PN HESI PHARMACOLOGY EXAM QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026-2027 | COMPREH… EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
PN HESI Pharmacology
Exam Questions & Answers
2026-2027 | Comprehensive
Nursing Review (Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
75 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive review document contains 75 pharmacology exam questions, each paired with its
correct answer and detailed rationales. It offers a thorough study of essential nursing pharmacology
concepts. This resource is ideal for students reviewing medication principles, reinforcing knowledge, and
preparing for certification exams.
CONTENTS
Endocrine & Metabolic Agents Q1–Q11
Cardiovascular Medications Q12–Q33
Antimicrobials & Antivirals Q34–Q41
CNS & Psychiatric Medications Q42–Q54
Gastrointestinal & Urinary Agents Q55–Q65
Ophthalmic & Other Agents Q66–Q75
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 75
While taking a client's history, the practical nurse (PN) discovers that the client, who takes Coumadin daily,
has added a ginger supplement on the advice of a friend. What comment is critical for the PN to provide to this
client?
CORRECT ANSWER
"Your health care provider is interested in all medications and herbs you take."
RATIONALE
The nurse must ascertain all substances the client is ingesting because ginger can potentiate the anticoagulant effects
of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. This highlights the importance of a comprehensive medication and
supplement history to prevent adverse drug interactions.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 75
The practical nurse (PN) is obtaining the medical history of a female client starting a new prescription for
conjugated estrogens (Premarin) 0.625 mg PO daily. Before taking the first dose of the medication, which
information is most important for the PN to obtain from the client?
CORRECT ANSWER
Cigarette smoking history
RATIONALE
Conjugated estrogens increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, and smoking is a significant independent risk
factor for this adverse effect, making a smoking history paramount for risk assessment. The key concept tested is the
pharmacologic interaction and additive risk between estrogen therapy and tobacco use.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 75
A client asks the practical nurse (PN) if glipizide (Glucotrol) is an oral insulin. What answer should the PN
provide?
CORRECT ANSWER
"No, it is not an oral insulin and can be used only when some beta cell function is present."
Page 2
, RATIONALE
Glipizide is a sulfonylurea oral hypoglycemic agent that stimulates endogenous insulin release from functioning
pancreatic beta cells, unlike exogenous insulin which is administered parenterally. This distinction is critical because
sulfonylureas are ineffective in type 1 diabetes where beta cell destruction precludes insulin production.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 75
The practical nurse (PN) gives a client NPH insulin 15 units subcutaneously before breakfast (7:30 AM). At what
time should the PN be particularly alert for signs or symptoms of a potential hypoglycemic reaction?
CORRECT ANSWER
3:30 to 7:30 PM
RATIONALE
NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin with an onset of 1-2 hours, peak effect between 6-10 hours, and duration of
10-16 hours; therefore, the nurse should monitor for hypoglycemia from mid-afternoon through evening, approximately
6-10 hours after administration.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 75
A healthy 58-year-old client asks the practical nurse (PN) about taking the pneumococcal vaccine
(Pneumovax). Which statement should the PN offer to the client that provides the most accurate information
about this vaccine?
CORRECT ANSWER
The immunization is administered once to older adults or persons with a history of chronic illness.
RATIONALE
Pneumovax 23 is recommended as a single dose for adults aged 65 years and older, and for younger adults with specific
chronic health conditions, reflecting its role in preventing *Streptococcus pneumoniae* infections in high-risk
populations. The key concept tested is the current recommended immunization schedule and indications for the
pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 75
A 43-year-old female client is receiving thyroid replacement hormone following a thyroidectomy. What
adverse effects associated with thyroid hormone toxicity should the practical nurse (PN) reiterate to the
client to report promptly to the health care provider?
CORRECT ANSWER
Tachycardia and chest pain
Page 3
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
PN HESI Pharmacology
Exam Questions & Answers
2026-2027 | Comprehensive
Nursing Review (Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
75 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive review document contains 75 pharmacology exam questions, each paired with its
correct answer and detailed rationales. It offers a thorough study of essential nursing pharmacology
concepts. This resource is ideal for students reviewing medication principles, reinforcing knowledge, and
preparing for certification exams.
CONTENTS
Endocrine & Metabolic Agents Q1–Q11
Cardiovascular Medications Q12–Q33
Antimicrobials & Antivirals Q34–Q41
CNS & Psychiatric Medications Q42–Q54
Gastrointestinal & Urinary Agents Q55–Q65
Ophthalmic & Other Agents Q66–Q75
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 75
While taking a client's history, the practical nurse (PN) discovers that the client, who takes Coumadin daily,
has added a ginger supplement on the advice of a friend. What comment is critical for the PN to provide to this
client?
CORRECT ANSWER
"Your health care provider is interested in all medications and herbs you take."
RATIONALE
The nurse must ascertain all substances the client is ingesting because ginger can potentiate the anticoagulant effects
of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. This highlights the importance of a comprehensive medication and
supplement history to prevent adverse drug interactions.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 75
The practical nurse (PN) is obtaining the medical history of a female client starting a new prescription for
conjugated estrogens (Premarin) 0.625 mg PO daily. Before taking the first dose of the medication, which
information is most important for the PN to obtain from the client?
CORRECT ANSWER
Cigarette smoking history
RATIONALE
Conjugated estrogens increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, and smoking is a significant independent risk
factor for this adverse effect, making a smoking history paramount for risk assessment. The key concept tested is the
pharmacologic interaction and additive risk between estrogen therapy and tobacco use.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 75
A client asks the practical nurse (PN) if glipizide (Glucotrol) is an oral insulin. What answer should the PN
provide?
CORRECT ANSWER
"No, it is not an oral insulin and can be used only when some beta cell function is present."
Page 2
, RATIONALE
Glipizide is a sulfonylurea oral hypoglycemic agent that stimulates endogenous insulin release from functioning
pancreatic beta cells, unlike exogenous insulin which is administered parenterally. This distinction is critical because
sulfonylureas are ineffective in type 1 diabetes where beta cell destruction precludes insulin production.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 75
The practical nurse (PN) gives a client NPH insulin 15 units subcutaneously before breakfast (7:30 AM). At what
time should the PN be particularly alert for signs or symptoms of a potential hypoglycemic reaction?
CORRECT ANSWER
3:30 to 7:30 PM
RATIONALE
NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin with an onset of 1-2 hours, peak effect between 6-10 hours, and duration of
10-16 hours; therefore, the nurse should monitor for hypoglycemia from mid-afternoon through evening, approximately
6-10 hours after administration.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 75
A healthy 58-year-old client asks the practical nurse (PN) about taking the pneumococcal vaccine
(Pneumovax). Which statement should the PN offer to the client that provides the most accurate information
about this vaccine?
CORRECT ANSWER
The immunization is administered once to older adults or persons with a history of chronic illness.
RATIONALE
Pneumovax 23 is recommended as a single dose for adults aged 65 years and older, and for younger adults with specific
chronic health conditions, reflecting its role in preventing *Streptococcus pneumoniae* infections in high-risk
populations. The key concept tested is the current recommended immunization schedule and indications for the
pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 75
A 43-year-old female client is receiving thyroid replacement hormone following a thyroidectomy. What
adverse effects associated with thyroid hormone toxicity should the practical nurse (PN) reiterate to the
client to report promptly to the health care provider?
CORRECT ANSWER
Tachycardia and chest pain
Page 3
