HESI RN
Nightdale College HESI Pharmacology RN Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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 2 of 5
After administering oral doses of calcitriol and calcium carbonate to a client with hypoparathyroidism, the nurse notes that the client's total calcium level is 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse implement? Which action should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A calcium level of 14 mg/dL indicates hypercalcemia, risking complications like arrhythmias. Holding both calcitriol and calcium carbonate and contacting the provider prevents further calcium elevation. Continuing either medication could worsen hypercalcemia, making holding both the safest action.
Question 3 of 5
A client with a seizure disorder is seen at the clinic for a follow-up visit and a prescription renewal for phenytoin. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse? Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Double vision indicates phenytoin toxicity, which can impair coordination and increase fall risk. Immediate intervention, such as notifying the provider and checking serum levels, prevents complications like ataxia or seizures. Gums and insomnia are less urgent side effects.
Question 4 of 5
Rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, is prescribed for a female client with early stage Alzheimer's disease. The client's daughter tells the nurse that she plans to start administering the drug when her mother's symptoms are no longer manageable, in hopes that her mother will not have to go to a nursing home. How should the nurse respond? How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rivastigmine is most effective in early Alzheimer’s, slowing cognitive decline and delaying institutionalization. Explaining the need for early use corrects the daughter’s misconception, optimizing outcomes. Confirming disease progression or assessing mental status does not address the timing error, and affirming delayed use is incorrect.
Question 5 of 5
A client taking atorvastatin develops an increased serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) level. The nurse should assess the client for the onset of which problem? Which problem should the nurse assess the client for the onset of?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated CK levels indicate muscle damage, a sign of myopathy, a rare but serious side effect of atorvastatin. Assessing for muscle tenderness is critical to detect myopathy early, which can progress to rhabdomyolysis if untreated. Other symptoms like nausea or bruising are not directly related to CK elevation.