HESI RN
RN HESI Pharmacology Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client with multiple sclerosis starts a new prescription, baclofen, to control muscle spasticity. Three days later, the client calls the clinic nurse and reports feeling fatigued and dizzy. Which instruction should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Baclofen’s common side effects include fatigue and dizziness, which may subside with time. Avoiding hazardous activities prevents injury. Fluids/protein, stopping abruptly, or ER visits are inappropriate without severe symptoms.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is administering sevelamer during lunch to a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The client asks the nurse to bring the medication later. The nurse should describe which action of sevelamer as an explanation for taking it with meals?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sevelamer binds dietary phosphorus in the gut, reducing absorption in CKD to prevent hyperphosphatemia. Taking with meals ensures binding. Reflux, acid buffering, and indigestion are unrelated.
Question 3 of 5
A client is receiving orlistat as part of a weight management program. Which ongoing assessment should be included in the plan of care to determine the effectiveness of the medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Orlistat blocks dietary fat absorption, aiding weight loss. Monitoring body mass index (BMI) assesses weight reduction and program success. Depression, calorie counts, and protein levels are unrelated to orlistat’s direct effects.
Question 4 of 5
A client with myasthenia gravis receives a new prescription for pyridostigmine. Which information should the nurse obtain prior to administering the medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pyridostigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, is best taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Recent oral intake informs timing. Sleep, urination, and weight loss are unrelated to administration.
Question 5 of 5
To prevent deep vein thromboses following knee replacement surgery, an adult male client is receiving daily subcutaneous enoxaparin. Which laboratory result requires immediate action by the nurse? Reference Range: Hematocrit [42% to 52% (0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)] Platelets [150,000 to 400,000/mm² (150 to 400 × 10^9/L)] Creatinine [0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL (44 to 97 μmol/L)] Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) [10 to 20 mg/dL (3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L)]
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A platelet count of 100,000/mm³ indicates thrombocytopenia, a potential enoxaparin side effect, increasing bleeding risk. Immediate action (notifying provider, monitoring for bleeding) is needed. Hematocrit, BUN, and creatinine are within normal ranges and do not require urgent intervention.