HESI RN
Pharmacology HESI Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with hyperlipidemia is prescribed simvastatin (Zocor). Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Muscle pain can be a sign of a serious side effect of simvastatin (Zocor) known as rhabdomyolysis and should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. The medication is usually taken in the evening to coincide with the body's natural production of cholesterol. Grapefruit juice should be avoided as it can increase the risk of toxicity by affecting the metabolism of the medication. Additionally, taking simvastatin with a high-fat meal can reduce its effectiveness, so it should be taken without food or with a light meal.
Question 2 of 5
A client is taking phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizure control, and a sample for a serum drug level is drawn. Which of the following indicates a therapeutic serum drug range?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding therapeutic drug ranges is crucial for safe and effective medication management. For phenytoin (Dilantin), the therapeutic serum drug range is typically 10 to 20 mcg/mL. This range is established based on clinical trials and research indicating optimal seizure control with minimal side effects within this specific concentration in the blood. Option A (5 to 10 mcg/mL) is too low to provide adequate seizure control, while options C (20 to 30 mcg/mL) and D (30 to 40 mcg/mL) pose a higher risk of toxicity without significant added benefit in seizure management. Educationally, knowing the correct therapeutic range for medications like phenytoin is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to ensure patient safety and efficacy of treatment. It highlights the importance of monitoring drug levels to maintain therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse reactions. Understanding these principles can help prevent medication errors and improve patient outcomes in clinical practice.
Question 3 of 5
A healthcare professional is planning to administer amlodipine (Norvasc) to a client. The healthcare professional plans to check which of the following before giving the medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Before administering amlodipine, it is important to check the client's blood pressure and heart rate. Amlodipine is known to lower blood pressure and heart rate as part of its mechanism of action. Monitoring these vital signs helps ensure the safety of the client and allows for appropriate assessment of the medication's effects post-administration.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse provides medication instructions to an older hypertensive client who is taking 20 mg of lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) orally daily. The nurse evaluates the need for further teaching when the client states which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, option A, "I can skip a dose once a week," is the correct answer that indicates a need for further teaching. Lisinopril is an antihypertensive medication that needs to be taken consistently to effectively control blood pressure. Skipping doses can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure, putting the client at risk for complications such as stroke or heart attack. Option B, "I need to change my position slowly," is an important instruction related to lisinopril as it can cause orthostatic hypotension, but this statement does not indicate a need for further teaching. Option C, "I take the pill after breakfast each day," is a suitable timing instruction for lisinopril, as it is often recommended to be taken at the same time each day with or without food. Option D, "If I get a bad headache, I should call my doctor immediately," is also a crucial instruction as severe headaches can be a sign of elevated blood pressure or other serious side effects of lisinopril. From an educational perspective, this question highlights the importance of medication adherence and understanding the implications of missing doses when managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Reinforcing the significance of consistent medication intake and addressing misconceptions can help prevent adverse outcomes and promote optimal health outcomes for patients.
Question 5 of 5
The client with breast cancer is receiving cyclophosphamide (Neosar). The nurse is reinforcing medication instructions and advises the client to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to increase fluid intake to 2000 to 3000 mL daily. Cyclophosphamide can cause hemorrhagic cystitis as a toxic effect. By increasing fluid intake, the client can help prevent this complication by promoting frequent urination, which reduces the concentration of the drug and its metabolites in the bladder. This dilution effect can help reduce the risk of bladder toxicity.