HESI RN Pharmacology Exam Questions with Answers,

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HESI RN Pharmacology Exam Questions with Answers, Rationales, TestTakingStrategies and References. 1. A nurse notes that the site of a client’s peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter is reddened, wa... rm, painful, and slightly edematous near the insertion point of the catheter. On the basis of this assessment, the nurse first: Removes the IV catheter Correct Slows the rate of infusion Notifies the healthcare provider Checks for loose catheter connections Rationale: Phlebitis is an inflammatory process in the vein. Phlebitis at an IV site may be indicated by client discomfort at the site or by redness, warmth, and swelling in the area of the catheter. The IV catheter should be removed and a new IV line inserted at a different site. Slowing the rate of infusion and checking for loose catheter connections are not correct responses. The healthcare provider would be notified if phlebitis were to occur, but this is not the initial action. Test-Taking Strategy: Use the process of elimination, focusing on the data in the question. Eliminate slowing the rate of infusion and checking the connection, because they are comparable or alike in that they indicate continuation of IV therapy. Although the healthcare provider would be notified of this occurrence, the word “first” should direct you to select the option of removing the IV catheter. Review the signs of phlebitis and the actions to be taken when it occurs if you had difficulty with this question. Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying Client Needs: Physiological Integrity Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation Content Area: Intravenous Therapy Reference: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing: Patient-centered collaborative care (6th ed., p. 227). St. Louis: Saunders. Awarded 1.0 points out of 1.0 possible points. 2. A nurse hangs a 500-mL bag of intravenous (IV) fluid for an assigned client. One hour later the client complains of chest tightness, is dyspneic and apprehensive, and has an irregular pulse. The IV bag has 100 mL remaining. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? Removing the IV Sitting the client up in bed Shutting off the IV infusion Correct Slowing the rate of infusion Rationale: The client’s symptoms are indicative of speed shock, which results from the rapid infusion of drugs or a bolus infusion. In this case, the nurse would note that 400 mL has infused over 60 minutes. The first action on the part of the nurse is shutting off the IV infusion. Other actions may follow in rapid sequence: The nurse may elevate the head of the bed to aid the client’s breathing and then immediately notify the healthcare provider. Slowing the infusion rate is inappropriate because the client will continue to receive fluid. The IV does not need to be removed. It may be needed to manage the complication. Test-Taking Strategy: Use the process of elimination, focusing on the data in the question. Note the question contains the strategic word “first.” Recognizing the signs of speed shock and recalling the appropriate interventions should also direct you to the option of shutting off the IV infusion. Review the initial nursing actions for speed shock if you had difficulty with this question. Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying Client Needs: Physiological Integrity Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation Content Area: Intravenous Therapy Reference: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing: Patient-centered collaborative care (6th ed., p. 230). St. Louis: Saunders. Awarded 0.0 points out of 1.0 possible points. 3. A nurse discontinues infusion of a unit of packed red blood cells (RBCs) because the client is experiencing a transfusion reaction. After discontinuing the transfusion, which of the following actions does the nurse take next? Removing the IV catheter Contacting the healthcare provider Correct Changing the solution to 5% dextrose in water Obtaining a culture of the tip of the catheter device removed from the client Rationale: If the nurse suspects a transfusion reaction, the transfusion is stopped and normal saline solution infused at a keep-vein-open rate pending further physician prescriptions. The nurse then contacts the physician. Dextrose in water is not used, because it may cause clotting or hemolysis of blood cells. Normal saline solution is the only type of IV fluid that is compatible with blood. The nurse would not remove the IV catheter, because then there would be no IV access route through which to treat the reaction. There is no reason to obtain a culture of the catheter tip; this is done when an infection is suspected. Test-Taking Strategy: Use the process of elimination, focusing on the strategic word “next.” Knowing that the IV should not be removed will assist you in the elimination process. Recalling that normal saline solution is the only type of IV fluid that is compatible with blood will also help you answer correctly. To select from the remaining options, note that infection is not the concern; this will help you eliminate the option of obtaining a culture of the catheter tip. Review care of the client experiencing a transfusion reaction if you had difficulty with this question. Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying Client Needs: Physiological Integrity Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation Content Area: Blood administration Reference: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing: Critical thinking for collaborative care (6th ed.). Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, p. 919. Awarded 0.0 points out of 1.0 possible points. 4. The nurse determines that the client is exhibiting signs of a hemolytic transfusion reaction while receiving a blood transfusion. Place the actions the nurse should perform in the correct order, with number 1 the first action and number 5 the last action: Incorrect Obtaining vital signs/oxygen saturation Documenting the findings Hanging an IV bag of normal saline solution (NS) at a keep-vein-open (KVO) rate Notifying the healthcare provider Stopping the infusion of blood The correct order is: Stopping the infusion of blood Hanging an IV bag of normal saline solution (NS) at a keep-vein-open (KVO) rate Notifying the healthcare provider Obtaining vital signs/oxygen saturation Documenting the findings Rationale: If a transfusion reaction is suspected, the transfusion is immediately stopped and NS infused, pending further physician prescriptions. Next, the healthcare provider should be notified. Ensuring patent IV access also helps maintain the client’s intravascular volume. NS is the solution of choice, rather than solutions containing dextrose, because red blood cells do not clump with NS. Vital signs and oxygen saturation are monitored closely. Finally, the nurse documents the findings and the client’s response to the interventions. Test-Taking Strategy: Note that the client is experiencing a having a hemolytic transfusion reaction. The question sets forth the problem; the nurse must determine the order in which interventions should be performed. First, the blood transfusion is stopped and an isotonic solution infused. Next the nurse should notify the healthcare provider, check vital signs and oxygen saturation data, and assess the client closely. Once prescriptions from the healthcare provider have been initiated, the nurse should document the event and client’s response. Review the prioritization of interventions for a transfusion reaction if you had difficulty with the question. Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying Client Needs: Physiological Integrity Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation Content Area: Blood Administration References: Black, J., & Hawks, J. (2009). Medical-surgical nursing: Clinical management for positive outcomes (8th ed., p. 2016). St. Louis: Saunders. Perry, A., & Potter, P. (2010). Clinical nursing skills & techniques (7th ed., p. 789). St. Louis: Mosby. Lewis, S., Dirksen, S., Heitkemper, M., Bucher, L., & Camera, I. (2011). Medical-surgical nursing: Assessment and management of clinical problems (8th ed. p. 707). St. Louis: Mosby. Awarded 0.0 points out of 1.0 possible points. 5. A client with heart failure is being given furosemide (Lasix) and digoxin (Lanoxin). The client calls the nurse and complains of anorexia and nausea. Which action should the nurse take first? Administering an antiemetic Administering the daily dose of digoxin Discontinuing the morning dose of furosemide Checking the result of laboratory testing for potassium on the sample drawn 3 hours ago Correct Rationale: Anorexia and nausea are symptoms commonly associated with digoxin toxicity, which is compounded by hypokalemia. Early clinical manifestations of digoxin toxicity include anorexia and mild nausea, but they are frequently overlooked or not associated with digoxin toxicity. Hallucinations and any change in pulse rhythm, color vision, or behavior should be investigated and reported to the healthcare provider. The nurse should first check the results of the potassium level, which will provide additional when the nurse calls the physician, an important follow-up action. The nurse should also check the digoxin reading if one is available. The nurse would not administer an antiemetic without further investigating the client’s problem. Because digoxin toxicity is suspected, the nurse would withhold the digoxin until the physician has been consulted. The nurse would not discontinue a medication without a prescription to do so. Test-Taking Strategy: Note the strategic word “first” and use the steps of the nursing process to answer the question. The correct option is the only one that addresses assessment. Review nursing interventions for suspected digoxin toxicity if you had difficulty with this question. Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying Client Needs: Physiological Integrity Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation Content Area: Pharmacology Reference: Hodgson, B., & Kizior, R. (2010). Saunders nursing drug handbook 2010 (p. 347). St. Louis: Saunders. Awarded 0.0 points out of 1.0 possible points. 6. A physician prescribes the administration of parenteral nutrition (PN), to be started at a rate of 50 mL/hr by way of infusion pump through an established subclavian central line. After the first 2 hours of the PN infusion, the client suddenly complains of difficulty breathing and chest pain. The nurse immediately: Obtains blood for culture Clamps the PN infusion line Correct Obtains a sample for blood glucose testing Obtains an electrocardiogram (ECG) Rationale: One complication of a subclavian central line is embolism, caused by air or thrombus. Sudden onset of chest pain shortly after the initiation of PN may mean that this complication has developed. The infusion is clamped (the line should not be discontinued, however), the client turned on the left side with the head down, and the physician notified immediately. Depending on agency protocol, the rapid response team would also be called. Blood cultures are not necessary in this situation, because infection is not the concern. Likewise, there is no useful reason for checking the blood glucose level. An ECG may be obtained, but this is not the immediate priority. If the client shows signs of an air embolism, the nurse should examine the catheter to determine whether an open port has allowed air into the circulatory system. Test-Taking Strategy: Note the words “after the first 2 hours” and “immediately.” Focus on the data provided in the question to determine that an embolus has occurred. Eliminate blood cultures and blood glucose testing, which, respectively, relate to infection and hyperglycemia, which is not likely to occur during the first 2 hours of PN administration. To select from the remaining options, focus on the strategic word “immediately”; this will direct you to the correct option. Review the complications of PN and the associated nursing interventions if you had difficulty with this question. Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying Client Needs: Physiological Integrity Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation Content Area: Parenteral Nutrition Reference: Perry, A., & Potter, P. (2010). Clinical nursing skills & techniques (7th ed., p. 850). St. Louis: Mosby. Awarded 0.0 points out of 1.0 possible points. 7. A physician prescribes 2000 mL of 5% dextrose and normal saline 0.45% for infusion over 24 hours. The drop factor is 15 gtt/mL. At how many drops per minute does the nurse set the flow rate? (Round to the nearest whole number). Incorrect Correct Responses: "21" Awarded 0.0 out of 1.0 possible points. 8.ID: 383694360 A nurse is assessing a peripheral intravenous (IV) site and notes blanching, coolness, and edema at the insertion site. What should the nurse do first? Remove the IV Correct Apply a warm compress Check for blood return Measure the area of infiltration Peripheral pulses Rationale: Blanching, coolness, and edema of the IV site are all signs of infiltration. Because infiltration may result in damage to the surrounding tissue, the nurse must first remove the IV cannula to prevent any further damage. The nurse should not depend solely on the blood return for assurance that the cannula is in the vein, because blood return may be present even if the cannula is only partially in the vein. Compresses may be used, but the compress (warm or cool) depends on the type of solution infusing and physician preference. The nurse should measure the area of infiltration after the IV has been removed so that further tissue damage is prevented. Test-Taking Strategy: Note the strategic word “first.” Although each of these options is appropriate, it is necessary to prioritize them. The signs presented in the question point to infiltration. Infiltration indicates that the IV must be removed. Review the signs of infiltration and the appropriate initial interventions if you had difficulty with this question. Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying Client Needs: Physiological Integrity Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation Content Area: Intravenous Therapy Reference: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing: Patient-centered collaborative care (6th ed., p. 226). St. Louis: Saunders. Awarded 0.0 points out of 1.0 possible points. 9.ID: 383696328 A home care nurse has been assigned a client who has been discharged home with a prescription for parenteral nutrition (PN). Which of the following parameters does the nurse plan to check at each visit as a means of identifying complications of the PN therapy? Select all that apply. Weight Correct Glucose test Correct Temperature Correct Hemoglobin and hematocrit 52-year-old client with severe sepsis Rationale: When a client is receiving PN therapy, the nurse monitors the client’s weight to determine the effectiveness of the therapy. The nurse should weigh the client at each visit to make sure that the client has not gained or lost an excessive amount of weight. Because the formula contains a large amount of dextrose, the healthcare provider should check the client’s glucose level frequently. The nurse caring for a client receiving PN at home should also monitor the temperature to detect infection, which is a potential complication of this therapy. An infection in the intravenous line could result in sepsis, because the catheter is in a blood vessel. The peripheral pulses and hemoglobin and hematocrit readings may provide data but are unrelated to complications associated with PN therapy. Test-Taking Strategy: Focus on the subject, complications associated with PN therapy. Think about the procedures involved with the administration of PN and the associated complications to answer correctly. Review the priority assessments in the client receiving PN if you had difficulty with this question. Level of Cognitive Ability: Analyzing Client Needs: Physiological Integrity Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Planning Content Area: Parenteral Nutrition References: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing: Patient-centered collaborative care (6th ed., p. 1401). St. Louis: Saunders. Kee, J., Hayes, E., & McCuistion, L. (2009). Pharmacology: A nursing process approach (6th ed., p. 261). St. Louis: Saunders. Awarded 0.0 points out of 1.0 possible points. 10.ID: 383694324 A nurse is caring for a group of adult clients on an acute care nursing unit. Which of the following clients does the nurse recognize as the least likely candidate for parenteral nutrition (PN)? 61-year-old client with pancreatitis 45-year-old client who has undergone repair of a hiatal hernia Correct Hanging the IV solution but setting the infusion at just half the prescribed rate 24-year-old client with a severe exacerbation of ulcerative colitis Rationale: PN is indicated in the client whose gastrointestinal tract is not functional or who cannot tolerate an enteral diet for extended periods. The client with sepsis is very ill and may require PN. Other candidates include clients who have undergone extensive surgery, sustained multiple fractures, or have advanced cancer or AIDS. The client who has undergone hiatal hernia repair is not a candidate, because this client would resume a normal diet within a relatively short period after the hernia repair. Test-Taking Strategy: Note that the question contains the strategic words “least likely,” telling you that the correct option is the client who does not require this type of nutritional support. Focus on the needs of the clients identified in the options and use your knowledge of the purposes of PN to direct you to the correct option. Review the purposes and uses for PN if you had difficulty with this question. Level of Cognitive Ability: Analyzing Client Needs: Physiological Integrity Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Analysis Content Area: Parenteral Nutrition Reference: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing: Patient-centered collaborative care (6th ed., p. 1400). St. Louis: Saunders. Awarded 0.0 points out of 1.0 possible points. 11.ID: 383697157 A client with a peripheral intravenous (IV) line in place has a new prescription for infusion of parenteral nutrition (PN), a solution containing 25% glucose. Which of the following actions should be taken by the nurse? Hanging the IV solution as prescribed Questioning the healthcare provider about the prescription Correct Diluting the solution with sterile water to half-strength Rationale: PN solutions containing as much as 10% glucose can be infused through peripheral vessels. A PN solution containing 25% glucose is hypertonic. The nurse should question the prescription in the absence of a central venous catheter or a peripherally inserted central catheter. Diluting the solution with sterile water to half-strength and hanging the IV solution as prescribed are both inappropriate. The nurse must not alter a prescribed solution independently. Test-Taking Strategy: Note the words “peripheral intravenous (IV) line” and “25% glucose.” Recalling that PN solutions containing as much as 10% glucose can be infused through peripheral vessels will direct you to the correct option. Review base solutions of PN and their routes of administration if you had difficulty with this question. Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying Client Needs: Physiological Integrity Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation Content Area: Parenteral Nutrition References: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing: Patient-centered collaborative care (6th ed., p. 1400). St. Louis: Saunders. Kee, J., Hayes, E., & McCuistion, L. (2009). Pharmacology: A nursing process approach (6th ed., p. 260). St. Louis: Saunders. Awarded 0.0 points out of 1.0 possible points. 12.ID: 383696373 The first bag of parenteral nutrition (PN) solution has arrived on the clinical unit for a client beginning this nutritional therapy. The solution is to be infused by way of a central line. Which of the following essential pieces of equipment does the nurse obtain before hanging the solution? Pulse oximeter Blood glucose meter Electronic infusion device Correct Noninvasive blood pressure monitor [Show More]

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