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HESI Pharmacology Exam Study Guide with
Comprehensive Practice Questions, Detailed
Rational, Exams of Nursing 2026 Graded A+|
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A client with mild parkinsonism is started on oral amantadine (Symmetrel). Which statement accurately describes the action of this medication? A. Viral organisms that provide the underlying pathophysiology for parkinsonism are eliminated. B. Acetylcholine in the myoneural junction is enhanced. C. Dopamine in the central nervous system is increased. D. Norepinephrine release is reduced within the peripheral system as the final step in dopamine uptake. - ANSWER -Dopamine in the central nervous system is increased. The nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results before a procedure in which a neuromuscular blocking agent is a standing order. Which finding should the nurse report to the health care provider? A. Hypokalemia B.
Hyponatremia C. Hypercalcemia D. Hypomagnesemia - ANSWER -Hypokalemia A male client asks the nurse why condoms should not be lubricated with the spermicide nonoxynol-9. Which response is best for the nurse to provide? A. The risk of female infertility and spontaneous abortion is linked with nonoxynol-9. B. Partners can develop intermittent interstitial cystitis if the spermicide is used after the expiration date. C. The spermicide decreases the amount of vaginal and penile sensitivity for up to 8 to 12 hours. D. Nonoxynol-9 provides no protection from STDs and has been linked to the transmission of HIV. - ANSWER -Nonoxynol- provides no protection from STDs and has been linked to the transmission of HIV. The nurse is assessing a stuporous client in the emergency department who is suspected of overdosing with opioids. Which agent should the nurse prepare to administer if the client becomes comatose?
A.
Take with antacids to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. B. Use sunglasses and sunscreen when outdoors. C. Eat foods low in fiber and salt. D. Count the pulse before each dose. - ANSWER -Use sunglasses and sunscreen when outdoors. A client with metastatic cancer reports severe continuous pain. Which route of administration should the nurse use to provide the most effective continuous analgesia? A. Oral B. Intravenous C. Transdermal D. Intramuscular - ANSWER -Transdermal A primigravida at 34 weeks of gestation is admitted to labor and delivery in preterm labor. She is started on a terbutaline sulfate (Brethine) continuous IV infusion via pump. This therapy is
ineffective, and the baby is delivered vaginally. For which complication should the nurse monitor in this infant during the first few hours after delivery? A. Hypokalemia B. Hypermagnesia C. Hypoglycemia D. Hypernatremia - ANSWER -C. Hypoglycemia A client who is hypertensive receives a prescription for hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). When teaching about the side effects of this drug, which symptoms are most important for the nurse to instruct the client to report? A. Fatigue and muscle weakness B. Anxiety and heart palpitations C. Abdominal cramping and diarrhea D.
every 12 hours, for a client following hip replacement. Prior to administering the first dose, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement? - ANSWER -Contact the health care provider to clarify the prescription. In administering the antiinfective agent chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) IV to a client with bacterial meningitis, the nurse observes the client closely for signs of bone marrow depression. Which laboratory data would be most important for the nurse to monitor? A. Platelet count B. Blood urea nitrogen level C. Culture and sensitivity D. Serum calcium level - ANSWER -Platelet count A client with viral influenza is receiving vitamin C, 1000 mg PO daily, and acetaminophen elixir, 650 mg PO every 4 hours PRN. The nurse calls the health care provider to report that the client has developed diarrhea. Which change in prescriptions should the nurse anticipate? - ANSWER -Decrease the dose of vitamin C. A client who is receiving chlorpromazine HCl (Thorazine) to control his psychotic behavior also has a prescription for benztropine (Cogentin). When teaching the client and/or significant others about these medications, what should the nurse
explain about the use of benztropine (Cogentin) in the treatment plan for this client? A. This medication will reduce the side effect of urinary retention. B. This drug potentiates the effect of chlorpromazine HCl. C. The benztropine is used to control extrapyramidal symptoms. D. The combined effect of these drugs will modify psychotic behavior
- ANSWER -The benztropine (Cogentin) is used to control extrapyramidal symptoms. A female client with myasthenia gravis is taking a cholinesterase inhibitor and asks the nurse what can be done to remedy her fatigue and difficulty swallowing. What action should the nurse implement? A. Explore a plan for development of coping strategies for the symptoms with the client. B. Explain to the client that the dosage is too high, so she should skip every other dose of medication. C. Advise the client to contact her health care provider because of the development of tolerance to the medication.
Two hours after taking the first dose of penicillin, a client arrives at the emergency department complaining of feeling ill, exhibiting hives, having difficulty breathing, and experiencing hypotension. These findings are consistent with which client response that requires immediate action? A. Severe acute anaphylactic response B. Side reaction that should resolve C. Idiosyncratic reaction D. Cumulative drug response - ANSWER -Severe acute anaphylactic response The health care provider prescribes carbamazepine (Tegretol) for a child whose tonic-clonic seizures have been poorly controlled. The nurse informs the mother that the child must have blood tests every week. The mother asks why so many blood tests are necessary. Which complication is assessed through frequent laboratory testing that the nurse should explain to this mother? A. Nephrotoxicity B. Ototoxicity C.
