BSN 315 HESI PHARMACOLOGY NIGHTINGALE
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW 2026 QUESTIONS
AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS
◉ The nurse is reviewing the use of the patient-controlled analgesia
(PCA) pump with a client in the immediate postoperative period.
The client will receive morphine 1 mg IV per hour basal rate with 1
mg IV every 15 minutes per PCA to a total of 5 mg IV maximally per
hour. Which assessment has the highest priority before initiating the
PCA pump?
a) The expiration date on the morphine syringe in the pump.
b) The rate and depth of the client's respirations.
c) The type of anesthesia used during the surgical procedure.
d) The client's subjective and objective signs of pain. Answer: b) The
rate and depth of the client's respirations.
◉ In evaluating the effects of lactulose, which outcome would
indicate that the drug is performing as intended?
a) An increase in urine output.
b) Two or three soft stools per day.
c) Watery, diarrhea stools.
,d) Increased serum bilirubin. Answer: b) Two or three soft stools
per day.
◉ Dobutamine is an emergency drug most commonly prescribed for
a client with which condition?
a) Shock.
b) Asthma.
c) Hypotension.
d) Heart failure. Answer: d) Heart failure.
◉ A client with giardiasis is taking metronidazole 2 grams PO.
Which information should the nurse include in the client's
instruction?
a) Notify the clinic of any changes in the color of urine.
b) Avoid overexposure to the sun.
c) Stop the medication after the diarrhea resolves.
d) Take the medication with food. Answer: d) Take the medication
with food.
◉ Which action is most important for the nurse to implement prior
to the administration of the antiarrhythmic drug adenosine?
, a) Assess pupillary response to light.
b) Instruct the client that facial flushing may occur.
c) Apply continuous cardiac monitoring.
d) Request that family members leave the room. Answer: c) Apply
continuous cardiac monitoring.
◉ Which instruction(s) should the nurse give to a female client who
just received a prescription for oral metronidazole for the treatment
of Trichomonas vaginalis?
a) Increase fluid intake, especially cranberry juice.
b) Do not abruptly discontinue the medication; taper use.
c) Check blood pressure daily to detect hypertension.
d) Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
e) Use condoms until treatment is completed.
f) Ensure that all sexual partners are treated at the same time.
Answer: a) Increase fluid intake, especially cranberry juice.
d) Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
e) Use condoms until treatment is completed.
f) Ensure that all sexual partners are treated at the same time.
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW 2026 QUESTIONS
AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS
◉ The nurse is reviewing the use of the patient-controlled analgesia
(PCA) pump with a client in the immediate postoperative period.
The client will receive morphine 1 mg IV per hour basal rate with 1
mg IV every 15 minutes per PCA to a total of 5 mg IV maximally per
hour. Which assessment has the highest priority before initiating the
PCA pump?
a) The expiration date on the morphine syringe in the pump.
b) The rate and depth of the client's respirations.
c) The type of anesthesia used during the surgical procedure.
d) The client's subjective and objective signs of pain. Answer: b) The
rate and depth of the client's respirations.
◉ In evaluating the effects of lactulose, which outcome would
indicate that the drug is performing as intended?
a) An increase in urine output.
b) Two or three soft stools per day.
c) Watery, diarrhea stools.
,d) Increased serum bilirubin. Answer: b) Two or three soft stools
per day.
◉ Dobutamine is an emergency drug most commonly prescribed for
a client with which condition?
a) Shock.
b) Asthma.
c) Hypotension.
d) Heart failure. Answer: d) Heart failure.
◉ A client with giardiasis is taking metronidazole 2 grams PO.
Which information should the nurse include in the client's
instruction?
a) Notify the clinic of any changes in the color of urine.
b) Avoid overexposure to the sun.
c) Stop the medication after the diarrhea resolves.
d) Take the medication with food. Answer: d) Take the medication
with food.
◉ Which action is most important for the nurse to implement prior
to the administration of the antiarrhythmic drug adenosine?
, a) Assess pupillary response to light.
b) Instruct the client that facial flushing may occur.
c) Apply continuous cardiac monitoring.
d) Request that family members leave the room. Answer: c) Apply
continuous cardiac monitoring.
◉ Which instruction(s) should the nurse give to a female client who
just received a prescription for oral metronidazole for the treatment
of Trichomonas vaginalis?
a) Increase fluid intake, especially cranberry juice.
b) Do not abruptly discontinue the medication; taper use.
c) Check blood pressure daily to detect hypertension.
d) Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
e) Use condoms until treatment is completed.
f) Ensure that all sexual partners are treated at the same time.
Answer: a) Increase fluid intake, especially cranberry juice.
d) Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
e) Use condoms until treatment is completed.
f) Ensure that all sexual partners are treated at the same time.
