HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam
1. A client is receiving intravenous gentamicin (Garamycin). Which of the following findings should prompt the nurse to notify the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Nausea
- B. Hearing loss
- C. Headache
- D. Diarrhea
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Gentamicin (Garamycin) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic known to cause ototoxicity, which can manifest as hearing loss. Hearing loss is a serious adverse effect that should be reported promptly to the healthcare provider to prevent further complications or adjust the treatment regimen. Nausea, headache, and diarrhea are common side effects of gentamicin but are not as severe or urgent as hearing loss in this context.
2. When a client is taking lansoprazole (Prevacid), which question should the nurse ask during data collection to determine medication effectiveness?
- A. Has your appetite increased?
- B. Are you experiencing any heartburn?
- C. Do you have any problems with vision?
- D. Do you experience any leg pain when walking?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a client is taking lansoprazole (Prevacid), a gastric acid pump inhibitor used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the nurse should ask if the client is experiencing any heartburn to determine medication effectiveness. Heartburn is a common symptom of GERD, and the reduction of heartburn indicates the effectiveness of lansoprazole in managing acid reflux symptoms. Choices A, C, and D are not relevant to assessing the effectiveness of lansoprazole for GERD.
3. A client is learning how to mix regular insulin and NPH insulin in the same syringe. Which action, if performed by the client, indicates the need for further teaching?
- A. Withdraws the NPH insulin first
- B. Withdraws the regular insulin first
- C. Injects air into the NPH insulin vial first
- D. Injects an amount of air equal to the desired dose of insulin into the vial
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When mixing regular insulin with another insulin preparation, it is crucial to withdraw the regular insulin first to prevent contamination. NPH insulin should be drawn after the regular insulin to maintain the integrity of each insulin type. Therefore, if the client withdraws the NPH insulin first, it indicates the need for further teaching. Choice B is correct as withdrawing regular insulin first is the appropriate step. Choice C is incorrect as air should be injected into the vial containing the regular insulin to maintain pressure. Choice D is incorrect as injecting air equal to the desired dose of insulin into the vial is a correct step in preparing the insulin for withdrawal.
4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer digoxin (Lanoxin), 0.125 mg orally, to a client with heart failure. Which vital sign is most important for the healthcare professional to check before administering the medication?
- A. Heart rate
- B. Temperature
- C. Respirations
- D. Blood pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Before administering digoxin, it is essential to assess the client's heart rate as this medication directly affects cardiac function. Monitoring the heart rate helps identify if it is within the acceptable range for administering digoxin. A pulse rate below 60 beats per minute warrants withholding the medication to prevent potential adverse effects like bradycardia or cardiac arrhythmias.
5. A healthcare professional prepares to administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) to a client. Before administering the medication, the professional reviews the action of the medication and understands that it:
- A. Releases bicarbonate in exchange for primarily sodium ions
- B. Releases sodium ions in exchange for primarily potassium ions
- C. Releases potassium ions in exchange for primarily sodium ions
- D. Releases sodium ions in exchange for primarily bicarbonate ions
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, such as Kayexalate, is a cation exchange resin that functions by releasing sodium ions in exchange for primarily potassium ions. This medication is commonly used to treat hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of potassium in the blood.
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