Evolve HESI Pharmacology Exam Script | 200 Practice
Questions & Detailed Answers | 2026/2027 Complete
Q&A Guide | A+ Graded
1. A client with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which finding indicates a therapeutic response to the
medication?
A. Increased heart rate
B. Decreased pedal edema
C. Elevated blood pressure
D. Improved appetite
Answer: B. Decreased pedal edema
Explanation: Digoxin increases myocardial contractility and cardiac output, leading to reduced fluid
retention and decreased peripheral edema. Increased heart rate is not a therapeutic effect; digoxin may
actually lower heart rate.
2. A nurse is administering warfarin to a client with atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory test should be
used to monitor therapy?
A. aPTT
B. INR
C. Platelet count
D. Bleeding time
Answer: B. INR
,Explanation: Warfarin is monitored using the International Normalized Ratio (INR), with a target range
usually 2–3 for atrial fibrillation. aPTT is used to monitor heparin therapy.
3. A client is prescribed lisinopril. Which adverse effect requires immediate discontinuation?
A. Dry cough
B. Angioedema
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypotension
Answer: B. Angioedema
Explanation: Angioedema (swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat) is a serious adverse effect of ACE
inhibitors like lisinopril and requires immediate discontinuation. Dry cough is common but not
lifethreatening.
4. A client takes furosemide for hypertension. Which finding suggests a need for potassium
supplementation?
A. Muscle weakness and fatigue
B. Dry mouth and thirst
C. Increased urination
D. Blood pressure 110/70
Answer: A. Muscle weakness and fatigue
,Explanation: Furosemide causes hypokalemia, leading to muscle weakness, fatigue, and cramping.
Potassium supplementation may be needed.
5. A client is prescribed clopidogrel after coronary stent placement. Which drug should the nurse
caution the client to avoid?
A. Aspirin
B. Omeprazole
C. Acetaminophen
D. Atorvastatin
Answer: B. Omeprazole
Explanation: Omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) reduces clopidogrel activation by inhibiting
CYP2C19, increasing the risk of stent thrombosis. Aspirin is often given with clopidogrel.
6. Following administration of sublingual nitroglycerin to a client experiencing an acute anginal attack,
which assessment finding indicates the desired effect has been achieved?
A. Client states chest pain is relieved
B. Client's pulse decreases from 120 to 90
C. Client's systolic blood pressure decreases from 180 to 90
D. Client's SaO₂ level increases from 92% to 96%
Answer: A. Client states chest pain is relieved
, Explanation: Nitroglycerin reduces myocardial oxygen consumption, decreasing ischemia and relieving
chest pain. Symptom relief is the primary indicator of therapeutic effect.
7. A client with hyperlipidemia receives a prescription for niacin (Niaspan). Which client teaching is most
important for the nurse to provide?
A. Expected duration of flushing
B. Symptoms of hyperglycemia
C. Diets that minimize GI irritation
D. Comfort measures for pruritus
Answer: A. Expected duration of flushing
Explanation: Flushing of the face and neck, lasting up to an hour, is a frequent reason for discontinuing
niacin. Including this effect in client teaching may promote compliance.
8. When assessing an adolescent who recently overdosed on acetaminophen (Tylenol), it is most
important for the nurse to assess for pain in which area of the body?
A. Flank
B. Abdomen
C. Chest
D. Head
Answer: B. Abdomen
Questions & Detailed Answers | 2026/2027 Complete
Q&A Guide | A+ Graded
1. A client with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which finding indicates a therapeutic response to the
medication?
A. Increased heart rate
B. Decreased pedal edema
C. Elevated blood pressure
D. Improved appetite
Answer: B. Decreased pedal edema
Explanation: Digoxin increases myocardial contractility and cardiac output, leading to reduced fluid
retention and decreased peripheral edema. Increased heart rate is not a therapeutic effect; digoxin may
actually lower heart rate.
2. A nurse is administering warfarin to a client with atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory test should be
used to monitor therapy?
A. aPTT
B. INR
C. Platelet count
D. Bleeding time
Answer: B. INR
,Explanation: Warfarin is monitored using the International Normalized Ratio (INR), with a target range
usually 2–3 for atrial fibrillation. aPTT is used to monitor heparin therapy.
3. A client is prescribed lisinopril. Which adverse effect requires immediate discontinuation?
A. Dry cough
B. Angioedema
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypotension
Answer: B. Angioedema
Explanation: Angioedema (swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat) is a serious adverse effect of ACE
inhibitors like lisinopril and requires immediate discontinuation. Dry cough is common but not
lifethreatening.
4. A client takes furosemide for hypertension. Which finding suggests a need for potassium
supplementation?
A. Muscle weakness and fatigue
B. Dry mouth and thirst
C. Increased urination
D. Blood pressure 110/70
Answer: A. Muscle weakness and fatigue
,Explanation: Furosemide causes hypokalemia, leading to muscle weakness, fatigue, and cramping.
Potassium supplementation may be needed.
5. A client is prescribed clopidogrel after coronary stent placement. Which drug should the nurse
caution the client to avoid?
A. Aspirin
B. Omeprazole
C. Acetaminophen
D. Atorvastatin
Answer: B. Omeprazole
Explanation: Omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) reduces clopidogrel activation by inhibiting
CYP2C19, increasing the risk of stent thrombosis. Aspirin is often given with clopidogrel.
6. Following administration of sublingual nitroglycerin to a client experiencing an acute anginal attack,
which assessment finding indicates the desired effect has been achieved?
A. Client states chest pain is relieved
B. Client's pulse decreases from 120 to 90
C. Client's systolic blood pressure decreases from 180 to 90
D. Client's SaO₂ level increases from 92% to 96%
Answer: A. Client states chest pain is relieved
, Explanation: Nitroglycerin reduces myocardial oxygen consumption, decreasing ischemia and relieving
chest pain. Symptom relief is the primary indicator of therapeutic effect.
7. A client with hyperlipidemia receives a prescription for niacin (Niaspan). Which client teaching is most
important for the nurse to provide?
A. Expected duration of flushing
B. Symptoms of hyperglycemia
C. Diets that minimize GI irritation
D. Comfort measures for pruritus
Answer: A. Expected duration of flushing
Explanation: Flushing of the face and neck, lasting up to an hour, is a frequent reason for discontinuing
niacin. Including this effect in client teaching may promote compliance.
8. When assessing an adolescent who recently overdosed on acetaminophen (Tylenol), it is most
important for the nurse to assess for pain in which area of the body?
A. Flank
B. Abdomen
C. Chest
D. Head
Answer: B. Abdomen
