HESI RN
Care Hope College RN HESI Pharmacology Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client has a new prescription for zolpidem, a hypnotic. The client tells the home health nurse that he plans to take a dose of the medication during the day because he is exhausted and needs to take a short afternoon nap prior to an evening activity in his home. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Zolpidem, a sedative-hypnotic, should be taken at bedtime (
C) to avoid daytime drowsiness and fall risk. Two hours of sleep (
A) is insufficient for safe clearance. Taking with meals (
B) reduces efficacy. Fluid intake (
D) is unrelated to zolpidem’s administration.
Question 2 of 5
A client with chemotherapy-induced nausea receives a prescription for metoclopramide. Which adverse effect is most important for the nurse to report?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Involuntary movements (
D), such as tardive dyskinesia, are a serious, potentially irreversible side effect of metoclopramide, requiring immediate reporting. Diarrhea (
A) and irritability (
B) are less severe. Nausea (
C) is the treated condition, not an adverse effect.
Question 3 of 5
A female client with multiple sclerosis reports having less fatigue and improved memory since she began using the herbal supplement, ginkgo biloba. What is the most important information for the nurse to include in the teaching plan for this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ginkgo biloba increases bleeding risk, especially with aspirin/NSAIDs (
C), a critical interaction for safety. Nausea/diarrhea (
A) and anxiety/headaches (
D) are less severe. Pregnancy restrictions (
B) are relevant but secondary unless applicable.
Question 4 of 5
Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement for a client who is receiving insulin lispro?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin lispro, a rapid-acting insulin, peaks quickly and should be given with meals (
C) to match food intake and prevent hypoglycemia. Assessing for hypoglycemia (
A) and keeping glucose sources (
D) are important but secondary. Six-hour glucose checks (
B) are too infrequent.
Question 5 of 5
A patient who received a renal transplant three months ago is readmitted to the acute care unit with signs of graft rejection. During the patient’s history taking, the nurse finds out that the patient has been self-administering St. John’s Wort, an herbal preparation, on a friend’s advice. What information is most significant about this finding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: St. John’s Wort induces CYP3A4, reducing cyclosporine levels (
A), risking transplant rejection. It doesn’t affect sodium (
B) or reduce corticosteroid needs (
C). Depression treatment (
D) is secondary to the transplant risk.