HESI Pharmacology Exam Version 2

HESI Pharmacology Exam Version 2 | 55 Questions and Verified Answers | 2024 / 2025 Update

Question:

The healthcare provider prescribes digitalis (Digoxin) for a client diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Which intervention should the nurse implement prior to administering the digoxin?

• Observe resp rate and depth
• assess the serum potassium level
• Obtain the clients blood pressure
• Monitor the serum glucose level

Answer:

• assess the serum potassium level hypokalemia (decreased serum

potassium) will precipitate digitalis toxicity in persons receiving digoxin

Question:

A client asks the nurse if glipizide (Glucotrol) is an oral insulin. Which response should the LPN/LVN provide?

• Yes it is an oral insulin and has the same actions and properties as

intermediate insulin 1 / 4

• Yes, it is an oral insulin and is distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the

same manner as insulin

• No it is not an oral insulin and can be used only when some beta cell

function is present

• No, it is not an oral insulin, but it is effective for those who are resistant to

injectable insulins

Answer:

• No it is not an oral insulin and can be used only when some beta cell

function is present

Question:

While taking a nursing history, the client states, "I am allergic to penicillin." what related allergy to another type of anti-infective agent should the nurse ask the client about when taking nursing history.

• aminoglycosides
• Cephalosporins
• Sulfonamides
• Tetracyclines

Answer:

• Cephalosporins

Cross allergies exist between penicillin and cephalosporins

• / 4

Question:

The nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing anaphylaxis from an insect sting. Which prescription should the nurse prepare to administer to this client

• Dopamine
• Ephedrine
• Epinephrine
• Diphenhydramine

Answer:

• Epinephrine

(C) is an adrenergic agent that stimulate beta receptors to increase cardiac automaticity in cardiac arrest and relax bronchospasms in anaphylaxis.Dopamine (A) is a vasopressor used to treat clients with shock.Ephedrine (B) causes peripheral vasoconstriction and is used in the treatment of nasal congestion.Diphenhydramine (D) is an antihistamine decongestant used in the treatment of mild allergic reactions and motion sickness.

Question:

A postoperative client has been receiving a continuous IV infusion of meperidine (demerol) 35mg/hr for four days. The client has a PRN prescription for Demorol 100mg PO Q3H. The nurse notes that the client has become increasingly restless, irritable and confused, stating that there are bugs all over the walls. What action should the nurse take FIRST?

• Administer a PRN dose of the PO meperidine (demorol)
• Administer naloxone (narcan) IV per PRN protocol 3 / 4

• Decrease the IV infusion rate of the demerol per protocol
• notify the healthcare provider of the clients confusion and hallucinations

Answer:

• Administer naloxone (Narcan) IV per PRN protocol.

The client is exhibiting symptoms of demerol toxicity, which is consistent with the large dose of demerol received over four days. C. is the most effective action to immediately decrease the amount of serum demerol.

Question:

The nurse is preparing the 0900 dose of losartan (Cozaar), an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), for a client with hypertension and heart failure. The nurse reviews the client's laboratory results and notes that the client's serum potassium level is 5.9 mEq/L. What action should the nurse take first?

• Withhold the scheduled dose.
• Check the client's apical pulse.
• Notify the healthcare provider.
• Repeat the serum potassium level.

Answer:

• Withhold the scheduled dose.

The nurse should first withhold the scheduled dose of Cozaar (A) because the client is hyperkalemic (normal range 3.5 to 5 mEq/L). Although hypokalemia is usually associated with diuretic therapy in heart failure, hyperkalemia is associated with several heart failure medications, including ARBs. Because hyperkalemia may lead to cardiac dysrhythmias, the nurse should check the apical pulse for rate and rhythm (B), and the blood pressure. Before repeating the serum study (D), the nurse should notify the healthcare provider (C) of the findings.

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