HESI PN Pharmacology Exam Questions and Answers 2025
A medication prescribed for postoperative infections; impor-
Cephalexin monohydrate (Keflex) tant to check for penicillin allergy due to cross-allergy with
cephalosporins.
An antimetabolite used in chemotherapy; key nursing intervention
Cytosine arabinoside (Arc-C)
is to inspect the client's oral mucosa for ulcerations.
Most important to assess for pain in the right upper quadrant of the
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose
abdomen due to potential liver damage.
An anticholinergic agent used to prevent motion sickness; should
Scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop)
be applied at least 4 hours prior to departure.
Allows client to receive morphine; priority assessment before use
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump
is the rate and depth of the client's respirations.
Beta-1 agonist Medication commonly prescribed for heart failure.
An opiate narcotic administered via PCA; can cause respiratory
Morphine
depression, requiring monitoring of respiratory rate.
A life-threatening side effect of intravenous morphine, necessitat-
Respiratory depression
ing monitoring of respiratory rate.
Characterized by stomatitis and mucosal ulcerations due to the
Antimetabolite toxicity
effect on rapidly growing cells.
Transdermal patch duration The duration of the scopolamine patch is 72 hours.
PCA pump maximum dosage Client can receive a total of 5 mg IV maximally per hour.
Recommended to hydrate the client before and after infusion of
IV fluids
cytosine arabinoside.
Clients using scopolamine should avoid alcohol as it can enhance
Alcohol consumption
CNS depressant effects.
Subjective and objective signs of pain are important to evaluate
Pain assessment
before initiating PCA pump.
Important nursing intervention for clients receiving cytosine ara-
Oral mucosa inspection
binoside to check for ulcerations.
Pain in this area may indicate liver damage in acetaminophen
Right upper quadrant pain
overdose cases.
Peak onset of scopolamine Scopolamine has a peak onset in 6 hours.
Morphine administration 1 mg IV per hour basal rate with 1 mg IV every 15 minutes via
PCA.
Exists between penicillins and cephalosporins, necessitating al-
Cross-allergy
lergy checks before administering cephalexin.
Hydration before chemotherapy Important nursing intervention for clients receiving cytosine ara-
binoside.
Important to assess in clients receiving chemotherapy, though not
Numbness and tingling assessment
the highest priority for cytosine arabinoside.
Change of scopolamine patch Not needed every other day; the patch lasts for 72 hours.
Client education for scopolamine Instruct to apply the patch on a hairless area behind the ear.
Glaucoma Managed using adrenergic agents and beta-adrenergic blocking
agents.
Hypertension Managed using beta-1 blocking agents.
Indicated for treatment with beta-1 agonists to improve cardiac
Heart failure
output.
Managed with medications that stimulate beta-2 receptors in the
Asthma
bronchi.
Ibuprofen (Motrin) 600 mg PO 4 times a day for rheumatoid arthritis.
Misoprostol (Cytotec) 100 mcg PO prescribed to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding.
Cytotec
, A synthetic form of a prostaglandin classified as pregnancy Cat-
egory X.
Spironolactone (Aldactone) A potassium-sparing diuretic that requires dietary modifications.
Diet modification for heart failure with Aldactone Refrain from eating foods high in potassium.
Lactulose (Cephulac) Administered to reduce blood ammonia by excretion through stool.
Desired outcome of lactulose Two or three soft stools per day indicate the drug is performing as
intended.
Naproxen (Naproxen) Prescribed twice daily for osteoarthritis.
Effectiveness of Naproxen Therapeutic blood levels are reached in 4 to 6 weeks.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Individual responses to these drugs are variable.
Potassium-sparing diuretic A type of diuretic that helps retain potassium.
Pregnancy Category X Indicates a drug that can cause fetal harm.
Gastrointestinal bleeding prevention Cytotec is prescribed to prevent this when taking NSAIDs.
Hyperkalemia A condition to avoid when taking spironolactone.
Fluid intake restriction Not indicated with the prescription of spironolactone.
