HESI PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE QUIZ
Following the administration of sublingual nitroglycerin to a client experiencing an
acute anginal attack, which
... [Show More] assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the
desired effect has been achieved?
(ANS- Client states chest pain is relieved.
Following heparin treatment for a pulmonary embolism, a client is being
discharged with a prescription for warfarin Coumadin. In conducting discharge
teaching, the nurse advises the client to have which diagnostic test monitored
regularly after discharge?
(ANS- Prothrombin Time (PT/INR).
. A healthcare provider prescribes cephalexin monohydrate Keflex for a client with
a postoperative infection. It is most important for the nurse to assess for what
additional drug allergy before administering this prescription?
(ANS- Penicillin
A client is admitted to the coronary care unit with a medical diagnosis of acute
myocardial infarction. Which medication prescription decreases both preload and
afterload?
(ANS- Nitroglycerin
Which dosing schedule should the nurse teach the client to observe for a
controlled-release oxycodone prescription?
(ANS- Every 12 hours
A peak and trough level must be drawn for a client receiving antibiotic therapy.
What is the optimum time for the nurse to obtain the trough level?
(ANS- Immediately before the next antibiotic dose is given
After abdominal surgery, a male client is prescribed low molecular weight heparin
LMWH. During administration of the medication, the client asks the nurse why he
is receiving this medication. Which is the best response for the nurse to provide?
(ANS- This medication is a blood thinner given to prevent blood clot formation
A client with Parkinson's disease is taking carbidopa-levodopa Sinemet. Which
observation by the nurse should indicate that the desired outcome of the
medication is being achieved?
(ANS- Lessening of tremors
A client is receiving metoprolol Lopressor SR. What assessment is most important
for the nurse to obtain?
(ANS- Blood pressure
The nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing anaphylaxis from an insect
sting. Which prescription should the nurse prepare to administer this client?
(ANS- Epinephrine
A medication that is classified as a beta-1 agonist is most commonly prescribed for
a client with which condition?
(ANS- Heart failure
(ANS-
Which nursing intervention is most important when caring for a client receiving
the antimetabolite cytosine arabinoside Arc-C for chemotherapy?
(ANS- Inspect the client's oral mucosa for ulcerations
Which drug is used as a palliative treatment for a client with tumor-induced spinal
cord compression?
(ANS- Dexamethasone Decadron
Which change in data indicates to the nurse that the desired effect of the
angiotensin II receptor antagonist valsartan Diovan has been achieved?
(ANS- Blood pressure reduced from 160/90 to 130/80
. Which antidiarrheal agent should be used with caution in clients taking high
dosages of aspirin for arthritis?
(ANS- Bismuth subsalicylate Pepto Bismol
A client receiving Doxorubicin Adriamycin intravenously IV complains of pain at
the insertion site, and the nurse notes edema at the site. Which intervention is most
important for the nurse to implement?
(ANS- Discontinue the IV fluids
The nurse is transcribing a new prescription for spironolactone Adactone for a
client who receives an angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE inhibitor. Which
action should the nurse implement?
Verify both prescriptions with the healthcare provider
The healthcare provider prescribes naloxone Narcan for a client in the emergency
room. Which assessment data would indicate that the naloxone has been effective?
(ANS- The client's respiratory rate is 16 breaths/minute
The nurse is assessing the effectiveness of high dose aspirin therapy for an 88yearold client with arthritis. The client reports that she can't hear the nurse's questions
because her ears are ringing. What action should the nurse implement? (ANSNotify the healthcare provider of this finding immediately
A client is taking hydromorphone Dilaudid PO q4h at home. Following surgery,
Dilaudid IV q4h PRN and butorphanol tartrate Stadol IV q4h PRN are prescribed
for pain. The client received a dose of the Dilaudid IV four hours ago, and is again
requesting pain medication. What intervention should the nurse implement?
(ANS- Administer only the Dilaudid q4h PRN for pain
The nurse is reviewing the use of the patient-controlled analgesia PCA pump with
a client in the immediate postoperative period. The client will receive morphine 1
mg IV per hour basal rate with 1 mg IV every 15 minutes per PCA to total 5 mg IV
maximally per hour. What assessment has the highest priority before initiating the
PCA pump?
(ANS- The rate and depth of the client's respirations
A client has a continuous IV infusion of dopamine Intropin and an IV of normal
saline at 50 ml/hour. The nurse notes that the client's urinary output has been 20
(ANS-
ml/hour for the last two hours. Which intervention should the nurse initiate?
(ANS- Notify the healthcare provider of the urinary output
A client receiving albuterol Proventil tablets complains of nausea every evening
with her 9 p.m. dose. What action should the nurse take to alleviate this side
effect?
