HESI RN
Wgu RN HESI Pharmacology Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client is admitted for observation with reports of progressively increasing fatigue over the past month and a brief episode of dizziness that occurred today. The client has a history of heartburn and indigestion that is self-treated with ibuprofen and antacids. Which assessment finding should the nurse report immediately to the healthcare provider? Reference Range: Guaiac stool [negative] Hemoglobin [14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L)] Hematocrit [42% to 52% (0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)] Gastric Acid pH [1.5 to 3.5]
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Positive guaiac indicates occult blood, suggesting GI bleeding possibly from ibuprofen. This requires immediate reporting given fatigue and dizziness. Normal hematocrit, gastric pH, and mild anemia are less urgent.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is providing medication teaching to a client with bipolar disorder who receives a prescription for lithium carbonate. Which instruction should the nurse emphasize with the client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adequate fluid intake (1,500-3,000 mL/day) prevents dehydration, which can elevate lithium levels and risk toxicity. Food intake, weight reporting, or fliers are less critical to lithium safety.
Question 3 of 5
A client receives a prescription for dextrose 5% in water 500 mL IV to be infused over 4 hours. The IV administration set delivers 15 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse regulate the infusion? (Enter numerical value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest whole number.)
Correct Answer: 31
Rationale: Calculate: (500 mL ÷ 240 min) × 15 gtt/mL = 31.25 gtt/min, rounded to 31 gtt/min. This ensures the correct infusion rate for the dextrose solution.
Question 4 of 5
A client has a prescription for heparin 1,000 units IV STAT. Several pre-filled syringes of low molecular weight heparin are available in the client's medication drawer. Which action should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Standard heparin (IV) and low molecular weight heparin (subcutaneous) are not interchangeable. Requesting standard heparin ensures the correct medication and route, preventing errors.
Question 5 of 5
A client who is taking an oral contraceptive receives a new prescription for erythromycin. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Erythromycin may reduce oral contraceptive efficacy. Additional contraception (e.g., condoms) prevents pregnancy. Stopping contraceptives, spacing doses, or avoiding sunlight are incorrect.