, PN HESI Pharmacology Exam NEW VERSIONS
UPDATED 2026 |200 Questions with Verified
Answers & Rationales | Practical Nursing HESI Exit
Exam Prep | INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD
MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION & SAFETY
Q1. Patient Identification
The PN is preparing to administer medication. Which action is the MOST
important for client safety?
• A) Check vital signs
• B) Verify client identity using two identifiers
• C) Ask about allergies
• D) Review the MAR
Answer: B) Verify client identity using two identifiers
Rationale: The "Rights" of medication administration begin with the right client.
Using two identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth) is the most critical safety
measure to prevent medication errors.
Q2. Controlled Substance Wasting
A PN wastes a portion of a controlled substance. Which action is required?
• A) Document the waste in the MAR only
• B) Waste with a witness and document
• C) Return unused portion to pharmacy
• D) Discard in the sharps container
,Answer: B) Waste with a witness and document
Rationale: Controlled substances require a second nurse witness the waste. Both
nurses must sign the documentation. Accurate accounting of controlled
substances is a legal requirement.
Q3. Medication Error Priority
A nurse administers medication to the wrong patient. What is the priority action?
• A) Complete an incident report
• B) Assess the patient and notify the provider
• C) Document the error in the chart
• D) Report to the nursing supervisor
Answer: B) Assess the patient and notify the provider
Rationale: Patient safety is the priority. The nurse must assess for adverse
reactions immediately and notify the healthcare provider. After the patient is
stable, document and complete the incident report.
Q4. Liquid Medication Measurement
Which is the correct procedure for administering liquid medication?
• A) Use a medicine cup at eye level
• B) Pour into a household teaspoon
• C) Pour directly into the patient's mouth
• D) Return excess to the bottle
Answer: A) Use a medicine cup at eye level
Rationale: Liquid medications should be measured using a medicine cup or oral
syringe at eye level for accuracy. Household teaspoons are inaccurate.
Q5. Enteric-Coated Tablets
How should an enteric-coated tablet be administered?
, • A) Crush before administration
• B) Swallow whole
• C) Dissolve in water
• D) Cut in half
Answer: B) Swallow whole
Rationale: Enteric-coated tablets should never be crushed, cut, or dissolved. They
must be swallowed whole to prevent gastric irritation and ensure proper delayed
release.
Q6. IM Injection in Adults
Which site is most appropriate for IM injection in an adult?
• A) Dorsogluteal
• B) Deltoid
• C) Vastus lateralis
• D) Ventrogluteal
Answer: D) Ventrogluteal
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is preferred for adults because it is located away
from major nerves and blood vessels, reducing injury risk.
Q7. IM Injection in Infants
Which site is appropriate for IM injection in a 6-month-old infant?
• A) Dorsogluteal
• B) Deltoid
• C) Ventrogluteal
• D) Vastus lateralis
UPDATED 2026 |200 Questions with Verified
Answers & Rationales | Practical Nursing HESI Exit
Exam Prep | INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD
MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION & SAFETY
Q1. Patient Identification
The PN is preparing to administer medication. Which action is the MOST
important for client safety?
• A) Check vital signs
• B) Verify client identity using two identifiers
• C) Ask about allergies
• D) Review the MAR
Answer: B) Verify client identity using two identifiers
Rationale: The "Rights" of medication administration begin with the right client.
Using two identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth) is the most critical safety
measure to prevent medication errors.
Q2. Controlled Substance Wasting
A PN wastes a portion of a controlled substance. Which action is required?
• A) Document the waste in the MAR only
• B) Waste with a witness and document
• C) Return unused portion to pharmacy
• D) Discard in the sharps container
,Answer: B) Waste with a witness and document
Rationale: Controlled substances require a second nurse witness the waste. Both
nurses must sign the documentation. Accurate accounting of controlled
substances is a legal requirement.
Q3. Medication Error Priority
A nurse administers medication to the wrong patient. What is the priority action?
• A) Complete an incident report
• B) Assess the patient and notify the provider
• C) Document the error in the chart
• D) Report to the nursing supervisor
Answer: B) Assess the patient and notify the provider
Rationale: Patient safety is the priority. The nurse must assess for adverse
reactions immediately and notify the healthcare provider. After the patient is
stable, document and complete the incident report.
Q4. Liquid Medication Measurement
Which is the correct procedure for administering liquid medication?
• A) Use a medicine cup at eye level
• B) Pour into a household teaspoon
• C) Pour directly into the patient's mouth
• D) Return excess to the bottle
Answer: A) Use a medicine cup at eye level
Rationale: Liquid medications should be measured using a medicine cup or oral
syringe at eye level for accuracy. Household teaspoons are inaccurate.
Q5. Enteric-Coated Tablets
How should an enteric-coated tablet be administered?
, • A) Crush before administration
• B) Swallow whole
• C) Dissolve in water
• D) Cut in half
Answer: B) Swallow whole
Rationale: Enteric-coated tablets should never be crushed, cut, or dissolved. They
must be swallowed whole to prevent gastric irritation and ensure proper delayed
release.
Q6. IM Injection in Adults
Which site is most appropriate for IM injection in an adult?
• A) Dorsogluteal
• B) Deltoid
• C) Vastus lateralis
• D) Ventrogluteal
Answer: D) Ventrogluteal
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is preferred for adults because it is located away
from major nerves and blood vessels, reducing injury risk.
Q7. IM Injection in Infants
Which site is appropriate for IM injection in a 6-month-old infant?
• A) Dorsogluteal
• B) Deltoid
• C) Ventrogluteal
• D) Vastus lateralis