(ANS- Administer the dose with a snack
Which method of medication administration provides the client with the greatest
first-pass effect?
(ANS- Oral
In evaluating the effects of lactulose Cephulac, which outcome should indicate that
the drug is performing as intended? (ANS- Two or three soft stools per day
Upon admission to the emergency center, an adult client with acute status
asthmaticus is prescribed this series of medications. In which order should the
nurse administer the prescribed medications? Arrange from first to last. A)
Prednisone Deltasone orally.
B) Gentamicin Garamycin IM.
C) Albuterol Proventil puffs.
D) Salmeterol Serevent Diskus.
(ANS- The best sequence of administration is C, D, A and B
An older client with a decreased percentage of lean body mass is likely to receive a
prescription that is adjusted based on which pharmacokinetic process?
Distribution
Which medications should the nurse caution the client about taking while receiving
an opioid analgesic?
(ANS- Benzodiazepines
Which client should the nurse identify as being at highest risk for complications
during the use of an opioid analgesic?
(ANS- A young adult with inflammatory bowel disease
A client is being treated for hyperthyroidism with propylthiouracil PTU. The nurse
knows that the action of this drug is to
(ANS- inhibit synthesis of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland
A 43-year-old female client is receiving thyroid replacement hormone following a
thyroidectomy. What adverse effects associated with thyroid hormone toxicity
should the nurse instruct the client to report promptly to the healthcare provider?
(ANS- Tachycardia and chest pain
A client is receiving ampicillin sodium Omnipen for a sinus infection. The nurse
should instruct the client to notify the healthcare provider immediately if which
symptom occurs?
(ANS- Rash
In teaching a client who had a liver transplant about cyclosporine Sandimmune, the
nurse should encourage the client to report which adverse response to the
healthcare provider?
(ANS-
(ANS- Presence of hand tremors
A client with congestive heart failure CHF is being discharged with a new
prescription for the angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE inhibitor captopril
Capoten. The nurse's discharge instruction should include reporting which problem
to the healthcare provider?
(ANS- Dizziness
. A client has myxedema, which results from a deficiency of thyroid hormone
synthesis in adults. The nurse knows that which medication should be
contraindicated for this client?
(ANS- Pentobarbital sodium, Nembutal Sodium for sleep
A client is being treated for osteoporosis with alendronate Fosamax, and the nurse
has completed discharge teaching regarding medication administration. Which
morning schedule would indicate to the nurse that the client teaching has been
effective?
(ANS- Take medication, go for a 30 minute morning walk, then eat breakfast
The nitrate isosorbide dinitrate Isordil is prescribed for a client with angina. Which
instruction should the nurse include in this client's discharge teaching plan? (ANSDo not get up quickly, Always rise slowly
The nurse is teaching a client with cancer about opioid management for intractable
pain and tolerance related side effects. The nurse should prepare the client for
which side effect that is most likely to persist during long-term use of opioids?
Constipation
A category X drug is prescribed for a young adult female client. Which instruction
is most important for the nurse to teach this client?
(ANS- Use a reliable form of birth control
While taking a nursing history, the client states, "I am allergic to penicillin." What
related allergy to another type of antiinfective agent should the nurse ask the client
about when taking the nursing history?
(ANS- Cephalosporin's
Which instructions should the nurse give to a female client who just received a
prescription for oral metronidazole Flagyl for treatment of trichomonas vaginalis?
Select all that apply
A) Increase fluid intake, especially cranberry juice.
B) Do not abruptly discontinue the medication; taper use.
C) Check blood pressure daily to detect hypertension.
D) Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
E) Use condoms until treatment is completed.
F) Ensure that all sexual partners are treated at the same time.
(ANS- Correct selections are A, D, E, and F
Which action is most important for the nurse to implement prior to the
administration of the antiarrhythmic drug adenosine Adenocard?
(ANS- Apply continuous cardiac monitoring
(ANS-
Which symptoms are serious adverse effects of beta-adrenergic blockers such as
propranolol Inderal?
(ANS- Wheezing, hypotension, and AV block
An antacid Maalox is prescribed for a client with peptic ulcer disease. The nurse
knows that the purpose of this medication is to
(ANS- maintain a gastric pH of 3.5 or above
Which nursing diagnosis is important to include in the plan of care for a client
receiving the angiotensin-2 receptor antagonist irbesartan Avapro?
(ANS- Risk for injury
A client with osteoarthritis receives a new prescription for celecoxib Celebrex
orally for symptom management. The nurse notes the client is allergic to sulfa.
