BSN HESI 315 Pharmacology Practice Exam V2 (New 2026/2027
Update) Complete Question Bank with 100 Questions, Answers &
Rationales | Nightingale||Graded A+
Question 1
The nurse is planning care for a client with major depression who is receiving a new
prescription for duloxetine. Which information is most important for the nurse to
obtain?
A. Liver function laboratory results
B. Family history of mental illness
C. Recent use of other antidepressants
D. Weight change in the last month
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Duloxetine can cause hepatotoxicity; baseline and ongoing liver function
monitoring is essential.
Question 2
The nurse is preparing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and
a chronic productive cough for discharge home. Which prescribed medication should
the nurse review with the client to manage this symptom?
A. Tiotropium
B. Prednisone
C. Guaifenesin
D. Salmeterol
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps loosen mucus and relieve
productive cough in COPD.
Question 3
The nurse is caring for a patient with COPD and is now performing discharge teaching
with this patient. What should the nurse include in the teaching about breathing
techniques?
A. Use diaphragmatic breathing
B. Exhale through a wide open mouth
C. Use chest breathing
D. Make inhalation longer than exhalation
pg. 1
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diaphragmatic breathing improves ventilation and reduces work of
breathing in COPD patients.
Question 4
Before administering a newly prescribed dose of terbinafine HCl to a client with fungal
toenail infection, which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to address?
A. White blood cell count of 8,500/mm³
B. Employed as a construction worker
C. Toenails appear thick and yellow
D. Reported history of alcoholism
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Terbinafine can cause hepatotoxicity; history of alcoholism increases risk of
liver damage.
Question 5
A client with bipolar disorder admitted with severe depression and suicidal ideation
receives a prescription for lithium carbonate. Which instruction should the nurse
provide to the client?
A. Notify healthcare provider prior to dental procedure
B. Avoid consuming all foods that contain iodine
C. Monitor blood glucose levels daily
D. Eliminate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NSAIDs can increase lithium levels, leading to toxicity.
Question 6
A client with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease started a prescription for
epoetin alfa two months ago. Which client finding best indicates that the medication is
effective?
A. Reports of increased energy levels and decreased fatigue
B. Food diary shows increased consumption of iron-rich foods
C. Takes concurrent iron therapy without adverse effects
D. Hemoglobin level increased to 12 grams/dL
pg. 2
,Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Objective laboratory data (hemoglobin increase) is the most reliable
indicator of epoetin alfa effectiveness.
Question 7
After taking lactulose for several days, what therapeutic response is expected for a
patient with hepatic encephalopathy?
A. Reduced liquid stools
B. Improved mental status
C. Increased urine output
D. Ability to ambulate independently
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lactulose reduces ammonia levels, leading to improved mental status in
hepatic encephalopathy.
Question 8
A client with heart failure develops hyperaldosteronism and spironolactone is
prescribed. Which instruction should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?
A. Replace salt with a salt substitute
B. Monitor skin for excessive bruising
C. Cover your skin before going outside
D. Limit intake of high-potassium foods
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Spironolactone is potassium-sparing; high-potassium foods increase
hyperkalemia risk.
Question 9
Which instruction should the nurse include when teaching a client about self-
administration of a bulk-forming laxative?
A. Avoid the intake of dairy products while using the medication
B. Take the medication one hour after meals and other medications
C. Follow medication administration with an additional glass of water
D. Remain upright for thirty minutes following drug administration
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bulk-forming laxatives require adequate fluid intake to prevent
obstruction.
pg. 3
, Question 10
A client diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C receiving ribavirin in combination with
alpha interferon reports the onset of extreme fatigue and dyspnea on exertion. It is most
important for the nurse to monitor which serum laboratory value?
A. Sodium
B. Glucose
C. Hemoglobin
D. Potassium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ribavirin can cause hemolytic anemia; fatigue and dyspnea suggest
decreased oxygen-carrying capacity.
Question 11
A client who receives multiple antihypertensive medications experiences syncope due to
a drop in blood pressure to 70/40 mmHg. Which is the rationale for the nurse's decision
to hold the client's scheduled antihypertensive medications?
A. The synergistic effect of the multiple medications has resulted in drug toxicity
B. The additive effect of multiple medications has caused the blood pressure to drop too
low
C. Increased urinary clearance has produced diuresis and lowered the blood pressure
D. The antagonistic interaction has reduced their effectiveness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Additive effects of multiple antihypertensives can cause excessive
hypotension.
Question 12
A client is discharged with a prescription for warfarin. Which discharge instruction
should the nurse emphasize to the client?
