Pharmacology HESI

HESI RN

1. The healthcare provider has prescribed silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) for the client with a partial-thickness burn, which has cultured positive for gram-negative bacteria. The nurse is reinforcing information to the client about the medication. Which statement made by the client indicates a lack of understanding about the treatment?

A. The medication is an antibacterial.
B. The medication will help heal the burn.
C. The medication will permanently stain my skin.
D. The medication should be applied directly to the wound.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Silver sulfadiazine is an antibacterial used to treat burns, helping in the healing process. It does not permanently stain the skin. Therefore, the statement indicating a lack of understanding is that the medication will permanently stain the skin.

2. Prednisone is prescribed for a client with diabetes mellitus who is taking Humulin neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin daily. Which of the following prescription changes does the nurse anticipate during therapy with prednisone?

A. An additional dose of prednisone daily
B. A decreased amount of daily Humulin NPH insulin
C. An increased amount of daily Humulin NPH insulin
D. The addition of an oral hypoglycemic medication daily

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When prednisone is prescribed for a client with diabetes mellitus who is taking Humulin NPH insulin daily, the nurse should anticipate an increased amount of daily Humulin NPH insulin. Prednisone, a glucocorticoid, can elevate blood glucose levels, requiring an increase in insulin dosage to maintain optimal blood sugar control.

3. A client is taking levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. Which symptom would indicate to the nurse that the client is taking too much medication?

A. Bradycardia
B. Lethargy
C. Tremors
D. Constipation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client is taking an excessive dose of levothyroxine (Synthroid), it can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Tremors are a common sign of excessive medication, along with tachycardia and insomnia. Bradycardia, lethargy, and constipation are typical symptoms of hypothyroidism, indicating that the client may require a higher dose of levothyroxine rather than too much.

4. A client who had a kidney transplant is receiving therapy with cyclosporine (Sandimmune). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction?

A. I need to obtain a yearly influenza vaccine.
B. I need to have dental checkups every 3 months.
C. I need to self-monitor my blood pressure at home.
D. I need to call the health care provider (HCP) if my urine volume decreases or my urine becomes cloudy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant that can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. Clients should avoid vaccinations without consulting their health care provider to prevent potential complications or reduced efficacy of the vaccines.

5. After the initial dose, which of the following is the priority assessment for a client being treated for acute congestive heart failure with intravenously administered bumetanide?

A. Monitoring weight loss
B. Monitoring temperature
C. Monitoring blood pressure
D. Monitoring potassium level

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring blood pressure. Bumetanide is a loop diuretic, and monitoring blood pressure is crucial as hypotension is a common side effect. Hypotension can further worsen the condition of a patient with congestive heart failure, so assessing and managing blood pressure is a priority after administering bumetanide.