HESI RN
Nightdale College HESI Pharmacology RN Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
Which nursing action has the highest priority when administering a dose of codeine with acetaminophen to a client? Which nursing action has the highest priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Codeine, an opioid, causes drowsiness and dizziness, increasing fall risk. Instructing the client to request assistance when ambulating prioritizes safety, preventing injuries. Other actions, like administering laxatives or informing about onset, are important but secondary to immediate safety concerns.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse initiates an infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam for a client with a urinary tract infection. Five minutes into the infusion, the client reports not feeling well. Which client manifestation should the nurse identify as a reason to stop the infusion? Which manifestation should the nurse identify as a reason to stop the infusion?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A scratchy throat may signal an allergic reaction to piperacillin-tazobactam, a penicillin derivative, potentially progressing to anaphylaxis. Stopping the infusion immediately prevents severe complications. Other manifestations like bradycardia or hypertension are not typical allergic responses and require monitoring but not immediate cessation.
Question 3 of 5
A client with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD) started a prescription for epoetin alfa two months ago. Which client finding best indicates that the medication is effective? Which finding best indicates that the medication is effective?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production, increasing hemoglobin. A hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL indicates effective treatment of anemia. Subjective energy improvements are less reliable, and iron intake or therapy supports but does not directly measure epoetin’s efficacy.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is administering muscle relaxant baclofen by mouth (PO) to a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Which intervention is the most important for the nurse to implement? Which intervention is the most important for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Baclofen can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension, increasing fall risk. Advising the client to move slowly and cautiously when rising and walking is the most critical intervention to ensure safety, particularly for a client with multiple sclerosis who may already have impaired coordination.
Question 5 of 5
A client with psychosis who is receiving an antipsychotic medication is continually rubbing the back of the neck. Which nursing intervention is best for the nurse to implement? Which nursing intervention is best for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rubbing the back of the neck suggests extrapyramidal side effects (EPS), such as dystonia, from the antipsychotic medication. Benztropine, an anticholinergic, counteracts EPS by reducing muscle stiffness and spasms, providing rapid relief. Other interventions like heating pads or pillows may offer comfort but do not address the underlying EPS cause, and physical therapy is not an acute solution.