HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam Questions and Correct Answers
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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) Penicillin.
B) Aminoglycosides.
C) Erythromycins.
D) Sulfonamides. - (ANSWERS)A) Penicillin.
Cross-allergies exist between penicillin (A) and cephalosporins, such as cephalexin
monohydrate (Keflex), so checking for penicillin allergy is a wise precaution before
administering this drug.
Which nursing intervention is most important when caring for a client receiving the
antimetabolite cytosine arabinoside (Arc-C) for chemotherapy?
A) Hydrate the client with IV fluids before and after infusion.
B) Assess the client for numbness and tingling of extremities.
C) Inspect the client's oral mucosa for ulcerations.
D) Monitor the client's urine pH for increased acidity - (ANSWERS)C) Inspect the client's oral
mucosa for ulcerations.
Cytosine arabinoside (Arc-C) affects the rapidly growing cells of the body, therefore stomatitis
and mucosal ulcerations are key signs of antimetabolite toxicity (C). (A, B, and D) are not typical
interventions associated with the administration of antimetabolites.
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. - (ANSWERS)B) Abdomen.
Acetaminophen toxicity can result in liver damage; therefore, it is especially important for the
nurse to assess for pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen (B), which might indicate
liver damage.
(A, C, and D) are not areas where pain would be anticipated
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. - (ANSWERS)A) Apply the patch at
least 4 hours prior to departure.
Scopolamine, an anticholinergic agent, is used to prevent motion sickness and has a peak
onset in 6 hours, so the client should be instructed to apply the patch at least 4 hours before
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departure (A) on the cruise ship. The duration of the transdermal patch is 72 hours, so (B) is not
needed. Scolopamine blocks muscarinic receptors in the inner ear and to the vomiting center,
so the best application site of the patch is behind the ear, not at the base of the skull (C).
Anticholinergic medications are CNS depressants, so the client should be instructed to avoid
alcohol (D) while using the patch.
The nurse is reviewing the use of the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump with a client in
the immediate postoperative period. The client will receive morphine 1 mg IV per hour basal
rate with 1 mg IV every 15 minutes per PCA to total 5 mg IV maximally per hour. What
assessment has the highest priority before initiating the PCA pump?
A) The expiration date on the morphine syringe in the pump.
B) The rate and depth of the client's respirations.
C) The type of anesthesia used during the surgical procedure.
D) The client's subjective and objective signs of pain. - (ANSWERS)B) The rate and depth of the
client's respirations.
A life-threatening side effect of intravenous administration of morphine sulfate, an opiate
narcotic, is
respiratory depression (B). The PCA pump should be stopped and the healthcare provider
notified if the
client's respiratory rate falls below 12 breaths per minute, and the nurse should anticipate
adjustments
in the client's dosage before the PCA pump is restarted. (A, C, and D) provide helpful
information, but
are not as high a priority as the assessment described in (B).
A medication that is classified as a beta-1 agonist is most commonly prescribed for a client with
which condition?
A) Glaucoma.
B) Hypertension.
C) Heart failure.
D) Asthma. - (ANSWERS)C) Heart failure.
Beta-1 agonists improve cardiac output
by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure and are indicated in heart failure (C), shock,
atrioventricular block dysrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. Glaucoma (A) is managed using
adrenergic agents and beta-adrenergic blocking agents. Beta-1 blocking agents are used in the
management of hypertension (B). Medications that stimulate beta-2 receptors in the bronchi
are effective for bronchoconstriction in respiratory disorders, such as asthma (D).
A female client with rheumatoid arthritis take ibuprofen (Motrin) 600 mg PO 4 times a day. To
prevent gastrointestinal bleeding, misoprostol (Cytotec) 100 mcg PO is prescribed. Which
information is most important for the nurse to include in client teaching?
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A) Use contraception during intercourse.
B) Ensure the Cytotec is taken on an empty stomach.
C) Encourage oral fluid intake to prevent constipation.
D) Take Cytotec 30 minutes prior to Motrin. - (ANSWERS)A) Use contraception during
intercourse.
