• PN HESI
Pharmacology 09/11/2026
Exam
Evolve Pharmacology PN HESI Exam 2026 Test
Bank | 180 Questions with Correct Answers &
Detailed Rationales | Evolve HESI PN
Pharmacology Review - Complete A+ Guide
A health care provider (HCP) writes a prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin), 0.25 mg daily. The nurse teaches the
client about the medication and tells the client that it is important to:
1. Count the radial and carotid pulses every morning.
2. Check the blood pressure every morning and evening.
3. Stop taking the medication if the pulse is higher than 100 beats per minute.
P 1
, • PN HESI
Pharmacology 09/11/2026
Exam
4. Withhold the medication and call the HCP if the pulse is less than 60 beats per minute. –
Correct Answer :4. Withhold the medication and call the HCP if the pulse is less than 60 beats per minute.
Rationale:
An important component of taking this medication is monitoring the pulse rate; however, it is not necessary for
the client to take both the radial and carotid pulses. It is not necessary for the client to check the blood pressure
every morning and evening because the medication does not directly affect blood pressure. It is most important
for the client to know the guidelines related to withholding the medication and calling the HCP. The client should
not stop taking a medication.
149.) A client taking fexofenadine (Allegra) is scheduled for allergy skin testing and tells the nurse in the health
care provider's office that a dose was taken this morning. The nurse determines that:
1. The client should reschedule the appointment.
2. A lower dose of allergen will need to be injected.
3. A higher dose of allergen will need to be injected.
4. The client should have the skin test read a day later than usual. –
Correct Answer :1. The client should reschedule the appointment.
Rationale:
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine, which provides relief of symptoms caused by allergy. Antihistamines should be
discontinued for at least 3 days (72 hours) before allergy skin testing to avoid false-negative readings. This client
should have the appointment rescheduled for 3 days after discontinuing the medication.
150.) A client complaining of not feeling well is seen in a clinic. The client is taking several medications for the
control of heart disease and hypertension. These medications include a β-blocker, digoxin (Lanoxin), and a
diuretic. A tentative diagnosis of digoxin toxicity is made. Which of the following assessment data would support
this diagnosis?
1. Dyspnea, edema, and palpitations
2. Chest pain, hypotension, and paresthesia
3. Double vision, loss of appetite, and nausea
P 2
, • PN HESI
Pharmacology 09/11/2026
Exam
4. Constipation, dry mouth, and sleep disorder –
Correct Answer :3. Double vision, loss of appetite, and nausea
Rationale:
Double vision, loss of appetite, and nausea are signs of digoxin toxicity. Additional signs of digoxin toxicity
include bradycardia, difficulty reading, visual alterations such as green and yellow vision or seeing spots or halos,
confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased libido, and impotence.
**gastrointestinal (GI) and visual disturbances occur with digoxin toxicity**
151.) A client is being treated for acute congestive heart failure with intravenously administered bumetanide. The
vital signs are as follows: blood pressure, 100/60 mm Hg; pulse, 96 beats/min; and respirations, 24 breaths/min.
After the initial dose, which of the following is the priority assessment?
1. Monitoring weight loss
2. Monitoring temperature
3. Monitoring blood pressure
4. Monitoring potassium level - Correct Answer :3. Monitoring blood pressure
Rationale:
Bumetanide is a loop diuretic. Hypotension is a common side effect associated with the use of this medication.
The other options also require assessment but are not the priority.
**priority ABCs—airway, breathing, and circulation**
152.) Intravenous heparin therapy is prescribed for a client. While implementing this prescription, a nurse ensures
that which of the following medications is available on the nursing unit?
1. Protamine sulfate
2. Potassium chloride
3. Phytonadione (vitamin K )
4. Aminocaproic acid (Amicar) - Correct Answer :1. Protamine sulfate
Rationale:
P 3
, • PN HESI
Pharmacology 09/11/2026
Exam
The antidote to heparin is protamine sulfate; it should be readily available for use if excessive bleeding or
hemorrhage occurs. Potassium chloride is administered for a potassium deficit. Vitamin K is an antidote for
warfarin sodium. Aminocaproic acid is the antidote for thrombolytic therapy.
153.) A client is diagnosed with pulmonary embolism and is to be treated with streptokinase (Streptase). A nurse
would report which priority data collection finding to the registered nurse before initiating this therapy?
1. Adventitious breath sounds
2. Temperature of 99.4° F orally
3. Blood pressure of 198/110 mm Hg
4. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min - Correct Answer :3. Blood pressure of 198/110 mm Hg
Rationale:
Thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated in a number of preexisting conditions in which there is a risk of
uncontrolled bleeding, similar to the case in anticoagulant therapy. Thrombolytic therapy also is contraindicated
in severe uncontrolled hypertension because of the risk of cerebral hemorrhage. Therefore the nurse would
report the results of the blood pressure to the registered nurse before initiating therapy. The findings in options
1, 2, and 4 may be present in the client with pulmonary embolism.
154.) A nurse is reinforcing dietary instructions to a client who has been prescribed cyclosporine (Sandimmune).
Which food item would the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
1. Red meats
2. Orange juice
3. Grapefruit juice
4. Green, leafy vegetables - Correct Answer :3. Grapefruit juice
Rationale:
A compound present in grapefruit juice inhibits metabolism of cyclosporine. As a result, the consumption of
grapefruit juice can raise cyclosporine levels by 50% to 100%, thereby greatly increasing the risk of toxicity.
Grapefruit juice needs to be avoided. Red meats, orange juice, and green leafy vegetables are acceptable to
consume.
