HESI RN
HESI RN 311 Pharmacology Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client with narcolepsy receives a new prescription for methylphenidate. Prior to administration of the medication, the nurse should review the medical record for which condition?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Methylphenidate increases blood pressure/heart rate, risking exacerbation of hypertension (
B). Hypercholesterolemia (
A), diabetes (
C), and bronchitis (
D) are not primary concerns.
Question 2 of 5
Based on a client’s serum digoxin level, the client is diagnosed with digoxin toxicity. Which action should the nurse expect to implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Digoxin toxicity risks hyperkalemia and arrhythmias. Checking acid-base and electrolyte values (
C) guides treatment (e.g., digoxin-specific Fab). Potassium (
A) may worsen hyperkalemia. Cardioversion (
B) is not primary. Changing routes (
D) is irrelevant; digoxin is stopped.
Question 3 of 5
A client with a cold is taking the antitussive medication benzonatate. Which assessment information indicates to the nurse that the medication is effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Benzonatate suppresses cough reflex; denying coughing spells (
A) indicates efficacy. Sleep (
B) may improve indirectly. Expectorating secretions (
C) and nasal discharge (
D) are unrelated, as benzonatate is not an expectorant or decongestant.
Question 4 of 5
Prior to administering an oral dose of methylprednisolone, the nurse determines the client’s serum total calcium level is 5.5 mg/dL (1.375 mmol/L). What action is most important for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A calcium level of 5.5 mg/dL indicates severe hypocalcemia (normal: 8.5-10.2 mg/dL), risking arrhythmias/seizures. Notifying the provider (
C) ensures urgent correction. Dietary teaching (
A) and milk (
D) are insufficient. Tapering (
B) requires provider direction.
Question 5 of 5
A female client who is starting a new prescription for doxycycline hyclate tells the nurse that she takes birth control pills. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Doxycycline reduces hormonal contraceptive efficacy (
B), requiring additional contraception (e.g., condoms). No contraindication exists (
A). Timing separation (
C) is irrelevant. Stopping birth control (
D) risks pregnancy.