Pharmacology HESI Practice Exam
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker for hypertension. What is the primary effect of this
medication?
✔✔It decreases heart rate and blood pressure
A patient is prescribed insulin for type 1 diabetes. What is the most important sign to monitor
for?
✔✔Hypoglycemia, including sweating, shakiness, and confusion
A nurse is administering a cephalosporin antibiotic. What allergic reaction is most concerning?
✔✔Anaphylaxis, including rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing
A patient is prescribed digoxin. What vital sign must the nurse assess before administration?
✔✔Apical pulse
A patient is taking a corticosteroid long-term. What is a common side effect to monitor for?
1
,✔✔Hyperglycemia and increased risk of infection
A patient is prescribed an ACE inhibitor. What common side effect should the nurse monitor for?
✔✔Persistent dry cough
A patient is taking a proton pump inhibitor for GERD. What is the main action of this
medication?
✔✔Reduces stomach acid production
A patient is prescribed metformin. What is an important safety consideration?
✔✔Monitor kidney function and avoid contrast dye when possible
A patient is prescribed an opioid for pain management. What is the priority nursing assessment?
✔✔Respiratory rate and level of consciousness
A patient is taking a statin medication. What lab test should be monitored regularly?
✔✔Liver function tests
2
, A patient is prescribed a benzodiazepine. What is a key side effect to monitor?
✔✔Sedation and risk of respiratory depression
A patient is prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). What is an important
adverse effect to monitor?
✔✔Gastrointestinal bleeding
A patient is prescribed levothyroxine. What is the purpose of this medication?
✔✔To replace thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism
A patient is taking an antihistamine. What common side effect should the nurse monitor for?
✔✔Drowsiness and dry mouth
A patient is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). What is a serious adverse
effect to monitor for?
✔✔Serotonin syndrome, including confusion, agitation, and tremors
A patient is prescribed a calcium channel blocker. What vital sign is important to monitor?
3
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker for hypertension. What is the primary effect of this
medication?
✔✔It decreases heart rate and blood pressure
A patient is prescribed insulin for type 1 diabetes. What is the most important sign to monitor
for?
✔✔Hypoglycemia, including sweating, shakiness, and confusion
A nurse is administering a cephalosporin antibiotic. What allergic reaction is most concerning?
✔✔Anaphylaxis, including rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing
A patient is prescribed digoxin. What vital sign must the nurse assess before administration?
✔✔Apical pulse
A patient is taking a corticosteroid long-term. What is a common side effect to monitor for?
1
,✔✔Hyperglycemia and increased risk of infection
A patient is prescribed an ACE inhibitor. What common side effect should the nurse monitor for?
✔✔Persistent dry cough
A patient is taking a proton pump inhibitor for GERD. What is the main action of this
medication?
✔✔Reduces stomach acid production
A patient is prescribed metformin. What is an important safety consideration?
✔✔Monitor kidney function and avoid contrast dye when possible
A patient is prescribed an opioid for pain management. What is the priority nursing assessment?
✔✔Respiratory rate and level of consciousness
A patient is taking a statin medication. What lab test should be monitored regularly?
✔✔Liver function tests
2
, A patient is prescribed a benzodiazepine. What is a key side effect to monitor?
✔✔Sedation and risk of respiratory depression
A patient is prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). What is an important
adverse effect to monitor?
✔✔Gastrointestinal bleeding
A patient is prescribed levothyroxine. What is the purpose of this medication?
✔✔To replace thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism
A patient is taking an antihistamine. What common side effect should the nurse monitor for?
✔✔Drowsiness and dry mouth
A patient is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). What is a serious adverse
effect to monitor for?
✔✔Serotonin syndrome, including confusion, agitation, and tremors
A patient is prescribed a calcium channel blocker. What vital sign is important to monitor?
3
