2023-2024 HESI Pharmacology V1
1. "I can take aspirin or my antihistamine if I need it."
Rationale:
Aspirin and other over-the-counter medications should not be taken unless the client consults
with the health care provider (HCP). The client needs to take the medication at the same time
every day and should be instructed not to stop the medication. A slight weight gain as a result of
an improved appetite is expected, but after the dosage is stabilized, a weight gain of 5 lb or
more weekly should be reported to the HCP. Caffeine- containing foods and fluids need to be
avoided because they may contribute to steroid- ulcer development. - ANS-A community health
nurse visits a client at home. Prednisone 10 mg orally daily has been prescribed for the client
and the nurse reinforces teaching for the client about the medication. Which statement, if made
by the client, indicates that further teaching is necessary?
1. "I can take aspirin or my antihistamine if I need it."
2. "I need to take the medication every day at the same time."
3. "I need to avoid coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate in my diet."
4. "If I gain more than 5 pounds a week, I will call my doctor."
1. "I will use a soft toothbrush to brush my teeth."
Rationale:Phenytoin (Dilantin) is an anticonvulsant. Gingival hyperplasia, bleeding, swelling, and
tenderness of the gums can occur with the use of this medication. The client needs to be taught
good oral hygiene, gum massage, and the need for regular dentist visits. The client should not
skip medication doses, because this could precipitate a seizure. Capsules should not be
chewed or broken and they must be swallowed. The client needs to be instructed to report a
sore throat, fever, glandular swelling, or any skin reaction, because this indicates hematological
toxicity. - ANS-Phenytoin (Dilantin), 100 mg orally three times daily, has been prescribed for a
client for seizure control. The nurse reinforces instructions regarding the medication to the
client. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the instructions?
1. "I will use a soft toothbrush to brush my teeth."
2. "It's all right to break the capsules to make it easier for me to swallow them."
3. "If I forget to take my medication, I can wait until the next dose and eliminate that dose."
4. "If my throat becomes sore, it's a normal effect of the medication and it's nothing to be
concerned about."
1. Acne
Rationale:
Azelaic acid is a topical medication used to treat mild to moderate acne. The acid appears to
work by suppressing the growth of Propionibacterium acnes and decreasing the proliferation of
,keratinocytes. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect. - ANS-The clinic nurse is performing an
admission assessment on a client. The nurse notes that the client is taking azelaic acid
(Azelex). Because of the medication prescription, the nurse would suspect that the client is
being treated for:
1. Acne
2. Eczema
3. Hair loss
4. Herpes simplex
1. Alcohol
Rationale:
When alcohol is combined with glimepiride (Amaryl), a disulfiram-like reaction may occur. This
syndrome includes flushing, palpitations, and nausea. Alcohol can also potentiate the
hypoglycemic effects of the medication. Clients need to be instructed to avoid alcohol
consumption while taking this medication. The items in options 2, 3, and 4 do not need to be
avoided. - ANS-Glimepiride (Amaryl) is prescribed for a client with diabetes mellitus. A nurse
reinforces instructions for the client and tells the client to avoid which of the following while
taking this medication?
1. Alcohol
2. Organ meats
3. Whole-grain cereals
4. Carbonated beverages
1. Avoid sun exposure.
Rationale:Saquinavir (Invirase) is an antiretroviral (protease inhibitor) used with other
antiretroviral medications to manage human immunodeficiency virus infection. Saquinavir is
administered with meals and is best absorbed if the client consumes high-calorie, high- fat
meals. Saquinavir can cause photosensitivity, and the nurse should instruct the client to avoid
sun exposure. - ANS-Saquinavir (Invirase) is prescribed for the client who is human
immunodeficiency virus seropositive. The nurse reinforces medication instructions and tells the
client to:
1. Avoid sun exposure.
2. Eat low-calorie foods.
3. Eat foods that are low in fat.
4. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
1. Decreased urinary output
Rationale
:Desmopressin promotes renal conservation of water. The hormone carries out this action by
acting on the collecting ducts of the kidney to increase their permeability to water, which results
in increased water reabsorption. The therapeutic effect of this medication would be manifested
,by a decreased urine output. Options 2, 3, and 4 are unrelated to the effects of this medication. -
ANS-Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) is prescribed for the treatment of diabetes insipidus. The
nurse monitors the client after medication administration for which therapeutic response?
