HESI RN
Care Hope College RN HESI Pharmacology Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
While evaluating a patient who has been taking acetaminophen for chronic pain, the nurse notices that the patient’s skin appears yellow. What action should the nurse take in response to this observation?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Yellow skin (jaundice) suggests liver damage, a serious acetaminophen side effect. Reporting to the provider (
D) is critical for evaluation. Reducing dosage (
A) without consultation is unsafe. Glucose (
B) and oxygen saturation (
C) are unrelated to jaundice.
Question 2 of 5
A client has a new prescription for zolpidem, a hypnotic. The client tells the home health nurse that he plans to take a dose of the medication during the day because he is exhausted and needs to take a short afternoon nap prior to an evening activity in his home. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Zolpidem, a sedative-hypnotic, should be taken at bedtime (
C) to avoid daytime drowsiness and fall risk. Two hours of sleep (
A) is insufficient for safe clearance. Taking with meals (
B) reduces efficacy. Fluid intake (
D) is unrelated to zolpidem’s administration.
Question 3 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?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A scratchy throat (
B) may indicate an allergic reaction, potentially anaphylaxis, requiring immediate cessation of the piperacillin-tazobactam infusion and assessment. Hypertension (
A), bradycardia (
C), and pupillary constriction (
D) are not typical signs of an allergic response to this antibiotic.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with nasal congestion has been prescribed phenylephrine 10 mg by mouth every 4 hours. What patient condition should the nurse report to the healthcare provider before administering the medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phenylephrine, a decongestant, can raise blood pressure, making hypertension (
A) a contraindication requiring provider consultation. Bronchitis (
B), diarrhea (
C), and edema (
D) are not directly affected by phenylephrine.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse administers naloxone to a patient with opioid-induced respiratory depression. An hour later, the nurse finds the patient has a respiratory rate of 4 breaths/minute, oxygen saturation of 75%, and is unresponsive. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Severe respiratory depression (4 breaths/min), hypoxia (75% SpO₂), and unresponsiveness require immediate CPR (
D) to restore circulation/oxygenation. A second naloxone dose (
A) may be needed but is secondary. Chest tubes (
B) are irrelevant. Glasgow scoring (
C) delays critical intervention.