HESI RN
Care Hope College RN HESI Pharmacology Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse administers risedronate to a client with osteoporosis at 0700. The client asks for a glass of milk to drink with the medication. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Risedronate, a bisphosphonate, must be taken with plain water on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before food or other beverages, to ensure optimal absorption. Milk (
B) contains calcium, reducing absorption. Delaying until breakfast (
C) violates timing requirements. Consulting a pharmacist (
D) is unnecessary, as administration guidelines are clear.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse administers naloxone to a patient with opioid-induced respiratory depression. An hour later, the nurse finds the patient has a respiratory rate of 4 breaths/minute, oxygen saturation of 75%, and is unresponsive. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Severe respiratory depression (4 breaths/min), hypoxia (75% SpO₂), and unresponsiveness require immediate CPR (
D) to restore circulation/oxygenation. A second naloxone dose (
A) may be needed but is secondary. Chest tubes (
B) are irrelevant. Glasgow scoring (
C) delays critical intervention.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with peptic ulcer disease has been prescribed cimetidine. Which statement made by the patient indicates the need for further instruction by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cimetidine should be taken with meals or immediately after, not 1 hour after antacids (
C), which interferes with absorption. Reducing smoking (
A) is insufficient; cessation is ideal. Lethargy (
B) and sexual dysfunction (
D) are valid monitoring points.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate to a client with acute kidney injury (AKI). Which laboratory finding indicates that the medication has been effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate treats hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium for potassium. A potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (
A) indicates effectiveness (normal range: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Hemoglobin (
B), glucose (
C), and ammonia (
D) are unrelated to its action.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is currently on an oral contraceptive and has been prescribed erythromycin. What advice should the nurse provide to the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Erythromycin may reduce oral contraceptive efficacy by inducing hepatic metabolism. Using an additional contraceptive method (
A) prevents unintended pregnancy. Discontinuing the contraceptive (
B) is unnecessary. Timing gaps (
C) don’t mitigate the interaction. Sunlight avoidance (
D) relates to other antibiotics like tetracycline.