BSN315 Exam 3 Actual Exam Style V1 |
BSN 315 HESI RN Specialty Pharmacology
Exam | Nightingale
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which action
should the nurse take before giving the medication?
A. Check the client’s blood pressure.
B. Measure the apical pulse for one full minute.
C. Ask the client about their pain level.
D. Verify the client’s weight.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The nurse must assess the apical pulse for a full minute to ensure the
heart rate is at least 60 beats per minute. Digoxin is a positive inotropic and negative
chronotropic medication that slows the heart rate. If the heart rate is too low, the dose
should be withheld to prevent further bradycardia.
2. A client is prescribed furosemide for pulmonary edema. Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum potassium
C. Serum calcium
,D. Serum magnesium
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of water,
sodium, and potassium. Hypokalemia is a significant and common side effect of loop
diuretics that can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Monitoring potassium levels is essential for
patient safety during diuretic therapy.
3. A client is starting lisinopril for hypertension. Which common side effect should the nurse
educate the client about?
A. Increased appetite
B. Persistent dry cough
C. Blurred vision
D. Tinnitus
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril are well known for causing a persistent,
dry, nonproductive cough. This occurs due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs.
Patients should be informed that this is a side effect and may require a medication change
to an ARB.
4. Which medication is considered the gold standard for treating an acute asthma attack?
A. Albuterol
, B. Salmeterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Montelukast
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used as a rescue
medication for acute bronchospasm. It works quickly to relax bronchial smooth muscle and
open the airways. Long-acting medications like salmeterol are not appropriate for acute
symptom relief.
5. A nurse is teaching a client about warfarin therapy. What should the nurse emphasize
regarding diet?
A. Avoid all green leafy vegetables.
B. Avoid dairy products.
C. Increase intake of citrus fruits.
D. Maintain a consistent intake of Vitamin K-rich foods.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Vitamin K acts as an antagonist to warfarin, so sudden changes in
intake can affect the medication’s efficacy. While clients do not need to avoid Vitamin K
entirely, they must keep their intake consistent to maintain stable INR levels. Fluctuations
in Vitamin K can lead to subtherapeutic or toxic levels of warfarin.
BSN 315 HESI RN Specialty Pharmacology
Exam | Nightingale
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which action
should the nurse take before giving the medication?
A. Check the client’s blood pressure.
B. Measure the apical pulse for one full minute.
C. Ask the client about their pain level.
D. Verify the client’s weight.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The nurse must assess the apical pulse for a full minute to ensure the
heart rate is at least 60 beats per minute. Digoxin is a positive inotropic and negative
chronotropic medication that slows the heart rate. If the heart rate is too low, the dose
should be withheld to prevent further bradycardia.
2. A client is prescribed furosemide for pulmonary edema. Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum potassium
C. Serum calcium
,D. Serum magnesium
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of water,
sodium, and potassium. Hypokalemia is a significant and common side effect of loop
diuretics that can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Monitoring potassium levels is essential for
patient safety during diuretic therapy.
3. A client is starting lisinopril for hypertension. Which common side effect should the nurse
educate the client about?
A. Increased appetite
B. Persistent dry cough
C. Blurred vision
D. Tinnitus
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril are well known for causing a persistent,
dry, nonproductive cough. This occurs due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs.
Patients should be informed that this is a side effect and may require a medication change
to an ARB.
4. Which medication is considered the gold standard for treating an acute asthma attack?
A. Albuterol
, B. Salmeterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Montelukast
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used as a rescue
medication for acute bronchospasm. It works quickly to relax bronchial smooth muscle and
open the airways. Long-acting medications like salmeterol are not appropriate for acute
symptom relief.
5. A nurse is teaching a client about warfarin therapy. What should the nurse emphasize
regarding diet?
A. Avoid all green leafy vegetables.
B. Avoid dairy products.
C. Increase intake of citrus fruits.
D. Maintain a consistent intake of Vitamin K-rich foods.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Vitamin K acts as an antagonist to warfarin, so sudden changes in
intake can affect the medication’s efficacy. While clients do not need to avoid Vitamin K
entirely, they must keep their intake consistent to maintain stable INR levels. Fluctuations
in Vitamin K can lead to subtherapeutic or toxic levels of warfarin.
