HESI RN
HESI RN 311 Pharmacology Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client is receiving tamsulosin, an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent, for the management of urinary retention due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tamsulosin causes orthostatic hypotension, risking dizziness/falls. Standing/sitting slowly (
B) prevents injury. Timing (
A) is flexible (30 minutes after a meal). Fluid restriction (
C) is unnecessary. Tamsulosin is daily, not twice-weekly (
D).
Question 2 of 5
A female client with mild depression reports to the nurse that she recently started taking St. John’s wort. Which information provided by the client requires further instruction?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: St. John’s wort induces cytochrome P450 enzymes, reducing hormonal contraceptive efficacy (
B), requiring additional contraception. Insomnia (
A), photosensitivity (
C), and dry mouth (D, managed with hard candy) are known side effects, correctly understood.
Question 3 of 5
A client with narcolepsy receives a new prescription for methylphenidate. Prior to administration of the medication, the nurse should review the medical record for which condition?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Methylphenidate increases blood pressure/heart rate, risking exacerbation of hypertension (
B). Hypercholesterolemia (
A), diabetes (
C), and bronchitis (
D) are not primary concerns.
Question 4 of 5
Administer a scheduled dose of labetalol PO to a client with hypertension. The client’s temperature is 99°F (37.2°C), a heart rate of 48 beats per minute, respirations of 16 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Labetalol, a beta-blocker, risks worsening bradycardia (heart rate 48 bpm). Withholding the dose and notifying the provider (
A) ensures safety. Administering (
B) is unsafe. Orthostatic hypotension (
C) is secondary. Telemetry (
D) delays action.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client with metastatic cancer who is prescribed morphine for bone pain. Which information from the client indicates to the nurse an understanding of the medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Morphine causes constipation; monitoring bowel patterns and using stool softeners (
A) shows understanding of managing this side effect. Grapefruit juice (
B) does not significantly interact with morphine (metabolized by UGT2B7, not CYP3A4). Combining with benzodiazepines (
C) risks CNS depression. Agitation/insomnia (
D) are not primary concerns; sedation is more common.