HESI RN
HESI RN 311 Pharmacology Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
Prior to administering an oral dose of methylprednisolone, the nurse determines the client’s serum total calcium level is 5.5 mg/dL (1.375 mmol/L). What action is most important for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A calcium level of 5.5 mg/dL indicates severe hypocalcemia (normal: 8.5-10.2 mg/dL), risking arrhythmias/seizures. Notifying the provider (
C) ensures urgent correction. Dietary teaching (
A) and milk (
D) are insufficient. Tapering (
B) requires provider direction.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 of 5
A client with a cold is taking the antitussive medication benzonatate. Which assessment information indicates to the nurse that the medication is effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Benzonatate suppresses cough reflex; denying coughing spells (
A) indicates efficacy. Sleep (
B) may improve indirectly. Expectorating secretions (
C) and nasal discharge (
D) are unrelated, as benzonatate is not an expectorant or decongestant.
Question 5 of 5
An older client with heart failure (HF), coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension (HTN) is receiving these daily prescriptions: atenolol, furosemide, and enalapril. Which assessments should the nurse include in evaluating the effectiveness of the medications?
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Atenolol and enalapril manage HTN/CAD, requiring blood pressure monitoring (
B). Furosemide treats HF fluid overload, assessed via daily weight (
D). Heart sounds (
A) detect HF/CAD complications (e.g., murmurs). Bowel sounds (
C) and range of motion (E) are unrelated. Note: Provided answer (
A) is incorrect; explanation supports A,B,D.