HESI RN
Nightdale College HESI Pharmacology RN Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with psychosis who is receiving an antipsychotic medication is continually rubbing the back of the neck. Which nursing intervention is best for the nurse to implement? Which nursing intervention is best for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rubbing the back of the neck suggests extrapyramidal side effects (EPS), such as dystonia, from the antipsychotic medication. Benztropine, an anticholinergic, counteracts EPS by reducing muscle stiffness and spasms, providing rapid relief. Other interventions like heating pads or pillows may offer comfort but do not address the underlying EPS cause, and physical therapy is not an acute solution.
Question 2 of 5
A client receives a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which statement made by the client indicates to the nurse that the education was effective? Which statement made by the client indicates to the nurse that the education was effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine is best absorbed on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before breakfast, to ensure optimal efficacy. High-iodine foods may affect thyroid function, bedtime dosing risks insomnia, and iron supplements should be taken separately but not avoided entirely, making the empty stomach statement the most accurate indicator of effective education.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is administering muscle relaxant baclofen by mouth (PO) to a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Which intervention is the most important for the nurse to implement? Which intervention is the most important for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Baclofen can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension, increasing fall risk. Advising the client to move slowly and cautiously when rising and walking is the most critical intervention to ensure safety, particularly for a client with multiple sclerosis who may already have impaired coordination.
Question 4 of 5
A client with atrial fibrillation receives a new prescription for dabigatran. Which instruction should the nurse include in this client's teaching plan? Which instruction should the nurse include in this client's teaching plan?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, increases bleeding risk. NSAIDs inhibit platelet aggregation, exacerbating this risk. Instructing the client to avoid NSAIDs is critical to prevent bleeding complications. Unlike warfarin, dabigatran does not require dietary restrictions like avoiding vitamin K-rich foods, routine bleeding tests, or home antidotes.
Question 5 of 5
A client taking atorvastatin develops an increased serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) level. The nurse should assess the client for the onset of which problem? Which problem should the nurse assess the client for the onset of?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated CK levels indicate muscle damage, a sign of myopathy, a rare but serious side effect of atorvastatin. Assessing for muscle tenderness is critical to detect myopathy early, which can progress to rhabdomyolysis if untreated. Other symptoms like nausea or bruising are not directly related to CK elevation.