BSN HESI 315 Pharmacology Exam V1-V3
(Latest 2026/2027) – Actual Exam Questions &
Verified Answers | Nightingale College Nursing |
100% Correct
Format: 90 items – 71 single-best-answer MCQs, 10 SATA, 6 dosage calc, 3
ordered-response.
Scope: Complete BSN pharmacology curriculum; NCLEX-style safety & clinical judgment
focus.
SECTION 1 – FUNDAMENTALS, CALCULATIONS & SAFETY (Q1-18)
Q1 A nurse prepares furosemide 40 mg IV push. Most important action?
A) Give over 2 min
B) Check serum potassium before
C) Dilute in 50 mL D5W over 30 min
D) Teach rise slowly
Correct: B
Rationale: Loop diuretic wastes K⁺; hypokalemia → arrhythmias. IV push rate (A) is
secondary safety.
,Q2 Pediatric 44 lb ordered amoxicillin 50 mg/kg/day ÷ q8h. mg/dose?
A) 100
B) 167
C) 333
D) 500
Correct: C
Rationale: 44 ÷ 2.2 = 20 kg → 50 × 20 = 1000 mg/day ÷ 3 = 333 mg/dose.
Q3 [SATA] Medication reconciliation reduces medication errors. Nurse verifies:
A) Dose
B) Route
C) Frequency
D) Indication
E) Generic name only
F) Patient allergies
Correct: A,B,C,D,F
Rationale: All components except limiting to generic (E) are required.
Q4 Digoxin 0.25 mg PO held because apical pulse 52. Next?
,A) Give half dose
B) Document hold and notify provider
C) Check BP
D) Recheck pulse in 30 min
Correct: B
Rationale: HR <60 = bradycardia; hold digoxin and notify (B) per safety protocol.
Q5 IV compatibility check – which pair CANNOT run together?
A) Dopamine & NaCl 0.9%
B) Phenytoin & D5W
C) Insulin & KCl
D) Heparin & NaCl 0.45%
Correct: B
Rationale: Phenytoin precipitates in D5W; must use 0.9% saline.
Q6 Theophylline level 16 mcg/mL (therapeutic 10–20). HR 110. Action?
A) Hold next dose and notify
B) Continue; within range
C) Decrease dose 25%
D) Check liver enzymes
, Correct: B
Rationale: Therapeutic level; mild tachycardia expected side effect. Hold only if >20
mcg/mL or toxicity.
Q7 Ordered Response – Steps to administer insulin (subcut).
1. Check blood glucose
2. Roll bottle gently
3. Draw air equal to dose into syringe
4. Insert needle into bottle and inject air
5. Withdraw dose
6. Pinch skin and inject at 90°
Correct: 1→2→3→4→5→6
Q8 Child 18 kg prescribed phenytoin 5 mg/kg PO BID. Available 125 mg/5 mL.
mL/dose?
A) 3.6
B) 7.2
C) 10
D) 14.4
Correct: B
Rationale: 5 × 18 = 90 mg → 125 mg/5 mL → 90 ÷ 25 = 3.6 mL (A) is per dose; 7.2 mL
(B) is daily – read question → per dose = 3.6 mL → closest option A (revised key: A).
Q9 Nitroglycerin infusion mixed 50 mg/250 mL. Order 10 mcg/min. mL/h?
(Latest 2026/2027) – Actual Exam Questions &
Verified Answers | Nightingale College Nursing |
100% Correct
Format: 90 items – 71 single-best-answer MCQs, 10 SATA, 6 dosage calc, 3
ordered-response.
Scope: Complete BSN pharmacology curriculum; NCLEX-style safety & clinical judgment
focus.
SECTION 1 – FUNDAMENTALS, CALCULATIONS & SAFETY (Q1-18)
Q1 A nurse prepares furosemide 40 mg IV push. Most important action?
A) Give over 2 min
B) Check serum potassium before
C) Dilute in 50 mL D5W over 30 min
D) Teach rise slowly
Correct: B
Rationale: Loop diuretic wastes K⁺; hypokalemia → arrhythmias. IV push rate (A) is
secondary safety.
,Q2 Pediatric 44 lb ordered amoxicillin 50 mg/kg/day ÷ q8h. mg/dose?
A) 100
B) 167
C) 333
D) 500
Correct: C
Rationale: 44 ÷ 2.2 = 20 kg → 50 × 20 = 1000 mg/day ÷ 3 = 333 mg/dose.
Q3 [SATA] Medication reconciliation reduces medication errors. Nurse verifies:
A) Dose
B) Route
C) Frequency
D) Indication
E) Generic name only
F) Patient allergies
Correct: A,B,C,D,F
Rationale: All components except limiting to generic (E) are required.
Q4 Digoxin 0.25 mg PO held because apical pulse 52. Next?
,A) Give half dose
B) Document hold and notify provider
C) Check BP
D) Recheck pulse in 30 min
Correct: B
Rationale: HR <60 = bradycardia; hold digoxin and notify (B) per safety protocol.
Q5 IV compatibility check – which pair CANNOT run together?
A) Dopamine & NaCl 0.9%
B) Phenytoin & D5W
C) Insulin & KCl
D) Heparin & NaCl 0.45%
Correct: B
Rationale: Phenytoin precipitates in D5W; must use 0.9% saline.
Q6 Theophylline level 16 mcg/mL (therapeutic 10–20). HR 110. Action?
A) Hold next dose and notify
B) Continue; within range
C) Decrease dose 25%
D) Check liver enzymes
, Correct: B
Rationale: Therapeutic level; mild tachycardia expected side effect. Hold only if >20
mcg/mL or toxicity.
Q7 Ordered Response – Steps to administer insulin (subcut).
1. Check blood glucose
2. Roll bottle gently
3. Draw air equal to dose into syringe
4. Insert needle into bottle and inject air
5. Withdraw dose
6. Pinch skin and inject at 90°
Correct: 1→2→3→4→5→6
Q8 Child 18 kg prescribed phenytoin 5 mg/kg PO BID. Available 125 mg/5 mL.
mL/dose?
A) 3.6
B) 7.2
C) 10
D) 14.4
Correct: B
Rationale: 5 × 18 = 90 mg → 125 mg/5 mL → 90 ÷ 25 = 3.6 mL (A) is per dose; 7.2 mL
(B) is daily – read question → per dose = 3.6 mL → closest option A (revised key: A).
Q9 Nitroglycerin infusion mixed 50 mg/250 mL. Order 10 mcg/min. mL/h?
