammonia levels
B. A softening in the stools
C. An increase in glucose absorption
D. A suppression of gut acidification -
Ans A
The nurse is teaching a client who is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about
neutral protamine Hagedor (NPH) insulin. Which statement by the client indicates an
understanding of how the medication works?
A. It facilitates the transport of glucose into the cells
B. It stimulates the function of beta cells in the pancreas
C. It increases the intracellular receptor site sensitivity
D. It delays the carbohydrate digestion and absorption -
Ans A
The nurse should withhold which medication if a client reports nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea?
A. Colchicine (Mitigare, Colcrys)
B. Erythromycin (E-mycin)
C. Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
D. Labetolol (Normodyne) -
Ans A
A client newly prescribed esomeprazole for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
asks the nurse how the medication will help. Which is the best explanation to provide
the client?
A. It will promote rapid tissue healing
B. It will increase gastric emptying
C. It will improve esophageal peristalsis
D. It will neutralize gastric secretions -
Ans A
, A nurse is providing medication education for a client prescribed a beta-blocking
agent for treatment of glaucoma. Which statement by the client demonstrates an
understanding of the mechanism of the medication?
A. It inhibits the aqueous humor production
B. It enhances the aqueous humor outflow
C. It increases the intraocular pressure
D. It prevents extraocular infection -
Ans A
A nurse is planning a teaching session for a client newly prescribed a miotic drug for
the treatment of glaucoma. Which information should the nurse include in the
teaching session?
A. The medication enhances the aqueous humor outflow
B. The medication inhibits the aqueous humor production
C. The medication dilates the pupils
D. The medication prevents extraocular infection -
Ans A
The healthcare provider (HCP) prescribes a medication for an older adult client who
is reporting insomnia, and the HCP instructs the client to return in two weeks. The
nurse should question which prescription?
A Zolpidem (Ambien) 10 milligrams orally at bedtime
B. Eszopiclone (Lunesta) 10 milligrams orally at bedtime
C. Temazepam (Restoril) 7.5 milligrams orally at bedtime
D. Ramelteon (Rozerem) 8 milligrams orally at bedtime -
Ans B
A client is diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease and receives a prescription for
esomeprazole (Nexium) 20 mg capsule daily. When providing this client with
discharge teaching, the nurse should include which instruction?
A. Drink fluids between meals to relieve gastric distress
B. Monitor for an increase in blood pressure during therapy
C. Dissolve capsule contents in fruit juice for easier ingestion
D. Take at same time each day one hour before eating a meal -
Ans D
A client receives a new prescription for ciprofloxacin (Cipro), a synthetic quinolone.
When teaching about this drug, which information in the client history requires
special emphasis by the nurse?
A. Snacks on dairy products such as yogurt or ice cream
B. Previously had a mild allergic reaction to a cephalosporin
C. Consumes alcoholic drinks occasionally on the weekends