Diarrhea as a side effect A common side effect of Cytotec.
Corticosteroids for osteoarthritis Not indicated for pain relief in osteoarthritis.
Dosing frequency for Naproxen Usually prescribed every 8 hours.
Peak effect of Naproxen Occurs one to two hours after administration.
Contraception during intercourse Recommended for clients taking Cytotec to prevent pregnancy.
Metronidazole (Flagyl) Instructions Increase fluid intake, especially cranberry juice.
Albuterol (Proventil) Nausea Management Administer the dose with a snack.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) Intervention Discontinue the IV fluids.
Captopril (Capoten) Discharge Instruction Report dizziness to the healthcare provider.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) Complications Assess for erythema.
Captopril (Capoten) Effects Weight loss is desired if fluid overload is present.
Metronidazole (Flagyl) Alcohol Interaction Can cause a disulfiram-like reaction if taken with alcohol.
Causes inflammation, blistering, and necrosis of tissue upon ex-
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) Side Effects
travasation.
Albuterol (Proventil) Timing Changing the time of the dose should correspond to meal times.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) Pain Management Warm or cold compresses may be prescribed after the infusion is
discontinued.
Metronidazole (Flagyl) Treatment Context Recommended for prevention and treatment of urinary tract infec-
tions.
Captopril (Capoten) Mechanism Reduces afterload by reversing vasoconstriction in heart failure.
Captopril (Capoten) Side Effects Hypotension can cause dizziness.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) IV Complications Edema and pain at the infusion site require stopping the IV fluids.
An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used for hypertension
Losartan (Cozaar)
and heart failure.
Indicates hyperkalemia, which is above the normal range of 3.5 to
Serum potassium level 5.9 mEq/L
5 mEq/L.
Tinnitus An early sign of salicylate toxicity, often described as ringing in the
ears.
A medication prescribed for congestive heart failure that requires
Digitalis (Digoxin)
monitoring of serum potassium levels to prevent toxicity.
A condition characterized by low serum potassium levels, which
Hypokalemia
can precipitate digitalis toxicity.
A medication prescribed for postoperative infections; impor-
Cephalexin monohydrate (Keflex) tant to check for penicillin allergy due to cross-allergy with
cephalosporins.
An antimetabolite used in chemotherapy; key nursing intervention
Cytosine arabinoside (Arc-C)
is to inspect the client's oral mucosa for ulcerations.
Most important to assess for pain in the right upper quadrant of the
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose
abdomen due to potential liver damage.
An anticholinergic agent used to prevent motion sickness; should
Scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop)
be applied at least 4 hours prior to departure.
Allows client to receive morphine; priority assessment before use
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump
is the rate and depth of the client's respirations.
Beta-1 agonist Medication commonly prescribed for heart failure.
An opiate narcotic administered via PCA; can cause respiratory
Morphine
depression, requiring monitoring of respiratory rate.
A life-threatening side effect of intravenous morphine, necessitat-
Respiratory depression
ing monitoring of respiratory rate.
Characterized by stomatitis and mucosal ulcerations due to the
Antimetabolite toxicity
effect on rapidly growing cells.
Transdermal patch duration The duration of the scopolamine patch is 72 hours.
PCA pump maximum dosage Client can receive a total of 5 mg IV maximally per hour.
Recommended to hydrate the client before and after infusion of
IV fluids
cytosine arabinoside.
Clients using scopolamine should avoid alcohol as it can enhance
Alcohol consumption
CNS depressant effects.
Subjective and objective signs of pain are important to evaluate
Pain assessment
before initiating PCA pump.
Important nursing intervention for clients receiving cytosine ara-
Oral mucosa inspection
binoside to check for ulcerations.
Pain in this area may indicate liver damage in acetaminophen
Right upper quadrant pain
overdose cases.
Peak onset of scopolamine Scopolamine has a peak onset in 6 hours.
Morphine administration 1 mg IV per hour basal rate with 1 mg IV every 15 minutes via
PCA.
