HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease started a prescription for epoetin alfa two months ago. Which client finding best indicates that the medication is effective?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production. A hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL (
C) directly confirms improved anemia. Energy levels (
A) are subjective, iron therapy (
B) supports but doesn’t prove efficacy, and diet (
D) is supplementary.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is planning care for a patient with major depression who is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine. Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Duloxetine is hepatically metabolized and risks hepatotoxicity. Liver function tests (
C) are critical to assess baseline liver health. Recent antidepressant use (
B) is important to avoid serotonin syndrome, but liver function is prioritized. Weight changes (
A) and family history (
D) are less urgent.
Question 3 of 5
A client is scheduled for a spiral computed topography (CT) scan with contrast to evaluate for pulmonary embolism. Which information in the client’s history requires follow-up by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin risks lactic acidosis with contrast dye due to renal effects. Follow-up (
B) ensures temporary discontinuation. Prior CT (
A), prosthesis (
C), and sobriety (
D) are less critical.
Question 4 of 5
After taking orlistat for one week, a female client tells the home health nurse that she is experiencing increasingly frequent fatty stools and flatus. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Orlistat blocks dietary fat absorption, commonly causing fatty stools and flatus. Reviewing dietary intake (
B) assesses adherence to a low-fat diet, which can reduce these side effects. Stopping the drug (
A) is premature without evaluation. Increasing saturated fats (
C) worsens symptoms. Stool tests (D, E) are unnecessary as symptoms are expected.
Question 5 of 5
A client with psychosis who is receiving an antipsychotic medication is continuously rubbing the back of the neck. Which nursing intervention is best for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Neck rubbing suggests acute dystonia, an antipsychotic side effect. Benztropine (
C), an anticholinergic, relieves dystonia. Pillows (
A), heating pads (
B), and therapy (
D) don’t address the cause.