HESI RN
HESI RN 311 Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives a new prescription for an ipratropium inhaler. Which action indicates to the nurse that additional teaching is needed?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Priming ipratropium with 7 pumps (
D) is excessive; 2-4 sprays are sufficient, indicating a need for teaching. Rinsing mouth (
A), room temperature storage (
B), and spacer use (
C) are correct practices.
Question 2 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.
Question 3 of 5
A client who has been taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is experiencing gastric pain and blood in his stool. The healthcare provider discontinues the NSAIDs and prescribes esomeprazole. Which information should the nurse include in this client’s teaching plan?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Black stools (
D) indicate potential GI bleeding, a serious NSAID/esomeprazole risk, requiring immediate provider notification. Milk/cream (
A) may not help and could increase acid. Diarrhea/headache (
B) are less urgent. Resuming NSAIDs (
C) risks further bleeding without provider approval.
Question 4 of 5
A client is receiving miotics for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. The nurse determines that a priority nursing problem is the risk for injury. This nursing problem is based on which etiology?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Miotics (e.g., pilocarpine) cause pupil constriction, reducing night vision (
A), increasing injury risk in low-light conditions. Photophobia (
B), tearing (
C), and color perception (
D) are less directly linked to injury.
Question 5 of 5
Prior to administering an oral dose of methylprednisolone, the nurse determines the client’s serum total calcium level is 5.5 mg/dL (1.375 mmol/L). What action is most important for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A calcium level of 5.5 mg/dL indicates severe hypocalcemia (normal: 8.5-10.2 mg/dL), risking arrhythmias/seizures. Notifying the provider (
C) ensures urgent correction. Dietary teaching (
A) and milk (
D) are insufficient. Tapering (
B) requires provider direction.