Pharmacology Practice Exam 1 Hesi

1

Pharmacology Practice Exam 1 – Hesi Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

A patient receiving morphine reports a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute. What is the nurse’s first action?

• Document the finding
• Administer naloxone immediately

✔✔C. Hold the medication and stimulate the patient, then notify the provider

• Increase oxygen flow

A patient is taking digoxin. Which finding indicates toxicity?

• Mild headache

✔✔B. Nausea, vomiting, and visual changes

• Dry mouth
• Constipation

A patient is prescribed metformin. Which instruction is most important?

• Take with a full glass of water before bed 1 / 4

2

✔✔B. Report signs of lactic acidosis such as fatigue or muscle pain

• Limit fluid intake
• Avoid fruits and vegetables

A patient is prescribed insulin lispro. When should the nurse administer it?

• 30 minutes before breakfast

✔✔B. Immediately before or after meals

• At bedtime only
• Once weekly

A patient is taking lisinopril for hypertension. What adverse effect requires immediate attention?

• Mild dizziness

✔✔B. Swelling of lips, tongue, or face

• Dry cough
• Fatigue

A patient is prescribed albuterol for asthma. Which instruction is correct?

• Take only at bedtime 2 / 4

3

✔✔B. Use as needed for shortness of breath

• Avoid using during an acute attack
• Stop immediately if heart rate increases slightly

A patient is prescribed digoxin and reports vomiting. What should the nurse assess first?

• Blood glucose
• Heart rate and rhythm

✔✔C. Signs of digoxin toxicity

• Urine output

A patient is prescribed atorvastatin. What lab should the nurse monitor?

• Serum potassium
• Blood glucose

✔✔C. Liver function tests (ALT, AST)

• Hemoglobin

A patient is prescribed enalapril. Which adverse effect requires immediate intervention?

• Persistent mild headache 3 / 4

4

• Fatigue

✔✔C. Severe hypotension or angioedema

• Cough

A patient is taking prednisone. Which instruction is essential?

• Take on an empty stomach

✔✔B. Do not stop abruptly; taper the dose as prescribed

• Avoid fluids
• Only take at night

A patient receiving heparin develops a drop in platelet count. What is the priority action?

• Increase the heparin dose
• Monitor vitals only

✔✔C. Hold heparin and notify provider for possible heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

• Give aspirin

A patient is prescribed phenytoin for seizures. Which sign indicates toxicity?

• Mild headache
• / 4