Exists between penicillins and cephalosporins, necessitating al-
Cross-allergy
lergy checks before administering cephalexin.
Hydration before chemotherapy Important nursing intervention for clients receiving cytosine ara-
binoside.
Important to assess in clients receiving chemotherapy, though not
Numbness and tingling assessment
the highest priority for cytosine arabinoside.
Change of scopolamine patch Not needed every other day; the patch lasts for 72 hours.
Client education for scopolamine Instruct to apply the patch on a hairless area behind the ear.
Glaucoma Managed using adrenergic agents and beta-adrenergic blocking
agents.
Hypertension Managed using beta-1 blocking agents.
Indicated for treatment with beta-1 agonists to improve cardiac
Heart failure
output.
Managed with medications that stimulate beta-2 receptors in the
Asthma
bronchi.
Ibuprofen (Motrin) 600 mg PO 4 times a day for rheumatoid arthritis.
Misoprostol (Cytotec) 100 mcg PO prescribed to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding.
Cytotec
, A synthetic form of a prostaglandin classified as pregnancy Cat-
egory X.
Spironolactone (Aldactone) A potassium-sparing diuretic that requires dietary modifications.
Diet modification for heart failure with Aldactone Refrain from eating foods high in potassium.
Lactulose (Cephulac) Administered to reduce blood ammonia by excretion through stool.
Desired outcome of lactulose Two or three soft stools per day indicate the drug is performing as
intended.
Naproxen (Naproxen) Prescribed twice daily for osteoarthritis.
Effectiveness of Naproxen Therapeutic blood levels are reached in 4 to 6 weeks.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Individual responses to these drugs are variable.
Potassium-sparing diuretic A type of diuretic that helps retain potassium.
Pregnancy Category X Indicates a drug that can cause fetal harm.
Gastrointestinal bleeding prevention Cytotec is prescribed to prevent this when taking NSAIDs.
Hyperkalemia A condition to avoid when taking spironolactone.
Fluid intake restriction Not indicated with the prescription of spironolactone.
Diarrhea as a side effect A common side effect of Cytotec.
Corticosteroids for osteoarthritis Not indicated for pain relief in osteoarthritis.
Dosing frequency for Naproxen Usually prescribed every 8 hours.
Peak effect of Naproxen Occurs one to two hours after administration.
Contraception during intercourse Recommended for clients taking Cytotec to prevent pregnancy.
Metronidazole (Flagyl) Instructions Increase fluid intake, especially cranberry juice.
Albuterol (Proventil) Nausea Management Administer the dose with a snack.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) Intervention Discontinue the IV fluids.
Captopril (Capoten) Discharge Instruction Report dizziness to the healthcare provider.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) Complications Assess for erythema.
Captopril (Capoten) Effects Weight loss is desired if fluid overload is present.
Metronidazole (Flagyl) Alcohol Interaction Can cause a disulfiram-like reaction if taken with alcohol.
Causes inflammation, blistering, and necrosis of tissue upon ex-
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) Side Effects
travasation.
Albuterol (Proventil) Timing Changing the time of the dose should correspond to meal times.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) Pain Management Warm or cold compresses may be prescribed after the infusion is
discontinued.
Metronidazole (Flagyl) Treatment Context Recommended for prevention and treatment of urinary tract infec-
tions.
Captopril (Capoten) Mechanism Reduces afterload by reversing vasoconstriction in heart failure.
Captopril (Capoten) Side Effects Hypotension can cause dizziness.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) IV Complications Edema and pain at the infusion site require stopping the IV fluids.
An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used for hypertension
Losartan (Cozaar)
and heart failure.
Indicates hyperkalemia, which is above the normal range of 3.5 to
Serum potassium level 5.9 mEq/L
5 mEq/L.
Tinnitus An early sign of salicylate toxicity, often described as ringing in the
ears.
A medication prescribed for congestive heart failure that requires
Digitalis (Digoxin)
monitoring of serum potassium levels to prevent toxicity.
A condition characterized by low serum potassium levels, which
Hypokalemia
can precipitate digitalis toxicity.
