BSN 315 HESI Pharmacology II Exam | 3 Versions,
2026/2027 | Nightingale College
Actual Questions & Verified Answers | Complete with
Rationales | 250 Qs
EXAM OVERVIEW & CORE DOMAINS
Administering Body: Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) / Nightingale
College
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, NGN-style case scenarios
Key Domains Tested:
• Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics
• Cardiovascular Medications (Antihypertensives, Anticoagulants,
Antiarrhythmics)
• Endocrine Medications (Insulins, Oral Hypoglycemics, Thyroid Agents)
• Respiratory Medications (Bronchodilators, Corticosteroids)
• Neurological & Psychiatric Medications (Antiepileptics,
Antipsychotics)
• Anti-infectives & Antimicrobial Therapy
• Medication Safety & Patient Education
BSN 315 HESI PHARMACOLOGY II EXAM – VERSION 1
(Questions 1-80)
,1. A female client with multiple sclerosis reports having less fatigue
and improved memory since she began using the herbal supplement,
ginkgo biloba. Which information is most important for the nurse to
include in the teaching plans for this client?
A) Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs interact with ginkgo
B) Nausea and diarrhea can occur when using this supplement
C) Anxiety and headaches increased with use of ginkgo
D) Ginkgo biloba use should be limited and not taken during
pregnancy
Rationale: Providing safety information on the limitations of ginkgo biloba,
especially regarding pregnancy, is essential due to potential teratogenic
effects and bleeding risks. While interactions with NSAIDs and aspirin are
important, the priority teaching addresses when use is contraindicated .
2. A client with heart failure is being discharged with a new
prescription for the ACE inhibitor captopril. The nurse's discharge
instructions should include reporting which problem to the healthcare
provider?
A) Weight loss
B) Dizziness
C) Muscle cramps
D) Dry mucous membranes
Rationale: Dizziness is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors due to
hypotension, especially after the first dose. The client should be advised to
rise slowly and report significant or persistent dizziness .
,3. In explaining the benefits of the combination anti-infective drug
TMP-SMZ (Bactrim) to a client receiving the medication for a urinary
tract infection, what rationale should the nurse provide?
A) Each drug could cause damage to the kidneys if taken separately
B) One drug reduces the risk of side effects caused by the drug
C) While one drug provides relief, the other fights the infection
D) The two drugs work together to reduce resistance of the bacterial
infection
Rationale: TMP-SMZ combines two antibiotics with different mechanisms of
action to synergistically kill bacteria, which decreases the chance of resistance
development. The combined effect also broadens the antimicrobial spectrum .
4. Client being treated with Haldol (haloperidol) for schizophrenia is
complaining of jaw tightness and a stiff neck. Which intervention
should the nurse implement?
A) Give PRN dose of diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
B) Assess client for other sensory hallucinations
C) Massage neck until muscles begin to relax
D) Obtain a 12-lead EKG
Rationale: Jaw tightness and stiff neck indicate extrapyramidal side effects
(EPS), specifically acute dystonia, a common adverse effect of haloperidol.
Diphenhydramine is an anticholinergic effective in resolving acute dystonic
reactions .
5. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement
for a client receiving Lispro (Humalog) insulin?
, A) Check blood glucose levels every six hours
B) Provide meals at the same time that insulin is given
C) Assess for hypoglycemia between meals
D) Keep oral liquid or glucose source available
Rationale: Humalog is a rapid-acting insulin with onset within 15 minutes
and peak around 1 hour, requiring meal intake timing to prevent
hypoglycemia. Delayed meals risk hypoglycemia; therefore, synchronization
with food intake is critical .
6. A client who takes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
every day for rheumatoid arthritis is being treated for anemia. Which
intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of
care?
A) Observe for gastrointestinal bleeding
B) Monitor liver function test results
C) Protect skin from bruising
D) Offer dietary selections rich in iron
Rationale: Chronic NSAID use is associated with an increased risk of GI
mucosal damage leading to bleeding, which can cause or worsen anemia.
Observing for bleeding signs is vital to prevent complications .
7. A client receives a prescription for theophylline (Theo-Dur) PO to be
initiated in the morning after the dose of theophylline IV is complete.
The nurse determines that a theophylline level drawn yesterday was 22
mcg/mL. Based on this information, which action should the nurse
implement?
