HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam
1. A client taking ethambutol (Myambutol) understands the instructions provided by the nurse if the client states that he or she will immediately report:
- A. Impaired sense of hearing
- B. Problems with visual acuity
- C. Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects
- D. Orange-red discoloration of body secretions
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Problems with visual acuity. Ethambutol is known to cause optic neuritis, leading to a decrease in visual acuity and color discrimination. Therefore, any visual changes should be reported promptly to prevent further complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because ethambutol does not typically cause impaired sense of hearing, gastrointestinal side effects, or orange-red discoloration of body secretions. It is crucial for clients taking ethambutol to be aware of potential visual disturbances and report them promptly to healthcare providers.
2. The home health care nurse is visiting a client who was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The client is prescribed repaglinide (Prandin) and metformin (Glucophage) and asks the nurse to explain these medications. The nurse should reinforce which instructions to the client? Select one that doesn't apply.
- A. Diarrhea can occur secondary to the metformin.
- B. The repaglinide is not taken if a meal is skipped.
- C. The repaglinide is taken 30 minutes before eating.
- D. Nausea and vomiting
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Repaglinide is a rapid-acting oral hypoglycemic that should be taken before meals and withheld if the client does not eat. Hypoglycemia is a side effect of repaglinide, so carrying a simple sugar is essential. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production and can cause diarrhea. Muscle pain may occur as an adverse effect and should be reported to the HCP.
3. 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.
4. A client with a prescription to take theophylline (Theo-24) daily has been given medication instructions by the nurse. The nurse determines that the client needs further information about the medication if the client states that he or she will:
- A. Drink at least 2 L of fluid per day.
- B. Take the daily dose at bedtime.
- C. Avoid changing brands of the medication without health care provider (HCP) approval.
- D. Avoid over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications unless approved by the HCP.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Taking theophylline at bedtime is inappropriate because it can cause insomnia. The medication should be taken early in the morning to avoid disrupting sleep patterns. It is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding the timing of the medication to achieve optimal therapeutic effects.
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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