Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Healthcare

Conquer the Pharmacology HESI Practice Quiz

Boost Your Skills: In-Depth Pharmacology Quiz Review

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art promoting a fun Pharmacology HESI Practice Quiz.

Ready to sharpen your nursing pharmacology skills with a targeted Pharmacology HESI Practice Quiz? This 15-question, multiple-choice challenge covers drug actions, dosage calculations, and interactions to boost confidence before exam day. Perfect for nursing students preparing for the HESI exam, it deepens understanding of clinical pharmacology concepts and dosing precision. For more focused practice, try the Pharmacology Knowledge Quiz or explore the Pharmacology Review Quiz . You can freely customize every question in our editor and discover additional quizzes to continue refining your expertise.

What is the primary mechanism of action of propranolol?
Selective β1 receptor blockade
α1-adrenergic receptor antagonism
Nonselective blockade of β1 and β2 receptors
β2-adrenergic receptor agonism
Propranolol is a nonselective beta-blocker that antagonizes both β1 and β2 receptors. It reduces heart rate and cardiac output without selectivity.
Which antidote is used to reverse the effects of heparin overdose?
Naloxone
Phytonadione
Protamine sulfate
Vitamin K
Protamine sulfate binds to heparin and neutralizes its anticoagulant activity. Vitamin K is used for warfarin reversal, not heparin.
Which route of administration provides 100% bioavailability of a drug?
Subcutaneous
Intramuscular
Oral
Intravenous
Intravenous administration delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream, bypassing absorption barriers. This results in complete bioavailability.
A provider orders 500 mg of acetaminophen. Available tablets are 250 mg each. How many tablets should be administered?
1 tablet
3 tablets
4 tablets
2 tablets
Each tablet is 250 mg, so two tablets provide the ordered 500 mg dose. Proper dosage calculation ensures safe drug administration.
Which is a common adverse effect of opioid analgesics?
Diarrhea
Hyperactivity
Hypertension
Constipation
Opioids decrease gastrointestinal motility by acting on mu receptors in the gut, leading to constipation. This adverse effect is frequent and often requires prophylactic measures.
A patient stabilized on warfarin starts amiodarone. Which change is most likely?
Inhibition of warfarin metabolism increasing INR
Enhanced renal excretion of warfarin
Induction of warfarin elimination reducing bleeding risk
Increased warfarin metabolism decreasing INR
Amiodarone inhibits the cytochrome P450 enzymes that metabolize warfarin, leading to higher warfarin levels and an increased INR. This interaction raises bleeding risk.
A drug has an elimination half-life of 6 hours. What percentage remains after 18 hours?
75%
50%
25%
12.5%
After each half-life, 50% of the drug remains. In three half-lives (18 hours), 1/2³ or 12.5% of the drug remains.
What is the mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
Increased serotonin release into the synapse
Blockade of serotonin reuptake transporters
Antagonism at serotonin receptors
Inhibition of monoamine oxidase A
SSRIs block the serotonin transporter (SERT) on presynaptic neurons, preventing serotonin reuptake and increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft.
A patient receiving morphine reports pruritus and flushing. What is the most likely cause?
Serotonin syndrome
Cholinesterase inhibition
Histamine release
μ-receptor downregulation
Morphine can directly trigger mast cell degranulation, releasing histamine and causing itching and flushing. This is a common opioid-related side effect.
When monitoring a patient on gentamicin therapy, which parameter is essential?
Prothrombin time/INR
Liver function tests (ALT/AST)
Serum creatinine
Blood glucose
Gentamicin is nephrotoxic, so monitoring serum creatinine is critical to detect renal impairment early. Dose adjustments are based on renal function.
Which class of antihypertensive medications is most associated with causing a persistent dry cough?
ACE inhibitors
Beta-blockers
Thiazide diuretics
Calcium channel blockers
ACE inhibitors increase bradykinin levels in the lung, which often leads to a persistent dry cough. Switching to an ARB can alleviate this side effect.
Which type of receptor antagonism can be overcome by increasing the concentration of the agonist?
Allosteric antagonism
Competitive antagonism
Noncompetitive antagonism
Irreversible antagonism
Competitive antagonists bind reversibly to the same receptor site as the agonist. Increasing agonist concentration can outcompete the antagonist.
In hypoalbuminemia, how is the pharmacologically active free fraction of a highly protein-bound drug affected?
Increased free fraction
Decreased free fraction
Unchanged free fraction
Complete drug inactivation
Lower albumin levels leave fewer binding sites, increasing the free (active) fraction of highly protein-bound drugs. This can raise toxicity risk.
Which electrolyte imbalance increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?
Hypermagnesemia
Hyponatremia
Hyperkalemia
Hypokalemia
Low serum potassium enhances digoxin binding to the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, increasing its pharmacologic and toxic effects. Monitoring K+ is essential.
A patient on an SSRI and an MAO inhibitor presents with agitation, hyperthermia, and clonus. Which condition is most likely?
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Anticholinergic toxicity
Malignant hyperthermia
Serotonin syndrome
Concurrent SSRI and MAO inhibitor use can lead to excessive serotonin accumulation, causing serotonin syndrome. Clonus, hyperthermia, and autonomic instability are hallmark signs.
Codeine is a prodrug activated by CYP2D6. A patient who is a CYP2D6 poor metabolizer will most likely experience:
Increased risk of toxicity
Enhanced analgesic effect
Reduced analgesia
Prolonged half-life of morphine
Poor CYP2D6 metabolizers convert less codeine to morphine, resulting in reduced analgesic effects. Genetic variability affects prodrug efficacy.
Which anticoagulant is considered safest for use during pregnancy?
Heparin
Warfarin
Rivaroxaban
Dabigatran
Heparin does not cross the placenta and is not teratogenic, making it the anticoagulant of choice in pregnancy. Warfarin and DOACs carry fetal risks.
A 70-kg patient receives 2 g of a drug and achieves a steady-state concentration of 5 mg/L. What is the volume of distribution (Vd)?
14 L
400 L
28 L
40 L
Vd = Dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/L) = 2000 mg / 5 mg/L = 400 L. This large Vd suggests extensive tissue distribution.
Which drug requires serum level monitoring due to a narrow therapeutic index?
Amoxicillin
Metoprolol
Rosuvastatin
Lithium
Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index, and small changes in dose or renal function can lead to toxicity. Regular serum level checks ensure safety.
A patient on isoniazid therapy is at risk for peripheral neuropathy. Which supplement is recommended to prevent this adverse effect?
Vitamin B1
Vitamin C
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B6
Isoniazid interferes with pyridoxine metabolism, leading to vitamin B6 deficiency and neuropathy. Supplemental B6 prevents this complication.
0
{"name":"What is the primary mechanism of action of propranolol?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"What is the primary mechanism of action of propranolol?, Which antidote is used to reverse the effects of heparin overdose?, Which route of administration provides 100% bioavailability of a drug?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyse mechanisms of action for common drugs
  2. Evaluate adverse effect profiles and patient safety
  3. Identify accurate dosing calculations and adjustments
  4. Demonstrate principles of safe medication administration
  5. Apply pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic concepts
  6. Master detection of potential drug interactions

