RN HESI Pharmacology V2 (2026) | Actual Exam with
correct QUESTION AND ANSWERS
THIS DOCUMENT INCLUDES
• This document contains a comprehensive collection of RN HESI
Pharmacology V2 (2026) exam questions with correct answers and
detailed rationales. It covers essential pharmacology topics including
drug classifications, medication administration, side effects, and nursing
interventions commonly tested on the HESI exam.
•
The material is designed to reinforce clinical judgment and medication
safety, helping nursing students prepare effectively for pharmacology
assessments and HESI exams. It includes both foundational concepts and
application-based questions aligned with real exam standards.
,RN HESI PHARMACOLOGY V2 EXAM – 150 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. 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) Sulfonamides
• B) Tetracyclines
• C) Macrolides
• D) Penicillins
Correct Answer: D
2. A client receiving albuterol (Proventil) tablets reports nausea every evening
with her 9 p.m. dose. What action should the nurse take to alleviate this side
effect?
• A) Change the dose to every other day
• B) Administer the dose on an empty stomach
• C) Administer the dose with a snack
• D) Hold the dose and notify the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: C
3. A client is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. Which assessment should
the nurse prioritize before administration?
• A) Blood glucose level
• B) Renal function tests
• C) Liver enzymes
• D) Cardiac enzymes
Correct Answer: B
4. The nurse is reviewing the use of a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump
with a client in the immediate postoperative period. What assessment has the
highest priority before initiating the PCA pump?
, • A) The client's pain level on a 0–10 scale
• B) The rate and depth of the client's respirations
• C) The client's history of opioid use
• D) The client's ability to press the PCA button
Correct Answer: B
5. In explaining the benefits of the combination anti-infective drug TMP-SMZ
(Bactrim) to a client receiving it for a urinary tract infection, what rationale should
the nurse provide?
• A) The combination is less expensive than single agents
• B) The combination has fewer side effects
• C) The combination works faster than a single drug
• D) The two drugs work together to reduce resistance of the bacterial
infection
Correct Answer: D
6. A client is prescribed warfarin. Which laboratory value should the nurse
prioritize?
• A) PT
• B) INR
• C) aPTT
• D) Platelet count
Correct Answer: B
7. A female client with rheumatoid arthritis takes ibuprofen (Motrin) and is
prescribed misoprostol (Cytotec) to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding. Which
information is most important for the nurse to include in client teaching?
• A) Use contraception during intercourse
• B) Take the medication on an empty stomach
• C) Avoid dairy products
, • D) Increase intake of leafy green vegetables
Correct Answer: A
8. The nurse is caring for a patient taking cimetidine (Tagamet) orally. When
should the nurse administer this drug?
• A) With a full glass of water at bedtime
• B) Immediately after meals
• C) 1 hour after meals
• D) 30 minutes before meals
Correct Answer: D
9. 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, how often will
the medication most likely be prescribed?
• A) Once a day
• B) Twice a day
• C) Three times a day
• D) Every other day
Correct Answer: A
10. A client with heart failure is prescribed spironolactone (Aldactone). Which diet
modification is most important for the nurse to discuss?
• A) Increase fluid intake to 3 L per day
• B) Refrain from eating foods high in potassium
• C) Increase sodium intake to prevent hypotension
• D) Avoid foods containing tyramine
Correct Answer: B
11. Which intervention is most important for a nurse to implement for a client
receiving Lispro (Humalog) insulin?
• A) Shake the vial vigorously before drawing up the dose
correct QUESTION AND ANSWERS
THIS DOCUMENT INCLUDES
• This document contains a comprehensive collection of RN HESI
Pharmacology V2 (2026) exam questions with correct answers and
detailed rationales. It covers essential pharmacology topics including
drug classifications, medication administration, side effects, and nursing
interventions commonly tested on the HESI exam.
•
The material is designed to reinforce clinical judgment and medication
safety, helping nursing students prepare effectively for pharmacology
assessments and HESI exams. It includes both foundational concepts and
application-based questions aligned with real exam standards.
,RN HESI PHARMACOLOGY V2 EXAM – 150 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. 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) Sulfonamides
• B) Tetracyclines
• C) Macrolides
• D) Penicillins
Correct Answer: D
2. A client receiving albuterol (Proventil) tablets reports nausea every evening
with her 9 p.m. dose. What action should the nurse take to alleviate this side
effect?
• A) Change the dose to every other day
• B) Administer the dose on an empty stomach
• C) Administer the dose with a snack
• D) Hold the dose and notify the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: C
3. A client is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. Which assessment should
the nurse prioritize before administration?
• A) Blood glucose level
• B) Renal function tests
• C) Liver enzymes
• D) Cardiac enzymes
Correct Answer: B
4. The nurse is reviewing the use of a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump
with a client in the immediate postoperative period. What assessment has the
highest priority before initiating the PCA pump?
, • A) The client's pain level on a 0–10 scale
• B) The rate and depth of the client's respirations
• C) The client's history of opioid use
• D) The client's ability to press the PCA button
Correct Answer: B
5. In explaining the benefits of the combination anti-infective drug TMP-SMZ
(Bactrim) to a client receiving it for a urinary tract infection, what rationale should
the nurse provide?
• A) The combination is less expensive than single agents
• B) The combination has fewer side effects
• C) The combination works faster than a single drug
• D) The two drugs work together to reduce resistance of the bacterial
infection
Correct Answer: D
6. A client is prescribed warfarin. Which laboratory value should the nurse
prioritize?
• A) PT
• B) INR
• C) aPTT
• D) Platelet count
Correct Answer: B
7. A female client with rheumatoid arthritis takes ibuprofen (Motrin) and is
prescribed misoprostol (Cytotec) to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding. Which
information is most important for the nurse to include in client teaching?
• A) Use contraception during intercourse
• B) Take the medication on an empty stomach
• C) Avoid dairy products
, • D) Increase intake of leafy green vegetables
Correct Answer: A
8. The nurse is caring for a patient taking cimetidine (Tagamet) orally. When
should the nurse administer this drug?
• A) With a full glass of water at bedtime
• B) Immediately after meals
• C) 1 hour after meals
• D) 30 minutes before meals
Correct Answer: D
9. 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, how often will
the medication most likely be prescribed?
• A) Once a day
• B) Twice a day
• C) Three times a day
• D) Every other day
Correct Answer: A
10. A client with heart failure is prescribed spironolactone (Aldactone). Which diet
modification is most important for the nurse to discuss?
• A) Increase fluid intake to 3 L per day
• B) Refrain from eating foods high in potassium
• C) Increase sodium intake to prevent hypotension
• D) Avoid foods containing tyramine
Correct Answer: B
11. Which intervention is most important for a nurse to implement for a client
receiving Lispro (Humalog) insulin?
• A) Shake the vial vigorously before drawing up the dose
