COURSE CODE: HESI-PHARM
EXAM DATE TIME ALLOWED
COURSE TITLE: HESI Pharmacology — 62-Question Complete Review
— / — / —— 180 Minutes
INSTRUCTOR: —
◇
HESI Pharmacology 2026/2027 — 62 Questions
Complete Examination: Drug Therapy & Nursing Implications
ALL QUESTIONS ARE COMPULSORY
A MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (124 Marks)
Choose the single best answer for each question. Write the correct letter in the space provided.
1. A client with giardiasis is taking metronidazole (Flagyl) 2 grams PO. Which information should the
nurse include in the client's instruction?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
B. Take the medication with food.
C. Take the medication with a full glass of milk.
D. Take the medication only at bedtime.
◆
✦ CORRECT ANSWER: B. Take the medication with food.
Rationale: Metronidazole can cause significant GI upset including nausea and metallic taste. Taking it with food helps minimize
gastrointestinal side effects.
, 2. A client is receiving metoprolol (Lopressor SR). What assessment is most important for the nurse to
obtain?
A. Temperature
B. Blood pressure
C. Respiratory rate
D. Pain level
◆
✦ CORRECT ANSWER: B. Blood pressure.
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that reduces heart rate and blood pressure. Blood pressure assessment evaluates
therapeutic effect and detects hypotension.
3. A client with a dysrhythmia is to receive procainamide (Pronestyl) in 4 divided doses over the next 24
hours. What dosing schedule is best for the nurse to implement?
A. q4h
B. q6h
C. q8h
D. q12h
◆
✦ CORRECT ANSWER: B. q6h.
Rationale: Four divided doses over 24 hours = q6h (24 ÷ 4 = 6). This maintains consistent therapeutic blood levels.
4. Which instruction(s) should the nurse give to a female client who just received a prescription for oral
metronidazole (Flagyl) for treatment of trichomonas vaginalis? (Select all that apply.)
A. Take medication only when symptoms are present.
B. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Ensure all sexual partners are treated at the same time.
C. Discontinue when discharge resolves.
D. Alcohol consumption is permitted in moderation.
◆
✦ CORRECT ANSWER: B. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Ensure all sexual partners are treated at the same
time.
Rationale: Metronidazole causes a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol. Simultaneous partner treatment prevents reinfection.
Condom use and increased fluids are also recommended.
, 5. An adult client is given a prescription for a scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) to prevent motion
sickness while on a cruise. Which information should the nurse provide?
A. Apply the patch immediately before boarding.
B. Apply the patch at least 4 hours prior to departure.
C. Apply the patch after symptoms begin.
D. Apply the patch to the lower extremities.
◆
✦ CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apply the patch at least 4 hours prior to departure.
Rationale: Scopolamine requires time for transdermal absorption to achieve therapeutic levels before motion begins.
6. Which client should the nurse identify as being at highest risk for complications during the use of an
opioid analgesic?
A. A young adult with a fractured femur
B. A young adult with inflammatory bowel disease
C. A middle-aged adult with hypertension
D. An older adult with osteoarthritis
◆
✦ CORRECT ANSWER: B. A young adult with inflammatory bowel disease.
Rationale: Opioids decrease GI motility, which is particularly dangerous in inflammatory bowel disease where perforation or
toxic megacolon are risks.
7. A client prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor) one month ago calls complaining of muscle pain and
weakness in his legs. Which statement reflects the correct drug-specific teaching?
A. "Muscle pain is an expected side effect that will resolve."
B. "Make an appointment to see the healthcare provider because muscle pain may indicate a serious side effect."
C. "Stop taking the medication and resume when pain subsides."
D. "Apply heat to the affected muscles."
◆
✦ CORRECT ANSWER: B. Make an appointment to see the healthcare provider because muscle pain may be an indication of a
serious side effect.
Rationale: Muscle pain and weakness may indicate rhabdomyolysis, a serious statin adverse effect that can lead to acute kidney
injury.
