BSN315 Final Exam Actual Exam Style V3
| BSN 315 HESI RN Specialty
Pharmacology Exam | Nightingale
1. A patient is prescribed Digoxin for heart failure. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse recognize as an early sign of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased urinary output
B. Photosensitivity
C. Tachycardia and hypertension
D. Anorexia and nausea
Answer: D
Rationale: Early signs of digoxin toxicity often involve gastrointestinal disturbances such
as anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. Neurological symptoms like blurred vision or yellow-
green halos around lights may also occur. The nurse must monitor serum digoxin levels
and potassium levels closely because hypokalemia increases the risk of toxicity.
2. A client is receiving Warfarin therapy. What is the priority lab value the nurse should
monitor to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this medication?
A. Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)
B. Platelet count
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
,D. Serum Calcium
Answer: C
Rationale: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard measurement used to
monitor the therapeutic effect of Warfarin. A typical therapeutic range for most patients is
between 2.0 and 3.0. Monitoring this value is critical to prevent excessive bleeding or
inadequate anticoagulation that could lead to clots.
3. Which side effect is uniquely associated with ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril and often leads
to the discontinuation of the drug?
A. Weight gain
B. Peripheral edema
C. Hypokalemia
D. Dry, non-productive cough
Answer: D
Rationale: A dry, hacking, non-productive cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors
due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs. This side effect is often distressing
enough to require switching the patient to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB). It is
important to note that this cough is not related to respiratory infection but is a direct drug
effect.
, 4. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix). Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse
monitor for most closely?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypophosphatemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of water, sodium, and
potassium in the urine. Hypokalemia is a frequent and potentially dangerous side effect
that can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Nurses should encourage a diet high in potassium
and monitor laboratory values frequently during therapy.
5. A client is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Which type of insulin provides basal
coverage and has no peak effect?
A. Insulin Glargine
B. Regular Insulin
C. NPH Insulin
D. Insulin Lispro
Answer: A
| BSN 315 HESI RN Specialty
Pharmacology Exam | Nightingale
1. A patient is prescribed Digoxin for heart failure. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse recognize as an early sign of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased urinary output
B. Photosensitivity
C. Tachycardia and hypertension
D. Anorexia and nausea
Answer: D
Rationale: Early signs of digoxin toxicity often involve gastrointestinal disturbances such
as anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. Neurological symptoms like blurred vision or yellow-
green halos around lights may also occur. The nurse must monitor serum digoxin levels
and potassium levels closely because hypokalemia increases the risk of toxicity.
2. A client is receiving Warfarin therapy. What is the priority lab value the nurse should
monitor to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this medication?
A. Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)
B. Platelet count
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
,D. Serum Calcium
Answer: C
Rationale: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the standard measurement used to
monitor the therapeutic effect of Warfarin. A typical therapeutic range for most patients is
between 2.0 and 3.0. Monitoring this value is critical to prevent excessive bleeding or
inadequate anticoagulation that could lead to clots.
3. Which side effect is uniquely associated with ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril and often leads
to the discontinuation of the drug?
A. Weight gain
B. Peripheral edema
C. Hypokalemia
D. Dry, non-productive cough
Answer: D
Rationale: A dry, hacking, non-productive cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors
due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs. This side effect is often distressing
enough to require switching the patient to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB). It is
important to note that this cough is not related to respiratory infection but is a direct drug
effect.
, 4. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix). Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse
monitor for most closely?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypophosphatemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of water, sodium, and
potassium in the urine. Hypokalemia is a frequent and potentially dangerous side effect
that can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Nurses should encourage a diet high in potassium
and monitor laboratory values frequently during therapy.
5. A client is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Which type of insulin provides basal
coverage and has no peak effect?
A. Insulin Glargine
B. Regular Insulin
C. NPH Insulin
D. Insulin Lispro
Answer: A
