BSN 315 HESI PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL
EXAM
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📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 101 Qs
This document, "BSN 315 HESI PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM," covers essential topics in
pharmacology, including medication administration, patient assessment, and management of chronic
conditions such as hypertension, glaucoma, and Alzheimer's disease. It provides 101 questions with
correct answers and detailed explanations, offering a comprehensive review of pharmacology concepts.
Students can use this document to study, review, and understand pharmacology concepts, facilitating
exam preparation and enhancing clinical decision-making skills.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
A nurse is caring for a client who receives a prescription for ciprofloxacin 400 mg infused IV every 12
hours over 1 hour. The IV bag contains ciprofloxacin 400 mg in dextrose 5% in water (D5W) 200 mL.
What should the nurse program the infusion pump to deliver in mL/hr?
A) 100 mL/hr
B) 200 mL/hr
C) 400 mL/hr
D) 50 mL/hr
CORRECT ANSWER
B) 200 mL/hr
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 1 of 40
, RATIONALE: The nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver the IV solution at a rate of 200 mL/hr to infuse the
entire 200 mL over 1 hour, ensuring the client receives the prescribed dose of ciprofloxacin 400 mg. Options A, C, and D
are incorrect because they do not accurately calculate the infusion rate to deliver the prescribed dose within the
specified timeframe.
QUESTION 2
A client arrives at the emergency department with a prescription for a combination inhalation system
that contains fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. The client's caregivers need instructions on how
to use the device safely and effectively. Which of the following should the nurse recommend?
A) Have the client breathe deeply through the mouthpiece during use.
B) Inform the client that they may experience increased blood pressure when using the device.
C) Explain that the client should use the device as often as they feel necessary to alleviate asthma
symptoms.
D) Recommend that the client limit use of the device to twice daily as directed by the healthcare
provider.
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Recommend that the client limit use of the device to twice daily as directed by the healthcare provider.
RATIONALE: The nurse should instruct the client and caregivers to follow the healthcare provider's prescription and not
exceed the recommended dose of twice daily. Options A and B are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect safe
usage instructions for the client. Option C is also incorrect because it may lead to overuse of the medication, causing
adverse effects.
QUESTION 3
The nurse is assessing a patient who has been taking acetaminophen for chronic pain and notes that
the patient's skin appears yellow in color. Which action should the nurse take in response to this
finding?
A) Check the patient's capillary glucose level.
B) Obtain a urine bilirubin test to confirm liver function.
C) Document the finding and report it to the healthcare provider.
D) Administer an emetic to induce vomiting.
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Document the finding and report it to the healthcare provider.
RATIONALE: The nurse should immediately document the finding and report it to the healthcare provider due to the
potential significance of the patient's jaundiced skin, which may indicate liver dysfunction. Options A and B are
unrelated to the patient's skin color, while option D is an inappropriate and potentially harmful action.
QUESTION 4
The nurse receives report on four clients, one of whom is 60-year-old Mrs. Thompson, prescribed
Rivastigmine for early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The client's caregiver mentions she has been
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 2 of 40
, delaying medication due to worsening symptoms. What should the nurse advise?
A) That the medication should be started as soon as possible.
B) To monitor the caregiver's decision to delay treatment.
C) That early initiation of treatment is crucial for effectiveness.
D) To discuss the caregiver's concerns about the medication's impact.
CORRECT ANSWER
C) That early initiation of treatment is crucial for effectiveness.
RATIONALE: Early initiation of cholinesterase inhibitors like Rivastigmine is crucial for effectiveness in managing
Alzheimer's disease symptoms. Delaying treatment can reduce the medication's potential benefits. The nurse should
advise the caregiver to start the medication as prescribed to maximize its effectiveness.
QUESTION 5
A client reports a history of peptic ulcer disease and is prescribed sucralfate to manage symptoms.
The nurse needs to determine the best time to administer this medication.
A) Give sucralfate with the morning meal.
B) Administer sucralfate once a day, preferably at bedtime.
C) Monitor for decreased blood pressure.
D) Assess for secondary kidney stone formation.
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Administer sucralfate once a day, preferably at bedtime.
RATIONALE: Administering sucralfate on an empty stomach helps the medication adhere to the stomach lining and
protect against peptic ulcer disease, making it the best choice. Giving the medication with food can reduce its
effectiveness, while monitoring for decreased blood pressure is not a relevant concern with this medication, and
assessing for secondary kidney stone formation is unrelated to sucralfate use.
QUESTION 6
A nurse observes a client who has a history of atrial fibrillation controlled by medication. The client
reports feeling tired and fainting due to low heart rate. The nurse must take the following
medications: Diphenhydramine and Methylprednisolone. What is the priority nursing intervention for
the client's respiratory system?
A) Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
B) Assess lung sounds
C) Provide a calm environment
D) Monitor oxygen saturation levels
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Assess lung sounds
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 3 of 40
, RATIONALE: Assessing lung sounds is a priority for the client's respiratory system, as they are receiving medications
that may affect respiratory function. This intervention is essential to identify any potential respiratory complications. The
other options are not directly related to the client's respiratory system or the medications being administered.
QUESTION 7
After reviewing the client's chart, the nurse notes a recent prescription for sildenafil citrate to manage
erectile dysfunction. The client reports several side effects, including nasal congestion and dizziness.
Which nursing assessment takes priority to ensure client safety?
A) Assess the client's vital signs while in a resting position
B) Measure the client's blood pressure while lying and standing
C) Evaluate the client's abdominal tenderness and bowel sounds
D) Palpate the client's lower extremities for edema
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Measure the client's blood pressure while lying and standing
RATIONALE: Measuring the client's blood pressure while lying and standing is crucial to assess the effects of sildenafil
citrate on blood pressure and to identify potential orthostatic hypotension. This assessment helps prioritize the client's
safety and prevent potential complications.
QUESTION 8
The healthcare provider prescribes intravenous vancomycin for a client at a hospital. To determine the
efficacy of this medication, the nurse needs to collect a blood sample at specific times. Which
collection times would provide the best evidence of serum levels?
A) 30 minutes after completion of the IV dose and 30 minutes before the next administration of
medication.
B) One hour after completion of the IV dose and one hour before the next administration of
medication.
C) Two hours after the start of the IV infusion and two hours before the next dose.
D) Immediately after the IV dose and 30 minutes after the next administration of medication.
CORRECT ANSWER
B) One hour after completion of the IV dose and one hour before the next administration of medication.
RATIONALE: To determine peak and trough levels, the best collection times are one hour after the completion of the IV
dose (peak level) and one hour before the next administration of medication (trough level), ensuring the measurement
occurs during steady-state levels.
QUESTION 9
A postoperative client develops a significantly elevated serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) level
during recovery. The nurse should be aware of the onset of which potential complication related to
this medication?
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 4 of 40
EXAM
100+ (2026 Updated) Solved Exams + 100% Verified Solutions | Complete
Q&A
100% Guarantee Pass
📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 101 Qs
This document, "BSN 315 HESI PHARMACOLOGY ACTUAL EXAM," covers essential topics in
pharmacology, including medication administration, patient assessment, and management of chronic
conditions such as hypertension, glaucoma, and Alzheimer's disease. It provides 101 questions with
correct answers and detailed explanations, offering a comprehensive review of pharmacology concepts.
Students can use this document to study, review, and understand pharmacology concepts, facilitating
exam preparation and enhancing clinical decision-making skills.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
A nurse is caring for a client who receives a prescription for ciprofloxacin 400 mg infused IV every 12
hours over 1 hour. The IV bag contains ciprofloxacin 400 mg in dextrose 5% in water (D5W) 200 mL.
What should the nurse program the infusion pump to deliver in mL/hr?
A) 100 mL/hr
B) 200 mL/hr
C) 400 mL/hr
D) 50 mL/hr
CORRECT ANSWER
B) 200 mL/hr
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 1 of 40
, RATIONALE: The nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver the IV solution at a rate of 200 mL/hr to infuse the
entire 200 mL over 1 hour, ensuring the client receives the prescribed dose of ciprofloxacin 400 mg. Options A, C, and D
are incorrect because they do not accurately calculate the infusion rate to deliver the prescribed dose within the
specified timeframe.
QUESTION 2
A client arrives at the emergency department with a prescription for a combination inhalation system
that contains fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. The client's caregivers need instructions on how
to use the device safely and effectively. Which of the following should the nurse recommend?
A) Have the client breathe deeply through the mouthpiece during use.
B) Inform the client that they may experience increased blood pressure when using the device.
C) Explain that the client should use the device as often as they feel necessary to alleviate asthma
symptoms.
D) Recommend that the client limit use of the device to twice daily as directed by the healthcare
provider.
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Recommend that the client limit use of the device to twice daily as directed by the healthcare provider.
RATIONALE: The nurse should instruct the client and caregivers to follow the healthcare provider's prescription and not
exceed the recommended dose of twice daily. Options A and B are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect safe
usage instructions for the client. Option C is also incorrect because it may lead to overuse of the medication, causing
adverse effects.
