Page | 1
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Pharmacology Practice HESI Exam
Questions with Detailed Verified Answers
(100% Correct Answers) /Already Graded
A+
The nurse is caring for a client who has taken atenolol for 2 years. The
healthcare provider recently changed the medication to enalapril to manage the
client's blood pressure. Which instruction should the nurse provide the client
regarding the new medication?
Ans: A. Take the medication at bedtime.
B. Report presence of increased bruising.
C. Check pulse before taking medication.
D. Rise slowly when getting out of bed or chair. Correct
The client's new medication is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which has the
side effect oforthostatic hypotension. Instructing the client to rise slowly from a sitting or lying
down position is important to teach the client to avoid diiness and potentially falling.zz
A female client calls the clinic and talks with the nurse to inquire about a possible
reaction after taking amoxicillin for 5 days. She reports having vaginal
discomfort, itching, and a white discharge. The nurse should discuss which action
with the client?
Ans: Discontinue the antibiotic because original symptoms have subsided.
Continue taking medication until finished until the symptoms subside.
Consult with healthcare provider about another treatment for this effect. Correct
Use an over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal wash to flush out the secretions.
A superinfection with normal flora yeast may occur during antibiotic therapy. If suspected, the
new onset of findings should be reported to the healthcare provider for another prescribed
treatment to treat the superinfection.
,Page | 2
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The nurse is making early morning rounds on a group of clients when a client
begins exhibiting symptoms of an acute asthma attack. The nurse administers a
PRN prescription for a Beta 2 receptor agonist agent. Which client response
should the nurse expect?
Ans: Tachycardia.
Increased blood pressure.
Rapid resolution of wheezing. Correct
Improved pulse oximetry values. Correct
Reduce fever airway inflammation.
Beta 2 receptor agonist agents should provide immediate return of airflow and resolve
wheezing and improve oxygenation.
A client prescribed atenolol has a blood pressure of 120/68 mmHg, displaying
a sinus bradycardia with a rate of 58 beats/minute, and a P-R interval of 0.24.
Which action should the nurse take?
Ans: Lower the head of the bed and assess the client for orthostatic vital sign changes.
Give the medication as prescribed and continue to monitor the client. Correct
Prepare to administer atropine sulfate IV push.
Hold the prescribed dose and contact the healthcare provider.
Since the client's blood pressure is within normal limits, and the pulse is above 50 beats/min
with a first degree block, the medication can be administered. Atenolol is a beta-blocker that
slows the heart rate and lowers the blood pressure; this drug is generally held if the heart
rate is less than 50 beats/min or the client exhibits diiness related to hypotension.zz
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. Which action should the nurse take first?
,Page | 3
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Ans: Withhold the scheduled dose. Correct
Check the client's apical pulse.
Notify the healthcare provider.
Repeat the serum potassium level.
The nurse should first withhold the scheduled dose of Cozaar 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, and blood pressure.
Awarded 1.0 points out of 1.0 possible
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.)
Ans: Albuterol (Proventil) puffs.
Salmeterol (Serevent Diskus).
Prednisone (Deltasone) orally.
Gentamicin (Garamycin) IM.
Status asthmaticus is potentially a life-threatening respiratory event, so albuterol, a beta2
adrenergic agonist and short acting bronchodilator, should be administered by inhalation first
to provide rapid and deep topical penetration to relieve bronchospasms, dilate the
bronchioles, and increase oxygenation. In stepwise management of persistent asthma, a long-
action bronchodilator, such as salmeterol (Serevent Diskus), with a 12-hour duration of action
should be given next. Prednisone, an oral corticosteroid, provides prolonged anti-
inflammatory effects and should be given after the client's respiratory distress begins to
resolves. Gentamicin, an antibiotic, is given deep IM, which can be painful, and may require
repositioning the client, so should be last in the sequence.
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?
, Page | 4
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Ans: Apply the patch at least 4 hours prior to departure. Correct
Change the patch every other day while on the cruise.
Place the patch on a hairless area at the base of the skull.
Drink no more than 2 alcoholic drinks during the cruise.
Scopolamine, an anticholinergic agent, is used to prevent motion sickness and has a peak onset
in 6 hours, so the client should be instructed to apply the patch at least 4 hours before
departure on the cruise ship. The duration of the transdermal patch is 72 hours. Scolopamine
blocks muscarinic receptors in the inner ear and to the vomiting center, so the best application
site of the patch is behind the ear. Anticholinergic medications are CNS depressants, so the
client should be instructed to avoid alcohol while using the patch.
A client with giardiasis is taking metronidazole (Flagyl) 2 grams PO. Which
information should the nurse include in the client's instruction?
Ans: Notify the clinic of any changes in the color of urine.
Avoid overexposure to the sun.
Stop the medication after the diarrhea resolves.
Take the medication with food. Correct
Flagyl, an amoebicide and antibacterial agent, may cause gastric distress, so the client should
be instructed to take the medication on a full stomach. Urine may be red-brown or dark from
taking Flagyl, but this side effect is an expectant finding and not necessary to report tot he
healthcare provider.
A female client with rheumatoid arthritis takes 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?
Click here for more: Preppass - Stuvia
Pharmacology Practice HESI Exam
Questions with Detailed Verified Answers
(100% Correct Answers) /Already Graded
A+
The nurse is caring for a client who has taken atenolol for 2 years. The
healthcare provider recently changed the medication to enalapril to manage the
client's blood pressure. Which instruction should the nurse provide the client
regarding the new medication?
Ans: A. Take the medication at bedtime.
B. Report presence of increased bruising.
C. Check pulse before taking medication.
D. Rise slowly when getting out of bed or chair. Correct
The client's new medication is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which has the
side effect oforthostatic hypotension. Instructing the client to rise slowly from a sitting or lying
down position is important to teach the client to avoid diiness and potentially falling.zz
A female client calls the clinic and talks with the nurse to inquire about a possible
reaction after taking amoxicillin for 5 days. She reports having vaginal
discomfort, itching, and a white discharge. The nurse should discuss which action
with the client?
Ans: Discontinue the antibiotic because original symptoms have subsided.
Continue taking medication until finished until the symptoms subside.
Consult with healthcare provider about another treatment for this effect. Correct
Use an over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal wash to flush out the secretions.
A superinfection with normal flora yeast may occur during antibiotic therapy. If suspected, the
new onset of findings should be reported to the healthcare provider for another prescribed
treatment to treat the superinfection.
,Page | 2
Click here for more: Preppass - Stuvia
The nurse is making early morning rounds on a group of clients when a client
begins exhibiting symptoms of an acute asthma attack. The nurse administers a
PRN prescription for a Beta 2 receptor agonist agent. Which client response
should the nurse expect?
Ans: Tachycardia.
Increased blood pressure.
Rapid resolution of wheezing. Correct
Improved pulse oximetry values. Correct
Reduce fever airway inflammation.
Beta 2 receptor agonist agents should provide immediate return of airflow and resolve
wheezing and improve oxygenation.
A client prescribed atenolol has a blood pressure of 120/68 mmHg, displaying
a sinus bradycardia with a rate of 58 beats/minute, and a P-R interval of 0.24.
Which action should the nurse take?
Ans: Lower the head of the bed and assess the client for orthostatic vital sign changes.
Give the medication as prescribed and continue to monitor the client. Correct
Prepare to administer atropine sulfate IV push.
Hold the prescribed dose and contact the healthcare provider.
Since the client's blood pressure is within normal limits, and the pulse is above 50 beats/min
with a first degree block, the medication can be administered. Atenolol is a beta-blocker that
slows the heart rate and lowers the blood pressure; this drug is generally held if the heart
rate is less than 50 beats/min or the client exhibits diiness related to hypotension.zz
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. Which action should the nurse take first?
,Page | 3
Click here for more: Preppass - Stuvia
Ans: Withhold the scheduled dose. Correct
Check the client's apical pulse.
Notify the healthcare provider.
Repeat the serum potassium level.
The nurse should first withhold the scheduled dose of Cozaar 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, and blood pressure.
Awarded 1.0 points out of 1.0 possible
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.)
Ans: Albuterol (Proventil) puffs.
Salmeterol (Serevent Diskus).
Prednisone (Deltasone) orally.
Gentamicin (Garamycin) IM.
Status asthmaticus is potentially a life-threatening respiratory event, so albuterol, a beta2
adrenergic agonist and short acting bronchodilator, should be administered by inhalation first
to provide rapid and deep topical penetration to relieve bronchospasms, dilate the
bronchioles, and increase oxygenation. In stepwise management of persistent asthma, a long-
action bronchodilator, such as salmeterol (Serevent Diskus), with a 12-hour duration of action
should be given next. Prednisone, an oral corticosteroid, provides prolonged anti-
inflammatory effects and should be given after the client's respiratory distress begins to
resolves. Gentamicin, an antibiotic, is given deep IM, which can be painful, and may require
repositioning the client, so should be last in the sequence.
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?
, Page | 4
Click here for more: Preppass - Stuvia
Ans: Apply the patch at least 4 hours prior to departure. Correct
Change the patch every other day while on the cruise.
Place the patch on a hairless area at the base of the skull.
Drink no more than 2 alcoholic drinks during the cruise.
Scopolamine, an anticholinergic agent, is used to prevent motion sickness and has a peak onset
in 6 hours, so the client should be instructed to apply the patch at least 4 hours before
departure on the cruise ship. The duration of the transdermal patch is 72 hours. Scolopamine
blocks muscarinic receptors in the inner ear and to the vomiting center, so the best application
site of the patch is behind the ear. Anticholinergic medications are CNS depressants, so the
client should be instructed to avoid alcohol while using the patch.
A client with giardiasis is taking metronidazole (Flagyl) 2 grams PO. Which
information should the nurse include in the client's instruction?
Ans: Notify the clinic of any changes in the color of urine.
Avoid overexposure to the sun.
Stop the medication after the diarrhea resolves.
Take the medication with food. Correct
Flagyl, an amoebicide and antibacterial agent, may cause gastric distress, so the client should
be instructed to take the medication on a full stomach. Urine may be red-brown or dark from
taking Flagyl, but this side effect is an expectant finding and not necessary to report tot he
healthcare provider.
A female client with rheumatoid arthritis takes 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?