Myelosuppression D. Hepatotoxicity - ANSWER -Myelosuppression When caring for a client on digoxin (Lanoxin) therapy, the nurse knows to be alert for digoxin (Lanoxin) toxicity. Which finding would predispose this client to developing digoxin toxicity? A. Low serum sodium level B. High serum sodium level C. Low serum potassium level D. High serum potassium level - ANSWER -Low serum potassium level A client being treated for an acute myocardial infarction is to receive the tissue plasminogen activator alteplase (Activase). The nurse would be correct in providing which explanation to the client regarding the purpose of this drug? A. This drug is a nitrate that promotes vasodilation of the coronary arteries. B.
controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Which assessment finding is most significant and requires that the nurse intervene? - ANSWER -Respirations decrease to 14 breaths/min. The health care provider prescribes the H2 antagonist famotidine (Pepcid), 20 mg PO in the morning and at bedtime. Which statement regarding the action of H2 antagonists offers the correct rationale for administering the medication at bedtime? A. Gastric acid secreted at night is buffered, preventing pepsin formation. B. Hydrochloric acid secreted during the night is blocked. C. The drug relaxes stomach muscles at night to reduce acid. D. Ingestion of the medication at night offers a sedative effect, promoting sleep. - ANSWER -Hydrochloric acid secreted during the night is blocked. Amoxicillin, 500 mg PO every 8 hours, is prescribed for a client with an infection. The drug is available in a suspension of 125 mg/5 mL. How many milliliters should the nurse administer with each dose? - ANSWER - Which factor is most important to ensure compliance when planning to teach a client about a drug regimen? - ANSWER - Client education
The nurse is preparing to administer amphotericin B (Fungizone) IV to a client. What laboratory data is most important for the nurse to assess before initiating an IV infusion of this medication? A. Serum potassium level B. Platelet count C. Serum creatinine level D. Hemoglobin level - ANSWER -Serum potassium level In developing a nursing care plan for a 9-month-old infant with cystic fibrosis, the nurse writes a nursing diagnosis of Alteration in nutrition: less than body requirements, related to inadequate digestion of nutrients. Which intervention would best meet this child's needs? A. Give aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide after meals. B. Give pancrelipase capsule mixed with applesauce before each meal. C. Administer cholestyramine resin before each meal and at bedtime.
B.
Document the expected findings. C. Have the caregiver hold the next two doses of the medication. D. Determine whether the client's urine is pink or reddish brown. - ANSWER -A. Assess skin tone and urine. The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has received a prescription for an antibiotic that is hepatotoxic. Which information should the nurse include in the instructions? A. Avoid ingesting any alcohol or acetaminophen. B. Schedule a follow-up visit for a liver biopsy in 1 month. C. Activities that are strenuous should be avoided. D. Notify the health care provider of any increase in appetite. - ANSWER -A. Avoid ingesting any alcohol or acetaminophen. Alteration of which laboratory finding represents the achievement of a therapeutic goal for heparin administration? - ANSWER - Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
A client is ordered 22 mg of gentamicin by IM injection. The drug is available in 20 mg/2 mL. How many mL should be administered? - ANSWER -2.2 mL A client has a positive skin test for tuberculosis. Which prophylactic drug should the nurse expect to administer to this client? A. Isoniazid B. Carvedilol C. Acyclovir D. Griseofulvin - ANSWER -Isoniazid (INH) The charge nurse is reviewing the admission history and physical data for four clients newly admitted to the unit. Which client is at greatest risk for adverse reactions to medications? A. 30-year-old man with a fracture B. 7-year-old child with an ear infection C.
Serum electrolyte levels D. Complete blood count (CBC) - ANSWER -Liver enzyme levels A client receives an antihypertensive agent daily. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement prior to administering the medication? - ANSWER -Obtain the client's blood pressure. To evaluate whether the administration of an antihypertensive medication has caused a therapeutic effect, which action should the nurse implement? A. Ask the client about the onset of any dizziness since taking the medication. B. Measure the client's blood pressure while the client is lying, sitting, and then standing. C. Compare the client's blood pressure before and after the client takes the medication. D. Interview the client about any past or recent history of high blood pressure. - ANSWER -Compare the client's blood pressure before and after the client takes the medication. The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client who has received a new prescription for levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid). Which instruction should be included?
A.
"Take this medication with a high-protein snack at bedtime." B. "You may change at any time to a less expensive generic brand." C. "Contact your health care provider if your daily pulse rate exceeds 100 beats/minute." D. "Return to the clinic weekly for serum blood glucose testing." - ANSWER -"Contact your health care provider if your daily pulse rate exceeds 100 beats/minute." A client with a dislocated shoulder is being prepared for a closed manual reduction using conscious sedation. Which medication should the nurse explain as a sedative used during the procedure? A. Inhaled nitrous oxide B. Midazolam IV C. Ketamine IM D. Fentanyl and droperidol IM - ANSWER -Midazolam (Versed) IV