Cheat Sheet

  1. Mechanisms of action for common drug classes - Ever wondered how beta-blockers slow your heart? They work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in your heart muscle, which reduces heart rate and blood pressure. Mastering these mechanisms makes understanding drug effects a breeze! Pharmacology HESI Study Guide
  2. Recognize adverse effects & patient safety - Spotting side effects like anaphylaxis is critical for keeping patients safe. Learn the warning signs - hives, difficulty breathing, swelling - to jump into action with life-saving interventions. Staying vigilant turns stressful situations into controlled rescues! Pharmacology HESI Study Guide
  3. Master accurate dosing calculations - Calculating doses isn't just math - it's about saving lives by adjusting for kidney or liver issues. Practice step-by-step methods to avoid pesky decimal errors and ensure therapeutic effectiveness. Precision in dosing is your secret weapon against toxicity! Pharmacology Tips & Tricks
  4. Apply the "Five Rights" of medication administration - Right patient, drug, dose, route, and time: your five magical rules to medication safety. Following these guidelines prevents common errors and keeps your patients in tip-top shape. Commit these rights to memory and watch errors disappear! Pharmacology Tips & Tricks
  5. Grasp pharmacokinetic & pharmacodynamic concepts - Half-life and drug-receptor interactions might sound complex, but they're your roadmap for effective dosing schedules. Understand how drugs move and work in the body to predict their behavior. It's like unlocking the secret code of medicine! HESI Pharmacology Study Guide
  6. Identify potential drug interactions - Combining medications can turn calm waters into a storm - for instance, NSAIDs plus anticoagulants can spike bleeding risk. Spot these high-risk pairs early to dodge dangerous complications. Knowledge of interactions keeps your patients afloat! Pharmacology HESI Study Guide
  7. Utilize mnemonic devices - Mnemonics like "PRIL" for ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) turn information overload into bite-sized nuggets. These memory hacks make recall during exams and practice a total breeze. Turn your brain into a pharmacology powerhouse! HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam Tips
  8. Stay informed about contraindications - Some meds just don't mix with certain patients - think oral contraceptives in smokers raising cardiovascular risk. Knowing who shouldn't get which drug is as important as knowing who should. It's the ultimate key to personalized safety! Pharmacology HESI Practice Flashcards
  9. Practice interpreting medication orders - Deciphering doctor's orders and labels accurately is like cracking a secret code. Sharpen this skill to ensure patients get exactly what they need, when they need it. Precision reading is your prescription for success! Pharmacology Tips & Tricks
  10. Engage in regular self-assessment - Practice questions and quizzes aren't just busywork - they reveal your strong points and areas needing extra practice. Make self-testing a habit to build confidence and mastery. Keep challenging yourself and watch your pharmacology skills soar! HESI Pharmacology Q&A Guide
Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Healthcare Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker