BSN HESI 315 Pharmacology Exam V1 – 2026/2027 | Questions & Answers | Nightingale College Study Guide

BSN HESI 315 x x




Pharmacology Exam V1 – 2026/2027 Actual
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x Questions with Revised Answers, 100% Verified -
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Nightingale College x x




THIS EXAM INCLUDES: x x




• xx BSN HESI 315 Pharmacology V1 practice questions
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• xx Answers for self-assessment
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• xx Detailed explanations and rationales
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• xx Medication-class review x




• xx Clinical application questions
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• xx Nursing pharmacology exam preparation
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• xx 2026/2027-focused study material x x




• xx Useful for HESI and NCLEX-RN® pharmacology review
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, BSN HESI 315 Pharmacology Exam V1 – x x x x x x




x 2026/2027 | Questions & Answers | Nightingale x x x x x x




College Study Guide
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Question 1 x




The nurse is administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate to a client in acute
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kidney injury (AKI). Which laboratory finding indicates that the medication
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has been effective?
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Reference Range: Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)] Hemoglobin
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[14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L)] Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)]
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Ammonia [10 to 80 g/dL (6 to 47 umol/L)]
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A. Serum ammonia level of 30 pg/dL (17.62 pmol/dL)
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B. Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L)
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C. Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L)
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D. Hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L)
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Correct Answer: C. Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L)
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Rationale: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is a cation-exchange
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resin used to treat hyperkalemia. It works by exchanging sodium ions for
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potassium ions in the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the colon. The
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medication binds potassium and removes it from the body through fecal
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excretion. A serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L falls within the normal range
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,(3.5-5.0 mEq/L), indicating the medication has effectively lowered the client's
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potassium level. The other laboratory values are unrelated to the mechanism
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of action of sodium polystyrene sulfonate; ammonia levels reflect liver
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function, glucose levels reflect glycemic control, and hemoglobin reflects
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oxygen-carrying capacity.
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Question 2 x




The thiazide diuretic works to decrease the client's blood pressure by _____
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and the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor works to decrease
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the client's blood pressure by _____.
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Correct Answer: reducing stroke volume; reduce stroke volume and
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x systemic vascular resistance x x




Rationale: Thiazide diuretics lower blood pressure primarily through
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reducing plasma volume and stroke volume by promoting sodium and water
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excretion. This decreases cardiac output initially. ACE inhibitors lower blood
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pressure by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a
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potent vasoconstrictor. This results in vasodilation (reducing systemic
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vascular resistance) and decreased aldosterone secretion (reducing sodium
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and water retention, which reduces stroke volume). The dual mechanism of
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ACE inhibitors includes both reducing stroke volume and systemic vascular
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resistance.
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Question 3 x

, The nurse is teaching a client how to use an inhaler device. Which client
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statement indicates to the nurse that the client understands the instructions?
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A. Caffeinated beverages should be limited to two cups per day.
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B. The inhaler will be used before bed each night.
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C. Rinsing the mouth with water should be done after each use.
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D. To mask taste of the medication, inhaler can be used during meals.
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Correct Answer: C. Rinsing the mouth with water should be done after
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x each use.x




Rationale: Rinsing the mouth with water after using an inhaler, particularly
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corticosteroid inhalers, is essential to prevent oral thrush (candidiasis) and
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reduce local side effects such as hoarseness and oral irritation. This practice
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helps remove medication residue from the oral cavity and oropharynx. The
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other statements are incorrect: caffeine intake is unrelated to inhaler use, the
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timing of inhaler use depends on the specific medication and prescribed
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schedule (not necessarily before bed), and using the inhaler during meals
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could interfere with proper administration technique and medication
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absorption.
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Question 4 x




The healthcare provider prescribes propylthiouracil (PTU) and Lugol's
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solution, a strong iodine solution, for a client with hyperthyroidism. How
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should the nurse schedule the administration of these medications?
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