EXAM DATE TIME ALLOWED
COURSE TITLE: HESI Pharmacology — 62-Question Complete Review
— / — / —— 180 Minutes
INSTRUCTOR: —
◇
HESI Pharmacology 2026/2027 — 62 Questions
Complete Examination: Drug Therapy & Nursing Implications
ALL QUESTIONS ARE COMPULSORY
A MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (124 Marks)
Choose the single best answer for each question. Write the correct letter in the space provided.
1. A client with giardiasis is taking metronidazole (Flagyl) 2 grams PO. Which information should the
nurse include in the client's instruction?
A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
B. Take the medication with food.
C. Take the medication with a full glass of milk.
D. Take the medication only at bedtime.
◆
✦ CORRECT ANSWER: B. Take the medication with food.
Rationale: Metronidazole can cause significant GI upset including nausea and metallic taste. Taking it with food helps minimize
gastrointestinal side effects.
, 2. A client is receiving metoprolol (Lopressor SR). What assessment is most important for the nurse to
obtain?
A. Temperature
B. Blood pressure
C. Respiratory rate
D. Pain level
◆
✦ CORRECT ANSWER: B. Blood pressure.
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that reduces heart rate and blood pressure. Blood pressure assessment evaluates
therapeutic effect and detects hypotension.
3. A client with a dysrhythmia is to receive procainamide (Pronestyl) in 4 divided doses over the next 24
hours. What dosing schedule is best for the nurse to implement?
A. q4h
B. q6h
C. q8h
D. q12h
◆
✦ CORRECT ANSWER: B. q6h.
Rationale: Four divided doses over 24 hours = q6h (24 ÷ 4 = 6). This maintains consistent therapeutic blood levels.
4. Which instruction(s) should the nurse give to a female client who just received a prescription for oral
metronidazole (Flagyl) for treatment of trichomonas vaginalis? (Select all that apply.)
A. Take medication only when symptoms are present.
B. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Ensure all sexual partners are treated at the same time.
C. Discontinue when discharge resolves.
D. Alcohol consumption is permitted in moderation.
◆
✦ CORRECT ANSWER: B. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Ensure all sexual partners are treated at the same
time.
Rationale: Metronidazole causes a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol. Simultaneous partner treatment prevents reinfection.
Condom use and increased fluids are also recommended.
, 5. An adult client is given a prescription for a scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) to prevent motion
sickness while on a cruise. Which information should the nurse provide?
A. Apply the patch immediately before boarding.
B. Apply the patch at least 4 hours prior to departure.
C. Apply the patch after symptoms begin.
D. Apply the patch to the lower extremities.
◆
✦ CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apply the patch at least 4 hours prior to departure.
Rationale: Scopolamine requires time for transdermal absorption to achieve therapeutic levels before motion begins.
6. Which client should the nurse identify as being at highest risk for complications during the use of an
opioid analgesic?
A. A young adult with a fractured femur
B. A young adult with inflammatory bowel disease
C. A middle-aged adult with hypertension
D. An older adult with osteoarthritis
◆
✦ CORRECT ANSWER: B. A young adult with inflammatory bowel disease.
Rationale: Opioids decrease GI motility, which is particularly dangerous in inflammatory bowel disease where perforation or
toxic megacolon are risks.
7. A client prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor) one month ago calls complaining of muscle pain and
weakness in his legs. Which statement reflects the correct drug-specific teaching?
A. "Muscle pain is an expected side effect that will resolve."
B. "Make an appointment to see the healthcare provider because muscle pain may indicate a serious side effect."
C. "Stop taking the medication and resume when pain subsides."
D. "Apply heat to the affected muscles."
◆
✦ CORRECT ANSWER: B. Make an appointment to see the healthcare provider because muscle pain may be an indication of a
serious side effect.
Rationale: Muscle pain and weakness may indicate rhabdomyolysis, a serious statin adverse effect that can lead to acute kidney
injury.
