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 child is hospitalized with a diagnosis of lead poisoning. The healthcare provider assisting in caring for the child would prepare to assist in administering which of the following medications?
- A. Activated charcoal
- B. Sodium bicarbonate
- C. Syrup of ipecac
- D. Dimercaprol (BAL in Oil)
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Dimercaprol (BAL in Oil) is a chelating agent indicated for lead poisoning. It works by binding to lead and facilitating its removal from the body. Activated charcoal is used for certain types of poisoning by adsorbing toxins, while sodium bicarbonate can be used to treat acidosis. Syrup of ipecac is no longer recommended for poison treatment due to potential risks.
3. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an intramuscular dose of penicillin to a client with a history of anaphylactic reactions to penicillin. Which action should the healthcare professional take first?
- A. Check the medication order for accuracy.
- B. Have an epinephrine injection available.
- C. Administer a test dose to check for a reaction.
- D. Ask the client about any allergies.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When dealing with a client who has a history of anaphylactic reactions to penicillin, the priority action for the healthcare professional is to have an epinephrine injection readily available in case of a severe allergic reaction. In such cases, the immediate focus is on being prepared to manage a potentially life-threatening situation. While checking the medication order for accuracy, administering a test dose, and asking the client about allergies are essential steps in medication administration, the first priority is ensuring the availability of epinephrine to address a severe allergic reaction promptly.
4. A client is receiving vancomycin (Vancocin). Which of the following is the most important action for the nurse to take?
- A. Monitor the client for signs of nephrotoxicity.
- B. Monitor the client for signs of ototoxicity.
- C. Ensure adequate hydration.
- D. Administer the medication with food.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most important action for the nurse to take when a client is receiving vancomycin is to monitor for signs of nephrotoxicity. Vancomycin can cause kidney damage, so monitoring kidney function and signs of nephrotoxicity are crucial to prevent harm. While monitoring for ototoxicity and ensuring adequate hydration are important nursing actions, they are not as critical as preventing nephrotoxicity when administering vancomycin.
5. Phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Pyridium) is prescribed for a client for symptomatic relief of pain resulting from a lower urinary tract infection. The nurse reinforces to the client:
- A. To take the medication after meals
- B. To take the medication before meals
- C. To discontinue the medication if a headache occurs
- D. That a reddish-orange discoloration of the urine may occur
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should instruct the client that a reddish-orange discoloration of urine may occur. The nurse should also educate the client that this discoloration can stain fabric. It is recommended to take the medication after meals to reduce the possibility of gastrointestinal upset. While a headache is an occasional side effect of the medication, it does not warrant discontinuation of the medication.
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