2026 HESI RN
PHARMACOLOGY
EXAM PREP
(3 FULL SET EXAMS)
(NGN-STYLE QUESTIONS & CASE SCENARIOS)
Answers with detailed Rationale
What You’ll Get:
• EACH EXAM HAS 55 questions
• quick review
• Printable, easy-to-study PDF
Not affiliated with ATI, VATI or NCLEX. For study purposes only.
,COMPLETE
SET 1
EXAM
,### 1. The nurse provides discharge instructions to a client who has been
prescribed gabapentin 300 mg by mouth three times a day for postherpetic
neuralgia. Which symptoms should the nurse tell the client to report to the
healthcare provider?
Answer Choices:
A. Sexual dysfunction
B. Gastric irritation
C. Rapid weight gain
D. Photosensitivity
Correct Answer: B. Gastric irritation
Expert Rationale:
Gastric irritation, though less common than neurologic side effects, can signal
intolerance or predispose to GI bleeding, especially in older adults or those on other GI-
risk medications. The nurse should instruct the client to report persistent GI symptoms
promptly.
### 2. A client with chronic lower back pain has been taking NSAID ibuprofen
orally twice a day for several months. Which assessment is most important for
the nurse to complete?
Answer Choices:
A. Assess back pain using numeric scale
B. Palpate volume of pedal pulses
C. Determine presence of abdominal pain
D. Evaluate ongoing sleep patterns
Correct Answer: C. Determine presence of abdominal pain
Expert Rationale:
Given chronic NSAID use, the most critical and potentially life-threatening side effect is
GI ulcer/bleed, often presenting as abdominal pain. Early detection may prevent major
complications such as perforation and hemorrhage.
### 3. NGN - Complex Case
Patient Data:
, History: 36-year-old female, moderate persistent asthma. Rx:
fluticasone/salmeterol 250/50 mcg & albuterol 2 puffs q4-6h PRN.
Current status: Increased asthma symptoms over a week, FEV1 60-65% despite
frequent albuterol, dizziness, lightheadedness, palpitations. 99% O₂ sat. No
wheezes auscultated.
Answer Choices:
Potential Condition:
- Methemoglobinemia
Actions to Take:
- 1. Draw blood for a complete blood count
- 2. Administer methylene blue
Parameters to Monitor:
- 1. Methemoglobin level
- 2. Heart rate and rhythm
NGN Context:
The client presents with unexplained symptoms (dizziness, palpitations) despite
adequate O₂ sat. Changes in O₂ sat, abnormal response to beta-agonists, and limited
physical findings prompt consideration of atypical causes (e.g., methemoglobinemia).
Expert Rationale:
Asthma should respond to albuterol; if not, and symptoms such as pallor, dizziness, and
palpitations occur, methemoglobinemia (seen with certain drug exposures) can impair
oxygen delivery despite normal O₂ readings. Checking methemoglobin and CBC, with
treatment and cardiac monitoring, is essential for safety.
### 4. A client taking atorvastatin develops an increased serum creatine
phosphokinase (CK) level. The nurse should assess the client for the onset of
which problem?
Answer Choices:
A. Muscle tenderness.
B. Nausea and vomiting.
C. Excessive bruising.
D. Peripheral edema.
Correct Answer: A. Muscle tenderness.
PHARMACOLOGY
EXAM PREP
(3 FULL SET EXAMS)
(NGN-STYLE QUESTIONS & CASE SCENARIOS)
Answers with detailed Rationale
What You’ll Get:
• EACH EXAM HAS 55 questions
• quick review
• Printable, easy-to-study PDF
Not affiliated with ATI, VATI or NCLEX. For study purposes only.
,COMPLETE
SET 1
EXAM
,### 1. The nurse provides discharge instructions to a client who has been
prescribed gabapentin 300 mg by mouth three times a day for postherpetic
neuralgia. Which symptoms should the nurse tell the client to report to the
healthcare provider?
Answer Choices:
A. Sexual dysfunction
B. Gastric irritation
C. Rapid weight gain
D. Photosensitivity
Correct Answer: B. Gastric irritation
Expert Rationale:
Gastric irritation, though less common than neurologic side effects, can signal
intolerance or predispose to GI bleeding, especially in older adults or those on other GI-
risk medications. The nurse should instruct the client to report persistent GI symptoms
promptly.
### 2. A client with chronic lower back pain has been taking NSAID ibuprofen
orally twice a day for several months. Which assessment is most important for
the nurse to complete?
Answer Choices:
A. Assess back pain using numeric scale
B. Palpate volume of pedal pulses
C. Determine presence of abdominal pain
D. Evaluate ongoing sleep patterns
Correct Answer: C. Determine presence of abdominal pain
Expert Rationale:
Given chronic NSAID use, the most critical and potentially life-threatening side effect is
GI ulcer/bleed, often presenting as abdominal pain. Early detection may prevent major
complications such as perforation and hemorrhage.
### 3. NGN - Complex Case
Patient Data:
, History: 36-year-old female, moderate persistent asthma. Rx:
fluticasone/salmeterol 250/50 mcg & albuterol 2 puffs q4-6h PRN.
Current status: Increased asthma symptoms over a week, FEV1 60-65% despite
frequent albuterol, dizziness, lightheadedness, palpitations. 99% O₂ sat. No
wheezes auscultated.
Answer Choices:
Potential Condition:
- Methemoglobinemia
Actions to Take:
- 1. Draw blood for a complete blood count
- 2. Administer methylene blue
Parameters to Monitor:
- 1. Methemoglobin level
- 2. Heart rate and rhythm
NGN Context:
The client presents with unexplained symptoms (dizziness, palpitations) despite
adequate O₂ sat. Changes in O₂ sat, abnormal response to beta-agonists, and limited
physical findings prompt consideration of atypical causes (e.g., methemoglobinemia).
Expert Rationale:
Asthma should respond to albuterol; if not, and symptoms such as pallor, dizziness, and
palpitations occur, methemoglobinemia (seen with certain drug exposures) can impair
oxygen delivery despite normal O₂ readings. Checking methemoglobin and CBC, with
treatment and cardiac monitoring, is essential for safety.
### 4. A client taking atorvastatin develops an increased serum creatine
phosphokinase (CK) level. The nurse should assess the client for the onset of
which problem?
Answer Choices:
A. Muscle tenderness.
B. Nausea and vomiting.
C. Excessive bruising.
D. Peripheral edema.
Correct Answer: A. Muscle tenderness.
