HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam
1. A health care provider (HCP) writes a prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin), 0.25 mg daily. The nurse teaches the client about the medication and tells the client that it is important to:
- A. Count the radial and carotid pulses every morning.
- B. Check the blood pressure every morning and evening.
- C. Stop taking the medication if the pulse is higher than 100 beats per minute.
- D. Withhold the medication and call the HCP if the pulse is less than 60 beats per minute.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When taking digoxin, monitoring the pulse rate is essential due to its potential effects on heart rate. Digoxin can lead to bradycardia, where the pulse rate drops significantly. Withholding the medication and promptly contacting the healthcare provider if the pulse falls below 60 beats per minute is crucial to prevent severe complications and ensure appropriate management. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because counting radial and carotid pulses, checking blood pressure, or stopping the medication based on a pulse rate higher than 100 beats per minute are not the primary monitoring parameters for a client taking digoxin.
2. The healthcare provider should anticipate that the most likely medication to be prescribed prophylactically for a child with spina bifida (myelomeningocele) who has a neurogenic bladder would be:
- A. Prednisone
- B. Sulfisoxazole
- C. Furosemide (Lasix)
- D. Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Children with spina bifida, especially those with a neurogenic bladder, are at an increased risk of urinary tract infections. Sulfisoxazole, an antibiotic, is commonly prescribed prophylactically to prevent UTIs in this population. Prednisone (Choice A) is a corticosteroid and is not typically used for prophylaxis in this scenario. Furosemide (Lasix) (Choice C) is a diuretic used to treat fluid retention and hypertension, not for preventing UTIs. Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) (Choice D) is used to boost the immune system, not for UTI prophylaxis in this case.
3. A client is receiving instructions from a healthcare provider about intranasal desmopressin acetate (DDAVP). The healthcare provider explains that which of the following is a side effect of the medication?
- A. Headache
- B. Vulval pain
- C. Runny nose
- D. Flushed skin
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Intranasal desmopressin can cause a runny or stuffy nose as a side effect due to its mode of administration through the nasal passages.
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. The healthcare provider is applying a topical corticosteroid to a client with eczema. The healthcare provider should monitor for the potential of increased systemic absorption of the medication if the medication were being applied to which of the following body areas?
- A. Back
- B. Axilla
- C. Soles of the feet
- D. Palms of the hands
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The axilla has thinner skin, making it more permeable to topical medications. Areas with thinner skin, like the axilla, allow for higher systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids.
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