HESI RN
Nightdale College HESI Pharmacology RN Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
Rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, is prescribed for a female client with early stage Alzheimer's disease. The client's daughter tells the nurse that she plans to start administering the drug when her mother's symptoms are no longer manageable, in hopes that her mother will not have to go to a nursing home. How should the nurse respond? How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rivastigmine is most effective in early Alzheimer’s, slowing cognitive decline and delaying institutionalization. Explaining the need for early use corrects the daughter’s misconception, optimizing outcomes. Confirming disease progression or assessing mental status does not address the timing error, and affirming delayed use is incorrect.
Question 2 of 5
A client with peptic ulcer disease receives a new prescription for cimetidine. Which statement provided by the client requires additional instruction by the nurse? Which statement requires additional instruction by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Smoking impairs cimetidine’s effectiveness and delays ulcer healing, requiring complete cessation, not just reduction. The client’s statement about reducing cigarette use indicates a misunderstanding, needing further instruction. Other statements about antacids, lethargy, and sexual dysfunction are correct.
Question 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
A client with a seizure disorder is seen at the clinic for a follow-up visit and a prescription renewal for phenytoin. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse? Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Double vision indicates phenytoin toxicity, which can impair coordination and increase fall risk. Immediate intervention, such as notifying the provider and checking serum levels, prevents complications like ataxia or seizures. Gums and insomnia are less urgent side effects.
Question 5 of 5
Prior to administering the evening dose of carbamazepine, the nurse notes that the client's morning carbamazepine level was 84 mcg/L (35.6 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse take? Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A carbamazepine level of 84 mcg/L is significantly above the therapeutic range (4-12 mcg/mL), indicating toxicity. Notifying the healthcare provider is the most appropriate action to ensure timely intervention, such as withholding the dose or adjusting the regimen, to prevent serious effects like ataxia or seizures.