HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Exam 2 Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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?
Correct Answer: B
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 2 of 5
A client with chemotherapy-induced nausea receives a prescription for metoclopramide. Which adverse effect is most important for the nurse to report?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Involuntary movements (extrapyramidal symptoms) are a serious, potentially irreversible side effect of metoclopramide due to dopamine receptor blockade. Reporting these promptly allows intervention, such as dose adjustment or anticholinergic use. Nausea, diarrhea, and irritability are less urgent side effects.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is planning care for a client with major depression who is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine. Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Duloxetine is metabolized by the liver, and hepatotoxicity is a rare but serious risk. Obtaining liver function test results ensures safe administration, as impaired liver function increases toxicity risk. Family history, weight changes, or other antidepressant use are relevant but secondary to liver function.
Question 4 of 5
A client in the surgical recovery area asks the nurse to bring the largest possible dose of pain medication available. Which action should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing the client’s pain level using a pain scale provides objective data to determine the appropriate dose and urgency of pain management, guiding safe administration. Diversional strategies, drug history, or prior dose timing are secondary to understanding current pain intensity.
Question 5 of 5
A client receives a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which statement made by the client indicates to the nurse the education was effective?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Levothyroxine is best absorbed on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before breakfast, to ensure optimal efficacy. High-iodine foods may affect thyroid function, bedtime dosing risks insomnia, and iron supplements should be taken separately but not avoided entirely.