HESI RN
HESI RN 301 Pharmacology Final Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client is receiving IV vancomycin and the nurse plans to draw blood for a peak and trough to determine the serum level of the medication. Which collection times provide the best determination of these levels?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vancomycin trough levels are measured 30 minutes before the next dose to assess the lowest concentration, ensuring therapeutic levels. Peak levels, though less commonly monitored, are taken immediately after infusion to capture the highest concentration. Other timings are less accurate for these purposes.
Question 2 of 5
Levothyroxine sodium is prescribed for a client with hypothyroidism. The nurse should instruct the client to report which symptom because it indicates that the client is taking too much levothyroxine sodium?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Excessive levothyroxine can cause hyperthyroidism symptoms, like restlessness, due to increased metabolism. Decreased appetite, cold intolerance, and constipation are associated with hypothyroidism, not overdose.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is administering SUBQ enoxaparin to a client following knee replacement surgery to prevent a deep vein thrombosis. Which laboratory result requires immediate action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A platelet count of 100,000/mm3 indicates thrombocytopenia, increasing bleeding risk with enoxaparin, requiring immediate action. Normal BUN, creatinine, and hematocrit do not warrant urgency.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is administering the sixth IV dose of gentamicin to a client with extensive full thickness burns. Which assessment finding warrants further intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Gentamicin’s nephrotoxicity is indicated by elevated creatinine (1.6 mg/dL, above normal 0.5–1.1 mg/dL), warranting intervention. Diarrhea, normal WBC/temperature, and urine output are less urgent.
Question 5 of 5
A client with a history of angina reports the onset of chest pain. The nurse determines that the heart rate is 104 beats/minute and the blood pressure is 138/86 mm Hg. A transdermal nitroglycerin patch was applied 30 minutes ago to the right upper chest. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sublingual nitroglycerin provides rapid relief for acute angina, complementing the slower-acting transdermal patch. Reassuring about delayed patch effects, withholding doses, or adding another patch are inappropriate for acute pain.