PHARMACOLOGY HESI EXAM 2025
PHARMACOLOGY HESI EXAM 2025/2026
COMPLETE verified QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES |ALREADY GRADED
A+||LATEST
The nurse is reviewing medical record notes of a client with bladder cancer who is prescribed
concentrations of methotrexate followed by leucovorin (citrovorum factor, folic acid). The nurse
should include in the client's education which information about the anticipated therapeutic effect
of leucovorin?
1.
"It promotes medication excretion."
2.
"It will promote protein synthesis."
3.
"It will help to preserve normal cells."
4.
"It speeds up the effect of the methotrexate."
3. It will help preserve normal cells
The administration of leucovorin with methotrexate is known as leucovorin rescue. High
concentrations of methotrexate cause harm and damage to normal cells. Leucovorin bypasses the
metabolic block caused by methotrexate, thereby permitting normal cells to synthesize. Leucovorin
rescue is potentially hazardous because failure to administer leucovorin in the right dose at the right
time can be fatal.
A topical corticosteroid is prescribed for an infant with dermatitis in the gluteal area. The nurse
provides instructions to the mother regarding the use of the medication. Which statement by the
mother indicates an understanding of the use of the medication?
1."I should not rub the medication into the skin."
2."The medication will help relieve the inflammation."
3."I need to apply the medication in a thick layer to protect the skin." 4."I should protect the area by
covering it with a diaper and plastic pants."
A+ TEST BANK 1
, PHARMACOLOGY HESI EXAM 2025
2. The medication will help relieve the inflammation
A topical corticosteroid will relieve inflammation. The mother should be advised not to apply a tight-
fitting diaper or plastic pants after applying the medication because these items will act as an
occlusive dressing. The use of occlusive dressings (bandages or plastic wraps) over the affected site
is avoided after application of the topical corticosteroid unless the health care provider specifically
prescribes this wound coverage. The medication is gently rubbed into the skin after a thin layer is
applied.
A client is seen in the clinic for complaints of thirst, frequent urination, and headaches. After
diagnostic studies, diabetes insipidus is diagnosed. Desmopressin is prescribed. The client asks why
this medication was prescribed. Which is a correct statement by the nurse?
1."It relieves the headaches."
2."It increases water reabsorption."
3."It stimulates the production of aldosterone."
4."It decreases the production of the antidiuretic hormone."
2. It increases water reabsorption
Desmopressin is an antidiuretic hormone (ADH) used in the treatment of diabetes insipidus. It
promotes renal conservation of water by acting on the collecting ducts of the kidney to increase the
permeability to water, which results in increased water reabsorption. Desmopressin does not relieve
headaches, stimulate aldosterone, or decrease production of ADH.
A client's medication sheet contains a prescription for sertraline. To ensure safe administration of the
medication, how should the nurse administer the dose?
1.On an empty stomach
2.At the same time each evening
3.Evenly spaced around the clock
4.As needed when the client complains of depression
2. At the same time every evening
Sertraline is classified as an antidepressant. Sertraline generally is administered once every 24 hours.
It may be administered in the morning or evening, but evening administration may be preferable
because drowsiness is a side effect. The medication may be administered without food or with food
if gastrointestinal distress occurs. Sertraline is not prescribed for use as needed.
The nurse teaches a client newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about storing Humulin N insulin.
Which statement indicates to the nurse that the client understood the discharge teaching?
A+ TEST BANK 2
, PHARMACOLOGY HESI EXAM 2025
1."I should keep the insulin in the cabinet during the day only."
2."I know I have to keep my insulin in the refrigerator at all times."
3."I can store the open insulin bottle in the kitchen cabinet for 1 month."
4."The best place for my insulin is on the window sill, but in the cupboard is just as good."
3. I can store thew open insulin bottle in the kitchen cabinet for 1 month
An insulin vial in current use can be kept at room temperature for 1 month without significant loss of
activity. Direct sunlight and heat must be avoided. Therefore, options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect.
A client is admitted to the hospital emergency department with an acute anterior wall myocardial
infarction. The nurse discusses thrombolytic therapy with the client and spouse. The spouse is
concerned about the dangers of this treatment. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate?
1."There is no reason to worry. We use this medication all the time." 2."I'm certain you made the
correct decision to use this medication." 3."You have concerns about whether this treatment is the
best option."
4."Your loved one is very ill. The primary health care provider has made the best decision for you."
3. You have concerns about whether this treatment is the best option
Paraphrasing is restating the client's or family members' own words. This allows the client and family
members to express their concerns and talk through the decisions that have been made. Option 1
offers false reassurance. In option 2, the nurse is expressing approval, which can be harmful to the
client-nurse or family-nurse relationship. Option 4 represents a communication block that denies the
family member's right to an opinion.
