HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam
1. A client is receiving morphine sulfate for pain management. Which assessment finding requires immediate action?
- A. Constipation
- B. Drowsiness
- C. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
- D. Nausea
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute indicates respiratory depression, a serious side effect of morphine sulfate that can lead to respiratory compromise and requires immediate intervention. Constipation, drowsiness, and nausea are common side effects of morphine but are not immediately life-threatening compared to respiratory depression. Monitoring and addressing a low respiratory rate are crucial in preventing further respiratory distress or failure.
2. 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.
3. When caring for a client with cancer receiving cisplatin, what adverse effects should the nurse monitor for? Select all that apply.
- A. Tinnitus
- B. Insomnia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Hypercalcemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cisplatin, a chemotherapy medication, can lead to various adverse effects, including ototoxicity manifesting as tinnitus, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and nephrotoxicity. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor for these side effects during the client's treatment.
4. The client with a gastric ulcer has a prescription for sucralfate (Carafate), 1 g by mouth four times daily. The nurse schedules the medication for which times?
- A. With meals and at bedtime
- B. Every 6 hours around the clock
- C. One hour after meals and at bedtime
- D. One hour before meals and at bedtime
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Sucralfate is a gastric protectant that forms a protective coating over the ulcer. Administering sucralfate 1 hour before meals and at bedtime is important to create a barrier that protects the ulcer from gastric acid and mechanical irritation. This timing allows sucralfate to effectively coat the ulcer site and provide the desired therapeutic effect, enhancing its efficacy in promoting ulcer healing and symptom relief.
5. 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.
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