2026/2027 | Nightingale College
Actual Questions & Verified Answers | Complete with
Rationales | 250 Qs
EXAM OVERVIEW & CORE DOMAINS
Administering Body: Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) / Nightingale
College
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, NGN-style case scenarios
Key Domains Tested:
• Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics
• Cardiovascular Medications (Antihypertensives, Anticoagulants,
Antiarrhythmics)
• Endocrine Medications (Insulins, Oral Hypoglycemics, Thyroid Agents)
• Respiratory Medications (Bronchodilators, Corticosteroids)
• Neurological & Psychiatric Medications (Antiepileptics,
Antipsychotics)
• Anti-infectives & Antimicrobial Therapy
• Medication Safety & Patient Education
BSN 315 HESI PHARMACOLOGY II EXAM – VERSION 1
(Questions 1-80)
,1. A female client with multiple sclerosis reports having less fatigue
and improved memory since she began using the herbal supplement,
ginkgo biloba. Which information is most important for the nurse to
include in the teaching plans for this client?
A) Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs interact with ginkgo
B) Nausea and diarrhea can occur when using this supplement
C) Anxiety and headaches increased with use of ginkgo
D) Ginkgo biloba use should be limited and not taken during
pregnancy
Rationale: Providing safety information on the limitations of ginkgo biloba,
especially regarding pregnancy, is essential due to potential teratogenic
effects and bleeding risks. While interactions with NSAIDs and aspirin are
important, the priority teaching addresses when use is contraindicated .
2. A client with heart failure is being discharged with a new
prescription for the ACE inhibitor captopril. The nurse's discharge
instructions should include reporting which problem to the healthcare
provider?
A) Weight loss
B) Dizziness
C) Muscle cramps
D) Dry mucous membranes
Rationale: Dizziness is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors due to
hypotension, especially after the first dose. The client should be advised to
rise slowly and report significant or persistent dizziness .
,3. In explaining the benefits of the combination anti-infective drug
TMP-SMZ (Bactrim) to a client receiving the medication for a urinary
tract infection, what rationale should the nurse provide?
A) Each drug could cause damage to the kidneys if taken separately
B) One drug reduces the risk of side effects caused by the drug
C) While one drug provides relief, the other fights the infection
D) The two drugs work together to reduce resistance of the bacterial
infection
Rationale: TMP-SMZ combines two antibiotics with different mechanisms of
action to synergistically kill bacteria, which decreases the chance of resistance
development. The combined effect also broadens the antimicrobial spectrum .
4. Client being treated with Haldol (haloperidol) for schizophrenia is
complaining of jaw tightness and a stiff neck. Which intervention
should the nurse implement?
A) Give PRN dose of diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
B) Assess client for other sensory hallucinations
C) Massage neck until muscles begin to relax
D) Obtain a 12-lead EKG
Rationale: Jaw tightness and stiff neck indicate extrapyramidal side effects
(EPS), specifically acute dystonia, a common adverse effect of haloperidol.
Diphenhydramine is an anticholinergic effective in resolving acute dystonic
reactions .
5. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement
for a client receiving Lispro (Humalog) insulin?
, A) Check blood glucose levels every six hours
B) Provide meals at the same time that insulin is given
C) Assess for hypoglycemia between meals
D) Keep oral liquid or glucose source available
Rationale: Humalog is a rapid-acting insulin with onset within 15 minutes
and peak around 1 hour, requiring meal intake timing to prevent
hypoglycemia. Delayed meals risk hypoglycemia; therefore, synchronization
with food intake is critical .
6. A client who takes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
every day for rheumatoid arthritis is being treated for anemia. Which
intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of
care?
A) Observe for gastrointestinal bleeding
B) Monitor liver function test results
C) Protect skin from bruising
D) Offer dietary selections rich in iron
Rationale: Chronic NSAID use is associated with an increased risk of GI
mucosal damage leading to bleeding, which can cause or worsen anemia.
Observing for bleeding signs is vital to prevent complications .
7. A client receives a prescription for theophylline (Theo-Dur) PO to be
initiated in the morning after the dose of theophylline IV is complete.
The nurse determines that a theophylline level drawn yesterday was 22
mcg/mL. Based on this information, which action should the nurse
implement?
