BSN HESI 315 Pharmacology Exam V1 –
2026/2027 Actual Questions with
Revised Answers, 100% Verified -
Nightingale College
BSN 315 Pharmacology II — Comprehensive HESI-Style
Practice Exam
2026–2027 Study Preparation | Original Practice Questions
Format: Multiple Choice
Questions: 50
Answers: Included after each question
Rationales: Included for review
1. A client taking lisinopril reports swelling of the lips and difficulty breathing.
What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Administer the next dose with food
B. Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider immediately
C. Encourage increased fluid intake
D. Place the client in a supine position
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Facial or lip swelling with breathing difficulty suggests angioedema, a potentially
life-threatening adverse reaction associated with ACE inhibitors. The medication should be
withheld and emergency treatment initiated.
2. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a client receiving digoxin?
A. Apical pulse of 54 beats/minute
B. Blood pressure of 128/76 mmHg
,C. Respiratory rate of 18/minute
D. Temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Digoxin can cause bradycardia. The nurse should assess the apical pulse before
administration and generally withhold the medication and notify the provider when significant
bradycardia is present.
3. A client taking warfarin should be taught to report which finding
immediately?
A. Mild hunger before meals
B. Occasional fatigue after exercise
C. Black, tarry stools
D. Increased thirst
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Black, tarry stools may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, an important
complication of anticoagulant therapy.
4. Which laboratory test is most important for monitoring a client receiving
warfarin?
A. INR
B. Serum sodium
C. Hemoglobin A1c
D. Serum amylase
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The international normalized ratio (INR) is used to monitor the therapeutic effect
of warfarin and guide dosage adjustments.
5. A client receiving heparin develops severe bleeding. Which medication should
the nurse anticipate administering?
, A. Vitamin K
B. Protamine sulfate
C. Naloxone
D. Acetylcysteine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Protamine sulfate is the reversal agent for unfractionated heparin.
6. A client prescribed furosemide should be monitored closely for which
electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypernatremia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Loop diuretics such as furosemide increase urinary potassium loss, placing the client
at risk for hypokalemia.
7. Which instruction is appropriate for a client taking spironolactone?
A. Increase potassium-containing salt substitutes
B. Avoid excessive intake of potassium-rich foods unless prescribed otherwise
C. Take potassium supplements routinely
D. Expect severe hypokalemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic and may cause hyperkalemia.
8. A client taking atorvastatin reports severe unexplained muscle pain and
weakness. What should the nurse do?
A. Tell the client this is expected
B. Encourage strenuous exercise
C. Notify the healthcare provider
D. Recommend taking an additional dose
2026/2027 Actual Questions with
Revised Answers, 100% Verified -
Nightingale College
BSN 315 Pharmacology II — Comprehensive HESI-Style
Practice Exam
2026–2027 Study Preparation | Original Practice Questions
Format: Multiple Choice
Questions: 50
Answers: Included after each question
Rationales: Included for review
1. A client taking lisinopril reports swelling of the lips and difficulty breathing.
What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Administer the next dose with food
B. Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider immediately
C. Encourage increased fluid intake
D. Place the client in a supine position
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Facial or lip swelling with breathing difficulty suggests angioedema, a potentially
life-threatening adverse reaction associated with ACE inhibitors. The medication should be
withheld and emergency treatment initiated.
2. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a client receiving digoxin?
A. Apical pulse of 54 beats/minute
B. Blood pressure of 128/76 mmHg
,C. Respiratory rate of 18/minute
D. Temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Digoxin can cause bradycardia. The nurse should assess the apical pulse before
administration and generally withhold the medication and notify the provider when significant
bradycardia is present.
3. A client taking warfarin should be taught to report which finding
immediately?
A. Mild hunger before meals
B. Occasional fatigue after exercise
C. Black, tarry stools
D. Increased thirst
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Black, tarry stools may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, an important
complication of anticoagulant therapy.
4. Which laboratory test is most important for monitoring a client receiving
warfarin?
A. INR
B. Serum sodium
C. Hemoglobin A1c
D. Serum amylase
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The international normalized ratio (INR) is used to monitor the therapeutic effect
of warfarin and guide dosage adjustments.
5. A client receiving heparin develops severe bleeding. Which medication should
the nurse anticipate administering?
, A. Vitamin K
B. Protamine sulfate
C. Naloxone
D. Acetylcysteine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Protamine sulfate is the reversal agent for unfractionated heparin.
6. A client prescribed furosemide should be monitored closely for which
electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypernatremia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Loop diuretics such as furosemide increase urinary potassium loss, placing the client
at risk for hypokalemia.
7. Which instruction is appropriate for a client taking spironolactone?
A. Increase potassium-containing salt substitutes
B. Avoid excessive intake of potassium-rich foods unless prescribed otherwise
C. Take potassium supplements routinely
D. Expect severe hypokalemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic and may cause hyperkalemia.
8. A client taking atorvastatin reports severe unexplained muscle pain and
weakness. What should the nurse do?
A. Tell the client this is expected
B. Encourage strenuous exercise
C. Notify the healthcare provider
D. Recommend taking an additional dose
