HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is preparing a client with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and a chronic productive cough for discharged home. Which prescribed medication should the nurse review with the client to manage this symptom?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Guaifenesin (
D), an expectorant, thins mucus, easing cough in COPD. Salmeterol (
A) and tiotropium (
B), bronchodilators, improve airflow but don’t address mucus. Prednisone (
C) reduces inflammation in exacerbations, not chronic cough.
Question 2 of 5
Prior to administering oral doses of calcitriol and calcium carbonate to a client with hypoparathyroidism, the nurse notes that the total level of calcium is 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A calcium level of 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L) indicates hypercalcemia (normal: 8.5-10.2 mg/dL). Calcitriol and calcium carbonate increase calcium levels, risking toxicity. Holding both and contacting the provider (
D) is safest.
Question 3 of 5
A client with bipolar disorder admitted with severe depression and suicidal ideation receives a prescription for lithium carbonate, which instruction should the nurse provide to the client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: NSAIDs increase lithium levels, risking toxicity (
A). Iodine (
B) is not contraindicated, dental notifications (
C) are general, and glucose monitoring (
D) is unrelated.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse administers risedronate to a client with osteoporosis at 07:00. The client asks for a glass of milk to drink with the medication. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Risedronate requires an empty stomach and plain water (
D) for absorption. Milk (
B) contains calcium, reducing efficacy. Delaying for food (A,
C) is unnecessary.
Question 5 of 5
A client with benign prostatic receives a new prescription of tamsulosin. Which intervention should the nurse use to monitor an adverse reaction?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tamsulosin, an alpha-blocker, risks hypotension, causing dizziness or fainting. Monitoring blood pressure (
C) detects this adverse effect. Urine output (
A), bladder scans (
B), and weights (
D) are unrelated.