A nurse provides dietary instructions to a client who will be taking warfarin sodium. The nurse should
tell the client to avoid which food item?
1.Grapes
2.Spinach
3.Watermelon
4.Cottage cheese
2. Spinach
Warfarin sodium is an anticoagulant. Anticoagulant medications act by antagonizing the action of
A+ TEST BANK 3
, PHARMACOLOGY HESI EXAM 2025
phytonadione, which is needed for clotting. When a client is taking an anticoagulant, foods high in
phytonadione often are omitted from the diet. Phytonadione-rich foods include green leafy
vegetables, fish, liver, coffee, and tea.
The nurse has completed giving medication instructions to a client receiving benazepril. Which client
statement indicates to the nurse that the client needs further instruction?
1."I need to change positions slowly."
2."I will monitor my blood pressure every week."
3."I will report signs and symptoms of infection immediately."
4."I can use salt substitutes freely and eat foods high in potassium."
4."I can use salt substitutes freely and eat foods high in potassium."
The client taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor is instructed to take the
medication exactly as prescribed, to monitor blood pressure weekly, and to continue with other
lifestyle changes to control hypertension. The client should change positions slowly to avoid
orthostatic hypotension and report fever, mouth sores, or sore throat (neutropenia) to the health
care provider. In addition, salt substitutes and high-potassium foods should be avoided because they
contain potassium and increase the risk for hyperkalemia.
A child with severe seborrheic dermatitis is receiving treatments of topical corticosteroid applied
over an extensive area of the body, followed by the application of an occlusive dressing. The nurse
should monitor the child closely, knowing that which systemic effect can occur as a result of this
treatment?
1.Local infection
2.Growth retardation
3.Thinning of the skin
4.Adrenal hyperactivity
2. Growth retardation
Topical corticosteroid can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic toxicity. Principal
concerns are growth retardation (in children) and adrenal suppression (in all age groups). Systemic
toxicity is more likely under extreme conditions of use, such as with prolonged therapy in which
extensive surfaces are treated with high doses of high-potency agents in conjunction with occlusive
dressings.
Silver sulfadiazine is prescribed for a client with a partial-thickness burn, and the nurse provides
teaching about the medication. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further
teaching about the treatments?
A+ TEST BANK 4
PHARMACOLOGY HESI EXAM 2025/2026
COMPLETE verified QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES |ALREADY GRADED
A+||LATEST
The nurse is reviewing medical record notes of a client with bladder cancer who is prescribed
concentrations of methotrexate followed by leucovorin (citrovorum factor, folic acid). The nurse
should include in the client's education which information about the anticipated therapeutic effect
of leucovorin?
1.
"It promotes medication excretion."
2.
"It will promote protein synthesis."
3.
"It will help to preserve normal cells."
4.
"It speeds up the effect of the methotrexate."
3. It will help preserve normal cells
The administration of leucovorin with methotrexate is known as leucovorin rescue. High
concentrations of methotrexate cause harm and damage to normal cells. Leucovorin bypasses the
metabolic block caused by methotrexate, thereby permitting normal cells to synthesize. Leucovorin
rescue is potentially hazardous because failure to administer leucovorin in the right dose at the right
time can be fatal.
A topical corticosteroid is prescribed for an infant with dermatitis in the gluteal area. The nurse
provides instructions to the mother regarding the use of the medication. Which statement by the
mother indicates an understanding of the use of the medication?
1."I should not rub the medication into the skin."
2."The medication will help relieve the inflammation."
3."I need to apply the medication in a thick layer to protect the skin." 4."I should protect the area by
covering it with a diaper and plastic pants."
A+ TEST BANK 1
, PHARMACOLOGY HESI EXAM 2025
2. The medication will help relieve the inflammation
A topical corticosteroid will relieve inflammation. The mother should be advised not to apply a tight-
fitting diaper or plastic pants after applying the medication because these items will act as an
occlusive dressing. The use of occlusive dressings (bandages or plastic wraps) over the affected site
is avoided after application of the topical corticosteroid unless the health care provider specifically
prescribes this wound coverage. The medication is gently rubbed into the skin after a thin layer is
applied.
A client is seen in the clinic for complaints of thirst, frequent urination, and headaches. After
diagnostic studies, diabetes insipidus is diagnosed. Desmopressin is prescribed. The client asks why
this medication was prescribed. Which is a correct statement by the nurse?
1."It relieves the headaches."
2."It increases water reabsorption."
3."It stimulates the production of aldosterone."
4."It decreases the production of the antidiuretic hormone."