Cytotec, a synthetic form of a prostaglandin, is classified as pregnancy Category X and can act
as an abortifacient, so the client should be instructed to use contraception during intercourse
(A) to prevent loss of an early pregnancy. (B) is not necessary. A common side effect of Cytotec
is diarrhea, so constipation prevention strategies are usually not needed (C). Cytotec and
Motrin should be taken together (D) to provide protective properties against gastrointestinal
bleeding.
A client with heart failure is prescribed spironolactone (Aldactone). Which information is most
important for the nurse to provide to the client about diet modifications?
A) Do not add salt to foods during preparation.
B) Refrain for eating foods high in potassium.
C) Restrict fluid intake to 1000 ml per day.
D) Increase intake of milk and milk products. - (ANSWERS)B) Refrain for eating foods high in
potassium.
Spironolactone (Aldactone), an aldosterone antagonist, is a potassium-sparing diuretic, so a
diet high in potassium should be avoided (B), including potassium salt substitutes, which can
lead to hyperkalemia.Although (A) is a common diet modification in heart failure, the risk of
hyperkalemia is more important with Aldactone. Restriction of fluids (C) or increasing milk and
milk products (D) are not indicated with this prescription
In evaluating the effects of lactulose (Cephulac), which outcome should indicate that the drug
is performing as intended?
A) An increase in urine output.
B) Two or three soft stools per day.
C) Watery, diarrhea stools.
D) Increased serum bilirubin - (ANSWERS)B) Two or three soft stools per day.
Lactulose is administered to reduce blood ammonia by excretion of ammonia through the
stool. Two to three stools a day indicate that lactulose is performing as intended (B). (A) would
be expected if the patient received a diuretic. (C) would indicate an overdose of lactulose and
is not expected. Lactulose does not affect (D).
The healthcare provider prescribes naproxen (Naproxen) twice daily for a client with
osteoarthritis of the hands. The client tells the nurse that the drug does not seem to be effective
after three weeks. Which is the best response for the nurse to provide?
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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) Penicillin.
B) Aminoglycosides.
C) Erythromycins.
D) Sulfonamides. - (ANSWERS)A) Penicillin.
Cross-allergies exist between penicillin (A) and cephalosporins, such as cephalexin
monohydrate (Keflex), so checking for penicillin allergy is a wise precaution before
administering this drug.
Which nursing intervention is most important when caring for a client receiving the
antimetabolite cytosine arabinoside (Arc-C) for chemotherapy?
A) Hydrate the client with IV fluids before and after infusion.
B) Assess the client for numbness and tingling of extremities.
C) Inspect the client's oral mucosa for ulcerations.
D) Monitor the client's urine pH for increased acidity - (ANSWERS)C) Inspect the client's oral
mucosa for ulcerations.
Cytosine arabinoside (Arc-C) affects the rapidly growing cells of the body, therefore stomatitis
and mucosal ulcerations are key signs of antimetabolite toxicity (C). (A, B, and D) are not typical
interventions associated with the administration of antimetabolites.
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. - (ANSWERS)B) Abdomen.
Acetaminophen toxicity can result in liver damage; therefore, it is especially important for the
nurse to assess for pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen (B), which might indicate
liver damage.
(A, C, and D) are not areas where pain would be anticipated
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. - (ANSWERS)A) Apply the patch at
least 4 hours prior to departure.
Scopolamine, an anticholinergic agent, is used to prevent motion sickness and has a peak
onset in 6 hours, so the client should be instructed to apply the patch at least 4 hours before
, HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam Questions and Correct Answers
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!@#$%@#$
departure (A) on the cruise ship. The duration of the transdermal patch is 72 hours, so (B) is not
needed. Scolopamine blocks muscarinic receptors in the inner ear and to the vomiting center,
so the best application site of the patch is behind the ear, not at the base of the skull (C).
Anticholinergic medications are CNS depressants, so the client should be instructed to avoid
alcohol (D) while using the patch.
The nurse is reviewing the use of the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump with a client in
the immediate postoperative period. The client will receive morphine 1 mg IV per hour basal
rate with 1 mg IV every 15 minutes per PCA to total 5 mg IV maximally per hour. What
assessment has the highest priority before initiating the PCA pump?
