,HESI RN Pharmacology V2 Exam (3 Set Exams) | Actual
Exams with Rationales
HESI RN Pharmacology V2 Exam - Set 1
HESI RN Pharmacology V2 Exam - Set 2
HESI RN Pharmacology V2 Exam - Set 3
HESI RN Pharmacology V2 Exam - Set 1
Question 1: A nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous push medication. Which
action is most critical to ensure patient safety?
A. Dilute the medication with 10 mL of normal saline.
B. Verify medication compatibility with the IV fluid.
C. Administer the medication over 30 seconds.
D. Aspirate for blood return before administration.
Answer: B. Verify medication compatibility with the IV fluid.
Rationale: Incompatibility can cause precipitation, resulting in serious harm to the
patient. Compatibility must be verified before administering any IV push medication .
Question 2: A healthcare provider prescribes cephalexin monohydrate (Keflex) for a
client with a postoperative infection. It is most important for the nurse to assess for what
additional drug allergy before administering this prescription?
A. Penicillins.
B. Aminoglycosides.
C. Erythromycins.
D. Sulfonamides.
Answer: A. Penicillins.
,Rationale: Cross-allergies exist between penicillins and cephalosporins, such as
cephalexin. Checking for penicillin allergy is a wise precaution before administering this
drug .
Question 3: A nurse is preparing to administer heparin subcutaneously. Which
technique ensures proper administration?
A. Inject at a 90-degree angle.
B. Aspirate before injection.
C. Massage the site after injection.
D. Use a 25-gauge, 5/8-inch needle.
Answer: D. Use a 25-gauge, 5/8-inch needle.
Rationale: Subcutaneous heparin requires a small-gauge, short needle. Aspiration and
massage increase bleeding risk .
Question 4: Which factor is most important to ensure compliance when planning to
teach a client about a drug regimen?
A. Genetics
B. Client age
C. Client education
D. Absorption rate
Answer: C. Client education
Rationale: Client education is the most important factor influencing medication
compliance. Understanding drug regimen, side effects, and administration instructions
improves adherence .
Question 5: A client being treated for an acute myocardial infarction is to receive the
tissue plasminogen activator alteplase (Activase). The nurse would be correct in
providing which explanation to the client regarding the purpose of this drug?
, A. This drug is a nitrate that promotes vasodilation of the coronary arteries.
B. This drug is a clot buster that dissolves clots within a coronary artery.
C. This drug is a blood thinner that will help prevent the formation of a new clot.
D. This drug is a volume expander that improves myocardial perfusion by increasing
output.
Answer: B. This drug is a clot buster that dissolves clots within a coronary artery.
Rationale: Alteplase is a thrombolytic agent that dissolves existing clots by converting
plasminogen to plasmin, breaking down fibrin clots .
Question 6: A nurse is preparing to administer an IV medication. Which action is most
important to ensure patient safety?
A. Dilute the medication with 10 mL of normal saline.
B. Verify medication compatibility with the IV fluid.
C. Administer the medication over 30 seconds.
D. Aspirate for blood return before administration.
Answer: B. Verify medication compatibility with the IV fluid.
Rationale: Incompatibility can cause precipitation, resulting in serious harm.
Compatibility verification is essential before any IV push medication .
Question 7: A client is prescribed phenobarbital sodium (Luminal) for a seizure disorder.
The medication has a long half-life of 4 days. Based on this half-life, the medication will
most likely be prescribed:
A. once a day.
B. twice a day.
C. three times a day.
D. four times a day.
Answer: A. once a day.
Rationale: Medication with long half-lives remain at their therapeutic levels between
doses for long periods of time, allowing for once-daily dosing .
Exams with Rationales
HESI RN Pharmacology V2 Exam - Set 1
HESI RN Pharmacology V2 Exam - Set 2
HESI RN Pharmacology V2 Exam - Set 3
HESI RN Pharmacology V2 Exam - Set 1
Question 1: A nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous push medication. Which
action is most critical to ensure patient safety?
A. Dilute the medication with 10 mL of normal saline.
B. Verify medication compatibility with the IV fluid.
C. Administer the medication over 30 seconds.
D. Aspirate for blood return before administration.
Answer: B. Verify medication compatibility with the IV fluid.
Rationale: Incompatibility can cause precipitation, resulting in serious harm to the
patient. Compatibility must be verified before administering any IV push medication .
Question 2: A healthcare provider prescribes cephalexin monohydrate (Keflex) for a
client with a postoperative infection. It is most important for the nurse to assess for what
additional drug allergy before administering this prescription?
A. Penicillins.
B. Aminoglycosides.
C. Erythromycins.
D. Sulfonamides.
Answer: A. Penicillins.
,Rationale: Cross-allergies exist between penicillins and cephalosporins, such as
cephalexin. Checking for penicillin allergy is a wise precaution before administering this
drug .
Question 3: A nurse is preparing to administer heparin subcutaneously. Which
technique ensures proper administration?
A. Inject at a 90-degree angle.
B. Aspirate before injection.
C. Massage the site after injection.
D. Use a 25-gauge, 5/8-inch needle.
Answer: D. Use a 25-gauge, 5/8-inch needle.
Rationale: Subcutaneous heparin requires a small-gauge, short needle. Aspiration and
massage increase bleeding risk .
Question 4: Which factor is most important to ensure compliance when planning to
teach a client about a drug regimen?
A. Genetics
B. Client age
C. Client education
D. Absorption rate
Answer: C. Client education
Rationale: Client education is the most important factor influencing medication
compliance. Understanding drug regimen, side effects, and administration instructions
improves adherence .
Question 5: A client being treated for an acute myocardial infarction is to receive the
tissue plasminogen activator alteplase (Activase). The nurse would be correct in
providing which explanation to the client regarding the purpose of this drug?
, A. This drug is a nitrate that promotes vasodilation of the coronary arteries.
B. This drug is a clot buster that dissolves clots within a coronary artery.
C. This drug is a blood thinner that will help prevent the formation of a new clot.
D. This drug is a volume expander that improves myocardial perfusion by increasing
output.
Answer: B. This drug is a clot buster that dissolves clots within a coronary artery.
Rationale: Alteplase is a thrombolytic agent that dissolves existing clots by converting
plasminogen to plasmin, breaking down fibrin clots .
Question 6: A nurse is preparing to administer an IV medication. Which action is most
important to ensure patient safety?
A. Dilute the medication with 10 mL of normal saline.
B. Verify medication compatibility with the IV fluid.
C. Administer the medication over 30 seconds.
D. Aspirate for blood return before administration.
Answer: B. Verify medication compatibility with the IV fluid.
Rationale: Incompatibility can cause precipitation, resulting in serious harm.
Compatibility verification is essential before any IV push medication .
Question 7: A client is prescribed phenobarbital sodium (Luminal) for a seizure disorder.
The medication has a long half-life of 4 days. Based on this half-life, the medication will
most likely be prescribed:
A. once a day.
B. twice a day.
C. three times a day.
D. four times a day.
Answer: A. once a day.
Rationale: Medication with long half-lives remain at their therapeutic levels between
doses for long periods of time, allowing for once-daily dosing .
