BSN 315
HESI Pharmacology Actual Exam 2026 |
Practice Questions & Answers with Rationales |
Nightingale College
RESOURCE FEATURES
• BSN 315 HESI Pharmacology practice questions
• Answers for self-assessment
• Detailed rationales and explanations
• Medication-class review
• Clinical scenario-based questions
• NGN-style practice
• Nursing implications and safety considerations
• 2026-focused exam preparation
,BSN 315 HESI Pharmacology Actual Exam 2026
| Practice Questions & Answers with
Rationales | Nightingale College
Question 1
A client diagnosed with MS who self-administers beta 1a interferon, reports
feeling increasingly depressed. Which action should the nurse implement?
A. Continue to monitor the patient and reassess in 1 hour
B. Document the findings and take no further action
C. Notify the healthcare provider of the findings immediately
D. Administer PRN medication and reassess later
Answer: C. Notify the healthcare provider of the findings immediately
Rationale: Beta 1a interferon (used for multiple sclerosis) can cause
depression and suicidal ideation as adverse effects. New-onset or
worsening depression requires immediate provider notification for possible
dose adjustment, medication change, or psychiatric referral. This is a safety
priority.
Question 2
,Before administering the initial dose of sumatriptan succinate to a client
with a migraine headache, it is most important to determine if the client's
history includes which problem?
A. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
B. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
C. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
D. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Answer: C. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Rationale: Sumatriptan is a triptan that causes vasoconstriction and is
contraindicated in clients with coronary artery disease, history of
myocardial infarction, or uncontrolled hypertension due to risk of coronary
vasospasm and cardiac ischemia. A thorough cardiovascular history is
essential before administration.
Question 3
A client receives a prescription for ciprofloxacin 400 mg intravenously (IV)
every 12 hours which is to be infused over an hour. The IV bag contains
ciprofloxacin 400 mg in dextrose 5% in water (D5W) 200 mL. How many
mL/hr should the nurse program the infusion pump to deliver?
A. 50
B. 100
C. 150
D. 200
, Answer: D. 200
Rationale: The total volume is 200 mL to be infused over 1 hour. The
formula is: Total Volume (mL) ÷ Total Time (hours) = mL/hr. 200 mL ÷ 1
hour = 200 mL/hr.
Question 4
Before administering a laxative to a bedfast client, it is most important for
the nurse to perform which assessment?
A. Encourage increased fluid intake
B. Administer stool softener as ordered
C. Determine the frequency and consistency of bowel movements
D. Promote early ambulation
Answer: C. Determine the frequency and consistency of bowel
movements
Rationale: Before administering a laxative, the nurse must assess the
client's baseline bowel function, including frequency and consistency of
bowel movements, to determine if the medication is actually needed and to
establish a baseline for evaluating effectiveness. This prevents unnecessary
medication administration and potential complications like impaction.
Question 5
Hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine sodium is prescribed for
a client with hypothyroidism. The nurse should instruct the client to report
HESI Pharmacology Actual Exam 2026 |
Practice Questions & Answers with Rationales |
Nightingale College
RESOURCE FEATURES
• BSN 315 HESI Pharmacology practice questions
• Answers for self-assessment
• Detailed rationales and explanations
• Medication-class review
• Clinical scenario-based questions
• NGN-style practice
• Nursing implications and safety considerations
• 2026-focused exam preparation
,BSN 315 HESI Pharmacology Actual Exam 2026
| Practice Questions & Answers with
Rationales | Nightingale College
Question 1
A client diagnosed with MS who self-administers beta 1a interferon, reports
feeling increasingly depressed. Which action should the nurse implement?
A. Continue to monitor the patient and reassess in 1 hour
B. Document the findings and take no further action
C. Notify the healthcare provider of the findings immediately
D. Administer PRN medication and reassess later
Answer: C. Notify the healthcare provider of the findings immediately
Rationale: Beta 1a interferon (used for multiple sclerosis) can cause
depression and suicidal ideation as adverse effects. New-onset or
worsening depression requires immediate provider notification for possible
dose adjustment, medication change, or psychiatric referral. This is a safety
priority.
Question 2
,Before administering the initial dose of sumatriptan succinate to a client
with a migraine headache, it is most important to determine if the client's
history includes which problem?
A. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
B. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
C. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
D. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Answer: C. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Rationale: Sumatriptan is a triptan that causes vasoconstriction and is
contraindicated in clients with coronary artery disease, history of
myocardial infarction, or uncontrolled hypertension due to risk of coronary
vasospasm and cardiac ischemia. A thorough cardiovascular history is
essential before administration.
Question 3
A client receives a prescription for ciprofloxacin 400 mg intravenously (IV)
every 12 hours which is to be infused over an hour. The IV bag contains
ciprofloxacin 400 mg in dextrose 5% in water (D5W) 200 mL. How many
mL/hr should the nurse program the infusion pump to deliver?
A. 50
B. 100
C. 150
D. 200
, Answer: D. 200
Rationale: The total volume is 200 mL to be infused over 1 hour. The
formula is: Total Volume (mL) ÷ Total Time (hours) = mL/hr. 200 mL ÷ 1
hour = 200 mL/hr.
Question 4
Before administering a laxative to a bedfast client, it is most important for
the nurse to perform which assessment?
A. Encourage increased fluid intake
B. Administer stool softener as ordered
C. Determine the frequency and consistency of bowel movements
D. Promote early ambulation
Answer: C. Determine the frequency and consistency of bowel
movements
Rationale: Before administering a laxative, the nurse must assess the
client's baseline bowel function, including frequency and consistency of
bowel movements, to determine if the medication is actually needed and to
establish a baseline for evaluating effectiveness. This prevents unnecessary
medication administration and potential complications like impaction.
Question 5
Hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine sodium is prescribed for
a client with hypothyroidism. The nurse should instruct the client to report
