HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Quizlet
1. In a client with chronic renal failure receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit), which laboratory result would indicate a therapeutic effect of the medication?
- A. Hematocrit of 32%
- B. Platelet count of 400,000 cells/mm³
- C. White blood cell count of 6000 cells/mm³
- D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 15 mg/dL
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A hematocrit of 32% indicates a therapeutic effect of epoetin alfa in a client with chronic renal failure. Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia in these patients by stimulating red blood cell production, leading to an increase in the hematocrit level. Monitoring the hematocrit is essential to assess the response to epoetin alfa therapy.
2. A client is prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid for asthma management. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client regarding the use of this medication?
- A. Rinse your mouth after using the inhaler
- B. Hold your breath for 5 seconds after inhaling the medication
- C. Use the inhaler during an acute asthma attack
- D. Take the medication only when symptoms occur
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client using an inhaled corticosteroid for asthma management is to rinse the mouth after using the inhaler. This helps prevent oral thrush, a common side effect of corticosteroid inhalers. Holding the breath for 5 seconds after inhaling the medication (Choice B) is not necessary for corticosteroid inhalers. Using the inhaler during an acute asthma attack (Choice C) is not the purpose of corticosteroids, which are used for long-term asthma management. Taking the medication only when symptoms occur (Choice D) is not correct as corticosteroids are typically used regularly to control asthma symptoms.
3. A client with DM asks a nurse why it is necessary to rotate injection sites when using an insulin pen. The nurse's best response would be:
- A. To prevent scar tissue from forming under the skin.
- B. To make the injections less painful.
- C. To help the insulin absorb better.
- D. To keep the skin looking healthy.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "To help the insulin absorb better." Rotating injection sites is important as it helps to ensure better insulin absorption and reduces the risk of developing lipodystrophy. Option A is incorrect as rotating sites primarily aims to optimize insulin absorption, not prevent scar tissue. Option B is inaccurate because rotating injection sites does not necessarily make the injections less painful. Option D is incorrect as the primary reason for rotating injection sites is not related to the aesthetics of the skin but rather to enhance insulin absorption and prevent complications.
4. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following interventions should be the nurse's priority?
- A. Administer intravenous insulin
- B. Start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline
- C. Monitor serum potassium levels
- D. Obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the priority intervention is fluid resuscitation with normal saline to restore intravascular volume and improve perfusion. Administering insulin without first addressing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can lead to further complications. Monitoring serum potassium levels and obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG) are important aspects of DKA management but come after initial fluid resuscitation.
5. The nurse is planning a health fair for young adults. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Provide educational materials on smoking cessation
- B. Offer blood pressure screening and monitoring
- C. Provide information on safe sex practices
- D. Discuss the importance of a healthy diet and exercise
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Offering blood pressure screening and monitoring is crucial for young adults as it helps in the early detection and management of hypertension, a condition that often goes unnoticed. High blood pressure can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. While education on smoking cessation, safe sex practices, healthy diet, and exercise are important aspects of overall health promotion, blood pressure screening takes precedence due to its immediate impact on health and the prevention of potential complications.