HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam
1. 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.
2. A client has been started on long-term therapy with rifampin (Rifadin). A nurse teaches the client that the medication:
- A. Should always be taken with food or antacids
- B. Should be double-dosed if one dose is forgotten
- C. Causes orange discoloration of sweat, tears, urine, and feces
- D. May not be discontinued independently if symptoms are gone in 3 months
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Rifampin causes orange-red discoloration of body secretions, including sweat, tears, urine, and feces. It can also permanently stain soft contact lenses. It is essential to take rifampin exactly as directed and not discontinue it without consulting the healthcare provider.
3. A client is learning how to mix regular insulin and NPH insulin in the same syringe. Which action, if performed by the client, indicates the need for further teaching?
- A. Withdraws the NPH insulin first
- B. Withdraws the regular insulin first
- C. Injects air into the NPH insulin vial first
- D. Injects an amount of air equal to the desired dose of insulin into the vial
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When mixing regular insulin with another insulin preparation, it is crucial to withdraw the regular insulin first to prevent contamination. NPH insulin should be drawn after the regular insulin to maintain the integrity of each insulin type. Therefore, if the client withdraws the NPH insulin first, it indicates the need for further teaching. Choice B is correct as withdrawing regular insulin first is the appropriate step. Choice C is incorrect as air should be injected into the vial containing the regular insulin to maintain pressure. Choice D is incorrect as injecting air equal to the desired dose of insulin into the vial is a correct step in preparing the insulin for withdrawal.
4. A client with severe acne is seen in the clinic, and the healthcare provider prescribes isotretinoin. The nurse reviews the client's medication record and would contact the healthcare provider if the client is taking which medication?
- A. Vitamin A
- B. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- C. Furosemide (Lasix)
- D. Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Isotretinoin is a metabolite of vitamin A, which can lead to toxicity when taken together. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid concurrent use of vitamin A supplements with isotretinoin. Contacting the healthcare provider to discuss discontinuing vitamin A supplements is important to prevent potential adverse effects. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not known to interact significantly with isotretinoin.
5. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching about the use of metoprolol (Lopressor)?
- A. I will not stop taking the medication abruptly.
- B. I will take my pulse before taking the medication.
- C. I will take the medication with food.
- D. I will take the medication at bedtime.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because taking metoprolol (Lopressor) at bedtime is not specifically recommended. Metoprolol should be taken with food to enhance absorption. It is crucial for the client not to stop taking the medication abruptly to prevent rebound hypertension or other adverse effects. Additionally, monitoring the pulse before taking metoprolol is important for assessing its effect on heart rate.
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