HESI RN
RN HESI Pharmacology Exam Questions
Extract:
History and Physical
The client is a 42-year-old female who had a right above-the-knee amputation for osteomyelitis. The client has a drain in place and a surgical dressing that will need to be changed by the surgeon on post-op day 1.
Nurses' Notes
1400: Started continuous morphine in the left antecubital vein peripheral intravenous line. No redness, edema, or bleeding noted at the site. Vital signs are heart rate 77 bpm, blood pressure 118/74 mmHg, respiratory rate 16 breaths/min.
Orders
• Admit to the surgical floor
• Clear liquid diet, advance as tolerated
• Continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring
• Morphine 1 mg/hr intravenously
• Alert surgeon to signs of bleeding or infection in the surgical site
Question 1 of 5
What other medications would the nurse expect the surgeon to prescribe along with morphine? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,D,E
Rationale: Ibuprofen enhances pain relief and reduces inflammation, while senna and docusate sodium prevent opioid-induced constipation. Propofol (anesthetic), methadone (chronic pain), and naloxone (emergency reversal) are inappropriate for routine post-op care.
Extract:
Question 2 of 5
A client who experiences migraine headaches reports having fewer headaches since using the herbal remedy feverfew. Which information is most important for the nurse to include in a teaching plan for this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Feverfew’s antiplatelet effects increase bleeding risk when combined with aspirin or NSAIDs, critical for clients using these for migraines. Allergies, GI side effects, and anxiety are important but less urgent than bleeding risk.
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 (e.g., tremors, confusion). Eliminating NSAIDs is critical. Glucose, dental notifications, and iodine foods are unrelated to lithium safety.
Question 4 of 5
Azithromycin is prescribed for a client with Chlamydia trachomatis. In providing client teaching about the medication, the nurse should emphasize the importance of reporting the onset of which symptom to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Yellow sclera indicates potential hepatotoxicity, a rare but serious azithromycin side effect requiring immediate reporting. Flatulence, nausea, and headache are common and mild; urinary frequency is unrelated.
Question 5 of 5
A client who is taking an oral dose of a tetracycline reports gastrointestinal (GI) upset. Which snack should the nurse instruct the client to take with the tetracycline?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tetracycline absorption is reduced by calcium in dairy products.
Toasted wheat bread and jelly, free of dairy or iron, minimizes GI upset and maintains efficacy. Cheese, yogurt, and milk contain calcium, impairing absorption.