HESI PHARMACOLOGY EXAM
STUDY EXAM WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS 2025
Which clinical finding would the nurse anticipate if a client who
sustained severe burns over 40% of the surface area of the body
develops water intoxication? ( correct answers ) Disorientation
with twitching
Rationale: Excess extracellular fluid moves into cells (water
intoxication). Intracellular fluid excess in sensitive brain cells
causes altered mental status; other signs include twitching,
anorexia, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and convulsions.
Test-taking tip: the present of absolute words and phrases can
help you determine the correct answer. There are not many
things in the world that are absolute, especially in nursing. Only a
guideline.
Which opthalmic solution is contraindicated for clients with
glaucoma? ( correct answers ) Atropine
Rationale: Atropine, a mydriatic opthalmic solution, is
contraindicated for clients with glaucoma because it dilates the
pupil, increasing intraocular pressure.
How does sodium biphosphate, prescribed for a client before a
colonoscopy, accomplish its therapeutic effect? ( correct
answers ) Increases osmotic pressure in intestines.
GRADED A+
, Rationale: Sodium biphosphate is a saline (hypertonic) cathartic
that increases osmotic pressure within the intestine so that body
fluids are drawn into the bowel, stimulating bowel stretching
peristalsis, and defecation.
Which information will the nurse include when teaching a client
about potassium chloride effervescent tablets? ( correct
answers ) Take the medication with food.
Rationale: Eating food when taking the medication will decrease
gastrointestinal irritation. Side effects of this medication include
abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and ulceration of the small intestine.
Which intervention is indicated for treatment of a client admitted
to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute salmonellosis? ( correct
answers ) Electrolytes
Rationale: Fluids of dextrose and normal saline and electrolytes
are administered to prevent profound dehydration caused by
excessive loss of water and electrolytes through diarrheal output.
Which medication increases the risk for upper gastrointestinal (GI)
bleeding? ( correct answers ) Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Methylprednisolone
Rationale: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
including acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen, and corticosteroids
such as methylprednisolone are known causes of medication-
induced gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding by causing irritation and
erosion of the gastric mucosal barrier.
GRADED A+
STUDY EXAM WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS 2025
Which clinical finding would the nurse anticipate if a client who
sustained severe burns over 40% of the surface area of the body
develops water intoxication? ( correct answers ) Disorientation
with twitching
Rationale: Excess extracellular fluid moves into cells (water
intoxication). Intracellular fluid excess in sensitive brain cells
causes altered mental status; other signs include twitching,
anorexia, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and convulsions.
Test-taking tip: the present of absolute words and phrases can
help you determine the correct answer. There are not many
things in the world that are absolute, especially in nursing. Only a
guideline.
Which opthalmic solution is contraindicated for clients with
glaucoma? ( correct answers ) Atropine
Rationale: Atropine, a mydriatic opthalmic solution, is
contraindicated for clients with glaucoma because it dilates the
pupil, increasing intraocular pressure.
How does sodium biphosphate, prescribed for a client before a
colonoscopy, accomplish its therapeutic effect? ( correct
answers ) Increases osmotic pressure in intestines.
GRADED A+
, Rationale: Sodium biphosphate is a saline (hypertonic) cathartic
that increases osmotic pressure within the intestine so that body
fluids are drawn into the bowel, stimulating bowel stretching
peristalsis, and defecation.
Which information will the nurse include when teaching a client
about potassium chloride effervescent tablets? ( correct
answers ) Take the medication with food.
Rationale: Eating food when taking the medication will decrease
gastrointestinal irritation. Side effects of this medication include
abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and ulceration of the small intestine.
Which intervention is indicated for treatment of a client admitted
to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute salmonellosis? ( correct
answers ) Electrolytes
Rationale: Fluids of dextrose and normal saline and electrolytes
are administered to prevent profound dehydration caused by
excessive loss of water and electrolytes through diarrheal output.
Which medication increases the risk for upper gastrointestinal (GI)
bleeding? ( correct answers ) Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Methylprednisolone
Rationale: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
including acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen, and corticosteroids
such as methylprednisolone are known causes of medication-
induced gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding by causing irritation and
erosion of the gastric mucosal barrier.
GRADED A+
