HESI Pharmacology New Complete Exam Review
2026 | High-Yield Content
1. The nurse is administering IV fluconazole to a client who has a systemic
candidiasis. After reviewing the clients diagnostic studies, the nurse identifies
a rising trend in the liver enzyme levels for aspartate aminotransferase (AST,
also called SGOT). Which action should the nurse implement?
Begin the infusion and monitor the clients BUN, serum creatinine and
liver function test
hold the dose and notify the pharmacy to stop dispensing the next
premixed dose
begin the infusion and submit a drug reaction report to the nursing
supervisor
Hold the dose and notify the healthcare provider of the changes in
the laboratory findings
2. Discuss the potential implications of a renal transplant patient using St. John's
wort without medical supervision.
St. John's wort is safe for all patients and has no known interactions.
St. John's wort can interact with immunosuppressive medications,
potentially leading to graft rejection.
St. John's wort enhances the effectiveness of immunosuppressive
medications.
St. John's wort is primarily used to treat infections in transplant
patients.
3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who has a new
prescription for Ciproflaxin a Fluroquinole. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
, Use an electric razor while on this medication.
Increase fiber intake to reduce adverse effect of constipation
Instruct client to report pain at the Achilles tendon site
Mild nosebleeds are common during initial treatment
4. What is the primary purpose of orlistat in a weight management program?
To aid in weight loss by inhibiting fat absorption.
To increase appetite and promote weight gain.
To regulate blood sugar levels.
To enhance muscle growth and strength.
5. During a home visit the rn assesses a pt w/ alzheimers dz who recently
started a new RC for rivastigmine (exleon). The caregiver reports that the
client seems to be thinking more clearly but is not sleeping well at night.
Which action should the rn take?
explain to the caregiver that insomnia is a common and temporary
SE when the med is first started
instruct the caregiver to withhold the med until the dosage can be
decreased to ensure the pt's safety
advise the caregiver that the purpose of the med is to promote sleep,
so a change in med may be needed
notify the pcp that the dosage of the med may need to be increased
to manage the pts insomnia
6. A patient complaining of nausea receives a dose of metoclopramide. Which
potential adverse effect should the nurse tell the patient to report?
Numbness in fingers and toes
, Constipation
Tremors
Double vision
7. The teaching for a patient who is taking tamsulosin to reduce urinary
obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia will include which of these?
Take the medication with breakfast to promote the maximum effects
of the drug.
Get up slowly from a sitting or lying position
Blood pressure must be monitored because the medication may
cause hypertension.
Fluids need to be restricted while on this medication.
8. If the nurse finds that the transdermal patch is intact but the client begins to
report pain later, what should the nurse's next step be?
Reassess the client's pain and consider additional interventions.
Document the findings and do nothing.
Remove the patch immediately.
Apply a new patch without reassessment.
9. If a client is observed injecting epinephrine into a vein instead of the thigh,
what should the nurse do immediately?
Call for a family member to assist the client.
Provide immediate medical assistance and monitor for adverse
effects.
Instruct the client to try again correctly.
, Document the observation and leave the client alone.
10. A nurse has educated a client on epinephrine auto-injector (epi-pen). What
statements by the client indicate additional teaching is needed?
I must carry two Epipens with me at all times
This can be injected right through my clothes
I will write the expiration date on my calendar
I don't need to go to the hospital after using it
11. Interpret the significance of a heart rate of 48 beats per minute in the context
of patient care.
A heart rate of 48 beats per minute is a sign of dehydration.
A heart rate of 48 beats per minute is normal for all patients.
A heart rate of 48 beats per minute is considered bradycardia and
may require further assessment and intervention.
A heart rate of 48 beats per minute indicates a high level of fitness.
12. A patient with schizophrenia receives a prescription for fluphenazine. Which
instruction is most important for the RN to include when providing patient
education?
