HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
Prior to administering oral doses of calcitriol and calcium carbonate to a client with hypoparathyroidism, the nurse notes that the total level of calcium 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 (3.5 mmol/L) indicates hypercalcemia (normal: 8.5-10.2 mg/dL). Calcitriol and calcium carbonate increase calcium levels, risking toxicity. Holding both and contacting the provider (
D) is safest.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is planning to administer the antiulcer GI agent sucralfate to a client with a peptic ulcer disease. Which action should the nurse include in this client’s plan of care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sucralfate coats ulcer tissue, requiring an empty stomach (
D) for optimal adhesion (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals). Daily dosing (
A) is incorrect; it’s typically 4 times daily. Candida (
B) and electrolytes (
C) are unrelated.
Question 3 of 5
A client who received a renal transplant three months ago is readmitted to the acute care unit with signs of graft rejection. While taking the client’s history, the nurse determines that the client has been self-administering St. John's Wort, an herbal preparation on the advice of a friend. Which information is most significant about this finding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: St. John’s Wort induces cytochrome P450 enzymes, reducing cyclosporine levels (
B), an immunosuppressant, risking graft rejection. Depression use (
A) is possible but less critical. Sodium (
C) and corticosteroids (D, E) are unrelated.
Choice E is a duplicate.
Question 4 of 5
A client with psychosis who is receiving an antipsychotic medication is continuously rubbing the back of the neck. Which nursing intervention is best for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Neck rubbing suggests acute dystonia, an antipsychotic side effect. Benztropine (
C), an anticholinergic, relieves dystonia. Pillows (
A), heating pads (
B), and therapy (
D) don’t address the cause.
Question 5 of 5
A female client starts a new prescription, oxybutynin, for symptoms of an overactive bladder. The client tells the nurse that she is training to run a marathon. Which instruction should the nurse emphasize?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Oxybutynin causes dry mouth and reduced sweating, increasing dehydration and overheating risks (
C), critical for marathon training. Crowds (
A), bruising (
B), and sun injury (
D) are not primary concerns.