HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam
1. 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.
2. A client has lost a significant amount of blood due to complications during surgery. What parameter does the nurse recognize as the earliest indication of new decreases in fluid volume?
- A. Pulse rate
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure
- D. Pulmonary artery end-diastolic pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The earliest indication of new decreases in fluid volume is often recognized by an increase in pulse rate. Cardiac output is influenced by circulating blood volume, heart pumping action, and vascular tone. As fluid volume decreases, the body compensates by increasing the pulse rate. The formula for cardiac output is pulse rate multiplied by stroke volume. An elevated pulse rate helps maintain blood pressure with minor volume depletion. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure and pulmonary artery end-diastolic pressure, obtained through a pulmonary artery catheter, provide insights into pulmonary artery and left ventricle pressures at the end of diastole. These parameters are not the earliest indicators of new decreases in fluid volume compared to pulse rate.
3. A male client is admitted to the mental health unit because he experiences panic attacks when driving on the freeway. To attempt to desensitize this fear, what action should the nurse encourage the client to implement?
- A. Watch training videos of people driving in various environments
- B. Begin visualizing himself driving each route to the freeway
- C. Take antianxiety medication two hours before driving on freeways
- D. Get in the car with a support person and drive on a freeway during rush hour
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Visualization techniques, such as visualizing himself driving each route to the freeway, are commonly used in desensitization therapy to help clients gradually overcome their fears. Watching videos of others driving or taking medication do not actively involve the client in facing their fear, which is essential in desensitization therapy. Getting in the car with a support person during rush hour may exacerbate the client's anxiety rather than help in desensitization.
4. A client with a history of hypertension is prescribed a beta-blocker. Which client statement indicates that further teaching is needed?
- A. ‘I will take my medication in the morning before breakfast.’
- B. ‘I should avoid eating foods high in potassium.’
- C. ‘I should change positions slowly to avoid dizziness.’
- D. ‘I should avoid abrupt discontinuation of the medication.’
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: ‘I should avoid eating foods high in potassium.’ This statement indicates a misunderstanding as beta-blockers do not typically affect potassium levels. The other choices (A, C, and D) are all appropriate statements for a client prescribed a beta-blocker. Choice A shows understanding of the timing of medication administration, choice C addresses orthostatic hypotension concerns, and choice D highlights the importance of not abruptly stopping the medication to prevent adverse effects.
5. Prior to administering tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), the nurse should assess the client for which of the following contraindications to administering the drug?
- A. Age over 60 years.
- B. History of cerebral hemorrhage.
- C. History of heart failure.
- D. Cigarette smoking.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: History of cerebral hemorrhage. A history of cerebral hemorrhage is a contraindication to t-PA administration because of the increased risk of bleeding. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Age over 60 years is not a contraindication for t-PA administration. While older age may pose some risks, it is not an absolute contraindication. History of heart failure is not a direct contraindication to t-PA administration. Cigarette smoking, while a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is not a specific contraindication for t-PA administration.