HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
Atenolol hydrochloride (Tenormin) is prescribed for a hospitalized client. The nurse should perform which of the following as a priority action before administering the medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Check the client's blood pressure before administering Atenolol hydrochloride (Tenormin). Atenolol is a beta-blocker medication commonly used to treat hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. It works by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, thereby reducing heart rate and blood pressure. It is crucial to assess the client's blood pressure before administering Atenolol because beta-blockers can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, which may lead to adverse effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. Listening to the client's lung sounds (Option A) is important for assessing respiratory status but is not directly related to the administration of Atenolol. Checking recent electrolyte levels (Option C) is important for some medications, but it is not a priority action before administering Atenolol. Assessing the client for muscle weakness (Option D) is not directly relevant to the administration of Atenolol. This question provides a valuable educational context by highlighting the importance of assessing specific parameters before administering medications that can significantly impact a client's vital signs. It reinforces the principle of ensuring patient safety by conducting appropriate assessments and taking necessary precautions to prevent potential adverse reactions. Understanding the rationale behind the priority action emphasizes the critical thinking skills required in pharmacological nursing practice.
Question 2 of 5
Before administering Methylergonovine (Methergine) to a client with postpartum hemorrhage caused by uterine atony, the nurse checks which of the following as the important client parameter?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the scenario of administering Methylergonovine (Methergine) to a client with postpartum hemorrhage caused by uterine atony, checking the client's blood pressure is crucial. This is because Methylergonovine is a medication that acts by causing uterine contractions, which can lead to increased blood pressure as a side effect. Monitoring the blood pressure before giving this medication helps in assessing the client's baseline and determining potential adverse effects such as hypertension. Regarding the other options: - Temperature: While monitoring temperature is important in assessing for signs of infection, it is not the most pertinent parameter to check before administering Methylergonovine. - Lochial flow: Monitoring lochial flow is essential to assess postpartum bleeding but is not directly related to the potential side effects of Methylergonovine. - Urine output: While monitoring urine output is important for assessing hydration status and renal function, it is not the primary parameter to check before administering Methylergonovine in this specific situation. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind checking specific parameters before administering medications is crucial for safe and effective nursing practice. It helps nurses make informed decisions, prevent adverse events, and provide optimal care to their patients. By prioritizing certain assessments based on the pharmacological properties of medications, nurses can enhance patient outcomes and promote medication safety.
Question 3 of 5
A client with angina pectoris is experiencing chest pain that radiates down the left arm. The nurse administers a sublingual nitroglycerin tablet to the client. The client's pain is unrelieved, and the nurse determines that the client needs another nitroglycerin tablet. Which of the following vital signs is most important for the nurse to check before administering the medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct vital sign for the nurse to check before administering another nitroglycerin tablet to a client with angina pectoris is blood pressure (C). Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator commonly used to treat angina by dilating blood vessels, reducing the heart's workload, and increasing oxygen supply to the heart muscle. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial because nitroglycerin can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, leading to hypotension. Administering nitroglycerin when the blood pressure is already low can result in severe hypotension, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness. Temperature (A) is not directly related to the administration of nitroglycerin in this context. Respirations (B) are important to monitor but are not the most critical vital sign in this situation. Radial pulse rate (D) is also essential but not as crucial as blood pressure when administering nitroglycerin to a client with angina pectoris. Educationally, understanding the rationale for monitoring vital signs before administering medications is vital for nurses to ensure patient safety and prevent adverse reactions. This scenario highlights the importance of assessing and interpreting vital signs in pharmacological interventions, emphasizing the significance of individualizing patient care based on assessment findings.
Question 4 of 5
A healthcare professional prepares to administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) to a client. Before administering the medication, the professional reviews the action of the medication and understands that it:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Releases sodium ions in exchange for primarily potassium ions. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is a medication used to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, which then leads to the removal of excess potassium from the body through fecal excretion. Option A) Releases bicarbonate in exchange for primarily sodium ions is incorrect because Kayexalate does not directly affect bicarbonate levels in the body. Option C) Releases potassium ions in exchange for primarily sodium ions is incorrect because the medication actually removes potassium, not exchanges it for sodium. Option D) Releases sodium ions in exchange for primarily bicarbonate ions is incorrect because Kayexalate primarily targets potassium ions for exchange, not bicarbonate ions. This question is important in pharmacology education as it tests the understanding of how specific medications work to achieve their therapeutic effects. Understanding the mechanism of action of medications like Kayexalate is crucial for safe and effective administration in clinical practice to manage electrolyte imbalances.
Question 5 of 5
A child is hospitalized with a diagnosis of lead poisoning. The healthcare provider assisting in caring for the child would prepare to assist in administering which of the following medications?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dimercaprol (BAL in Oil) is a chelating agent indicated for lead poisoning. It works by binding to lead and facilitating its removal from the body. Activated charcoal is used for certain types of poisoning by adsorbing toxins, while sodium bicarbonate can be used to treat acidosis. Syrup of ipecac is no longer recommended for poison treatment due to potential risks.