HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam
1. 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.
2. Before initiating a client with tuberculosis on anti-tuberculosis therapy with isoniazid (INH), a nurse ensures that which of the following baseline study has been completed?
- A. Electrolyte levels
- B. Coagulation times
- C. Liver enzyme levels
- D. Serum creatinine level
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Before starting INH therapy for tuberculosis, it is essential to assess liver enzyme levels as INH can cause hepatotoxicity. Monitoring liver enzyme levels before and during the initial 3 months of therapy is crucial to detect any liver damage early and prevent further complications. Choice A, electrolyte levels, are not directly impacted by INH therapy. Choice B, coagulation times, are not routinely monitored before starting INH therapy. Choice D, serum creatinine level, is not specifically required as a baseline study before initiating INH therapy for tuberculosis.
3. The healthcare provider is reviewing the history and physical examination of a client who will be receiving asparaginase (Elspar), an antineoplastic agent. The healthcare provider consults with the registered nurse regarding the administration of the medication if which of the following is documented in the client's history?
- A. Pancreatitis
- B. Diabetes mellitus
- C. Myocardial infarction
- D. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Asparaginase is contraindicated in clients with a history of pancreatitis due to the risk of impairing pancreatic function and causing complications. Therefore, the healthcare provider should consult with the registered nurse to assess the client's history of pancreatitis before administering asparaginase.
4. A nurse is monitoring a client receiving lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which finding should the nurse report immediately to the healthcare provider?
- A. Increased thirst
- B. Fine hand tremors
- C. Frequent urination
- D. Persistent vomiting
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Persistent vomiting can be a sign of lithium toxicity, which requires immediate medical attention. Increased thirst, fine hand tremors, and frequent urination are common side effects of lithium.
5. A client is taking phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizure control, and a sample for a serum drug level is drawn. Which of the following indicates a therapeutic serum drug range?
- A. 5 to 10 mcg/mL
- B. 10 to 20 mcg/mL
- C. 20 to 30 mcg/mL
- D. 30 to 40 mcg/mL
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct therapeutic serum drug level range for phenytoin (Dilantin) is 10 to 20 mcg/mL. This range is considered optimal for seizure control while minimizing the risk of toxicity. Monitoring drug levels helps ensure that the client is within the therapeutic range for effective treatment.
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