BSN 315 HESI PHARMACOLOGY NIGHTINGALE
STUDY GUIDE 2026 QUESTIONS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
◉ 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? 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? Answer: This drug is a clot
buster that dissolves clots within a coronary artery.
◉ A lidocaine IV infusion at 4 mg/min via infusion pump is
prescribed for a client having premature ventricular contractions
(PVCs). The available premixed infusion contains 2 mg/mL of D5W.
How many milliliters per hour should the nurse program the pump
to deliver to this client? Answer: 120
◉ An older client who had a colon resection yesterday is receiving a
constant dose of hydromorphone (Dilaudid) via a patient-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? 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: 20
◉ 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? 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? Answer: Give pancrelipase (Cotazym-S) capsule mixed
with applesauce before each meal.
◉ A client who is HIV-positive is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen) for
the management of anemia secondary to zidovudine (AZT) therapy.
Which laboratory finding is most important for the nurse to report
to the health care provider? Answer: Hematocrit (HCT) of 58%
◉ A client with Tourette's syndrome takes haloperidol (Haldol) to
control tics and vocalizations. The client has become increasingly
drowsy over the past 2 days and reports becoming dizzy when
changing from a supine to sitting position. Which action should the
nurse take? Answer: Assess for poor skin turgor, sunken eyeballs,
and concentrated urine output.
◉ 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? Answer:
Avoid ingesting any alcohol or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
◉ Alteration of which laboratory finding represents the achievement
of a therapeutic goal for heparin administration? Answer: Partial
thromboplastin time (PTT)
STUDY GUIDE 2026 QUESTIONS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
◉ 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? 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? Answer: This drug is a clot
buster that dissolves clots within a coronary artery.
◉ A lidocaine IV infusion at 4 mg/min via infusion pump is
prescribed for a client having premature ventricular contractions
(PVCs). The available premixed infusion contains 2 mg/mL of D5W.
How many milliliters per hour should the nurse program the pump
to deliver to this client? Answer: 120
◉ An older client who had a colon resection yesterday is receiving a
constant dose of hydromorphone (Dilaudid) via a patient-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? 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: 20
◉ 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? 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? Answer: Give pancrelipase (Cotazym-S) capsule mixed
with applesauce before each meal.
◉ A client who is HIV-positive is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen) for
the management of anemia secondary to zidovudine (AZT) therapy.
Which laboratory finding is most important for the nurse to report
to the health care provider? Answer: Hematocrit (HCT) of 58%
◉ A client with Tourette's syndrome takes haloperidol (Haldol) to
control tics and vocalizations. The client has become increasingly
drowsy over the past 2 days and reports becoming dizzy when
changing from a supine to sitting position. Which action should the
nurse take? Answer: Assess for poor skin turgor, sunken eyeballs,
and concentrated urine output.
◉ 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? Answer:
Avoid ingesting any alcohol or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
◉ Alteration of which laboratory finding represents the achievement
of a therapeutic goal for heparin administration? Answer: Partial
thromboplastin time (PTT)