A. Avoid going barefoot, especially outside
B. Use an astringent for superficial bleeding
C. Take a multi-vitamin supplement daily
D. Add large amounts of spinach to the diet
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Warfarin increases bleeding risk; clients should avoid injury and wear
shoes for protection.
pg. 4
Update) Complete Question Bank with 100 Questions, Answers &
Rationales | Nightingale||Graded A+
Question 1
The nurse is planning care for a client with major depression who is receiving a new
prescription for duloxetine. Which information is most important for the nurse to
obtain?
A. Liver function laboratory results
B. Family history of mental illness
C. Recent use of other antidepressants
D. Weight change in the last month
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Duloxetine can cause hepatotoxicity; baseline and ongoing liver function
monitoring is essential.
Question 2
The nurse is preparing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and
a chronic productive cough for discharge home. Which prescribed medication should
the nurse review with the client to manage this symptom?
A. Tiotropium
B. Prednisone
C. Guaifenesin
D. Salmeterol
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps loosen mucus and relieve
productive cough in COPD.
Question 3
The nurse is caring for a patient with COPD and is now performing discharge teaching
with this patient. What should the nurse include in the teaching about breathing
techniques?
A. Use diaphragmatic breathing
B. Exhale through a wide open mouth
C. Use chest breathing
D. Make inhalation longer than exhalation
pg. 1
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diaphragmatic breathing improves ventilation and reduces work of
breathing in COPD patients.
Question 4
Before administering a newly prescribed dose of terbinafine HCl to a client with fungal
toenail infection, which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to address?
A. White blood cell count of 8,500/mm³
B. Employed as a construction worker
C. Toenails appear thick and yellow
D. Reported history of alcoholism
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Terbinafine can cause hepatotoxicity; history of alcoholism increases risk of
liver damage.
Question 5
A client with bipolar disorder admitted with severe depression and suicidal ideation
receives a prescription for lithium carbonate. Which instruction should the nurse
provide to the client?
A. Notify healthcare provider prior to dental procedure
B. Avoid consuming all foods that contain iodine
C. Monitor blood glucose levels daily
D. Eliminate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NSAIDs can increase lithium levels, leading to toxicity.
Question 6
A client with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease started a prescription for
epoetin alfa two months ago. Which client finding best indicates that the medication is
effective?
A. Reports of increased energy levels and decreased fatigue
B. Food diary shows increased consumption of iron-rich foods
C. Takes concurrent iron therapy without adverse effects
D. Hemoglobin level increased to 12 grams/dL
pg. 2
,Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Objective laboratory data (hemoglobin increase) is the most reliable
indicator of epoetin alfa effectiveness.
Question 7
After taking lactulose for several days, what therapeutic response is expected for a
patient with hepatic encephalopathy?
A. Reduced liquid stools
B. Improved mental status
C. Increased urine output
D. Ability to ambulate independently
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lactulose reduces ammonia levels, leading to improved mental status in
hepatic encephalopathy.
Question 8
A client with heart failure develops hyperaldosteronism and spironolactone is
prescribed. Which instruction should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?
A. Replace salt with a salt substitute
B. Monitor skin for excessive bruising
C. Cover your skin before going outside
D. Limit intake of high-potassium foods
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Spironolactone is potassium-sparing; high-potassium foods increase
hyperkalemia risk.
Question 9
Which instruction should the nurse include when teaching a client about self-
administration of a bulk-forming laxative?
A. Avoid the intake of dairy products while using the medication
B. Take the medication one hour after meals and other medications
C. Follow medication administration with an additional glass of water
D. Remain upright for thirty minutes following drug administration
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bulk-forming laxatives require adequate fluid intake to prevent
obstruction.
pg. 3
, Question 10
A client diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C receiving ribavirin in combination with
alpha interferon reports the onset of extreme fatigue and dyspnea on exertion. It is most
important for the nurse to monitor which serum laboratory value?
A. Sodium
B. Glucose
C. Hemoglobin
D. Potassium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ribavirin can cause hemolytic anemia; fatigue and dyspnea suggest
decreased oxygen-carrying capacity.
Question 11
A client who receives multiple antihypertensive medications experiences syncope due to
a drop in blood pressure to 70/40 mmHg. Which is the rationale for the nurse's decision
to hold the client's scheduled antihypertensive medications?
A. The synergistic effect of the multiple medications has resulted in drug toxicity
B. The additive effect of multiple medications has caused the blood pressure to drop too
low
C. Increased urinary clearance has produced diuresis and lowered the blood pressure
D. The antagonistic interaction has reduced their effectiveness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Additive effects of multiple antihypertensives can cause excessive
hypotension.
Question 12
A client is discharged with a prescription for warfarin. Which discharge instruction
should the nurse emphasize to the client?
A. Avoid going barefoot, especially outside
B. Use an astringent for superficial bleeding
C. Take a multi-vitamin supplement daily
D. Add large amounts of spinach to the diet
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Warfarin increases bleeding risk; clients should avoid injury and wear
shoes for protection.
pg. 4
