Wgu HESI RN Pharmacology 1

Extract:

Question 1 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: D

Rationale: Erythromycin may reduce oral contraceptive efficacy by altering metabolism. Using additional contraception (e.g., condoms) prevents unintended pregnancy. Stopping the contraceptive, spacing doses, or avoiding sunlight are not necessary.

Question 2 of 5

A client receives a prescription for penicillin 1.2 million units IM. The available vial is labeled, '600,000 units/2 mL.' How many mL should the nurse administer? (Enter numeric value only.)

Your Answer:

Correct Answer: 4

Rationale:
To calculate: (1,200,000 units prescribed) ÷ (600,000 units/2 mL) = 1,200,000 × 2 ÷ 600,000 = 4 mL. The nurse should administer 4 mL to deliver the prescribed 1.2 million units.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse is caring for an adult client who is taking digoxin. Which laboratory value should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately? Reference Range: Sodium [Adult 136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)] Digoxin level [0.8 to 2.0 ng/mL (0.6 to 13 nmol/L)] Potassium (K+) [Adult: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)] Creatinine [0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL (44 to 97 μmol/L)]

A. Digoxin level of 1.1 ng/mL (1.4 nmol/L). B. Creatinine level of 0.8 mg/dL (70.72 μmol/L). C. Potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L (3.2 mmol/L). D. Sodium level of 135 mEq/L (135 mmol/L).

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hypokalemia (3.2 mEq/L) increases digoxin toxicity risk, potentially causing arrhythmias. Immediate reporting allows potassium correction. Therapeutic digoxin, normal creatinine, and mild hyponatremia are less urgent.

Question 4 of 5

A client with allergic rhinitis is taking the over-the-counter antihistamine diphenhydramine HCL. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide this client?

A. Do not take the medication more than once every 8 hours. B. Take the medication with food to prevent gastric upset. C. Avoid driving, since this medication causes drowsiness. D. Use sugarless candy or gum to help prevent a dry mouth.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Diphenhydramine causes significant drowsiness, posing a safety risk for driving. Avoiding driving is critical to prevent accidents. Dosing frequency (every 4-6 hours, not 8), gastric upset (minimal), and dry mouth are less urgent concerns.

Question 5 of 5

A client receives a prescription for allopurinol. Which information provided by the client requires additional instruction by the nurse?

A. Double the dose if a dose is missed. B. Reduce caffeine and acidic intake. C. Avoid taking on an empty stomach. D. Consume 2 liters of water daily.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Doubling a missed allopurinol dose risks toxicity and is incorrect; clients should take it as soon as remembered or skip it if near the next dose. Reducing caffeine/acidic intake, taking with food, and hydration are appropriate to manage uric acid and GI effects.