HESI RN
HESI RN 301 Pharmacology Final Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
During a home visit, a client informs the nurse about feeling like the heart is skipping beats. When reviewing the client's record, the nurse notes that the client is taking hydrochlorothiazide. Based on these assessment data, the nurse plans to obtain a blood sample to check for which condition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic, increases potassium excretion, potentially causing hypokalemia, which can manifest as palpitations or irregular heartbeats. Hyponatremia is possible but less directly linked to this symptom. Hyperphosphatemia and hypermagnesemia are not typical side effects.
Question 2 of 5
The healthcare provider prescribes the antibiotic tetracycline HCl for an adult client that arrived at an outpatient clinic. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan for this client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tetracycline increases photosensitivity, requiring sun protection. Orange juice, milk, and antacids reduce absorption, and weekly serum levels aren’t typically needed.
Question 3 of 5
A client with a history of angina reports the onset of chest pain. The nurse determines that the heart rate is 104 beats/minute and the blood pressure is 138/86 mm Hg. A transdermal nitroglycerin patch was applied 30 minutes ago to the right upper chest. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sublingual nitroglycerin provides rapid relief for acute angina, complementing the slower-acting transdermal patch. Reassuring about delayed patch effects, withholding doses, or adding another patch are inappropriate for acute pain.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is planning discharge teaching for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus who has a new prescription for insulin glargine. Which action should the nurse plan to include in the discharge teaching?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Insulin glargine requires daily subcutaneous injection, so teaching self-injection is essential. It’s not dosed by meal glucose, used for hypoglycemia, or adjusted for ketoacidosis.
Question 5 of 5
Prior to 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?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A calcium level of 14 mg/dL indicates hypercalcemia, risking toxicity. Both calcitriol and calcium carbonate increase calcium levels, so holding both and contacting the provider is safest.