1. Decreased urinary output
2. Decreased blood pressure
3. Decreased peripheral edema
4. Decreased blood glucose level
1. Diarrhea can occur secondary to the metformin.
2. The repaglinide is not taken if a meal is skipped.
3. The repaglinide is taken 30 minutes before eating.
4. Candy or another simple sugar is carried and used to treat mild hypoglycemia episodes.
Rationale:
Repaglinide is a rapid-acting oral hypoglycemic agent that stimulates pancreatic insulin
secretion that should be taken before meals, and that should be withheld if the client does not
eat. Hypoglycemia is a side effect of repaglinide and the client should always be prepared by
carrying a simple sugar with her or him at all times. Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic given in
combination with repaglinide and works by decreasing hepatic glucose production. A common
side effect of metformin is diarrhea. Muscle pain may occur as an adverse effect from metformin
but it might signify a more serious condition that warrants health care provider notification, not
the use o - ANS-he home health care nurse is visiting a client who was recently diagnosed with
type 2 diabetes mellitus. The client is prescribed repaglinide (Prandin) and metformin
(Glucophage) and asks the nurse to explain these medications. The nurse should reinforce
which instructions to the client? Select all that apply.
1. Diarrhea can occur secondary to the metformin.
2. The repaglinide is not taken if a meal is skipped.
3. The repaglinide is taken 30 minutes before eating.
4. Candy or another simple sugar is carried and used to treat mild hypoglycemia episodes.
5. Metformin increases hepatic glucose production to prevent hypoglycemia associated with
repaglinide.6. Muscle pain is an expected side effect of metformin and may be treated with
acetaminophen (Tylenol).
1. Gait
Rationale:Stavudine (d4t, Zerit) is an antiretroviral used to manage human immunodeficiency
virus infection in clients who do not respond to or who cannot tolerate conventional therapy. The
medication can cause peripheral neuropathy, and the nurse should monitor the client's gait
closely and ask the client about paresthesia. Options 2, 3, and 4 are unrelated to the use of the
medication. - ANS-The client who is human immunodeficiency virus seropositive has been
taking stavudine (d4t, Zerit). The nurse monitors which of the following most closely while the
client is taking this medication?
1. Gait
2. Appetite
, 3. Level of consciousness
4. Hemoglobin and hematocrit blood levels
1. Glaucoma
Rationale:Because this medication has anticholinergic effects, it should be used with caution in
clients with a history of urinary retention, angle-closure glaucoma, and increased intraocular
pressure. Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride should be used only for short-term 2- to 3-week
therapy. - ANS-Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is prescribed for a client to treat muscle spasms, and
the nurse is reviewing the client's record. Which of the following disorders, if noted in the client's
record, would indicate a need to contact the health care provider regarding the administration of
this medication?
1. Glaucoma
2. Emphysema
3. Hyperthyroidism
4. Diabetes mellitus
1. Nizatidine (Axid)
2. Ranitidine (Zantac)
3. Famotidine (Pepcid)
4. Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Rationale:
H2-receptor antagonists suppress secretion of gastric acid, alleviate symptoms of heartburn,
and assist in preventing complications of peptic ulcer disease. These medications also suppress
gastric acid secretions and are used in active ulcer disease, erosive esophagitis, and
pathological hypersecretory conditions. The other medications listed are proton pump
inhibitors.H2-receptor antagonists medication names end with -dine.Proton pump inhibitors
medication names end with -zole. - ANS-A histamine (H2)-receptor antagonist will be prescribed
for a client. The nurse understands that which medications are H2-receptor antagonists? Select
all that apply.
1. Nizatidine (Axid)
2. Ranitidine (Zantac)
3. Famotidine (Pepcid)
4. Cimetidine (Tagamet)
5. Esomeprazole (Nexium)
6. Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
1. Notify the registered nurse.
Rationale:
When antineoplastic medications (Chemotherapeutic Agents) are administered via IV, great
care must be taken to prevent the medication from escaping into the tissues surrounding the
injection site, because pain, tissue damage, and necrosis can result. The nurse monitors for