2. It increases water reabsorption
Desmopressin is an antidiuretic hormone (ADH) used in the treatment of diabetes insipidus. It
promotes renal conservation of water by acting on the collecting ducts of the kidney to increase the
permeability to water, which results in increased water reabsorption. Desmopressin does not relieve
headaches, stimulate aldosterone, or decrease production of ADH.
A client's medication sheet contains a prescription for sertraline. To ensure safe administration of the
medication, how should the nurse administer the dose?
1.On an empty stomach
2.At the same time each evening
3.Evenly spaced around the clock
4.As needed when the client complains of depression
2. At the same time every evening
Sertraline is classified as an antidepressant. Sertraline generally is administered once every 24 hours.
It may be administered in the morning or evening, but evening administration may be preferable
because drowsiness is a side effect. The medication may be administered without food or with food
if gastrointestinal distress occurs. Sertraline is not prescribed for use as needed.
The nurse teaches a client newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about storing Humulin N insulin.
Which statement indicates to the nurse that the client understood the discharge teaching?
A+ TEST BANK 2
, PHARMACOLOGY HESI EXAM 2025
1."I should keep the insulin in the cabinet during the day only."
2."I know I have to keep my insulin in the refrigerator at all times."
3."I can store the open insulin bottle in the kitchen cabinet for 1 month."
4."The best place for my insulin is on the window sill, but in the cupboard is just as good."
3. I can store thew open insulin bottle in the kitchen cabinet for 1 month
An insulin vial in current use can be kept at room temperature for 1 month without significant loss of
activity. Direct sunlight and heat must be avoided. Therefore, options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect.
A client is admitted to the hospital emergency department with an acute anterior wall myocardial
infarction. The nurse discusses thrombolytic therapy with the client and spouse. The spouse is
concerned about the dangers of this treatment. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate?
1."There is no reason to worry. We use this medication all the time." 2."I'm certain you made the
correct decision to use this medication." 3."You have concerns about whether this treatment is the
best option."
4."Your loved one is very ill. The primary health care provider has made the best decision for you."
3. You have concerns about whether this treatment is the best option
Paraphrasing is restating the client's or family members' own words. This allows the client and family
members to express their concerns and talk through the decisions that have been made. Option 1
offers false reassurance. In option 2, the nurse is expressing approval, which can be harmful to the
client-nurse or family-nurse relationship. Option 4 represents a communication block that denies the
family member's right to an opinion.
A nurse provides dietary instructions to a client who will be taking warfarin sodium. The nurse should
tell the client to avoid which food item?
1.Grapes
2.Spinach
3.Watermelon
4.Cottage cheese
2. Spinach
Warfarin sodium is an anticoagulant. Anticoagulant medications act by antagonizing the action of
A+ TEST BANK 3
, PHARMACOLOGY HESI EXAM 2025
phytonadione, which is needed for clotting. When a client is taking an anticoagulant, foods high in
phytonadione often are omitted from the diet. Phytonadione-rich foods include green leafy
vegetables, fish, liver, coffee, and tea.
The nurse has completed giving medication instructions to a client receiving benazepril. Which client
statement indicates to the nurse that the client needs further instruction?
1."I need to change positions slowly."
2."I will monitor my blood pressure every week."
3."I will report signs and symptoms of infection immediately."
4."I can use salt substitutes freely and eat foods high in potassium."
4."I can use salt substitutes freely and eat foods high in potassium."
The client taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor is instructed to take the
medication exactly as prescribed, to monitor blood pressure weekly, and to continue with other
lifestyle changes to control hypertension. The client should change positions slowly to avoid
orthostatic hypotension and report fever, mouth sores, or sore throat (neutropenia) to the health
care provider. In addition, salt substitutes and high-potassium foods should be avoided because they
contain potassium and increase the risk for hyperkalemia.
A child with severe seborrheic dermatitis is receiving treatments of topical corticosteroid applied
over an extensive area of the body, followed by the application of an occlusive dressing. The nurse
should monitor the child closely, knowing that which systemic effect can occur as a result of this
treatment?
1.Local infection
2.Growth retardation
3.Thinning of the skin
4.Adrenal hyperactivity
2. Growth retardation
Topical corticosteroid can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic toxicity. Principal
concerns are growth retardation (in children) and adrenal suppression (in all age groups). Systemic
toxicity is more likely under extreme conditions of use, such as with prolonged therapy in which
extensive surfaces are treated with high doses of high-potency agents in conjunction with occlusive
dressings.
Silver sulfadiazine is prescribed for a client with a partial-thickness burn, and the nurse provides
teaching about the medication. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further
teaching about the treatments?
A+ TEST BANK 4