Which action is most important for the nurse to implement prior to administering
the first dose?
(ANS- Notify the healthcare provider
A client who was prescribed atorvastatin Lipitor one month ago calls the triage
nurse at the clinic complaining of muscle pain and weakness in his legs. Which
statement reflects the correct drug-specific teaching the nurse should provide to
this client?
(ANS- Make an appointment to see the healthcare provider, because muscle pain
may be an indication of a serious side effect
A client who has been taking levodopa PO TID to control the symptoms of
Parkinson's disease has a new prescription for sustained release
levodopa/carbidopa Sinemet 25/100 PO BID. The client took his levodopa at 0800.
Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan for this client?
(ANS- You can begin taking the Sinemet this evening, but do not take any more
levodopa
. A client is receiving methylprednisolone Solu-Medrol 40 mg IV daily. The nurse
anticipates an increase in which laboratory value as the result of this medication?
(ANS- Serum glucose
. A client with hyperlipidemia receives a prescription for niacin Niaspan. Which
client teaching is most important for the nurse to provide?
(ANS- Expected duration of flushing
When assessing an adolescent who recently overdosed on acetaminophen Tylenol,
it is most important for the nurse to assess for pain in which area of the body?
(ANS- Abdomen
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?
(ANS- Withhold the scheduled dose
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?
(ANS- Assess the serum potassium level
A client with coronary artery disease who is taking digoxin Lanoxin receives a new
prescription for atorvastatin Lipitor. Two weeks after initiation of the Lipitor
prescription, the nurse assesses the client. Which finding requires the most
immediate intervention?
(ANS- Vomiting
. A client is receiving digoxin for the onset of supraventricular tachycardia SVT.
Which laboratory findings should the nurse identify that places this client at risk?
(ANS- Hypokalemia
A client with giardiasis is taking metronidazole Flagyl 2 grams PO. Which
information should the nurse include in the client's instruction?
(ANS- Take the medication with food
A client's dose of isosorbide dinitrate Imdur is increased from 40 mg to 60 mg PO
daily. When the client reports the onset of a headache prior to the next scheduled
dose, which action should the nurse implement?
(ANS- Administer the 60 mg dose of Imdur and a PRN dose of acetaminophen
Tylenol
A female client with rheumatoid arthritis take ibuprofen Motrin 600 mg PO 4 times
a day. To prevent gastrointestinal bleeding, misoprostol Cytotec 100 mcg PO is
prescribed. Which information is most important for the nurse to include in client
teaching?
(ANS- Use contraception during intercourse
A client is receiving clonidine Catapres 0.1 mg/24hr via transdermal patch. Which
assessment finding indicates that the desired effect of the medication has been
achieved?
(ANS- Blood pressure has changed from 180/120 to 140/70
A client is admitted to the hospital for diagnostic testing for possible myasthenia
gravis. The nurse prepares for intravenous administration of edrophonium chloride
Tensilon. What is the expected outcome for this client following administration of
this pharmacologic agent? (ANS- Decreased muscle weakness
Dobutamine, Dobutrex is an emergency drug most commonly prescribed for a
client with which condition?
(ANS- Heart failure
. A postoperative client has been receiving a continuous IV infusion of meperidine
Demerol 35 mg/hr for four days. The client has a PRN prescription for Demerol
100 mg 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?
(ANS- Decrease the IV infusion rate of the meperidine, Demerol per protocol
The healthcare provider prescribes naproxen Naproxen twice daily for a client with
osteoarthritis of the hands. The client tells the nurse that the drug does not seem to
be effective after three weeks. Which is the best response for the nurse to provide?
(ANS- Another type of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug may be indicated
A client with heart failure is prescribed spironolactone Aldactone. Which
information is most important for the nurse to provide to the client about diet
modifications?
(ANS- Refrain for eating foods high in potassium
A client asks the nurse if glipizide Glucotrol is an oral insulin. Which response
should the nurse provide?
(ANS- No, it is not an oral insulin and can be used only when some beta cell
function is present
A client with a dysrhythmia is to receive procainamide Pronestyl in 4 divided doses
over the next 24 hours. What dosing schedule is best for the nurse to implement?
(ANS- q6h
An adult client is given a prescription for a scopolamine patch Transderm Scop to
prevent motion sickness while on a cruise. Which information should the nurse
provide to the client?
(ANS- Apply the patch at least 4 hours prior to departure
An adult client has prescriptions for morphine sulfate 2.5 mg IV q6h and ketorolac
Toradol 30 mg IV q6h. Which action should the nurse implement?
(ANS- Administer both medications according to the prescription [Show Less]