Wgu HESI RN Pharmacology 1

Extract:

Question 1 of 5

The home health nurse observes that a female client is using a topical preparation that contains echinacea to treat a canker sore. Her husband expresses concern regarding the effectiveness and safety of using herbs. How should the nurse respond?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Echinacea may have immune-boosting properties, potentially aiding canker sore treatment, though evidence is mixed. This response balances its possible benefits without dismissing its use, unlike suggesting placebo effects, ineffectiveness, or burns.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is teaching a client who has been diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) about the antiretroviral medication regimen. Which statement provided by the client requires additional instruction by the nurse?

A. The viral load can be decreased to an undetectable level. B. Antiretroviral medication prevents the transmission of the virus. C. The medications can decrease acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) related complications. D. HIV infection is not cured by the antiretroviral regimen.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Antiretrovirals reduce viral load and transmission risk but do not fully prevent HIV transmission; safe practices are still needed. The other statements are accurate regarding HIV management and ART benefits.

Question 3 of 5

A client has a prescription for heparin 1,000 units IV STAT. Several pre-filled syringes of low molecular weight heparin are available in the client's medication drawer. Which action should the nurse implement?

A. Request a prescription to change the route of administration and use the available heparin. B. Advise the pharmacy of the need to deliver a vial of heparin to the nursing unit immediately. C. Calculate and administer the equivalent dose of the available low molecular weight heparin. D. Dilute the available heparin in 250 mL of normal saline solution prior to IV administration.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Standard heparin (IV) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH, subcutaneous) are not interchangeable. Requesting standard heparin from the pharmacy ensures the correct medication and route, preventing dosing errors or inefficacy.

Question 4 of 5

A male client receives a scopolamine transdermal patch 2 hours before surgery. Four hours after surgery, the client tells the nurse that he is experiencing pain and asks why the patch is not working. Which action should the nurse take?

A. Check for correct placement of the patch behind the client's ear. B. Explain that the medication is not given to prevent pain. C. Advise the client that the effects of the medication have worn off. D. Offer to apply a new transdermal patch to relieve the pain.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Scopolamine prevents postoperative nausea, not pain. Explaining its purpose clarifies the client’s misunderstanding. Placement checks, expired effects, or new patches do not address the pain, which requires separate analgesia.

Question 5 of 5

A client with chemotherapy-induced nausea receives a prescription for metoclopramide. Which adverse effect is most important for the nurse to report?

A. Diarrhea. B. Unusual irritability. C. Involuntary movements. D. Nausea.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Involuntary movements may indicate extrapyramidal side effects like tardive dyskinesia, a serious, potentially irreversible metoclopramide complication, requiring immediate reporting. Diarrhea, irritability, or nausea are less urgent, with nausea being the treated symptom.