HESI RN
HESI RN 311 Pharmacology Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
Administer a scheduled dose of labetalol PO to a client with hypertension. The client’s temperature is 99°F (37.2°C), a heart rate of 48 beats per minute, respirations of 16 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Labetalol, a beta-blocker, risks worsening bradycardia (heart rate 48 bpm). Withholding the dose and notifying the provider (
A) ensures safety. Administering (
B) is unsafe. Orthostatic hypotension (
C) is secondary. Telemetry (
D) delays action.
Question 2 of 5
A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is receiving calcium acetate 667 mg PO. A decrease in which blood value indicates to the nurse that the medication is having the desired effect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Calcium acetate binds dietary phosphate in CKD, reducing serum phosphate levels (
C), the desired effect. It does not lower potassium (
A) or pH (
D). It may increase calcium (
B), but this is not the goal.
Question 3 of 5
Which laboratory value should the nurse review prior to administering the initial dose of a statin medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Statins risk hepatotoxicity; reviewing baseline serum liver enzymes (
D) monitors for liver damage. CBC (
A), electrolytes (
B), and glucose (
C) are not primary concerns unless other conditions exist.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
A client who is receiving pregabalin for fibromyalgia complains of tremors in the hands. Which action should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tremors are a potential side effect of pregabalin (
C). Notifying the provider allows evaluation for dose adjustment or alternative therapy. Antianxiety drugs (
A) may mask symptoms without addressing the cause. Orthostatic hypotension (
B) is unrelated to tremors. Glucose levels (
D) are irrelevant without diabetes history.