HESI RN
HESI RN Patho Pharmacology Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client received midazolam 2 mg and morphine sulfate 4 mg for a liver biopsy. After the procedure, the nurse positions the client on the right side and monitors the vital signs. Which is the physiological reason for the nurse’s intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Positioning on the right side (
A) applies pressure to the liver biopsy site, promoting hemostasis and reducing bleeding risk, as the liver is on the right. Aspiration prevention (
B) is relevant during anesthesia recovery, not post-biopsy. Pain management (
C) involves analgesics, not positioning. Pulmonary expansion (
D) is achieved via breathing exercises, not side-lying.
Question 2 of 5
An adult client with extreme fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and bradycardia is diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Which laboratory findings is this client likely to exhibit?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypothyroidism involves decreased T3 and T4 with increased TSH (
C) as the pituitary compensates for low thyroid hormone. Increased T3/T4 with low TSH (
A) indicates hyperthyroidism. Increased T3/TSH (
B) is inconsistent. Decreased TSH/T3/T4 (
D) suggests secondary hypothyroidism.
Question 3 of 5
A male client with a massive pulmonary embolus is tachycardic, hypotensive, and has audible bilateral pulmonary crackles. His arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH 7.0: PaCO₂ 66 mm Hg; HCO3- 24 mEq/L (24 mmol/L); PaO₂ 60 mm Hg. Based on these findings, this client is at greatest risk for which pathophysiological condition?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ABG results (pH 7.0, PaCO₂ 66 mmHg, PaO₂ 60 mmHg) indicate respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia, signaling respiratory failure (
C) due to impaired gas exchange from the embolus. Embolic migration (
A) is a risk, not a condition. Atelectasis (
B) is secondary. Infarction (
D) is possible but less immediate.
Question 4 of 5
A client reports experiencing blurry central vision that has recently worsened. Which pathological process supports the client’s subjective report?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Blurry central vision suggests macular ischemia from blocked retinal capillaries (
A), as in diabetic retinopathy or vein occlusion. Opaque lens lines (
B) indicate cataracts, causing glare. Retinal tears (
C) cause floaters/shadows. Increased intraocular pressure (
D) is glaucoma, affecting peripheral vision.
Question 5 of 5
The school nurse is teaching a group of clients about how tobacco smoke causes lung cancer. Which pathophysiological process supports the risk of cancer from smoking?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Tobacco’s carcinogens (e.g., PAHs, nitrosamines) cause DNA damage, altering lung cell cytology and function (
C), leading to cancer. Nicotine’s vasoconstriction (
A) affects cardiovascular health. Addiction (
B) drives use, not cancer. Comorbidities (
D) are secondary.