HESI PHARMACOLOGY EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS &
VERIFIED ANSWERS COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
(2026-27)
Question 1
An adult client is given a prescription for a scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop)
to prevent motion sickness while on a cruise. Which information should the
nurse provide to the
client?
A) Apply the patch at least 4 hours prior to departure.
B) Change the patch every other day while on the cruise.
C) Place the patch on a hairless area at the base of the skull.
D) Drink no more than 2 alcoholic drinks during the cruise.
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Change the patch every other day while on the cruise
Question 2
Which medications should the nurse caution the client about taking while
receiving an opioid analgesic?
A) Antacids
B) Benzodiazepines
C) Antihypertensives
D) Oral antidiabetics
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Benzodiazepines
Question 3
Which client should the nurse identify as being at highest risk for
,complications during the use of an opioid analgesic?
A) An older client with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
B) A client with chronic rheumatoid arthritis
C) A client with a open compound fracture
D) A young adult with inflammatory bowel disease
CORRECT ANSWER
D) A young adult with inflammatory bowel disease
Question 4
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
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Abdomen
Question 5
The nurse is assessing the effectiveness of high dose aspirin therapy for an
88-year-old client with arthritis. The client reports that she can't hear the
nurse's questions because her ears are ringing. What action should the nurse
implement?
A) Refer the client to an audiologist for evaluation of her hearing
B) Advise the client that this is a common side effect of Aspirin therapy
C) Notify the healthcare provider of this finding immediately.
D) Ask the client to turn off her hearing aid during the exam.
, CORRECT ANSWER
C) Notify the healthcare provider of this finding immediately.
Question 6
A client asks the nurse if glipizide (Glucotrol) is an oral insulin. Which response
should the nurse provide?
A) "Yes, it is an oral insulin and has the same actions and properties as intermediate
insulin."
B) "Yes, it is an oral insulin and is distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the same
manner as insulin."
C) "No, it is not an oral insulin and can be used only when some beta cell
function is present."
D) "No, it is not an oral insulin, but is effective for those who are resistant to
injectable insulins."
CORRECT ANSWER
C) "No, it is not an oral insulin and can be used only when some beta cell
function is present."
Question 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 measure for pruritis
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Expected duration of flushing
VERIFIED ANSWERS COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
(2026-27)
Question 1
An adult client is given a prescription for a scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop)
to prevent motion sickness while on a cruise. Which information should the
nurse provide to the
client?
A) Apply the patch at least 4 hours prior to departure.
B) Change the patch every other day while on the cruise.
C) Place the patch on a hairless area at the base of the skull.
D) Drink no more than 2 alcoholic drinks during the cruise.
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Change the patch every other day while on the cruise
Question 2
Which medications should the nurse caution the client about taking while
receiving an opioid analgesic?
A) Antacids
B) Benzodiazepines
C) Antihypertensives
D) Oral antidiabetics
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Benzodiazepines
Question 3
Which client should the nurse identify as being at highest risk for
,complications during the use of an opioid analgesic?
A) An older client with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
B) A client with chronic rheumatoid arthritis
C) A client with a open compound fracture
D) A young adult with inflammatory bowel disease
CORRECT ANSWER
D) A young adult with inflammatory bowel disease
Question 4
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
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Abdomen
Question 5
The nurse is assessing the effectiveness of high dose aspirin therapy for an
88-year-old client with arthritis. The client reports that she can't hear the
nurse's questions because her ears are ringing. What action should the nurse
implement?
A) Refer the client to an audiologist for evaluation of her hearing
B) Advise the client that this is a common side effect of Aspirin therapy
C) Notify the healthcare provider of this finding immediately.
D) Ask the client to turn off her hearing aid during the exam.
, CORRECT ANSWER
C) Notify the healthcare provider of this finding immediately.
Question 6
A client asks the nurse if glipizide (Glucotrol) is an oral insulin. Which response
should the nurse provide?
A) "Yes, it is an oral insulin and has the same actions and properties as intermediate
insulin."
B) "Yes, it is an oral insulin and is distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the same
manner as insulin."
C) "No, it is not an oral insulin and can be used only when some beta cell
function is present."
D) "No, it is not an oral insulin, but is effective for those who are resistant to
injectable insulins."
CORRECT ANSWER
C) "No, it is not an oral insulin and can be used only when some beta cell
function is present."
Question 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 measure for pruritis
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Expected duration of flushing
