HESI BSN 315 EAQ Page |1
HESI BSN 315 EAQ Practice Test 3 Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationales/ Nightingale
BSN 315 Pharmacology II HESI Practice Exam
Latest (New!) graded A+ GUARANTEED PASS–
Correctly Answers Questions with Rationales
A male client who is hypertensive is starting a new prescription for clonidine (Catapress) 0.4 mg PO
daily. In reviewing common side effects, what information should the practical nurse (PN) provide the
client?
A) Report problems with sexual function.
B) Monitor respirations on a daily basis.
P a g e 1 | 60
, HESI BSN 315 EAQ Page |2
C) Increased libido may be experienced.
D) Weight gain may indicate fluid retention. –
Correct Answer :A) Report problems with sexual function.
Feedback:
Sexual dysfunction (A), such as impotence and decreased libido, is a common complication of
antihypertensive medications in male clients. Respiratory changes (B), increased libido (C), and
increased weight (D) do not commonly occur with this antihypertensive.
A client who is receiving an antibiotic suddenly develops hives. The practical nurse should report that
the client is most likely experiencing which type of drug response?
A) Adverse response.
B) Hypersensitivity reaction.
C) Idiosyncratic reaction.
D) Multiple drug interaction. –
Correct Answer :B) Hypersensitivity reaction.
Feedback:
Hives, a symptom of a hypersensitivity reaction (B), involve an abnormal immune response and are not
uncommon with the use of antibiotics. Although (A, C, and D) are unexpected pharmacologic
reactions, hives represent a life-threatening allergic response and should be reported to ensure
prompt intervention.
The healthcare provider prescribes cycloplegic and mydriatic ophthalmic drops for a client who is
having a cataract removal. What explanation about the drug actions should the practical nurse (PN)
provide the client?
A) Reduces intraocular pressure.
B) Relieves eye pain.
C) Treats conjunctivitis.
P a g e 2 | 60
, HESI BSN 315 EAQ Page |3
D) Dilates the pupil. –
Correct Answer :D) Dilates the pupil.
Feedback:
Cycloplegic drugs cause ciliary paralysis, and mydriatics dilate the pupil (D), which facilitates access
into the anterior chamber for removal of the lens in cataract surgery. (A, B, and C) are incorrect
actions.
The practical nurse (PN) is assessing a client who takes olanzapine (Zyprexa), an antipsychotic. Which
side effect should the PN most likely note in this client?
A) Insomnia and irritability.
B) Hand tremors and tearing.
C) Nausea and frontal headache.
D) Weight gain and constipation. –
Correct Answer :D) Weight gain and constipation.
Feedback:
Olanzapine (Zyprexa), an atypical antipsychotic, causes orthostatic hypotension, weight gain, and
anticholinergic effects, such as constipation (D). Common anticholinergic side effects include dry
mouth, blurred vision, nasal stuffiness, weight gain, difficulty urinating, decreased sweating, increased
sensitivity to sunlight, and constipation (D). (A, B, and C) are not expected side effects of this
medication.
The practical nurse (PN) discusses antihypertensive drug therapy with several clients diagnosed with
high blood pressure. To improve client understanding, the PN should emphasize that which
medication preserves renal function in a client with diabetes?
A) Verapamil (Calan).
B) Captopril (Capoten).
P a g e 3 | 60
, HESI BSN 315 EAQ Page |4
C) Clonidine (Catapres).
D) Nifedipine (Procardia). –
Correct Answer :B) Captopril (Capoten).
Feedback:
Hypertension contributes to diabetic nephropathy, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitors, such as captopril (B), slow progression of renal damage for clients with diabetes by
reducing blood pressure, contributing to blood sugar control by increasing the body's sensitivity to
insulin, and moving glucose from the bloodstream into cells. Verapamil (A), nifedipine (D), and
clonidine (C) are used the treatment of hypertension, but do not provide the same effects on blood
glucose as captopril does for clients with diabetes.
A client with schizophrenia has been taking clozapine (Clozaril) for several months. The practical nurse
(PN) monitors the client for extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Which reason supports the PN's
assessment?
A) Prolonged use of antidepressant medications reduce skeletal muscle tone.
B) The excess amount of norepinephrine causes an increase in blood pressure.
C) The increased availability of serotonin affects mood and behavior.
D) Atypical antipsychotics can deplete the brain's supply of dopamine. –
Correct Answer :D) Atypical antipsychotics can deplete the brain's supply of dopamine.
Feedback:
The use of an atypical antipsychotic, such as clozapine, should include an assessment of
musculoskeletal functioning for signs and symptoms of any EPS reaction that can occur from a lack of
the brain neurotransmitter dopamine (D). (A, B, and C) do not explain the cause of EPS.
A client who is transferred to the cardiac rehabilitation unit after a myocardial infarction is ready for
discharge with a new prescription for metoprolol (Lopressor). The client asks, I don't have high blood
pressure, so why did my healthcare provider give me this medicine? What information should the
practical nurse (PN) provide?
A) Anticoagulation is the most important action of metoprolol.
B) Beta-blockers are routinely prescribed after heart damage.
C) Heart failure is prevented as a complication while healing.