QUESTION 3
The nurse is assessing a patient who has been taking acetaminophen for chronic pain and notes that
the patient's skin appears yellow in color. Which action should the nurse take in response to this
finding?
A) Check the patient's capillary glucose level.
B) Obtain a urine bilirubin test to confirm liver function.
C) Document the finding and report it to the healthcare provider.
D) Administer an emetic to induce vomiting.
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Document the finding and report it to the healthcare provider.
RATIONALE: The nurse should immediately document the finding and report it to the healthcare provider due to the
potential significance of the patient's jaundiced skin, which may indicate liver dysfunction. Options A and B are
unrelated to the patient's skin color, while option D is an inappropriate and potentially harmful action.
QUESTION 4
The nurse receives report on four clients, one of whom is 60-year-old Mrs. Thompson, prescribed
Rivastigmine for early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The client's caregiver mentions she has been
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 2 of 40
, delaying medication due to worsening symptoms. What should the nurse advise?
A) That the medication should be started as soon as possible.
B) To monitor the caregiver's decision to delay treatment.
C) That early initiation of treatment is crucial for effectiveness.
D) To discuss the caregiver's concerns about the medication's impact.
CORRECT ANSWER
C) That early initiation of treatment is crucial for effectiveness.
RATIONALE: Early initiation of cholinesterase inhibitors like Rivastigmine is crucial for effectiveness in managing
Alzheimer's disease symptoms. Delaying treatment can reduce the medication's potential benefits. The nurse should
advise the caregiver to start the medication as prescribed to maximize its effectiveness.
QUESTION 5
A client reports a history of peptic ulcer disease and is prescribed sucralfate to manage symptoms.
The nurse needs to determine the best time to administer this medication.
A) Give sucralfate with the morning meal.
B) Administer sucralfate once a day, preferably at bedtime.
C) Monitor for decreased blood pressure.
D) Assess for secondary kidney stone formation.
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Administer sucralfate once a day, preferably at bedtime.
RATIONALE: Administering sucralfate on an empty stomach helps the medication adhere to the stomach lining and
protect against peptic ulcer disease, making it the best choice. Giving the medication with food can reduce its
effectiveness, while monitoring for decreased blood pressure is not a relevant concern with this medication, and
assessing for secondary kidney stone formation is unrelated to sucralfate use.
QUESTION 6
A nurse observes a client who has a history of atrial fibrillation controlled by medication. The client
reports feeling tired and fainting due to low heart rate. The nurse must take the following
medications: Diphenhydramine and Methylprednisolone. What is the priority nursing intervention for
the client's respiratory system?
A) Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
B) Assess lung sounds
C) Provide a calm environment
D) Monitor oxygen saturation levels
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Assess lung sounds
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 3 of 40
, RATIONALE: Assessing lung sounds is a priority for the client's respiratory system, as they are receiving medications
that may affect respiratory function. This intervention is essential to identify any potential respiratory complications. The
other options are not directly related to the client's respiratory system or the medications being administered.
QUESTION 7
After reviewing the client's chart, the nurse notes a recent prescription for sildenafil citrate to manage
erectile dysfunction. The client reports several side effects, including nasal congestion and dizziness.
Which nursing assessment takes priority to ensure client safety?
A) Assess the client's vital signs while in a resting position
B) Measure the client's blood pressure while lying and standing
C) Evaluate the client's abdominal tenderness and bowel sounds
D) Palpate the client's lower extremities for edema
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Measure the client's blood pressure while lying and standing
RATIONALE: Measuring the client's blood pressure while lying and standing is crucial to assess the effects of sildenafil
citrate on blood pressure and to identify potential orthostatic hypotension. This assessment helps prioritize the client's
safety and prevent potential complications.
QUESTION 8
The healthcare provider prescribes intravenous vancomycin for a client at a hospital. To determine the
efficacy of this medication, the nurse needs to collect a blood sample at specific times. Which
collection times would provide the best evidence of serum levels?
A) 30 minutes after completion of the IV dose and 30 minutes before the next administration of
medication.
B) One hour after completion of the IV dose and one hour before the next administration of
medication.
C) Two hours after the start of the IV infusion and two hours before the next dose.
D) Immediately after the IV dose and 30 minutes after the next administration of medication.
CORRECT ANSWER
B) One hour after completion of the IV dose and one hour before the next administration of medication.
RATIONALE: To determine peak and trough levels, the best collection times are one hour after the completion of the IV
dose (peak level) and one hour before the next administration of medication (trough level), ensuring the measurement
occurs during steady-state levels.
QUESTION 9
A postoperative client develops a significantly elevated serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) level
during recovery. The nurse should be aware of the onset of which potential complication related to
this medication?
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 4 of 40
