HESI RN
Pharmacology HESI
1. A clinic nurse prepares to administer an MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine to a child. How is this vaccine best administered?
- A. Intramuscularly in the deltoid muscle
- B. Subcutaneously in the gluteal muscle
- C. Subcutaneously in the outer aspect of the upper arm
- D. Intramuscularly in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The MMR vaccine is best administered subcutaneously in the outer aspect of the upper arm. This route allows for proper absorption and efficacy of the vaccine while minimizing the risk of injury or discomfort to the child.
2. A client with trigeminal neuralgia tells the nurse that acetaminophen (Tylenol) is taken on a frequent daily basis for relief of generalized discomfort. The nurse reviews the client's laboratory results and determines that which of the following indicates toxicity associated with the medication?
- A. Sodium of 140 mEq/L
- B. Prothrombin time of 12 seconds
- C. Platelet count of 400,000 cells/mm³
- D. A direct bilirubin level of 2 mg/dL
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A direct bilirubin level of 2 mg/dL indicates liver damage, which can be caused by an overdose of acetaminophen. Acetaminophen toxicity can lead to liver injury, manifesting as elevated bilirubin levels and other liver function test abnormalities.
3. When monitoring a client for acute toxicity associated with bethanechol chloride (Urecholine), what sign should the nurse check for to indicate toxicity?
- A. Dry skin
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Signs of dehydration
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bradycardia. Toxicity from bethanechol chloride (Urecholine) can lead to excessive muscarinic stimulation, resulting in manifestations like salivation, sweating, involuntary urination and defecation, bradycardia, and severe hypotension. When facing toxicity, treatment involves supportive measures and administering atropine sulfate subcutaneously or intravenously.
4. A client is taking cetirizine hydrochloride (Zyrtec). The nurse checks for which of the following side effects of this medication?
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Excitability
- C. Drowsiness
- D. Excess salivation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cetirizine hydrochloride (Zyrtec) is known to commonly cause drowsiness or sedation as a side effect. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for signs of drowsiness when administering this medication. Choice A, Diarrhea, is not a common side effect of cetirizine. Choice B, Excitability, is not a typical side effect of this antihistamine; instead, it tends to cause drowsiness. Choice D, Excess salivation, is not associated with cetirizine use.
5. A community health nurse visits a client at home. Prednisone 10 mg orally daily has been prescribed for the client. The nurse reinforces teaching for the client about the medication. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates that further teaching is necessary?
- A. I can take aspirin or my antihistamine if I need it.
- B. I need to take the medication every day at the same time.
- C. I need to avoid coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate in my diet.
- D. If I gain more than 5 pounds a week, I will call my doctor.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Aspirin and other over-the-counter medications should not be taken without consulting the health care provider (HCP). The client needs to take the medication at the same time every day and avoid caffeine-containing foods and fluids to prevent steroid-ulcer development.
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