A) The expiration date on the morphine syringe in the pump.
B) The rate and depth of the client's respirations.
C) The type of anesthesia used during the surgical procedure.
D) The client's subjective and objective signs of pain. - (ANSWERS)B) The rate and depth of the
client's respirations.
A life-threatening side effect of intravenous administration of morphine sulfate, an opiate
narcotic, is
respiratory depression (B). The PCA pump should be stopped and the healthcare provider
notified if the
client's respiratory rate falls below 12 breaths per minute, and the nurse should anticipate
adjustments
in the client's dosage before the PCA pump is restarted. (A, C, and D) provide helpful
information, but
are not as high a priority as the assessment described in (B).
A medication that is classified as a beta-1 agonist is most commonly prescribed for a client with
which condition?
A) Glaucoma.
B) Hypertension.
C) Heart failure.
D) Asthma. - (ANSWERS)C) Heart failure.
Beta-1 agonists improve cardiac output
by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure and are indicated in heart failure (C), shock,
atrioventricular block dysrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. Glaucoma (A) is managed using
adrenergic agents and beta-adrenergic blocking agents. Beta-1 blocking agents are used in the
management of hypertension (B). Medications that stimulate beta-2 receptors in the bronchi
are effective for bronchoconstriction in respiratory disorders, such as asthma (D).
A female client with rheumatoid arthritis take ibuprofen (Motrin) 600 mg PO 4 times a day. To
prevent gastrointestinal bleeding, misoprostol (Cytotec) 100 mcg PO is prescribed. Which
information is most important for the nurse to include in client teaching?
, HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam Questions and Correct Answers
Latest Version Guaranteed A+
!@#$%@#$
A) Use contraception during intercourse.
B) Ensure the Cytotec is taken on an empty stomach.
C) Encourage oral fluid intake to prevent constipation.
D) Take Cytotec 30 minutes prior to Motrin. - (ANSWERS)A) Use contraception during
intercourse.
Cytotec, a synthetic form of a prostaglandin, is classified as pregnancy Category X and can act
as an abortifacient, so the client should be instructed to use contraception during intercourse
(A) to prevent loss of an early pregnancy. (B) is not necessary. A common side effect of Cytotec
is diarrhea, so constipation prevention strategies are usually not needed (C). Cytotec and
Motrin should be taken together (D) to provide protective properties against gastrointestinal
bleeding.
A client with heart failure is prescribed spironolactone (Aldactone). Which information is most
important for the nurse to provide to the client about diet modifications?
A) Do not add salt to foods during preparation.
B) Refrain for eating foods high in potassium.
C) Restrict fluid intake to 1000 ml per day.
D) Increase intake of milk and milk products. - (ANSWERS)B) Refrain for eating foods high in
potassium.
Spironolactone (Aldactone), an aldosterone antagonist, is a potassium-sparing diuretic, so a
diet high in potassium should be avoided (B), including potassium salt substitutes, which can
lead to hyperkalemia.Although (A) is a common diet modification in heart failure, the risk of
hyperkalemia is more important with Aldactone. Restriction of fluids (C) or increasing milk and
milk products (D) are not indicated with this prescription
In evaluating the effects of lactulose (Cephulac), which outcome should indicate that the drug
is performing as intended?
A) An increase in urine output.
B) Two or three soft stools per day.
C) Watery, diarrhea stools.
D) Increased serum bilirubin - (ANSWERS)B) Two or three soft stools per day.
Lactulose is administered to reduce blood ammonia by excretion of ammonia through the
stool. Two to three stools a day indicate that lactulose is performing as intended (B). (A) would
be expected if the patient received a diuretic. (C) would indicate an overdose of lactulose and
is not expected. Lactulose does not affect (D).
The healthcare provider prescribes naproxen (Naproxen) twice daily for a client with
osteoarthritis of the hands. The client tells the nurse that the drug does not seem to be effective
after three weeks. Which is the best response for the nurse to provide?
