HESI RN
Nightdale College HESI Pharmacology RN Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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 2 of 5
A client reports confusion and blurred vision after receiving a dose of glipizide. Which action should the nurse implement? Which action should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Glipizide, a sulfonylurea, can cause hypoglycemia, manifesting as confusion and blurred vision. Obtaining a fingerstick blood glucose confirms hypoglycemia, guiding treatment. Neurological exams or vital signs are secondary, and glucagon is premature without confirmed low glucose.
Question 3 of 5
After taking orlistat for one week, a female client tells the home health nurse that she is experiencing increasingly frequent oily stools and flatus. Which action should the nurse take? Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Oily stools and flatus are expected side effects of orlistat, which inhibits fat absorption. Asking about recent dietary intake assesses compliance with a low-fat diet, which can reduce these side effects. Increasing fats worsens symptoms, and stopping the drug or testing stool is unnecessary without severe symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse prepares to administer a scheduled dose of labetalol by mouth to a client with hypertension. The client's vital signs are temperature 99° F (37.2° C), heart rate 48 beats/minute, respirations 16 breaths/minute, and blood pressure (B/P) 150/90 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take? Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Labetalol, a beta-blocker, can worsen bradycardia (heart rate 48 beats/minute). Withholding the dose and notifying the provider prevents potential cardiac complications, such as severe bradycardia or heart block, prioritizing client safety.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate to a client in acute kidney injury (AKI). Which laboratory finding indicates that the medication has been effective? Which laboratory finding indicates that the medication has been effective?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate treats hyperkalemia by binding potassium in the gut. A serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (normal range) indicates effective reduction of potassium levels in AKI. Ammonia, hemoglobin, and glucose are not affected by this medication.