BSN 315 HESI PHARMACOLOGY II EXAM –
HARVARD UNIVERSITY 2025–2026
VERIFIED EXAM, GARANTEED PASS.
A client with chronic renal failure is prescribed epoetin alfa. What should the nurse
monitor?
A. Decrease in hemoglobin
B. Hypertension and rising hemoglobin/hematocrit
C. Blood glucose levels
D. Liver enzymes
Answer: B. Hypertension and rising hemoglobin/hematocrit
Rationale: Epoetin can increase BP and H/H; monitor to avoid thrombotic risk with overly rapid
rise.
Which antibiotic requires monitoring of peak and trough levels to avoid toxicity?
E. Ceftriaxone
F. Vancomycin and gentamicin (aminoglycosides)
G. Azithromycin
H. Doxycycline
Answer: B. Vancomycin and gentamicin (aminoglycosides)
Rationale: These drugs have narrow therapeutic windows and require level monitoring to
prevent ototoxicity/nephrotoxicity.
A patient on SSRIs (sertraline) is started on triptan for migraine. What syndrome
should the nurse watch for?
A. Serotonin syndrome
B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
C. Tardive dyskinesia
D. Malignant hyperthermia
Answer: A. Serotonin syndrome
Rationale: Combining SSRIs with triptans can increase serotonin levels and risk serotonin
syndrome (agitation, hyperreflexia, autonomic instability).
Which medication is used as the antidote for acetaminophen (paracetamol)
overdose?
, A. Naloxone
B. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
C. Atropine
D. Flumazenil
Answer: B. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
Rationale: NAC replenishes glutathione and prevents hepatic injury after acetaminophen
overdose.
A patient on magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia has respirations of 8/min and
diminished reflexes. The nurse should:
A. Document and continue infusion
B. Administer calcium gluconate (antidote) and stop infusion
C. Give naloxone
D. Increase infusion rate
Answer: B. Administer calcium gluconate (antidote) and stop infusion
Rationale: Signs of magnesium toxicity (respiratory depression, loss of reflexes) require
stopping magnesium and giving IV calcium.
A client is prescribed diltiazem (calcium channel blocker) for atrial fibrillation. Which
adverse effect is important to monitor?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Bradycardia and hypotension
C. Ototoxicity
D. Hypoglycemia
Answer: B. Bradycardia and hypotension
Rationale: Non-dihydropyridine CCBs (diltiazem, verapamil) reduce HR and contractility—
monitor BP and HR.
A patient is instructed to take warfarin. Which food would the nurse advise to eat
consistently because it affects INR?
A. Leafy green vegetables (consistent intake)
B. Grapefruit juice only when INR is high
C. High-potassium foods
D. Dairy foods
Answer: A. Leafy green vegetables (consistent intake)
Rationale: Vitamin K in leafy greens affects warfarin; counsel consistent intake to avoid INR
fluctuations.
Which inhaled medication is used for maintenance control of asthma and has an anti-
inflammatory effect?
HARVARD UNIVERSITY 2025–2026
VERIFIED EXAM, GARANTEED PASS.
A client with chronic renal failure is prescribed epoetin alfa. What should the nurse
monitor?
A. Decrease in hemoglobin
B. Hypertension and rising hemoglobin/hematocrit
C. Blood glucose levels
D. Liver enzymes
Answer: B. Hypertension and rising hemoglobin/hematocrit
Rationale: Epoetin can increase BP and H/H; monitor to avoid thrombotic risk with overly rapid
rise.
Which antibiotic requires monitoring of peak and trough levels to avoid toxicity?
E. Ceftriaxone
F. Vancomycin and gentamicin (aminoglycosides)
G. Azithromycin
H. Doxycycline
Answer: B. Vancomycin and gentamicin (aminoglycosides)
Rationale: These drugs have narrow therapeutic windows and require level monitoring to
prevent ototoxicity/nephrotoxicity.
A patient on SSRIs (sertraline) is started on triptan for migraine. What syndrome
should the nurse watch for?
A. Serotonin syndrome
B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
C. Tardive dyskinesia
D. Malignant hyperthermia
Answer: A. Serotonin syndrome
Rationale: Combining SSRIs with triptans can increase serotonin levels and risk serotonin
syndrome (agitation, hyperreflexia, autonomic instability).
Which medication is used as the antidote for acetaminophen (paracetamol)
overdose?
, A. Naloxone
B. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
C. Atropine
D. Flumazenil
Answer: B. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
Rationale: NAC replenishes glutathione and prevents hepatic injury after acetaminophen
overdose.
A patient on magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia has respirations of 8/min and
diminished reflexes. The nurse should:
A. Document and continue infusion
B. Administer calcium gluconate (antidote) and stop infusion
C. Give naloxone
D. Increase infusion rate
Answer: B. Administer calcium gluconate (antidote) and stop infusion
Rationale: Signs of magnesium toxicity (respiratory depression, loss of reflexes) require
stopping magnesium and giving IV calcium.
A client is prescribed diltiazem (calcium channel blocker) for atrial fibrillation. Which
adverse effect is important to monitor?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Bradycardia and hypotension
C. Ototoxicity
D. Hypoglycemia
Answer: B. Bradycardia and hypotension
Rationale: Non-dihydropyridine CCBs (diltiazem, verapamil) reduce HR and contractility—
monitor BP and HR.
A patient is instructed to take warfarin. Which food would the nurse advise to eat
consistently because it affects INR?
A. Leafy green vegetables (consistent intake)
B. Grapefruit juice only when INR is high
C. High-potassium foods
D. Dairy foods
Answer: A. Leafy green vegetables (consistent intake)
Rationale: Vitamin K in leafy greens affects warfarin; counsel consistent intake to avoid INR
fluctuations.
Which inhaled medication is used for maintenance control of asthma and has an anti-
inflammatory effect?
