HESI RN
Nightdale College HESI Pharmacology RN Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
An older adult with iron deficiency anemia is being discharged with a prescription for ferrous sulfate enteric-coated tablets. To promote best absorption of the medication, which information should the nurse include in the discharge instructions? Which information should the nurse include in the discharge instructions?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ferrous sulfate is best absorbed on an empty stomach, waiting 2 hours after meals to avoid interference from food or minerals like calcium. Multivitamins may contain interfering substances, bedtime dosing risks GI upset, and crushing enteric-coated tablets destroys their protective coating, causing irritation.
Question 2 of 5
A client is receiving intravenous (IV) vancomycin and the nurse plans to draw blood for a peak and trough to determine the serum level of the medication. Which of the following collection times provide the best determination of these levels? Which collection times provide the best determination of these levels?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Peak vancomycin levels, reflecting maximum concentration, are best measured one hour after IV dose completion. Trough levels, indicating minimum concentration, are drawn one hour before the next dose. This timing ensures accurate monitoring of therapeutic levels and prevents toxicity.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse prepares to administer a scheduled dose of labetalol by mouth to a client with hypertension. The client's vital signs are temperature 99° F (37.2° C), heart rate 48 beats/minute, respirations 16 breaths/minute, and blood pressure (B/P) 150/90 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take? Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Labetalol, a beta-blocker, can worsen bradycardia (heart rate 48 beats/minute). Withholding the dose and notifying the provider prevents potential cardiac complications, such as severe bradycardia or heart block, prioritizing client safety.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who is taking diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug for rheumatoid arthritis. During a clinic visit, the client appears pale and reports increasing fatigue. Which of the client's serum laboratory values is most important for the nurse to review? Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to review?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pale appearance and fatigue suggest anemia, a potential complication of diclofenac due to gastrointestinal bleeding. Reviewing hemoglobin levels confirms anemia and guides further management. Glucose, protein, or sodium are not directly related to these symptoms or NSAID side effects.