Check BP daily and notify HCP if it increases
Notify HCP immediately if involuntary movements develop
Wear sunscreen when outside
Drink water frequently throughout the day
13. A patient taking Levothyroxine Sodium (Levothroid, Synthroid) should be
told to report symptoms of:
2026 | High-Yield Content
1. The nurse is administering IV fluconazole to a client who has a systemic
candidiasis. After reviewing the clients diagnostic studies, the nurse identifies
a rising trend in the liver enzyme levels for aspartate aminotransferase (AST,
also called SGOT). Which action should the nurse implement?
Begin the infusion and monitor the clients BUN, serum creatinine and
liver function test
hold the dose and notify the pharmacy to stop dispensing the next
premixed dose
begin the infusion and submit a drug reaction report to the nursing
supervisor
Hold the dose and notify the healthcare provider of the changes in
the laboratory findings
2. Discuss the potential implications of a renal transplant patient using St. John's
wort without medical supervision.
St. John's wort is safe for all patients and has no known interactions.
St. John's wort can interact with immunosuppressive medications,
potentially leading to graft rejection.
St. John's wort enhances the effectiveness of immunosuppressive
medications.
St. John's wort is primarily used to treat infections in transplant
patients.
3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who has a new
prescription for Ciproflaxin a Fluroquinole. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
, Use an electric razor while on this medication.
Increase fiber intake to reduce adverse effect of constipation
Instruct client to report pain at the Achilles tendon site
Mild nosebleeds are common during initial treatment
4. What is the primary purpose of orlistat in a weight management program?
To aid in weight loss by inhibiting fat absorption.
To increase appetite and promote weight gain.
To regulate blood sugar levels.
To enhance muscle growth and strength.
5. During a home visit the rn assesses a pt w/ alzheimers dz who recently
started a new RC for rivastigmine (exleon). The caregiver reports that the
client seems to be thinking more clearly but is not sleeping well at night.
Which action should the rn take?
explain to the caregiver that insomnia is a common and temporary
SE when the med is first started
instruct the caregiver to withhold the med until the dosage can be
decreased to ensure the pt's safety
advise the caregiver that the purpose of the med is to promote sleep,
so a change in med may be needed
notify the pcp that the dosage of the med may need to be increased
to manage the pts insomnia
6. A patient complaining of nausea receives a dose of metoclopramide. Which
potential adverse effect should the nurse tell the patient to report?
Numbness in fingers and toes
, Constipation
Tremors
Double vision
7. The teaching for a patient who is taking tamsulosin to reduce urinary
obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia will include which of these?
Take the medication with breakfast to promote the maximum effects
of the drug.
Get up slowly from a sitting or lying position
Blood pressure must be monitored because the medication may
cause hypertension.
Fluids need to be restricted while on this medication.
8. If the nurse finds that the transdermal patch is intact but the client begins to
report pain later, what should the nurse's next step be?
Reassess the client's pain and consider additional interventions.
Document the findings and do nothing.
Remove the patch immediately.
Apply a new patch without reassessment.
9. If a client is observed injecting epinephrine into a vein instead of the thigh,
what should the nurse do immediately?
Call for a family member to assist the client.
Provide immediate medical assistance and monitor for adverse
effects.
Instruct the client to try again correctly.
, Document the observation and leave the client alone.
10. A nurse has educated a client on epinephrine auto-injector (epi-pen). What
statements by the client indicate additional teaching is needed?
I must carry two Epipens with me at all times
This can be injected right through my clothes
I will write the expiration date on my calendar
I don't need to go to the hospital after using it
11. Interpret the significance of a heart rate of 48 beats per minute in the context
of patient care.
A heart rate of 48 beats per minute is a sign of dehydration.
A heart rate of 48 beats per minute is normal for all patients.
A heart rate of 48 beats per minute is considered bradycardia and
may require further assessment and intervention.
A heart rate of 48 beats per minute indicates a high level of fitness.
12. A patient with schizophrenia receives a prescription for fluphenazine. Which
instruction is most important for the RN to include when providing patient
education?
Check BP daily and notify HCP if it increases
Notify HCP immediately if involuntary movements develop
Wear sunscreen when outside
Drink water frequently throughout the day
13. A patient taking Levothyroxine Sodium (Levothroid, Synthroid) should be
told to report symptoms of:
