HESI QUESTIONS
HESI QUESTIONS
1. An antacid (Maalox) is prescribed for a client with peptic ulcer disease. The nurse knows that the purpose of this
... [Show More] medication is to
A. Decrease production of gastric secretions.
B. Produce an adherent barrier over the ulcer.
C. Correct Maintain a gastric pH of 3.5 or above.
D. Decrease gastric motor activity.
2. In evaluating the effects of lactulose (Cephulac), which outcome would indicate that the drug is performing as intended?
A. An increase in urine output.
B. Correct. Two or three soft stools per day.
C. Watery, diarrhea stools
D. Increased serum bilirubin.
3. 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? 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?
a. Observe respiratory rate and depth.
b. Correct Assess the serum potassium level.
c. Obtain the client's blood pressure.
d. Monitor the serum glucose level.
4. Following the administration of sublingual nitroglycerin to a client experiencing an acute anginal attack, which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the desired effect has been achieved?
A. Correct Client states chest pain is relieved.
B. Client's pulse decreases from 120 to 90.
C. Client's systolic blood pressure decreases from 180 to 90.
D. Client's SaO2 level increases from 92% to 96%.
5. 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?
A. Weight loss.
B. Correct Dizziness.
C. Muscle cramps.
D. Dry mucous membranes.
6. A client is being treated for hyperthyroidism with propylthiouracil (PTU). The nurse knows that the action of this drug is to:
A. Decrease the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone circulating in the blood.
B. Increase the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone circulating in the blood.
C. Increase the amount of T4 and decrease the amount of T3 produced by the thyroid.
D. Inhibit synthesis of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland.
7. A client with Parkinson's disease is taking carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet). Which observation by the nurse would indicate that the desired outcome of the medication is being achieved?
A. Decreased blood pressure.
B. Correct Lessening of tremors.
C. Increased salivation.
D. Increased attention span.
8. 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?
A. Perfusion scan.
B. Correct Prothrombin Time (PT/INR).
C. Activated partial thromboplastin (APTT).
D. Serum Coumadin level (SCL).
9. 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?
A. Administer a PRN dose of the PO meperidine (Demerol).
B. Administer naloxone (Narcan) IV per PRN protocol.
C. Correct Decrease the IV infusion rate of the meperidine (Demerol) per protocol.
D. Notify the healthcare provider of the client's confusion and hallucinations.
10. 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?
A. Correct. Take medication, go for a 30 minute morning walk, and then eat breakfast.
B. Take medication, rest in bed for 30 minutes, eat breakfast, go for morning walk.
C. Take medication with breakfast, then take a 30 minute morning walk.
D. Go for a 30 minute morning walk, eat breakfast, and then take medication.
11. A client is receiving metoprolol (Lopressor SR). What assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?
A. Temperature.
B. Lung sounds.
C. Correct Blood pressure.
D. Urinary output.
12. 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?
A. Correct Q6h.
B. QID.
C. AC and bedtime.
D. PC and bedtime.
13. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement prior to the administration of the antiarrhythmic drug adenosine (Adenocard)?
A. Assess pupillary response to light.
B. Instruct the client that facial flushing may occur.
C. Correct Apply continuous cardiac monitoring.
D. Request that family members leave the room.
14. 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 ml/hour for the last two hours. Which intervention should the nurse initiate?
A. Stop the infusion of dopamine.
B. Change the normal saline to a keep open rate.
C. Replace the urinary catheter.
D. Correct Notify the healthcare provider of the urinary output.
15. 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?
A. Increase consumption of potassium-rich foods since low potassium levels can cause muscle spasms.
B. Have serum electrolytes checked at the next scheduled appointment to assess hyponatremia, a cause of cramping.
C. Correct Make an appointment to see the healthcare provider, because muscle pain may be an indication of a serious side effect.
D. Be sure to consume a low-cholesterol diet while taking the drug to enhance the effectiveness of the drug.
16. Which nursing diagnosis is important to include in the plan of care for a client receiving the angiotensin-2 receptor antagonist Irbesartan (Avapro)?
A. Fluid volume deficit.
B. Risk for infection.
C. Correct Risk for injury.
D. Impaired sleep patterns.
17. 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?
A. Client denies recent episodes of angina.
B. Change in peripheral edema from +3 to +1.
C. Client denies recent nausea or vomiting.
D. Correct Blood pressure has changed from 180/120 to 140/70.
18. 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?
A. Correct Serum glucose.
B. Serum calcium.
C. Red blood cells.
D. Serum potassium.
19. 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?
A. Correct Administer both medications according to the prescription.
B. Hold the ketorolac to prevent an antagonistic effect.
C. Hold the morphine to prevent an additive drug interaction.
D. Contact the healthcare provider to clarify the prescription.
20. 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?
A. Hold the next scheduled dose of Imdur 60 mg and administer a PRN dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol).
B. Administer the 40 mg of Imdur and then contact the healthcare provider.
C. Correct Administer the 60 mg dose of Imdur and a PRN dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol).
D. Do not administer the next dose of Imdur or any acetaminophen until notifying the healthcare provider.
21. 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?
A. Flank.
B. Correct Abdomen.
C. Chest.
D. Head.
22. Which antidiarrheal agent should be used with caution in clients taking high dosages of aspirin for arthritis?
A. Loperamide (Imodium).
B. Probanthine (Propantheline).
C. Correct Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol).
D. Diphenoxylate hydrochloride with atropine (Lomotil).
23. The nurse is assessing the effectiveness of high dose aspirin therapy for an 88-year-old 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?
A. Refer the client to an audiologist for evaluation of her hearing.
B. Advise the client that this is a common side effect of aspirin therapy.
C. Correct Notify the healthcare provider of this finding immediately.
D. Ask the client to turn off her hearing aid during the exam.
24. 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?
A. The expiration date on the morphine syringe in the pump.
B. Correct The rate and depth of the client's respirations.
C. The type of anesthesia used during the surgical procedure.
D. The client's subjective and objective signs of pain.
25. The healthcare provider prescribes naloxone (Narcan) for a client in the emergency room. Which assessment data would indicate that the naloxone has been effective? The client's:
A. Statement that the chest pain is better.
B. Correct Respiratory rate is 16 breaths/minute.
C. Seizure activity has stopped temporarily.
D. Pupils are constricted bilaterally.
26. 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?
A. Progressive difficulty with swallowing.
B. Decreased respiratory effort.
C. Improvement in generalized fatigue.
D. Correct Decreased muscle weakness.
27. 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?
A. "Take the first dose of Sinemet today, as soon as your prescription is filled."
B. "Since you already took your levodopa, wait until tomorrow to take the Sinemet."
C. "Take both drugs for the first week, then switch to taking only the Sinemet."
D. Correct "You can begin taking the Sinemet this evening, but do not take any more levodopa.
28. 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?
A. Aminoglycosides.
B. Correct Cephalosporins.
C. Sulfonamides.
D. Tetracyclines.
29. 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?
A. Correct Rash.
B. Nausea.
C. Headache.
D. Dizziness.
30. 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?
A. Sixty minutes after the antibiotic dose is administered.
B. Correct Immediately before the next antibiotic dose is given.
C. When the next blood glucose level is to be checked.
D. Thirty minutes before the next antibiotic dose is given.
31. A client receiving albuterol (Proventil) tablets complains of nausea every evening with her 9:00 p.m. dose. What action can the nurse take to alleviate this side effect?
A. Change the time of the dose.
B. Hold the 9 p.m. dose.
C. Correct Administer the dose with a snack.
D. Administer an antiemetic with the dose.
32. 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?
A. Tinnitus and dizziness.
B. Correct Tachycardia and chest pain.
C. Dry skin and intolerance to cold.
D. Weight gain and increased appetite
33. A client asks the nurse if glipizide (Glucotrol) is an oral insulin. Which response should the nurse provide?
A. "Yes, it is an oral insulin and has the same actions and properties as intermediate insulin."
B. "Yes, it is an oral insulin and is distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the same manner as insulin."
C. Correct "No, it is not an oral insulin and can be used only when some beta cell function is present."
D. "No, it is not an oral insulin, but it is effective for those who are resistant to injectable insulins."
34. Which nursing intervention is most important when caring for a client receiving the antimetabolite cytosine arabinoside (Arc-C) for chemotherapy?
A. Hydrate the client with IV fluids before and after infusion.
B. Assess the client for numbness and tingling of extremities.
C. Correct Inspect the client's oral mucosa for ulcerations.
D. Monitor the client's urine pH for increased acidity.
35. Which symptoms are serious adverse effects of beta-adrenergic blockers such as propranolol (Inderal)?
A. Headache, hypertension, and blurred vision.
B. Correct Wheezing, hypotension, and AV block.
C. Vomiting, dilated pupils, and papilledema.
D. Tinnitus, muscle weakness, and tachypnea.
36. A client has myxedema, which results from a deficiency of thyroid hormone synthesis in adults. The nurse knows that which medication would be contraindicated for this client?
A. Liothyronine (Cytomel) to replace iodine.
B. Furosemide (Lasix) for relief of fluid retention.
C. Correct Pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal Sodium) for sleep.
D. Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) for angina pain.
37. 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?
A. Quit taking the medication if dizziness occurs.
B. Correct Do not get up quickly. Always rise slowly.
C. Take the medication with food only.
D. Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.
38. 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?
A. Heartburn.
B. Headache.
C. Constipation.
D. Correct Vomiting.
39. Which change in data indicates to the nurse that the desired effect of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist valsartan (Diovan) has been achieved?
A. Dependent edema reduced from +3 to +1.
B. Serum HDL increased from 35 to 55 mg/dl.
C. Pulse rate reduced from 150 to 90 beats/minute.
D. Correct Blood pressure reduced from 160/90 to 130/80.
40. 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?
A. Alternate the two medications q4h PRN for pain.
B. Alternate the two medications q2h PRN for pain.
C. Correct Administer only the Dilaudid q4h PRN for pain.
D. Administer only the Stadol q4h PRN for pain.
41. 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?
A. Changes in urine color.
B. Correct Presence of hand tremors.
C. Increasing body hirsutism.
D. Nausea and vomiting.
42. A client with hyperlipidemia receives a prescription for niacin (Niaspan). Which client teaching is most important for the nurse to provide?
A. Expected duration of flushing.
B. Symptoms of hyperglycemia
C. Diets that minimize GI irritation.
D. Comfort measures for pruritis.
43. Which instruction(s) 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.
44. 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?
A. Nitroglycerin
B. Propranolol
C. Morphine
D. Captopril
45. 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?
A. Assess for erythema
B. Administer the antidote
C. Apply warm compresses
D. Discontinue the IV fluids.
46. 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?
A. Do not add salt to foods during preparation
B. Refrain from eating foods high in potassium.
C. Restrict fluid intake to 1000 ml per day
D. Increase intake of milk and milk products.
47. 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?
48. 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?
A. The frequency of the dosing is necessary to increase the effectiveness.
B. Therapeutic blood levels of this drug are reached in 4 – 6 weeks.
C. Another type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug may be indicated.
D. Systemic corticosteroids are the next drugs of choice for pain relief.
49. Which method of medication administration provides the client with the greatest first-pass effect?
A. Oral
B. Sublingual
C. Intravenous
D. Subcutaneous.
50. A category X drug is prescribed for a young adult female client. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to teach this client?
A. Use a reliable form of birth control.
B. Avoid exposure to ultra violet light
C. Refuse this medication if planning pregnancy.
D. Abstain from intercourse while on this drug.
51. 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?
A. Absorption
B. Metabolism
C. Elimination
D. Distribution
52. A medication that is classified as a beta-1 agonist is most commonly prescribed for a client with which condition?
A. Glaucoma
B. Hypertension
C. Heart Failure
D. Asthma
53. The nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing anaphylaxis from an insect sting. Which prescription should the nurse prepare to administer this client?
A. Dopamine
B. Ephedrine
C. Epinephrine
D. Diphenhydramine
54. Dobutamine (Dobutrex) is an emergency drug most commonly prescribed for a client with which condition?
A. Shock
B. Asthma
C. Hypotension
D. Heart Failure
55. Which medications should the nurse caution the client about taking while receiving an opioid analgesic?
A. Antacids
B. Benzodiazepines
C. Antihypertensives
D. Oral antidiabetics [Show Less]