HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam
1. The healthcare provider prescribes exenatide (Byetta) for a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who takes insulin. What is the appropriate intervention for the nurse?
- A. Administer the medication within 60 minutes before the morning and evening meal.
- B. Withhold the medication and question the prescription with the healthcare provider.
- C. Monitor the client for gastrointestinal side effects after administration of the medication.
- D. Withdraw the insulin from the Penlet into an insulin syringe to prepare for administration.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Exenatide (Byetta) is specifically indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and is not recommended for clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus who are taking insulin. Choice A is incorrect because exenatide should not be administered to a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who takes insulin. Choice C is not the most appropriate initial action when the prescription is not suitable for the client. Choice D is unrelated to the administration of exenatide. Therefore, the appropriate intervention for the nurse is to withhold the medication and question the prescription with the healthcare provider to ensure the safety and appropriateness of the treatment plan for the client.
2. A client with chronic renal failure is receiving ferrous sulfate (Feosol). The nurse monitors the client for which common side effect associated with this medication?
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Weakness
- C. Headache
- D. Constipation
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Constipation is a common side effect of iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate. Iron can cause constipation by slowing down the movement of the digestive system and hardening the stool. Patients should be advised to increase their fluid intake, dietary fiber, and physical activity to help alleviate this side effect. Diarrhea (Choice A) is not a common side effect associated with ferrous sulfate. Weakness (Choice B) and headache (Choice C) are not typically linked to this medication.
3. Atenolol hydrochloride (Tenormin) is prescribed for a hospitalized client. The nurse should perform which of the following as a priority action before administering the medication?
- A. Listen to the client's lung sounds.
- B. Check the client's blood pressure.
- C. Check the recent electrolyte levels.
- D. Assess the client for muscle weakness.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Atenolol hydrochloride is a beta-blocker used to treat hypertension. Checking the client's blood pressure is crucial before administration.
4. 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.
5. A client with hyperlipidemia is prescribed simvastatin (Zocor). Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
- A. Take the medication in the evening.
- B. Report any muscle pain to your healthcare provider.
- C. Avoid increasing your intake of grapefruit juice.
- D. Do not take the medication with a high-fat meal.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Muscle pain can be a sign of a serious side effect of simvastatin (Zocor) known as rhabdomyolysis and should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. The medication is usually taken in the evening to coincide with the body's natural production of cholesterol. Grapefruit juice should be avoided as it can increase the risk of toxicity by affecting the metabolism of the medication. Additionally, taking simvastatin with a high-fat meal can reduce its effectiveness, so it should be taken without food or with a light meal.
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