BSN315 Exam 2 Actual Exam Style V2 |
BSN 315 HESI RN Specialty Pharmacology
Exam | Nightingale
1. A patient is receiving intravenous Gentamicin for a severe infection. Which laboratory
result should the nurse prioritize for review before administering the next dose?
A. Serum glucose levels
B. Prothrombin time (PT)
C. Serum creatinine and BUN
D. Serum sodium levels
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic known for its significant
nephrotoxic potential. Monitoring serum creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is
essential to detect early signs of kidney damage. The nurse must ensure these levels are
within acceptable ranges to prevent acute renal failure.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin 0.125 mg to a patient with heart failure. Which
assessment finding requires the nurse to withhold the medication and notify the provider?
A. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
B. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min
C. Potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L
,D. Apical heart rate of 52 beats/min
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate while
increasing contractility. An apical pulse below 60 beats per minute in an adult is a common
threshold for withholding the dose to prevent severe bradycardia. The nurse should always
assess the apical pulse for one full minute prior to administration.
3. A patient with type 1 diabetes is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. When should the
nurse instruct the patient to eat after receiving this injection?
A. Immediately before bed
B. Exactly 45 minutes after
C. Two hours after the dose
D. Within 15 minutes
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of action between 15 to
30 minutes. Patients must consume a meal shortly after administration to prevent a rapid
drop in blood glucose levels. Education should focus on the timing of insulin in relation to
food intake to maintain glycemic control.
4. The nurse is educating a patient starting Warfarin therapy. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent bleeding.
, B. I need to have my blood checked regularly for the INR level.
C. I will increase my intake of spinach and kale to stay healthy.
D. I will report any dark, tarry stools to my doctor immediately.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Warfarin works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors,
so a sudden increase in vitamin K-rich foods like spinach can decrease the drug’s
effectiveness. Patients are advised to maintain a consistent intake of green leafy vegetables
rather than making drastic changes. Consistency is key to maintaining a therapeutic
International Normalized Ratio (INR).
5. A patient is receiving a Heparin infusion for a pulmonary embolism. Which laboratory value
should the nurse monitor to adjust the infusion rate?
A. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. Platelet count
D. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The aPTT is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the
effectiveness of unfractionated heparin therapy. The therapeutic goal is usually 1.5 to 2.5
BSN 315 HESI RN Specialty Pharmacology
Exam | Nightingale
1. A patient is receiving intravenous Gentamicin for a severe infection. Which laboratory
result should the nurse prioritize for review before administering the next dose?
A. Serum glucose levels
B. Prothrombin time (PT)
C. Serum creatinine and BUN
D. Serum sodium levels
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic known for its significant
nephrotoxic potential. Monitoring serum creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is
essential to detect early signs of kidney damage. The nurse must ensure these levels are
within acceptable ranges to prevent acute renal failure.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin 0.125 mg to a patient with heart failure. Which
assessment finding requires the nurse to withhold the medication and notify the provider?
A. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
B. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min
C. Potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L
,D. Apical heart rate of 52 beats/min
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate while
increasing contractility. An apical pulse below 60 beats per minute in an adult is a common
threshold for withholding the dose to prevent severe bradycardia. The nurse should always
assess the apical pulse for one full minute prior to administration.
3. A patient with type 1 diabetes is prescribed Lispro (Humalog) insulin. When should the
nurse instruct the patient to eat after receiving this injection?
A. Immediately before bed
B. Exactly 45 minutes after
C. Two hours after the dose
D. Within 15 minutes
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of action between 15 to
30 minutes. Patients must consume a meal shortly after administration to prevent a rapid
drop in blood glucose levels. Education should focus on the timing of insulin in relation to
food intake to maintain glycemic control.
4. The nurse is educating a patient starting Warfarin therapy. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent bleeding.
, B. I need to have my blood checked regularly for the INR level.
C. I will increase my intake of spinach and kale to stay healthy.
D. I will report any dark, tarry stools to my doctor immediately.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Warfarin works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors,
so a sudden increase in vitamin K-rich foods like spinach can decrease the drug’s
effectiveness. Patients are advised to maintain a consistent intake of green leafy vegetables
rather than making drastic changes. Consistency is key to maintaining a therapeutic
International Normalized Ratio (INR).
5. A patient is receiving a Heparin infusion for a pulmonary embolism. Which laboratory value
should the nurse monitor to adjust the infusion rate?
A. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. Platelet count
D. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The aPTT is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the
effectiveness of unfractionated heparin therapy. The therapeutic goal is usually 1.5 to 2.5