P 4
Pharmacology 09/11/2026
Exam
Evolve Pharmacology PN HESI Exam 2026 Test
Bank | 180 Questions with Correct Answers &
Detailed Rationales | Evolve HESI PN
Pharmacology Review - Complete A+ Guide
A health care provider (HCP) writes a prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin), 0.25 mg daily. The nurse teaches the
client about the medication and tells the client that it is important to:
1. Count the radial and carotid pulses every morning.
2. Check the blood pressure every morning and evening.
3. Stop taking the medication if the pulse is higher than 100 beats per minute.
P 1
, • PN HESI
Pharmacology 09/11/2026
Exam
4. Withhold the medication and call the HCP if the pulse is less than 60 beats per minute. –
Correct Answer :4. Withhold the medication and call the HCP if the pulse is less than 60 beats per minute.
Rationale:
An important component of taking this medication is monitoring the pulse rate; however, it is not necessary for
the client to take both the radial and carotid pulses. It is not necessary for the client to check the blood pressure
every morning and evening because the medication does not directly affect blood pressure. It is most important
for the client to know the guidelines related to withholding the medication and calling the HCP. The client should
not stop taking a medication.
149.) A client taking fexofenadine (Allegra) is scheduled for allergy skin testing and tells the nurse in the health
care provider's office that a dose was taken this morning. The nurse determines that:
1. The client should reschedule the appointment.
2. A lower dose of allergen will need to be injected.
3. A higher dose of allergen will need to be injected.
4. The client should have the skin test read a day later than usual. –
Correct Answer :1. The client should reschedule the appointment.
Rationale:
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine, which provides relief of symptoms caused by allergy. Antihistamines should be
discontinued for at least 3 days (72 hours) before allergy skin testing to avoid false-negative readings. This client
should have the appointment rescheduled for 3 days after discontinuing the medication.
150.) A client complaining of not feeling well is seen in a clinic. The client is taking several medications for the
control of heart disease and hypertension. These medications include a β-blocker, digoxin (Lanoxin), and a
diuretic. A tentative diagnosis of digoxin toxicity is made. Which of the following assessment data would support
this diagnosis?
1. Dyspnea, edema, and palpitations
2. Chest pain, hypotension, and paresthesia
3. Double vision, loss of appetite, and nausea
P 2
, • PN HESI
Pharmacology 09/11/2026
Exam
4. Constipation, dry mouth, and sleep disorder –
Correct Answer :3. Double vision, loss of appetite, and nausea
Rationale:
Double vision, loss of appetite, and nausea are signs of digoxin toxicity. Additional signs of digoxin toxicity
include bradycardia, difficulty reading, visual alterations such as green and yellow vision or seeing spots or halos,
confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased libido, and impotence.
**gastrointestinal (GI) and visual disturbances occur with digoxin toxicity**
151.) A client is being treated for acute congestive heart failure with intravenously administered bumetanide. The
vital signs are as follows: blood pressure, 100/60 mm Hg; pulse, 96 beats/min; and respirations, 24 breaths/min.
After the initial dose, which of the following is the priority assessment?
1. Monitoring weight loss
2. Monitoring temperature
3. Monitoring blood pressure
4. Monitoring potassium level - Correct Answer :3. Monitoring blood pressure
Rationale:
Bumetanide is a loop diuretic. Hypotension is a common side effect associated with the use of this medication.
The other options also require assessment but are not the priority.
**priority ABCs—airway, breathing, and circulation**
152.) Intravenous heparin therapy is prescribed for a client. While implementing this prescription, a nurse ensures
that which of the following medications is available on the nursing unit?
1. Protamine sulfate
2. Potassium chloride
3. Phytonadione (vitamin K )
4. Aminocaproic acid (Amicar) - Correct Answer :1. Protamine sulfate
Rationale:
P 3
, • PN HESI
Pharmacology 09/11/2026
Exam
The antidote to heparin is protamine sulfate; it should be readily available for use if excessive bleeding or
hemorrhage occurs. Potassium chloride is administered for a potassium deficit. Vitamin K is an antidote for
warfarin sodium. Aminocaproic acid is the antidote for thrombolytic therapy.
153.) A client is diagnosed with pulmonary embolism and is to be treated with streptokinase (Streptase). A nurse
would report which priority data collection finding to the registered nurse before initiating this therapy?
1. Adventitious breath sounds
2. Temperature of 99.4° F orally
3. Blood pressure of 198/110 mm Hg
4. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min - Correct Answer :3. Blood pressure of 198/110 mm Hg
Rationale:
Thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated in a number of preexisting conditions in which there is a risk of
uncontrolled bleeding, similar to the case in anticoagulant therapy. Thrombolytic therapy also is contraindicated
in severe uncontrolled hypertension because of the risk of cerebral hemorrhage. Therefore the nurse would
report the results of the blood pressure to the registered nurse before initiating therapy. The findings in options
1, 2, and 4 may be present in the client with pulmonary embolism.
154.) A nurse is reinforcing dietary instructions to a client who has been prescribed cyclosporine (Sandimmune).
Which food item would the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
1. Red meats
2. Orange juice
3. Grapefruit juice
4. Green, leafy vegetables - Correct Answer :3. Grapefruit juice
Rationale:
A compound present in grapefruit juice inhibits metabolism of cyclosporine. As a result, the consumption of
grapefruit juice can raise cyclosporine levels by 50% to 100%, thereby greatly increasing the risk of toxicity.
Grapefruit juice needs to be avoided. Red meats, orange juice, and green leafy vegetables are acceptable to
consume.
P 4
