HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
Meperidine hydrochloride (Demerol) is prescribed for a client with pain. Which of the following would the nurse monitor for as a side effect of this medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Meperidine hydrochloride (Demerol) is an opioid analgesic that can cause various side effects. Common side effects include respiratory depression, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, drowsiness, constipation, and urinary retention. Therefore, the nurse should monitor for urinary retention as a potential side effect of Meperidine hydrochloride.
Question 2 of 5
Colcrys (colchicine) is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of gout. The nurse reviews the client's medical history in the health record, knowing that the medication would be contraindicated in which disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Colchicine is contraindicated in clients with severe gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic, or cardiac disorders, or blood dyscrasias. Renal failure is a condition where the kidneys fail to function adequately, leading to the accumulation of toxins in the body. Since colchicine is contraindicated in clients with renal disorders, including renal failure, it could exacerbate the condition and worsen the client's health.
Question 3 of 5
A client is receiving dietary instructions from a nurse regarding warfarin sodium (Coumadin) therapy. The nurse advises the client to avoid which food item?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of warfarin sodium (Coumadin) therapy, the correct food item to avoid is spinach (Option B). Spinach is rich in vitamin K, which can counteract the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. Warfarin works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, so consuming large amounts of vitamin K-rich foods like spinach can reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Grapes (Option A), watermelon (Option C), and cottage cheese (Option D) do not have significant interactions with warfarin and are generally considered safe to consume in moderation during warfarin therapy. It is important for clients on warfarin to maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-rich foods to help stabilize their anticojsonulation levels. This question is important in pharmacology education as it highlights the crucial role of dietary considerations in medication therapy, especially with warfarin which has a narrow therapeutic index. Educating clients on the importance of consistent vitamin K intake can help optimize the effectiveness of warfarin therapy and prevent potential complications such as blood clots or excessive bleeding.
Question 4 of 5
A client is taking lansoprazole (Prevacid). On data collection, which question should the nurse ask to determine medication effectiveness?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and the use of lansoprazole (Prevacid), the correct question the nurse should ask to determine medication effectiveness is B) Are you experiencing any heartburn? Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor commonly used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers by reducing the production of stomach acid. Asking about heartburn is crucial because lansoprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, thereby alleviating symptoms like heartburn. If the medication is effective, the client should experience a reduction or absence of heartburn symptoms. The other options (A, C, D) are incorrect because they are not directly related to the expected therapeutic effect of lansoprazole. Increased appetite (option A) is not a typical indicator of the medication's effectiveness. Vision problems (option C) and leg pain when walking (option D) are not common side effects or indicators of effectiveness associated with lansoprazole. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of assessing the client's response to pharmacological interventions based on the expected therapeutic outcomes of the specific medication being administered. It reinforces the need for nurses to ask targeted questions that directly relate to the drug's mechanism of action and intended effects to evaluate treatment efficacy accurately.
Question 5 of 5
A health care provider (HCP) writes a prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin), 0.25 mg daily. The nurse teaches the client about the medication and tells the client that it is important to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When taking digoxin, monitoring the pulse rate is essential due to its potential effects on heart rate. Digoxin can lead to bradycardia, where the pulse rate drops significantly. Withholding the medication and promptly contacting the healthcare provider if the pulse falls below 60 beats per minute is crucial to prevent severe complications and ensure appropriate management.