HESI RN
Pharmacology HESI Quizlet
1. A client taking fexofenadine (Allegra) is scheduled for allergy skin testing and tells the nurse in the healthcare provider's office that a dose was taken this morning. The nurse determines that:
- A. The client should reschedule the appointment.
- B. A lower dose of allergen will need to be injected.
- C. A higher dose of allergen will need to be injected.
- D. The client should have the skin test read a day later than usual.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Fexofenadine, an antihistamine, can cause false-negative readings in allergy skin testing and should be discontinued 3 days prior. Therefore, the client should reschedule the appointment to ensure accurate test results.
2. The mother of a 14-year old who had a below-the-knee amputation for osteosarcoma tells the nurse that her child is angry and blaming her for allowing the amputation to occur. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
- A. I will ask the HCP for a psychiatric consult for your child'
- B. This type of acting out behavior is normal for adolescents'
- C. It is important to focus on your child’s needs at this difficult time'
- D. A reaction of anger is your child’s attempt to cope with this loss'
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Acknowledging the child's anger as part of the coping process helps the mother understand her child's emotional response.
3. The nurse is caring for a client with diabetes insipidus. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse monitor?
- A. Serum sodium
- B. Serum potassium
- C. Serum calcium
- D. Serum magnesium
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In diabetes insipidus, there is excessive excretion of water leading to dehydration. Monitoring serum sodium levels is crucial because these clients often experience hypernatremia (elevated serum sodium levels) due to the loss of relatively more water than sodium, resulting in a sodium concentration imbalance. While monitoring serum potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels is also important in various conditions, they are not the primary focus in diabetes insipidus.
4. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of heparin therapy for a client with deep vein thrombosis?
- A. Platelet count
- B. Prothrombin time (PT)
- C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
- D. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the specific laboratory test used to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy in patients with deep vein thrombosis. It measures the time it takes for blood to clot and is crucial in assessing the therapeutic range of heparin. Platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), and hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are important parameters in assessing coagulation and blood status but do not directly indicate the effectiveness of heparin therapy.
5. A client with a history of chronic heart failure is prescribed spironolactone (Aldactone). Which of the following statements indicates that the client understands the medication teaching?
- A. I will avoid potassium-rich foods.
- B. I will not use a salt substitute.
- C. I will monitor my weight daily.
- D. I will increase my fluid intake as prescribed.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct statement is 'I will avoid potassium-rich foods.' Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which can lead to hyperkalemia if potassium intake is not regulated. Therefore, avoiding potassium-rich foods is crucial to prevent this complication. Using a salt substitute can also increase potassium levels. Monitoring weight daily is essential in heart failure management, but it is not specific to spironolactone. Increasing fluid intake as prescribed is generally recommended for heart failure management but is not directly related to spironolactone use.