HESI PN PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 2026
COMPLETE TEST BANK QUESTIONS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES (A+ GUIDE)
This premium study bank features highly relevant, multiple-choice
pharmacology questions designed precisely to mirror the Evolve
HESI PN curriculum. Each question is paired with a clear,
italicized answer and an authoritative, bolded clinical rationale to
maximize student understanding and retention. It serves as an
exceptional high-yield study aid guaranteed to help practical
nursing students confidently pass their board exams with an A+
grade.
Question 1
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is preparing to
administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure.
Which action is the priority before administering the
medication?
A) Assess the patient's blood pressure.
B) Check the patient's respiratory rate.
C) Measure the apical pulse for 1 full minute.
D) Check the patient's axillary temperature.
Answer: C) Measure the apical pulse for 1 full
minute.
Rationale: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that
decreases heart rate. The LPN must assess the
apical pulse for 1 full minute before
administration. The medication must be held,
,and the healthcare provider notified, if the heart
rate is less than 60 beats per minute in an adult,
as this indicates potential digoxin toxicity.
Question 2
A patient is prescribed furosemide for the treatment
of peripheral edema. Which laboratory value should
the nurse monitor most closely?
A) Serum sodium
B) Serum potassium
C) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
D) White blood cell count
Answer: B) Serum potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic
that causes the excretion of sodium, water, and
potassium. Hypokalemia (low potassium) is a
major adverse effect that can lead to life-
threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
Question 3
A patient with a history of deep vein thrombosis is
receiving a continuous intravenous heparin infusion.
Which laboratory test is used to monitor the
therapeutic effectiveness of heparin?
A) Prothrombin time (PT)
B) International Normalized Ratio (INR)
,C) Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
D) Platelet count
Answer: C) Activated partial thromboplastin time
(aPTT)
Rationale: The aPTT test is specifically used to
monitor the therapeutic effectiveness and safety
of heparin therapy. PT and INR are utilized to
monitor oral warfarin therapy.
Question 4
The nurse is reinforcing discharge instructions for a
patient newly prescribed warfarin. Which dietary
instruction is most critical?
A) Avoid all foods containing sodium.
B) Maintain a consistent intake of green, leafy
vegetables.
C) Drink at least 3 liters of fluid daily.
D) Increase consumption of citrus fruits.
Answer: B) Maintain a consistent intake of green,
leafy vegetables.
Rationale: Green, leafy vegetables are rich in
Vitamin K, which is the antidote for warfarin.
Drastic changes in Vitamin K intake can alter the
therapeutic effect of warfarin, increasing the risk
, of either bleeding or blood clots. Consistency is
key.
Question 5
A patient is diagnosed with an acute asthma attack.
Which medication should the nurse anticipate
administering first for immediate relief?
A) Fluticasone
B) Albuterol
C) Salmeterol
D) Montelukast
Answer: B) Albuterol
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-
agonist (SABA) that acts rapidly as a rescue
bronchodilator. Fluticasone is a maintenance
corticosteroid, salmeterol is a long-acting
bronchodilator, and montelukast is a leukotriene
modifier; none of these provide immediate relief.
Question 6
An older adult patient is prescribed an
anticholinergic medication. The nurse should
monitor the patient for which common side effect?
A) Diarrhea
B) Urinary retention
COMPLETE TEST BANK QUESTIONS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES (A+ GUIDE)
This premium study bank features highly relevant, multiple-choice
pharmacology questions designed precisely to mirror the Evolve
HESI PN curriculum. Each question is paired with a clear,
italicized answer and an authoritative, bolded clinical rationale to
maximize student understanding and retention. It serves as an
exceptional high-yield study aid guaranteed to help practical
nursing students confidently pass their board exams with an A+
grade.
Question 1
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is preparing to
administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure.
Which action is the priority before administering the
medication?
A) Assess the patient's blood pressure.
B) Check the patient's respiratory rate.
C) Measure the apical pulse for 1 full minute.
D) Check the patient's axillary temperature.
Answer: C) Measure the apical pulse for 1 full
minute.
Rationale: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that
decreases heart rate. The LPN must assess the
apical pulse for 1 full minute before
administration. The medication must be held,
,and the healthcare provider notified, if the heart
rate is less than 60 beats per minute in an adult,
as this indicates potential digoxin toxicity.
Question 2
A patient is prescribed furosemide for the treatment
of peripheral edema. Which laboratory value should
the nurse monitor most closely?
A) Serum sodium
B) Serum potassium
C) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
D) White blood cell count
Answer: B) Serum potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic
that causes the excretion of sodium, water, and
potassium. Hypokalemia (low potassium) is a
major adverse effect that can lead to life-
threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
Question 3
A patient with a history of deep vein thrombosis is
receiving a continuous intravenous heparin infusion.
Which laboratory test is used to monitor the
therapeutic effectiveness of heparin?
A) Prothrombin time (PT)
B) International Normalized Ratio (INR)
,C) Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
D) Platelet count
Answer: C) Activated partial thromboplastin time
(aPTT)
Rationale: The aPTT test is specifically used to
monitor the therapeutic effectiveness and safety
of heparin therapy. PT and INR are utilized to
monitor oral warfarin therapy.
Question 4
The nurse is reinforcing discharge instructions for a
patient newly prescribed warfarin. Which dietary
instruction is most critical?
A) Avoid all foods containing sodium.
B) Maintain a consistent intake of green, leafy
vegetables.
C) Drink at least 3 liters of fluid daily.
D) Increase consumption of citrus fruits.
Answer: B) Maintain a consistent intake of green,
leafy vegetables.
Rationale: Green, leafy vegetables are rich in
Vitamin K, which is the antidote for warfarin.
Drastic changes in Vitamin K intake can alter the
therapeutic effect of warfarin, increasing the risk
, of either bleeding or blood clots. Consistency is
key.
Question 5
A patient is diagnosed with an acute asthma attack.
Which medication should the nurse anticipate
administering first for immediate relief?
A) Fluticasone
B) Albuterol
C) Salmeterol
D) Montelukast
Answer: B) Albuterol
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-
agonist (SABA) that acts rapidly as a rescue
bronchodilator. Fluticasone is a maintenance
corticosteroid, salmeterol is a long-acting
bronchodilator, and montelukast is a leukotriene
modifier; none of these provide immediate relief.
Question 6
An older adult patient is prescribed an
anticholinergic medication. The nurse should
monitor the patient for which common side effect?
A) Diarrhea
B) Urinary retention
