BSN 315 HESI VERSION 1 EXAM QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026-2027 (RATIONALES) EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
BSN 315 HESI Version 1 Exam
Questions & Answers 2026-
2027 (Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
141 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document contains 141 BSN 315 HESI Version 1 exam questions, each accompanied by the correct
answer and a detailed rationale. It provides comprehensive coverage of essential nursing concepts. This
resource is suitable for in-depth study, thorough review, and effective preparation for nursing certification
exams.
CONTENTS
01 02 03
• Renal & Endocrine Medications • Cardiovascular Medications • Respiratory & Allergy Medications
04 • Gastrointestinal Agents
05 06
• Infectious Disease & Immunosuppressants • Neurological & Psychiatric Medicatio
07 08 09
• Oncology & Antineoplastics • Ophthalmic & Dermatologic Agents • Pain Management & Opioids
10 • Metabolic & Other Agents
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 141
The nurse is administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate to a client in acute kidney injury (AKI). Which laboratory
finding indicates that the medication has been effective?
CORRECT ANSWER
Serum Potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L)
RATIONALE
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is an ion-exchange resin that binds potassium in the gut, lowering serum potassium levels. A
serum potassium of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal reference range, indicating successful potassium reduction.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 141
Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) who
is receiving insulin lispro?
CORRECT ANSWER
provide meals at the same time this medication is given
RATIONALE
Rapid-acting insulin lispro has an onset of action within 15 minutes, requiring coordinated administration with meals to
prevent hypoglycemia. This timing ensures the insulin peaks when glucose from food is available for uptake, maintaining
glycemic control.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 141
A client starts a new prescription, oxybutynin, for symptoms of an overactive bladder. The client reports to the nurse
the details of training for a half marathon. Which instructions should the nurse emphasize?
CORRECT ANSWER
take measures to avoid dehydration and overheating
Page 2
, RATIONALE
Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic medication that impairs thermoregulation and reduces sweat production, increasing the
risk of hyperthermia and dehydration, especially during strenuous exercise like marathon training. Therefore, emphasizing
measures to avoid dehydration and overheating is critical for patient safety.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 141
The therapeutic effect of insulin in treating type 1 diabetes mellitus is based on which physiologic action?
CORRECT ANSWER
Facilitates transport of glucose into the cells.
RATIONALE
Insulin binds to its receptor, initiating a cascade that promotes the translocation of GLUT4 transporters to the cell
membrane, thereby facilitating glucose uptake and utilization by target tissues. This action lowers blood glucose levels,
compensating for the lack of endogenous insulin in type 1 diabetes.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 141
Which statement by a client warrants further instruction by the nurse about the changing insulin needs of a diabetic
client during pregnancy?
CORRECT ANSWER
"I will increase my insulin dosage by 5 units each month during the first trimester."
RATIONALE
Insulin needs typically decrease during the first trimester of pregnancy due to increased insulin sensitivity and altered
metabolism, making a routine increase in dosage inappropriate and potentially harmful. This highlights the critical concept
of dynamic glycemic control requiring frequent assessment rather than fixed dose adjustments during gestation.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 141
A client with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD) started a prescription for epoetin alfa two months
ago. Which client finding best indicates that the medication is effective?
CORRECT ANSWER
Hemoglobin level increased to 12 grams/dL (120 mmol/L.)
Page 3
, RATIONALE
Epoetin alfa stimulates erythropoiesis, increasing red blood cell production to correct anemia; therefore, a rise in
hemoglobin to the therapeutic target of 12 g/dL signifies effective treatment. The key concept tested is the
pharmacodynamic action of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in managing anemia of chronic kidney disease.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 141
The nurse is administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate to a client in acute kidney injury (AKI). Which laboratory
findings indicates that the medication has been effective?
CORRECT ANSWER
Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8mmol/L).
RATIONALE
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is an ion-exchange resin that binds potassium in the intestinal tract, excreting it and lowering
serum potassium levels. A serum potassium of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal reference range, indicating successful
reduction of hyperkalemia.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 141
A client with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD) started a prescription for epoetin alfa two months
ago. Which client finding best indicates the the medication has been effective? (Hemoglobin reference range 14 to
18 g/dl)
CORRECT ANSWER
reports of increased energy levels and decreased fatigue
RATIONALE
Epoetin alfa stimulates erythropoiesis, increasing red blood cell production to combat anemia, thereby improving oxygen
delivery and reducing fatigue. This enhanced oxygenation manifests as increased energy and a decrease in the patient's
reported fatigue.
