HESI RN
HESI RN 311 Pharmacology Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
Ferrous sulfate elixir is prescribed for a client with iron deficiency anemia. Which instruction should the nurse provide this client about taking the liquid medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Using a straw (
A) minimizes tooth staining from ferrous sulfate elixir. Swallowing undiluted (
B) causes GI irritation; dilution with water/juice is preferred. Antacids (
C) reduce iron absorption by neutralizing stomach acid. Milk (
D) contains calcium, inhibiting absorption. Taking with vitamin C enhances absorption.
Question 2 of 5
A client with heart failure (HF) develops hyperaldosteronism and spironolactone is prescribed. Which instruction should the nurse include in the client’s plan of care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, risks hyperkalemia. Limiting high-potassium foods (
D) prevents toxicity. Bruising (
A) is unrelated. Salt substitutes (
B) contain potassium, risking hyperkalemia. Photosensitivity (
C) is not a primary concern. Baseline potassium levels should also be checked.
Question 3 of 5
A female client with mild depression reports to the nurse that she recently started taking St. John’s wort. Which information provided by the client requires further instruction?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: St. John’s wort induces cytochrome P450 enzymes, reducing hormonal contraceptive efficacy (
B), requiring additional contraception. Insomnia (
A), photosensitivity (
C), and dry mouth (D, managed with hard candy) are known side effects, correctly understood.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with peptic ulcer disease is scheduled to receive doses of pantoprazole IV and sucralfate PO before breakfast at 0800. The patient reports experiencing heartburn. The nurse brings the scheduled medications. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Administering both medications before breakfast (
D) ensures optimal efficacy. Sucralfate forms a protective ulcer barrier on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals. Pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, reduces acid production and is most effective before meals. Antacids (
A) interfere with sucralfate absorption. Taking sucralfate with food (
B) reduces efficacy. Delaying pantoprazole (
C) decreases acid suppression.
Question 5 of 5
A client who has been experiencing headaches since using the herbal remedy feverfew. Which information is important to include for this client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Feverfew, in the Asteraceae family, risks allergic reactions in those allergic to chamomile/ragweed/yarrow (
A), a critical warning. NSAID interactions (
B), GI side effects (
C), and anxiety (
D) are secondary concerns.