HESI RN
Nightdale College HESI Pharmacology RN Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD) started a prescription for epoetin alfa two months ago. Which client finding best indicates that the medication is effective? Which finding best indicates that the medication is effective?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production, increasing hemoglobin. A hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL indicates effective treatment of anemia. Subjective energy improvements are less reliable, and iron intake or therapy supports but does not directly measure epoetin’s efficacy.
Question 2 of 5
A glucagon emergency kit is prescribed for a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus to be used at home. When should the nurse instruct the client and family that glucagon needs to be administered? When should the nurse instruct the client and family that glucagon needs to be administered?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Glucagon raises blood glucose by mobilizing glycogen stores, indicated for severe hypoglycemia (e.g., unconsciousness or seizures) when oral glucose is not feasible. It is not used for ketoacidosis, hyperglycemia prevention, or sick days without hypoglycemia, making severe hypoglycemia the correct indication.
Question 3 of 5
A client receives a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which statement made by the client indicates to the nurse that the education was effective? Which statement made by the client indicates to the nurse that the education was effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine is best absorbed on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before breakfast, to ensure optimal efficacy. High-iodine foods may affect thyroid function, bedtime dosing risks insomnia, and iron supplements should be taken separately but not avoided entirely, making the empty stomach statement the most accurate indicator of effective education.
Question 4 of 5
A client with psychosis who is receiving an antipsychotic medication is continually rubbing the back of the neck. Which nursing intervention is best for the nurse to implement? Which nursing intervention is best for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rubbing the back of the neck suggests extrapyramidal side effects (EPS), such as dystonia, from the antipsychotic medication. Benztropine, an anticholinergic, counteracts EPS by reducing muscle stiffness and spasms, providing rapid relief. Other interventions like heating pads or pillows may offer comfort but do not address the underlying EPS cause, and physical therapy is not an acute solution.
Question 5 of 5
After taking orlistat for one week, a female client tells the home health nurse that she is experiencing increasingly frequent oily stools and flatus. Which action should the nurse take? Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Oily stools and flatus are expected side effects of orlistat, which inhibits fat absorption. Asking about recent dietary intake assesses compliance with a low-fat diet, which can reduce these side effects. Increasing fats worsens symptoms, and stopping the drug or testing stool is unnecessary without severe symptoms.