BSN 315 HESI PHARMACOLOGY VERSION 1 EXAM QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 202… 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 Pharmacology
Version 1 Exam Questions &
Answers 2026-2027 |
Nightingale (Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
50 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive HESI Pharmacology exam preparation resource contains 50 questions with provided
correct answers and detailed rationales, offering in-depth explanations for each. It covers essential nursing
pharmacology concepts. This document is suitable for students to study, review pharmacology principles,
and prepare for certification exams.
CONTENTS
01 Renal and Electrolyte Balance Q1–Q4
02 Cardiovascular Medications Q5–Q11
03 Respiratory and Allergy Medications Q12–Q15
Page 1
, 04 Endocrine and Metabolic Agents Q16–Q19
05 Gastrointestinal Pharmacology Q20–Q22
06 Neurological and Psychiatric Medications Q23–Q28
07 Antimicrobials and Other Agents Q29–Q46
08 Musculoskeletal and Anti-inflammatory Agents Q47–Q50
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 50
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?
Reference Range:
Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]
Hemoglobin [14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L)]
Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/_))
Ammonia [10 to 80 g/dL (6 to 47 umol/aL)l
A Serum ammonia level of 30 pg/dL (17.62 pmol /dL).
B Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dL (c.7 mmol/L).
C Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L).
D Hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L).
CORRECT ANSWER
C Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L).
RATIONALE
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a cation-exchange resin that binds potassium in the gut, promoting its excretion
and lowering serum potassium levels. A serum potassium level within the normal reference range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L
indicates successful reduction of hyperkalemia.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 50
The healthcare provider prescribes magnesium sulfate 300 mg/hour IV. The IV bag is contains magnesium
sulfate 4 grams in dextrose 5% in water (D,) 500 mL. How many mL/hour should the nurse set the infusion
pump? (Enter numerical value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth.)
Page 2
, A. 25 mL/hr
B. 30 mL/hr
C. 35 mL/hr
D. 37.5 mL/hr
CORRECT ANSWER
37.5ml/hr
RATIONALE
5 mL/hour). This calculation ensures accurate medication delivery based on the prescribed dosage and available
concentration.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 50
What question(s) can the nurse ask the client based on the laboratory
results?
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Potassium supplements
C. Salt substitutes
D. Potassium-sparing diuretics
E. When administered with ACE inhibitors
F. Monitor for hyperkalemia
G. Assess renal function (BUN and creatinine)
H. Monitor blood pressure regularly
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Potassium supplements
C. Salt substitutes
D. Potassium-sparing diuretics
E. When administered with ACE inhibitors
RATIONALE
The nurse should inquire about serum potassium levels, potassium supplements, salt substitutes, potassium-sparing
diuretics, and co-administration with ACE inhibitors because these factors directly influence or are influenced by
the client's potassium status, which is the primary domain of the provided laboratory results. This assessment is
critical for managing potential electrolyte imbalances and drug interactions related to potassium.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 50
Page 3
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 Pharmacology
Version 1 Exam Questions &
Answers 2026-2027 |
Nightingale (Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
50 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive HESI Pharmacology exam preparation resource contains 50 questions with provided
correct answers and detailed rationales, offering in-depth explanations for each. It covers essential nursing
pharmacology concepts. This document is suitable for students to study, review pharmacology principles,
and prepare for certification exams.
CONTENTS
01 Renal and Electrolyte Balance Q1–Q4
02 Cardiovascular Medications Q5–Q11
03 Respiratory and Allergy Medications Q12–Q15
Page 1
, 04 Endocrine and Metabolic Agents Q16–Q19
05 Gastrointestinal Pharmacology Q20–Q22
06 Neurological and Psychiatric Medications Q23–Q28
07 Antimicrobials and Other Agents Q29–Q46
08 Musculoskeletal and Anti-inflammatory Agents Q47–Q50
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 50
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?
Reference Range:
Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]
Hemoglobin [14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L)]
Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/_))
Ammonia [10 to 80 g/dL (6 to 47 umol/aL)l
A Serum ammonia level of 30 pg/dL (17.62 pmol /dL).
B Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dL (c.7 mmol/L).
C Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L).
D Hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L).
CORRECT ANSWER
C Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L).
RATIONALE
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a cation-exchange resin that binds potassium in the gut, promoting its excretion
and lowering serum potassium levels. A serum potassium level within the normal reference range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L
indicates successful reduction of hyperkalemia.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 50
The healthcare provider prescribes magnesium sulfate 300 mg/hour IV. The IV bag is contains magnesium
sulfate 4 grams in dextrose 5% in water (D,) 500 mL. How many mL/hour should the nurse set the infusion
pump? (Enter numerical value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth.)
Page 2
, A. 25 mL/hr
B. 30 mL/hr
C. 35 mL/hr
D. 37.5 mL/hr
CORRECT ANSWER
37.5ml/hr
RATIONALE
5 mL/hour). This calculation ensures accurate medication delivery based on the prescribed dosage and available
concentration.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 50
What question(s) can the nurse ask the client based on the laboratory
results?
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Potassium supplements
C. Salt substitutes
D. Potassium-sparing diuretics
E. When administered with ACE inhibitors
F. Monitor for hyperkalemia
G. Assess renal function (BUN and creatinine)
H. Monitor blood pressure regularly
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Potassium supplements
C. Salt substitutes
D. Potassium-sparing diuretics
E. When administered with ACE inhibitors
RATIONALE
The nurse should inquire about serum potassium levels, potassium supplements, salt substitutes, potassium-sparing
diuretics, and co-administration with ACE inhibitors because these factors directly influence or are influenced by
the client's potassium status, which is the primary domain of the provided laboratory results. This assessment is
critical for managing potential electrolyte imbalances and drug interactions related to potassium.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 50
Page 3
