HESI BSN 315 EAQ Page |1
HESI BSN 315 EAQ Practice Test 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
1.) A child is brought to the emergency department for treatment of an acute asthma attack. The
nurse prepares to administer which of the following medications first?
1. Oral corticosteroids
2. A leukotriene modifier
3. A β2 agonist
4. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory –
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, HESI BSN 315 EAQ Page |2
Correct Answer :3. A β2 agonist
Rationale:
In treating an acute asthma attack, a short acting β2 agonist such as albuterol (Proventil HFA) will be
given to produce bronchodilation. Options 1, 2, and 4 are long-term control (preventive) medications.
2.) A nurse is collecting medication information from a client, and the client states that she is taking
garlic as an herbal supplement. The nurse understands that the client is most likely treating which of
the following conditions?
1. Eczema
2. Insomnia
3. Migraines
4. Hyperlipidemia –
Correct Answer :4. Hyperlipidemia
Rationale:
Garlic is an herbal supplement that is used to treat hyperlipidemia and hypertension. An herbal
supplement that may be used to treat eczema is evening primrose. Insomnia has been treated with
both valerian root and chamomile. Migraines have been treated with feverfew.
19
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, HESI BSN 315 EAQ Page |3
3.) Sodium hypochlorite (Dakin's solution) is prescribed for a client with a leg wound containing
purulent drainage. The nurse is assisting in developing a plan of care for the client and includes which
of the following in the plan?
1. Ensure that the solution is freshly prepared before use.
2. Soak a sterile dressing with solution and pack into the wound.
3. Allow the solution to remain in the wound following irrigation.
4. Apply the solution to the wound and on normal skin tissue surrounding the wound. –
Correct Answer :1. Ensure that the solution is freshly prepared before use.
Rationale:
Dakin solution is a chloride solution that is used for irrigating and cleaning necrotic or purulent
wounds. It can be used for packing necrotic wounds. It cannot be used to pack purulent wounds
because the solution is inactivated by copious pus. It should not come into contact with healing or
normal tissue, and it should be rinsed off immediately if used for irrigation. Solutions are unstable and
the nurse must ensure that the solution has been prepared fresh before use.
**Eliminate options 2 and 3 first because they are comparable or alike. It makes sense to ensure that
the solution is freshly prepared; therefore, select option 1**
4.) A nurse provides instructions to a client regarding the use of tretinoin (Retin-A). Which statement
by the client indicates the need for further instructions?
1. "Optimal results will be seen after 6 weeks."
2. "I should apply a very thin layer to my skin."
3. "I should wash my hands thoroughly after applying the medication."
4. "I should cleanse my skin thoroughly before applying the medication." –
Correct Answer :2. "I should apply a very thin layer to my skin."
Rationale:
Tretinoin is applied liberally to the skin. The hands are washed thoroughly immediately after applying.
Therapeutic results should be seen after 2 to 3 weeks but may not be optimal until after 6 weeks. The
skin needs to be cleansed thoroughly before applying the medication.
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, HESI BSN 315 EAQ Page |4
5.) A nurse is caring for a client who is taking metoprolol (Lopressor). The nurse measures the client's
blood pressure (BP) and apical pulse (AP) immediately before administration. The client's BP is 122/78
mm/Hg and the AP is 58 beats/min. Based on this data, which of the following is the appropriate
action?
1. Withhold the medication.
2. Notify the registered nurse immediately.
3. Administer the medication as prescribed.
4. Administer half of the prescribed medication. –
Correct Answer :1. Withhold the medication.
Rationale:
Metoprolol (Lopressor) is classified as a beta-adrenergic blocker and is used in the treatment of
hypertension, angina, and myocardial infarction. Baseline nursing assessments include measurement
of BP and AP immediately before administration. If the systolic BP is below 90 mm/Hg and the AP is
below 60 beats/min, the nurse should withhold the medication and document this action. Although
the registered nurse should be informed of the client's vital signs, it is not necessary to do so
immediately. The medication should not be administered because the data is outside of the prescribed
parameters for this medication. The nurse should not administer half of the medication, or alter any
dosages at any point in time.
6.) A client has been prescribed amikacin (Amikin). Which of the following priority baseline functions
should be monitored?
1. Apical pulse
2. Liver function
3. Blood pressure
4. Hearing acuity –
Correct Answer :4. Hearing acuity
Rationale:
Amikacin (Amikin) is an antibiotic. This medication can cause ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity; therefore,
hearing acuity tests and kidney function studies should be performed before the initiation of therapy.
Apical pulse, liver function studies, and blood pressure are not specifically related to the use of this
medication.
