HESI RN
RN HESI Pharmacology Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is providing medication teaching to a client with bipolar disorder who receives a prescription for lithium carbonate. Which instruction should the nurse emphasize with the client? Which instruction should the nurse emphasize with the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Adequate hydration (1500–2000 mL/day) is crucial for lithium therapy to prevent toxicity, as dehydration can increase lithium levels in the blood.
Question 2 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? Which instructions should the nurse provide the client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Methotrexate and adalimumab suppress the immune system, increasing infection risk. Avoiding crowds and sick individuals is critical to prevent infections.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the client’s laboratory values. Which serum laboratory value indicates to the nurse that a prescription for atorvastatin is having the desired effect for a client at risk for coronary artery disease? Which serum laboratory value indicates to the nurse that a prescription for atorvastatin is having the desired effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Atorvastatin reduces LDL cholesterol, a key risk factor for coronary artery disease. Lower LDL levels indicate the medication’s effectiveness.
Extract:
History and physical
A 23-year-old female presents to the emergency department with altered mental status. She is accompanied by her roommate. The roommate says that symptoms started around 0900 today and have progressively worsened. She says the client first appeared euphoric but would switch to being irritable. The client also reported diarrhea and nausea. The client is combative. The client has a history of major depressive disorder and is being treated with paroxetine 50 mg PO once daily.
Nurses notes
1830
The nurse notes significant diaphoresis. The client appears confused and disoriented to person, place, and time. Lung sounds are clear. No arrhythmia is noted. Palpated pulses are strong and bounding. Capillary refill is
Flowsheet
Day 1, 1830
Vital Signs
• Temperature 102°F (38.8°C)
• Heart rate 118 beats/minute
• Respirations 16 breaths/minute
• Blood pressure 168/94 mm Hg
• Oxygen saturation 97% on room air
• Height 5 feet, 4 inches (64 cm)
• Weight 136 pounds (61.6 kg)
Question 4 of 5
Which assessment findings require follow-up by the nurse? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,E
Rationale: Myoclonus, fever, hypertension, altered mental status, tachycardia, and diaphoresis suggest serotonin syndrome, requiring immediate follow-up.
Extract:
History and Physical
Client is a 24-year-old male with a 2-day history of severe vomiting and diarrhea. The client believes he has a case of food poisoning after attending a party. Other individuals at the party were having similar symptoms.
Nurses’ Notes
1100:
• Admitted to the medical unit. He is pale with a capillary refill of 5 seconds. Is sleepy but responds to commands. An 18-gauge peripheral IV line started in the right hand, flushes easily with no redness or edema. Bolus of IV fluids given.
1115:
• Healthcare provider notified of arterial blood gas values. Sodium bicarbonate given as prescribed.
1200:
• Capillary refill 2 seconds
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test 1115 1200 Reference Range
Blood Gas
pH 7.22 7.35 7.35 to 7.45
Bicarbonate (HCO3) 15 mEq/L (15 mmol/L) 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L) 21 to 28 mEq/L (21 to 28 mmol/L)
Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) 39 mm Hg 34 mm Hg 35 to 45 mm Hg
Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) 88 mm Hg 92 mm Hg 80 to 100 mm Hg
Lactate 2 mEq/L (0.2 mmol/L) 1.7 mEq/L (0.17 mmol/L) 3 to 7 mg/dL (0.3 to 0.8 mmol/L)
Flow Sheet
1100:
• Vital signs:
o Heart rate: 102 beats/minute
o Respiratory rate: 19 breaths/minute
o Blood pressure: 100/77 mm Hg
o Oxygen saturation: 95% on room air
1200:
• Vital signs:
o Heart rate: 77 beats/minute
o Respiratory rate: 17 breaths/minute
o Blood pressure: 113/72 mm Hg
o Oxygen saturation: 100% on room air
Intake and Output:
1100:
• Intake: 400 mL
1200:
• Intake: 400 mL
Orders
1100:
• Admit to the medical unit
• Regular diet as tolerated
• Give 1 liter 0.9% sodium chloride IV bolus now, then start Lactated Ringer’s Infusion at 100 mL/hr
• Draw serum arterial blood gas, venous lactate, sodium, and potassium
• Vital signs every hour
• Strict intake and output
1115:
• Give sodium bicarbonate 50 mEq IV push now
• Repeat arterial blood gas after administration
Patient Data.
Question 5 of 5
Review H and P, nurses notes, laboratory results, flow sheet, and orders. Click to mark whether the assessment finding represents a therapeutic result of the sodium bicarbonate administered, a non-therapeutic side-effect, or an unrelated finding.
| Options | therapeutic result | non-therapeutic side-effect | unrelated finding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capillary refill 2 seconds | |||
| Blood pressure 113/72 mm Hg | |||
| Bicarbonate 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L) | |||
| Sodium 152 mEq/L (152 mmol/L) | |||
| 400 mL urine output | |||
| Heart rate 77 beats/minute |
Correct Answer:
Rationale: A: therapeutic result B: therapeutic result C: therapeutic result D: non-therapeutic side-effect E: unrelated finding F: therapeutic result Sodium bicarbonate corrects metabolic acidosis (
C) and improves perfusion (A, B, F). Hypernatremia (
D) is a side effect, and urine output (E) is unrelated to bicarbonate.