BSN315 Exam 4 Actual Exam Style V1 |
BSN 315 HESI RN Specialty Pharmacology
Exam | Nightingale
1. A patient taking digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights. What is the
priority nursing action?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled
B. Assess the patient for signs of toxicity and check serum levels
C. Document this as a normal side effect of the medication
D. Encourage the patient to increase potassium intake immediately
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos are a classic sign of
digoxin toxicity. The nurse must prioritize patient safety by assessing for other symptoms
like nausea or bradycardia. Serum digoxin levels should be obtained to confirm if they are
above the therapeutic range of 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL.
2. Which medication is considered the antidote for heparin overdose?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Acetylcysteine
D. Flumazenil
,Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific pharmacological antagonist used to
reverse the effects of heparin. It works by binding to heparin to form a stable salt,
neutralizing its anticoagulant activity. This intervention is critical when a patient
experiences life-threatening bleeding while on heparin therapy.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer albuterol to a patient with asthma. Which side effect
should the nurse monitor for?
A. Bradycardia
B. Tachycardia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Somnolence
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a sympathomimetic beta-2 adrenergic agonist that can
also stimulate beta-1 receptors in the heart. This stimulation often results in tachycardia,
palpitations, and tremors in patients. The nurse should monitor the patient’s heart rate
before and after administration to ensure safety.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors like lisinopril?
A. Blocking calcium channels in the heart
B. Inhibiting the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
, C. Increasing the excretion of potassium in the urine
D. Directly relaxing the smooth muscle of the bronchioles
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors work by preventing the enzyme from converting
angiotensin I into the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. This leads to vasodilation and a
reduction in aldosterone secretion, which helps lower blood pressure. It is a first-line
treatment for hypertension and heart failure management.
5. A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which lab value is used to monitor the effectiveness of
this therapy?
A. PTT
B. INR
C. HgbA1c
D. Creatinine
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard
measurement used to monitor the therapeutic effect of warfarin. Most patients require a
target INR range between 2.0 and 3.0 for effective anticoagulation. The nurse must check
this value regularly to adjust the dosage and prevent bleeding complications.
BSN 315 HESI RN Specialty Pharmacology
Exam | Nightingale
1. A patient taking digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights. What is the
priority nursing action?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled
B. Assess the patient for signs of toxicity and check serum levels
C. Document this as a normal side effect of the medication
D. Encourage the patient to increase potassium intake immediately
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos are a classic sign of
digoxin toxicity. The nurse must prioritize patient safety by assessing for other symptoms
like nausea or bradycardia. Serum digoxin levels should be obtained to confirm if they are
above the therapeutic range of 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL.
2. Which medication is considered the antidote for heparin overdose?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Acetylcysteine
D. Flumazenil
,Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Protamine sulfate is the specific pharmacological antagonist used to
reverse the effects of heparin. It works by binding to heparin to form a stable salt,
neutralizing its anticoagulant activity. This intervention is critical when a patient
experiences life-threatening bleeding while on heparin therapy.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer albuterol to a patient with asthma. Which side effect
should the nurse monitor for?
A. Bradycardia
B. Tachycardia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Somnolence
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a sympathomimetic beta-2 adrenergic agonist that can
also stimulate beta-1 receptors in the heart. This stimulation often results in tachycardia,
palpitations, and tremors in patients. The nurse should monitor the patient’s heart rate
before and after administration to ensure safety.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors like lisinopril?
A. Blocking calcium channels in the heart
B. Inhibiting the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
, C. Increasing the excretion of potassium in the urine
D. Directly relaxing the smooth muscle of the bronchioles
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: ACE inhibitors work by preventing the enzyme from converting
angiotensin I into the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. This leads to vasodilation and a
reduction in aldosterone secretion, which helps lower blood pressure. It is a first-line
treatment for hypertension and heart failure management.
5. A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which lab value is used to monitor the effectiveness of
this therapy?
A. PTT
B. INR
C. HgbA1c
D. Creatinine
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard
measurement used to monitor the therapeutic effect of warfarin. Most patients require a
target INR range between 2.0 and 3.0 for effective anticoagulation. The nurse must check
this value regularly to adjust the dosage and prevent bleeding complications.
