HESI RN
Nightdale College HESI Pharmacology RN 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? 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 2 of 5
After administering oral doses of calcitriol and calcium carbonate to a client with hypoparathyroidism, the nurse notes that the client's total calcium level is 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse implement? Which action should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A calcium level of 14 mg/dL indicates hypercalcemia, risking complications like arrhythmias. Holding both calcitriol and calcium carbonate and contacting the provider prevents further calcium elevation. Continuing either medication could worsen hypercalcemia, making holding both the safest action.
Question 3 of 5
While assessing a client who takes acetaminophen for chronic pain, the nurse observes that the client's skin looks yellow in color. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding? Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Yellow skin suggests jaundice, indicating potential liver damage from acetaminophen, which is hepatotoxic in high doses. Reporting to the provider ensures evaluation and possible dose adjustment. Glucose, oxygen saturation, or self-reducing the dose are inappropriate without further assessment.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse administers naloxone to a client with opioid-induced respiratory depression. One hour later, nursing assessment reveals that the client has a respiratory rate of 4 breaths/minute, oxygen saturation of 75%, and is unable to be aroused. Which action should the nurse implement? Which action should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Naloxone’s short duration may not outlast the opioid’s effects, leading to recurrent respiratory depression. Administering a second dose reverses persistent opioid effects, improving respiration and arousal. CPR is premature, chest tubes are irrelevant, and Glasgow scoring is secondary to immediate reversal.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse administers risedronate to a client with osteoporosis at 0700. The client asks for a glass of milk to drink with the medication. Which action should the nurse take? Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Risedronate, a bisphosphonate, requires administration with water on an empty stomach to ensure absorption, as calcium in milk binds to the drug, reducing efficacy. Instructing the client to take it with water only is critical. Delaying or taking with food/milk is incorrect and reduces effectiveness.