HESI RN
RN HESI Pharmacology Exam 3 Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for an adult client who is taking digoxin. Which laboratory value should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately? Reference Range: Sodium [Adult 136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)] Digoxin level [0.8 to 2.0 ng/mL (0.6 to 13 nmol/L)] Potassium (K+) [Adult: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)] Creatinine [0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL (44 to 97 μmol/L)]
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypokalemia (3.2 mEq/L) increases digoxin toxicity risk, potentially causing arrhythmias. Immediate reporting allows potassium correction. Mild hyponatremia, normal creatinine, and therapeutic digoxin levels are less urgent.
Question 2 of 5
A client receives a prescription for penicillin 2 million units IM. The available vial is labeled, '600,000 units/2 mL.' How many mL should the nurse administer? (Enter numeric value only.)
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale:
To calculate: (2,000,000 units prescribed) ÷ (600,000 units/2 mL) = 2,000,000 × 2 ÷ 600,000 = 4 mL. The nurse should administer 4 mL to deliver the prescribed 2 million units.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse observes that a client has become lethargic 30 minutes after receiving an opioid injection for pain. Which vital sign should the nurse obtain first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Opioids can cause respiratory depression, a life-threatening side effect presenting as lethargy. Assessing respiratory rate first identifies slowed breathing, guiding urgent interventions like naloxone. Pulse, blood pressure, or temperature are secondary concerns.
Question 4 of 5
A client who is taking furosemide reports experiencing leg cramps, a cough, feeling tired, and palpitations. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Furosemide can cause hypokalemia, leading to palpitations and cramps, risking arrhythmias. Cardiac monitoring first detects potential arrhythmias, prioritizing safety. Intake/output, compresses, or bed elevation are secondary to addressing cardiac risks.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who takes methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis and receives a prescription for adalimumab. Which instructions should the nurse provide the client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Adalimumab, an immunosuppressant, increases infection risk. Avoiding crowds and sick individuals minimizes exposure, protecting the client’s compromised immune system. Chest x-rays, vaccinations, or eye exams are not specifically required for adalimumab initiation.