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 141
Page 4
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
BSN 315 HESI Version 1 Exam
Questions & Answers 2026-
2027 (Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
141 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document contains 141 BSN 315 HESI Version 1 exam questions, each accompanied by the correct
answer and a detailed rationale. It provides comprehensive coverage of essential nursing concepts. This
resource is suitable for in-depth study, thorough review, and effective preparation for nursing certification
exams.
CONTENTS
01 02 03
• Renal & Endocrine Medications • Cardiovascular Medications • Respiratory & Allergy Medications
04 • Gastrointestinal Agents
05 06
• Infectious Disease & Immunosuppressants • Neurological & Psychiatric Medicatio
07 08 09
• Oncology & Antineoplastics • Ophthalmic & Dermatologic Agents • Pain Management & Opioids
10 • Metabolic & Other Agents
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 141
The nurse is administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate to a client in acute kidney injury (AKI). Which laboratory
finding indicates that the medication has been effective?
CORRECT ANSWER
Serum Potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L)
RATIONALE
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is an ion-exchange resin that binds potassium in the gut, lowering serum potassium levels. A
serum potassium of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal reference range, indicating successful potassium reduction.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 141
Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) who
is receiving insulin lispro?
CORRECT ANSWER
provide meals at the same time this medication is given
RATIONALE
Rapid-acting insulin lispro has an onset of action within 15 minutes, requiring coordinated administration with meals to
prevent hypoglycemia. This timing ensures the insulin peaks when glucose from food is available for uptake, maintaining
glycemic control.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 141
A client starts a new prescription, oxybutynin, for symptoms of an overactive bladder. The client reports to the nurse
the details of training for a half marathon. Which instructions should the nurse emphasize?
CORRECT ANSWER
take measures to avoid dehydration and overheating
Page 2
, RATIONALE
Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic medication that impairs thermoregulation and reduces sweat production, increasing the
risk of hyperthermia and dehydration, especially during strenuous exercise like marathon training. Therefore, emphasizing
measures to avoid dehydration and overheating is critical for patient safety.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 141
The therapeutic effect of insulin in treating type 1 diabetes mellitus is based on which physiologic action?
CORRECT ANSWER
Facilitates transport of glucose into the cells.
RATIONALE
Insulin binds to its receptor, initiating a cascade that promotes the translocation of GLUT4 transporters to the cell
membrane, thereby facilitating glucose uptake and utilization by target tissues. This action lowers blood glucose levels,
compensating for the lack of endogenous insulin in type 1 diabetes.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 141
Which statement by a client warrants further instruction by the nurse about the changing insulin needs of a diabetic
client during pregnancy?
CORRECT ANSWER
"I will increase my insulin dosage by 5 units each month during the first trimester."
RATIONALE
Insulin needs typically decrease during the first trimester of pregnancy due to increased insulin sensitivity and altered
metabolism, making a routine increase in dosage inappropriate and potentially harmful. This highlights the critical concept
of dynamic glycemic control requiring frequent assessment rather than fixed dose adjustments during gestation.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 141
A client with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD) started a prescription for epoetin alfa two months
ago. Which client finding best indicates that the medication is effective?
CORRECT ANSWER
Hemoglobin level increased to 12 grams/dL (120 mmol/L.)
Page 3
, RATIONALE
Epoetin alfa stimulates erythropoiesis, increasing red blood cell production to correct anemia; therefore, a rise in
hemoglobin to the therapeutic target of 12 g/dL signifies effective treatment. The key concept tested is the
pharmacodynamic action of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in managing anemia of chronic kidney disease.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 141
The nurse is administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate to a client in acute kidney injury (AKI). Which laboratory
findings indicates that the medication has been effective?
CORRECT ANSWER
Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8mmol/L).
RATIONALE
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is an ion-exchange resin that binds potassium in the intestinal tract, excreting it and lowering
serum potassium levels. A serum potassium of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal reference range, indicating successful
reduction of hyperkalemia.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 141
A client with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD) started a prescription for epoetin alfa two months
ago. Which client finding best indicates the the medication has been effective? (Hemoglobin reference range 14 to
18 g/dl)
CORRECT ANSWER
reports of increased energy levels and decreased fatigue
RATIONALE
Epoetin alfa stimulates erythropoiesis, increasing red blood cell production to combat anemia, thereby improving oxygen
delivery and reducing fatigue. This enhanced oxygenation manifests as increased energy and a decrease in the patient's
reported fatigue.
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 141
Page 4
