HESI RN
HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam
1. A healthcare professional is monitoring a client who is receiving intravenous amphotericin B. Which of the following should prompt the healthcare professional to notify the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Fever
- B. Headache
- C. Nausea
- D. Oliguria
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Amphotericin B is known to cause nephrotoxicity, which can lead to kidney damage. Oliguria, which is decreased urine output, is a concerning sign of kidney dysfunction and should be reported promptly to the healthcare provider to prevent further complications. Fever, headache, and nausea are common side effects of amphotericin B but are not as critical as oliguria in indicating potential kidney damage.
2. When assessing the effectiveness of leflunomide (Arava) in a client with rheumatoid arthritis, which question should the nurse ask during data collection?
- A. Do you have any joint pain?
- B. Are you having any diarrhea?
- C. Do you have frequent headaches?
- D. Are you experiencing heartburn?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To assess the effectiveness of leflunomide (Arava), a medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, the nurse should inquire about joint pain. Joint pain is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, and improvement in joint pain indicates the medication's effectiveness in managing the condition.
3. A client is taking levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. Which symptom would indicate to the nurse that the client is taking too much medication?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Lethargy
- C. Tremors
- D. Constipation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a client is taking an excessive dose of levothyroxine (Synthroid), it can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Tremors are a common sign of excessive medication, along with tachycardia and insomnia. Bradycardia, lethargy, and constipation are typical symptoms of hypothyroidism, indicating that the client may require a higher dose of levothyroxine rather than too much.
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 health care provider (HCP) writes a prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin), 0.25 mg daily. The nurse teaches the client about the medication and tells the client that it is important to:
- A. Count the radial and carotid pulses every morning.
- B. Check the blood pressure every morning and evening.
- C. Stop taking the medication if the pulse is higher than 100 beats per minute.
- D. Withhold the medication and call the HCP if the pulse is less than 60 beats per minute.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When taking digoxin, monitoring the pulse rate is essential due to its potential effects on heart rate. Digoxin can lead to bradycardia, where the pulse rate drops significantly. Withholding the medication and promptly contacting the healthcare provider if the pulse falls below 60 beats per minute is crucial to prevent severe complications and ensure appropriate management. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because counting radial and carotid pulses, checking blood pressure, or stopping the medication based on a pulse rate higher than 100 beats per minute are not the primary monitoring parameters for a client taking digoxin.
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