P a g e 4 | 60
HESI BSN 315 EAQ Practice Test 3 Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationales/ Nightingale
BSN 315 Pharmacology II HESI Practice Exam
Latest (New!) graded A+ GUARANTEED PASS–
Correctly Answers Questions with Rationales
A male client who is hypertensive is starting a new prescription for clonidine (Catapress) 0.4 mg PO
daily. In reviewing common side effects, what information should the practical nurse (PN) provide the
client?
A) Report problems with sexual function.
B) Monitor respirations on a daily basis.
P a g e 1 | 60
, HESI BSN 315 EAQ Page |2
C) Increased libido may be experienced.
D) Weight gain may indicate fluid retention. –
Correct Answer :A) Report problems with sexual function.
Feedback:
Sexual dysfunction (A), such as impotence and decreased libido, is a common complication of
antihypertensive medications in male clients. Respiratory changes (B), increased libido (C), and
increased weight (D) do not commonly occur with this antihypertensive.
A client who is receiving an antibiotic suddenly develops hives. The practical nurse should report that
the client is most likely experiencing which type of drug response?
A) Adverse response.
B) Hypersensitivity reaction.
C) Idiosyncratic reaction.
D) Multiple drug interaction. –
Correct Answer :B) Hypersensitivity reaction.
Feedback:
Hives, a symptom of a hypersensitivity reaction (B), involve an abnormal immune response and are not
uncommon with the use of antibiotics. Although (A, C, and D) are unexpected pharmacologic
reactions, hives represent a life-threatening allergic response and should be reported to ensure
prompt intervention.
The healthcare provider prescribes cycloplegic and mydriatic ophthalmic drops for a client who is
having a cataract removal. What explanation about the drug actions should the practical nurse (PN)
provide the client?
A) Reduces intraocular pressure.
B) Relieves eye pain.
C) Treats conjunctivitis.
P a g e 2 | 60
, HESI BSN 315 EAQ Page |3
D) Dilates the pupil. –
Correct Answer :D) Dilates the pupil.
Feedback:
Cycloplegic drugs cause ciliary paralysis, and mydriatics dilate the pupil (D), which facilitates access
into the anterior chamber for removal of the lens in cataract surgery. (A, B, and C) are incorrect
actions.
The practical nurse (PN) is assessing a client who takes olanzapine (Zyprexa), an antipsychotic. Which
side effect should the PN most likely note in this client?
A) Insomnia and irritability.
B) Hand tremors and tearing.
C) Nausea and frontal headache.
D) Weight gain and constipation. –
Correct Answer :D) Weight gain and constipation.
Feedback:
Olanzapine (Zyprexa), an atypical antipsychotic, causes orthostatic hypotension, weight gain, and
anticholinergic effects, such as constipation (D). Common anticholinergic side effects include dry
mouth, blurred vision, nasal stuffiness, weight gain, difficulty urinating, decreased sweating, increased
sensitivity to sunlight, and constipation (D). (A, B, and C) are not expected side effects of this
medication.
The practical nurse (PN) discusses antihypertensive drug therapy with several clients diagnosed with
high blood pressure. To improve client understanding, the PN should emphasize that which
medication preserves renal function in a client with diabetes?
A) Verapamil (Calan).
B) Captopril (Capoten).
P a g e 3 | 60
, HESI BSN 315 EAQ Page |4
C) Clonidine (Catapres).
D) Nifedipine (Procardia). –
Correct Answer :B) Captopril (Capoten).
Feedback:
Hypertension contributes to diabetic nephropathy, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitors, such as captopril (B), slow progression of renal damage for clients with diabetes by
reducing blood pressure, contributing to blood sugar control by increasing the body's sensitivity to
insulin, and moving glucose from the bloodstream into cells. Verapamil (A), nifedipine (D), and
clonidine (C) are used the treatment of hypertension, but do not provide the same effects on blood
glucose as captopril does for clients with diabetes.
A client with schizophrenia has been taking clozapine (Clozaril) for several months. The practical nurse
(PN) monitors the client for extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Which reason supports the PN's
assessment?
A) Prolonged use of antidepressant medications reduce skeletal muscle tone.
B) The excess amount of norepinephrine causes an increase in blood pressure.
C) The increased availability of serotonin affects mood and behavior.
D) Atypical antipsychotics can deplete the brain's supply of dopamine. –
Correct Answer :D) Atypical antipsychotics can deplete the brain's supply of dopamine.
Feedback:
The use of an atypical antipsychotic, such as clozapine, should include an assessment of
musculoskeletal functioning for signs and symptoms of any EPS reaction that can occur from a lack of
the brain neurotransmitter dopamine (D). (A, B, and C) do not explain the cause of EPS.
A client who is transferred to the cardiac rehabilitation unit after a myocardial infarction is ready for
discharge with a new prescription for metoprolol (Lopressor). The client asks, I don't have high blood
pressure, so why did my healthcare provider give me this medicine? What information should the
practical nurse (PN) provide?
A) Anticoagulation is the most important action of metoprolol.
B) Beta-blockers are routinely prescribed after heart damage.
C) Heart failure is prevented as a complication while healing.
P a g e 4 | 60
