HESI RN
RN HESI Pharmacology Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
Which assessment finding requires nursing intervention prior to the administration of a prescribed dose of digoxin to an adult?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Digoxin slows heart rate; a pulse of 50 beats/min indicates bradycardia, requiring the nurse to withhold the dose and notify the provider to prevent toxicity. Irregular rhythm, murmurs, or pulmonic site auscultation are not contraindications.
Question 2 of 5
When administering zolpidem to an older client, which computer documentation indicates that the desired outcome has been achieved?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Zolpidem, a sedative-hypnotic, treats insomnia. Sleeping soundly indicates effectiveness. Incontinence, concentration, and outbursts are unrelated to zolpidem’s action.
Question 3 of 5
A client with a cold is taking the antitussive medication benzonatate. Which assessment information indicates to the nurse that the medication is effective?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Benzonatate suppresses cough by numbing respiratory passages. No coughing spells indicates effectiveness. Expectorating, nasal discharge, or sleep are not direct measures of antitussive action.
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: heart rate 77 bpm, blood pressure 118/74 mmHg, respiratory rate 16.
1800: Vital signs: heart rate 79 bpm, blood pressure 114/78 mmHg, respiratory rate 14.
1900: Responded to an alarm in the room. The client is not responsive. Her respiratory rate is 5 bpm. Her heart rate is 92 bpm. Her pupils are pinpoint.
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
• Docusate sodium 240 mg orally every am
• Naloxone 2 mg intravenously as needed for respiratory depression
• Ibuprofen 600 mg orally every 6 hours
Question 4 of 5
What should the nurse do immediately? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B,C,F
Rationale: Low responsiveness and respiratory rate suggest morphine overdose. Rescue breaths, naloxone (opioid antagonist), and rapid response address respiratory depression. ECG, oxygen, and compressions are secondary without specific indications.
Extract:
History and Physical
• - 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
•
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 5 of 5
The nurse is discussing the client's pain management with a student nurse. Morphine is a(n) ----------------------- and it activates----------------receptors and is used to relieve -------------- .
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: Morphine is a pure opioid agonist (not antagonist, correcting the provided answer), activating mu receptors for analgesia, primarily for severe pain (e.g., post-surgical). Agonist-antagonists, local anesthetics, kappa, NMDA, or other pain types are incorrect.