HESI RN
Care Hope College RN HESI Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse administers risedronate to a client with osteoporosis at 0700. The client asks for a glass of milk to drink with the medication. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Risedronate, a bisphosphonate, must be taken with plain water on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before food or other beverages, to ensure optimal absorption. Milk (
B) contains calcium, reducing absorption. Delaying until breakfast (
C) violates timing requirements. Consulting a pharmacist (
D) is unnecessary, as administration guidelines are clear.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse initiates an infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam for a client with a urinary tract infection. Five minutes into the infusion, the client reports not feeling well. Which client manifestation should the nurse identify as a reason to stop the infusion?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A scratchy throat (
B) may indicate an allergic reaction, potentially anaphylaxis, requiring immediate cessation of the piperacillin-tazobactam infusion and assessment. Hypertension (
A), bradycardia (
C), and pupillary constriction (
D) are not typical signs of an allergic response to this antibiotic.
Question 3 of 5
A client in the surgical recovery area asks the nurse to bring the largest possible dose of pain medication available. Which action should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assessing the client’s pain level using a pain scale (
C) is the first step to quantify pain and guide appropriate dosing. Determining the last dose (
A) and reviewing drug history (
B) are secondary. Diversional thoughts (
D) are a non-pharmacological adjunct, not the priority.
Question 4 of 5
A client has a new prescription for zolpidem, a hypnotic. The client tells the home health nurse that he plans to take a dose of the medication during the day because he is exhausted and needs to take a short afternoon nap prior to an evening activity in his home. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Zolpidem, a sedative-hypnotic, should be taken at bedtime (
C) to avoid daytime drowsiness and fall risk. Two hours of sleep (
A) is insufficient for safe clearance. Taking with meals (
B) reduces efficacy. Fluid intake (
D) is unrelated to zolpidem’s administration.
Question 5 of 5
A client with chemotherapy-induced nausea receives a prescription for metoclopramide. Which adverse effect is most important for the nurse to report?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Involuntary movements (
D), such as tardive dyskinesia, are a serious, potentially irreversible side effect of metoclopramide, requiring immediate reporting. Diarrhea (
A) and irritability (
B) are less severe. Nausea (
C) is the treated condition, not an adverse effect.