HESI RN
HESI RN 301 Pharmacology Final Exam 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?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rivastigmine is most effective early in Alzheimer’s to manage symptoms and slow progression. Delaying until symptoms worsen reduces efficacy. Assessing mental status or confirming disease progression is secondary to correcting the timing misconception.
Question 2 of 5
A client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is given a new prescription for tiotropium via an inhalation device. Which statement indicates that the client understands the instructions for using this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tiotropium is a daily maintenance inhaler for COPD. The client’s statement about daily use is correct. It doesn’t thin sputum, isn’t used with other inhalers between doses, and isn’t for acute shortness of breath.
Question 3 of 5
A client is scheduled for a spiral computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast to evaluate for pulmonary embolism. Which information in the client's history requires follow up by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin risks lactic acidosis with contrast dye, requiring follow-up to hold the drug and monitor renal function. Prostheses, sobriety, and prior scans are less critical.
Question 4 of 5
A male client with dementia is admitted to the emergency department (ED) because he accidentally self-administered several doses of diltiazem. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Diltiazem overdose can cause bradycardia or heart block, making continuous ECG monitoring critical. Blood pressure, gastric irritation, and consciousness are secondary concerns.
Question 5 of 5
A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is receiving calcium acetate 667 mg PO. A decrease in which blood value indicates to the nurse that the medication is having the desired effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Calcium acetate binds dietary phosphate in the gut, reducing serum phosphate levels in CKD patients with hyperphosphatemia, indicating effectiveness. It doesn’t directly affect pH, calcium, or potassium levels.