HESI RN
Nightdale College HESI Pharmacology RN Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client is receiving intravenous (IV) vancomycin and the nurse plans to draw blood for a peak and trough to determine the serum level of the medication. Which of the following collection times provide the best determination of these levels? Which collection times provide the best determination of these levels?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Peak vancomycin levels, reflecting maximum concentration, are best measured one hour after IV dose completion. Trough levels, indicating minimum concentration, are drawn one hour before the next dose. This timing ensures accurate monitoring of therapeutic levels and prevents toxicity.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse prepares to administer a scheduled dose of labetalol by mouth to a client with hypertension. The client's vital signs are temperature 99° F (37.2° C), heart rate 48 beats/minute, respirations 16 breaths/minute, and blood pressure (B/P) 150/90 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take? Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Labetalol, a beta-blocker, can worsen bradycardia (heart rate 48 beats/minute). Withholding the dose and notifying the provider prevents potential cardiac complications, such as severe bradycardia or heart block, prioritizing client safety.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse administers risedronate to a client with osteoporosis at 0700. The client asks for a glass of milk to drink with the medication. Which action should the nurse take? Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Risedronate, a bisphosphonate, requires administration with water on an empty stomach to ensure absorption, as calcium in milk binds to the drug, reducing efficacy. Instructing the client to take it with water only is critical. Delaying or taking with food/milk is incorrect and reduces effectiveness.
Question 4 of 5
While assessing a client who takes acetaminophen for chronic pain, the nurse observes that the client's skin looks yellow in color. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding? Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Yellow skin suggests jaundice, indicating potential liver damage from acetaminophen, which is hepatotoxic in high doses. Reporting to the provider ensures evaluation and possible dose adjustment. Glucose, oxygen saturation, or self-reducing the dose are inappropriate without further assessment.
Question 5 of 5
A client taking atorvastatin develops an increased serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) level. The nurse should assess the client for the onset of which problem? Which problem should the nurse assess the client for the onset of?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated CK levels indicate muscle damage, a sign of myopathy, a rare but serious side effect of atorvastatin. Assessing for muscle tenderness is critical to detect myopathy early, which can progress to rhabdomyolysis if untreated. Other symptoms like nausea or bruising are not directly related to CK elevation.