HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is receiving morphine sulfate for pain management. Which assessment finding requires immediate action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute indicates respiratory depression, a serious side effect of morphine sulfate that can lead to respiratory compromise and requires immediate intervention. Constipation, drowsiness, and nausea are common side effects of morphine but are not immediately life-threatening compared to respiratory depression.
Question 2 of 5
A client is receiving meperidine (Demerol) for pain management. Which assessment finding requires immediate action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute indicates respiratory depression, a severe side effect of meperidine (Demerol) that necessitates immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Constipation, drowsiness, and nausea are common but less urgent side effects that do not pose an immediate life-threatening risk.
Question 3 of 5
A client is taking lansoprazole (Prevacid) for the chronic management of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The nurse advises the client to take which of the following products if needed for a headache?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen is recommended for pain relief in clients taking lansoprazole due to its minimal gastrointestinal side effects. Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production, making it a suitable choice for clients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Option A) Naproxen and option B) Ibuprofen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can increase the risk of gastric irritation and bleeding, especially when used with lansoprazole. Option D) Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is also an NSAID and can further exacerbate the risk of gastrointestinal complications in this population. Educationally, it is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers to understand the interactions between medications to prevent potential adverse effects. Providing appropriate guidance on pain management options that are safe and effective for specific patient populations, such as those with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, is essential in optimizing patient care and outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
A client with chronic renal failure is receiving ferrous sulfate (Feosol). The nurse monitors the client for which common side effect associated with this medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Constipation is a common side effect of iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate. Iron can cause constipation by slowing down the movement of the digestive system and hardening the stool. Patients should be advised to increase their fluid intake, dietary fiber, and physical activity to help alleviate this side effect.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is providing instructions to an adolescent who has a history of seizures and is taking an anticonvulsant medication. Which of the following statements indicates that the client understands the instructions?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, option C is the correct answer: "I can't drink alcohol while I am taking my medication." This statement indicates that the client understands an important aspect of taking anticonvulsant medication. Alcohol can interact with anticonvulsants, reducing their effectiveness or causing adverse effects. This understanding is crucial for the adolescent's safety and well-being. Option A is incorrect because it presents a blanket statement that the client will never be able to drive a car, which is not necessarily true for all individuals taking anticonvulsant medication. Option B is incorrect as it implies that the medication will clear up the client's skin, which is not a common effect of anticonvulsants. Option D is also incorrect because doubling the dosage of medication without medical advice can be dangerous and should not be encouraged. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of patient education regarding medication management, interactions, and potential side effects. It emphasizes the need for clear communication between healthcare providers and patients, especially when dealing with medications that can significantly impact a person's health and daily activities.