HESI RN
Nightdale College HESI Pharmacology RN Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse admits a client with a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. The client has a prescription to wear a subcutaneous morphine sulfate patch for pain. The client is short of breath and difficult to arouse. While performing a head to toe assessment, the nurse discovers four patches on the client's body. Which action should the nurse take first? Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Multiple morphine patches indicate an overdose, causing respiratory depression and sedation. Removing the patches stops further drug absorption, addressing the root cause. Oxygen or reversal drugs may follow, but removing the source is the priority to prevent worsening of the overdose.
Question 2 of 5
A client who receives multiple antihypertensive medications experiences syncope due to a drop in blood pressure to 70/40 mm Hg. Which is the rationale for the nurse's decision to hold the client's scheduled antihypertensive medications? Which is the rationale for the nurse's decision to hold the client's scheduled antihypertensive medications?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The additive effect of multiple antihypertensives, each lowering blood pressure, caused severe hypotension (70/40 mm Hg), leading to syncope. Holding the medications prevents further blood pressure drops. Synergistic toxicity or antagonistic interactions are less likely, and diuresis alone does not explain the severity.
Question 3 of 5
A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives a new prescription for an ipratropium inhaler. Which action indicates to the nurse that additional teaching is needed? Which action indicates that additional teaching is needed?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Priming the ipratropium inhaler with 7 pumps is excessive, wasting medication. It requires only one spray to prime when first used or after 3 days. This action indicates a need for further teaching. Rinsing the mouth, proper storage, and using a spacer are correct practices.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is planning to administer the antiulcer gastrointestinal (GI) agent sucralfate to a client with peptic ulcer disease. Which action should the nurse include in this client's plan of care? Which action should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sucralfate forms a protective barrier over ulcers in an acidic environment, requiring administration on an empty stomach, one hour before meals or at bedtime. Once-daily dosing is insufficient, and electrolyte imbalances or Candida infections are not primary concerns with sucralfate.
Question 5 of 5
A client with nasal congestion receives a prescription for phenylephrine 10 mg by mouth every 4 hours. Which client condition should the nurse report to the healthcare provider before administering the medication? Which condition should the nurse report to the healthcare provider before administering the medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Phenylephrine, a vasoconstrictor, can elevate blood pressure, exacerbating hypertension and risking cardiovascular complications. Reporting this condition to the provider ensures safe administration. Diarrhea, bronchitis, or edema are not contraindications for phenylephrine.