HESI RN
HESI RN 311 Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
An older client with heart failure (HF), coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension (HTN) is receiving these daily prescriptions: atenolol, furosemide, and enalapril. Which assessments should the nurse include in evaluating the effectiveness of the medications?
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Atenolol and enalapril manage HTN/CAD, requiring blood pressure monitoring (
B). Furosemide treats HF fluid overload, assessed via daily weight (
D). Heart sounds (
A) detect HF/CAD complications (e.g., murmurs). Bowel sounds (
C) and range of motion (E) are unrelated.
Note: Provided answer (
A) is incorrect; explanation supports A,B,D.
Question 2 of 5
A client is receiving tamsulosin, an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent, for the management of urinary retention due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tamsulosin causes orthostatic hypotension, risking dizziness/falls. Standing/sitting slowly (
B) prevents injury. Timing (
A) is flexible (30 minutes after a meal). Fluid restriction (
C) is unnecessary. Tamsulosin is daily, not twice-weekly (
D).
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is administering sucralfate to a client with stomatitis secondary to chemotherapy. The client wants to take the medication after breakfast. How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sucralfate requires an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals (
B), to coat ulcers/stomatitis effectively. Documenting refusal (
A) is premature without education. Post-meal dosing (C,
D) reduces efficacy due to food interference.
Question 4 of 5
A female client with osteoporosis has been taking a weekly dose of oral risedronate for several weeks. The client calls the clinic nurse to report increasing heartburn. How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Heartburn with risedronate suggests improper administration (e.g., not enough water, not staying upright). Asking how it’s taken (
C) identifies errors. Antacids (
A) interfere with absorption. Water (
B) is part of correct use but not diagnostic. Emergency care (
D) is premature.
Question 5 of 5
Administer a scheduled dose of labetalol PO to a client with hypertension. The client’s temperature is 99°F (37.2°C), a heart rate of 48 beats per minute, respirations of 16 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Labetalol, a beta-blocker, risks worsening bradycardia (heart rate 48 bpm). Withholding the dose and notifying the provider (
A) ensures safety. Administering (
B) is unsafe. Orthostatic hypotension (
C) is secondary. Telemetry (
D) delays action.