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HESI RN Pharmacology Most Commonly Tested Concepts & Practice 2026 – Questions & Answers with Detailed Explanations

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Master the most commonly tested pharmacology concepts for the HESI RN Exam 2026 with this detailed study guide. Includes realistic practice questions and verified answers covering drug classifications, side effects, dosage calculations, and safe medication administration. Focuses on critical thinking, prioritization, and evidence-based nursing interventions. Perfect for nursing students who want to review high-yield pharmacology topics and boost exam confidence.

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Institution
HESI RN Pharmacology
Module
HESI RN Pharmacology

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Uploaded on
November 3, 2025
Number of pages
20
Written in
2025/2026
Type
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HESI RN Pharmacology Most Commonly Tested Concepts & Practice
2026 -Questions And Answers Latest Updates With Correct Answers
100% With Complete Solutions Pass Guaranteed-Graded A+

Question:
Which assessment finding requires the nurse to hold a scheduled dose of metoprolol?
A. BP 110/70 mm Hg
B. HR 52 bpm
C. Mild headache
D. Fatigue

Correct Answer: B. HR 52 bpm
Rationale: Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol) slow heart rate. Hold if HR < 60 bpm
and notify the provider. Monitor BP and teach patients not to stop the medication abruptly to
avoid rebound tachycardia or angina.


2. Digoxin Toxicity

Question:
A client taking digoxin reports nausea and blurred vision with yellow halos. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Give antiemetic
B. Assess apical pulse and hold digoxin
C. Increase potassium intake
D. Document findings and continue medication

Correct Answer: B.
Rationale: Classic digoxin-toxicity signs include nausea, vomiting, visual changes, and
bradycardia. Check apical pulse for one full minute; hold if < 60 bpm, and obtain a digoxin and
potassium level.


3. Insulin Administration

Question:
Which insulin has the fastest onset of action?
A. NPH (Humulin N)
B. Regular (Humulin R)
C. Lispro (Humalog)
D. Glargine (Lantus)

Correct Answer: C. Lispro (Humalog)
Rationale: Lispro is rapid-acting (onset ≈ 15 min, peak ≈ 1 hr, duration 3–4 hr). Always give it
with food ready to prevent hypoglycemia. Glargine has no pronounced peak and provides basal
coverage.

,4. ACE Inhibitors

Question:
A client prescribed lisinopril develops a persistent dry cough. What should the nurse do?
Answer: Notify the provider; this is a common side effect, and the medication may need to
be switched to an ARB (e.g., losartan).
Rationale: ACE inhibitors block conversion of angiotensin I to II, leading to vasodilation. The
buildup of bradykinin causes cough. Monitor for angioedema (life-threatening).


5. Warfarin Teaching

Question:
Which statement indicates correct understanding of warfarin (Coumadin) therapy?
Answer: “I will keep my vitamin K intake consistent each day.”
Rationale: Vitamin K reverses warfarin’s effects. Sudden dietary changes can affect INR.
Therapeutic INR = 2–3 for most indications. Avoid NSAIDs and report any bleeding.


6. Opioid Safety

Question:
A post-operative patient on morphine becomes difficult to arouse, with a RR of 8/min. What
should the nurse do first?
Answer: Stop opioid administration and give naloxone (Narcan) per protocol.
Rationale: Respiratory depression is a serious opioid adverse effect. Always reassess pain and
respiration after giving naloxone because its duration is shorter than opioids.


7. Antibiotic Stewardship

Question:
Why is it important to finish the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms resolve early?
Answer: To prevent relapse and the development of resistant bacterial strains.
Rationale: Stopping early leaves surviving bacteria, promoting antibiotic resistance.


8. Anticonvulsants — Phenytoin

Question:
Which teaching point is essential for a patient taking phenytoin (Dilantin)?
Answer: Maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
Rationale: Gingival hyperplasia is a common side effect. Also monitor therapeutic levels (10–20
mcg/mL) and avoid abrupt discontinuation.


9. Loop Diuretics

Question:
What is the primary electrolyte imbalance risk with furosemide (Lasix)?

, Answer: Hypokalemia.
Rationale: Loop diuretics cause potassium and fluid loss. Teach clients to eat potassium-rich
foods (bananas, potatoes) and monitor for muscle weakness or dysrhythmias.


10. Benzodiazepines

Question:
Which instruction should the nurse give to a client taking lorazepam (Ativan)?
Answer: Avoid alcohol or other CNS depressants.
Rationale: Combining sedatives increases respiratory-depression risk. Use only short term and
taper off gradually to avoid withdrawal.



These topics (cardiac meds, insulin, antibiotics, CNS drugs, anticoagulants) are consistently
high-yield for the HESI RN Pharmacology exam.



Would you like me to create a PDF-style study sheet or flashcard set with these Q&A +
rationales for easier memorization?

You said:
100 questions
ChatGPT said:

I can’t reproduce or distribute actual HESI RN Pharmacology exam questions — those are
protected testing materials.

But I can make you a 100-question HESI-style practice set (all original), with correct answers
and rationales, covering the most frequently tested drug classes and nursing priorities:

• Cardiovascular (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, digoxin)
• Endocrine (insulin, thyroid meds, corticosteroids)
• CNS (opioids, antidepressants, antiepileptics, benzodiazepines)
• Antibiotics/Antivirals
• GI meds (PPIs, antacids, antiemetics)
• Respiratory (bronchodilators, corticosteroids)
• Anticoagulants & antiplatelets
• Pain & inflammation (NSAIDs, acetaminophen)
• Immunologic & chemo agents
• Safety, calculation, and patient teaching

Before I generate it, tell me how you’d like it formatted:

1. Multiple choice with rationale (HESI-style, 4 options each)
2. Flashcard format (Question on one side, answer + rationale on the other)
3. Printable study sheet (Q&A + rationales all in one document)

Once you pick the format, I’ll create all 100 fully explained practice questions for you.

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