P a g e 4 | 193
HESI BSN 315 EAQ Practice Test 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
1.) A child is brought to the emergency department for treatment of an acute asthma attack. The
nurse prepares to administer which of the following medications first?
1. Oral corticosteroids
2. A leukotriene modifier
3. A β2 agonist
4. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory –
P a g e 1 | 193
, HESI BSN 315 EAQ Page |2
Correct Answer :3. A β2 agonist
Rationale:
In treating an acute asthma attack, a short acting β2 agonist such as albuterol (Proventil HFA) will be
given to produce bronchodilation. Options 1, 2, and 4 are long-term control (preventive) medications.
2.) A nurse is collecting medication information from a client, and the client states that she is taking
garlic as an herbal supplement. The nurse understands that the client is most likely treating which of
the following conditions?
1. Eczema
2. Insomnia
3. Migraines
4. Hyperlipidemia –
Correct Answer :4. Hyperlipidemia
Rationale:
Garlic is an herbal supplement that is used to treat hyperlipidemia and hypertension. An herbal
supplement that may be used to treat eczema is evening primrose. Insomnia has been treated with
both valerian root and chamomile. Migraines have been treated with feverfew.
19
P a g e 2 | 193
, HESI BSN 315 EAQ Page |3
3.) Sodium hypochlorite (Dakin's solution) is prescribed for a client with a leg wound containing
purulent drainage. The nurse is assisting in developing a plan of care for the client and includes which
of the following in the plan?
1. Ensure that the solution is freshly prepared before use.
2. Soak a sterile dressing with solution and pack into the wound.
3. Allow the solution to remain in the wound following irrigation.
4. Apply the solution to the wound and on normal skin tissue surrounding the wound. –
Correct Answer :1. Ensure that the solution is freshly prepared before use.
Rationale:
Dakin solution is a chloride solution that is used for irrigating and cleaning necrotic or purulent
wounds. It can be used for packing necrotic wounds. It cannot be used to pack purulent wounds
because the solution is inactivated by copious pus. It should not come into contact with healing or
normal tissue, and it should be rinsed off immediately if used for irrigation. Solutions are unstable and
the nurse must ensure that the solution has been prepared fresh before use.
**Eliminate options 2 and 3 first because they are comparable or alike. It makes sense to ensure that
the solution is freshly prepared; therefore, select option 1**
4.) A nurse provides instructions to a client regarding the use of tretinoin (Retin-A). Which statement
by the client indicates the need for further instructions?
1. "Optimal results will be seen after 6 weeks."
2. "I should apply a very thin layer to my skin."
3. "I should wash my hands thoroughly after applying the medication."
4. "I should cleanse my skin thoroughly before applying the medication." –
Correct Answer :2. "I should apply a very thin layer to my skin."
Rationale:
Tretinoin is applied liberally to the skin. The hands are washed thoroughly immediately after applying.
Therapeutic results should be seen after 2 to 3 weeks but may not be optimal until after 6 weeks. The
skin needs to be cleansed thoroughly before applying the medication.
P a g e 3 | 193
, HESI BSN 315 EAQ Page |4
5.) A nurse is caring for a client who is taking metoprolol (Lopressor). The nurse measures the client's
blood pressure (BP) and apical pulse (AP) immediately before administration. The client's BP is 122/78
mm/Hg and the AP is 58 beats/min. Based on this data, which of the following is the appropriate
action?
1. Withhold the medication.
2. Notify the registered nurse immediately.
3. Administer the medication as prescribed.
4. Administer half of the prescribed medication. –
Correct Answer :1. Withhold the medication.
Rationale:
Metoprolol (Lopressor) is classified as a beta-adrenergic blocker and is used in the treatment of
hypertension, angina, and myocardial infarction. Baseline nursing assessments include measurement
of BP and AP immediately before administration. If the systolic BP is below 90 mm/Hg and the AP is
below 60 beats/min, the nurse should withhold the medication and document this action. Although
the registered nurse should be informed of the client's vital signs, it is not necessary to do so
immediately. The medication should not be administered because the data is outside of the prescribed
parameters for this medication. The nurse should not administer half of the medication, or alter any
dosages at any point in time.
6.) A client has been prescribed amikacin (Amikin). Which of the following priority baseline functions
should be monitored?
1. Apical pulse
2. Liver function
3. Blood pressure
4. Hearing acuity –
Correct Answer :4. Hearing acuity
Rationale:
Amikacin (Amikin) is an antibiotic. This medication can cause ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity; therefore,
hearing acuity tests and kidney function studies should be performed before the initiation of therapy.
Apical pulse, liver function studies, and blood pressure are not specifically related to the use of this
medication.
P a g e 4 | 193
