HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam 2023 | Verified 100%
Answers
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) Tachycardia and chest pain.
C) Dry skin and intolerance to cold.
D) Weight gain and increased appetite. -{correct Answer}- B. Thyroid replacement
hormone increases the metabolic rate of all tissues, so common signs and symptoms of
toxicity include tachycardia and chest pain (B). (A, C, and D) do not indicate a thyroid
hormone toxicity.
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. -{correct Answer}- A.
Drugs classified in the category X place a client who is in the first trimester of pregnancy
at risk for teratogenesis, so women in the childbearing years should be counseled to
use a reliable form of birth control (A) during drug therapy. (B) is not a specific
precaution with Category X drugs. The client should be encouraged to discuss plans for
pregnancy with the healthcare provider, so a safer alternative prescription (C) can be
provided if pregnancy occurs. Although the risk of birth defects during pregnancy
explains the restriction of these drugs during pregnancy, (D) is not indicated.
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. 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 -{correct Answer}- C
,A client has a continuous IV infusion of dopamine and an IV of normal saline at
50ml/hour. The nurse noes that the client's urinary output has been 20ml/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. notify the healthcare provider of the urinary output. -{correct Answer}- D.
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?
A. liothyronine (cytomel) to replace iodine
B. Furosemide (Lasix) for relief of fluid retention
C. Pentobarbital sodium for sleep
D. nitroglycerin for angina pain -{correct Answer}- C. persons with myxedema are
dangerously hypersensitive to narcotics, barbiturates, and anesthetics. They do not
tolerate liothyronine and usually receive iodine replacement therapy. These clients are
also suceptable to heart problems such as angina for which nitroglycerine would be
indicated and and congestive heart failure for which furosemide would be indicated
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. propranolol
d. captopril -{correct Answer}- A. nitroglycerin is a nitrate that causes peripheral
vasodilation and decreases contractility, thereby decreasing both preload and afterload
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) Decreased muscle weakness. -{correct Answer}- D.
Administration of edrophonium chloride (Tensilon), a cholinergic agent, will temporarily
reduce muscle weakness (D), the most common complaint of newly-diagnosed clients
with myasthenia gravis. This medication is used to diagnose myasthenia gravis due to
its short duration of action. This drug would temporarily reverse (A and B), not increase
these symptoms. (C) is not a typical complaint of clients with myasthenia gravis, but
weakness of specific muscles, especially after prolonged use, is a common symptom.
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 the 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 -{correct Answer}- D. PTU is an
adjunct therapy used to control hyperthyroidism by inhibiting production of thyroid
hormones. It is often prescribed in prep for thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine therapy
A client is being treated for osteoporosis with alendronate (fosamax), and the nurse has
completed discharge teaching regarding medication administration. Which morning
schedule would indicated to the nurse that the client teaching has been effective?
A. take medication, go for a30 minutes morning walk, then eat breakfast
B. take med, rest in bed for 30 min., eat breakfast, go for morning walk
C. take medication with breakfast, then take a 30 minute morning walk
D. go for a 30minute morning walk, eat breakfast, then take the med -{correct Answer}-
A.
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) Rash.
B) Nausea.
C) Headache.
D) Dizziness. -{correct Answer}- A.
Rash (A) is the most common adverse effect of all penicillins, indicating an allergy to the
medication which could result in anaphylactic shock, a medical emergency. (B, C, and
D) are common side effects of penicillins that should subside after the body adjusts to
the medication. These would not require immediate medical care unless the symptoms
persist beyond the first few days or become extremely severe.
A client is receiving clonidine (catapres) 0.1mg/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. Blood pressure has changed from 180/120 to 140/70 -{correct Answer}- D. Catapres
acts as a centrally-acting analgesic and antihypertensive agent. D. indicates a reduction
in hypertention
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?
A) Hypokalemia.
B) Hyponatremia.
C) Hypercalcemia.
D) Low uric acid levels. -{correct Answer}- A.
Hypokalemia affects myocardial contractility, so (A) places this client at greatest risk for
dysrhythmias that may be unresponsive to drug therapy. Although an imbalance of
Answers
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) Tachycardia and chest pain.
C) Dry skin and intolerance to cold.
D) Weight gain and increased appetite. -{correct Answer}- B. Thyroid replacement
hormone increases the metabolic rate of all tissues, so common signs and symptoms of
toxicity include tachycardia and chest pain (B). (A, C, and D) do not indicate a thyroid
hormone toxicity.
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. -{correct Answer}- A.
Drugs classified in the category X place a client who is in the first trimester of pregnancy
at risk for teratogenesis, so women in the childbearing years should be counseled to
use a reliable form of birth control (A) during drug therapy. (B) is not a specific
precaution with Category X drugs. The client should be encouraged to discuss plans for
pregnancy with the healthcare provider, so a safer alternative prescription (C) can be
provided if pregnancy occurs. Although the risk of birth defects during pregnancy
explains the restriction of these drugs during pregnancy, (D) is not indicated.
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. 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 -{correct Answer}- C
,A client has a continuous IV infusion of dopamine and an IV of normal saline at
50ml/hour. The nurse noes that the client's urinary output has been 20ml/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. notify the healthcare provider of the urinary output. -{correct Answer}- D.
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?
A. liothyronine (cytomel) to replace iodine
B. Furosemide (Lasix) for relief of fluid retention
C. Pentobarbital sodium for sleep
D. nitroglycerin for angina pain -{correct Answer}- C. persons with myxedema are
dangerously hypersensitive to narcotics, barbiturates, and anesthetics. They do not
tolerate liothyronine and usually receive iodine replacement therapy. These clients are
also suceptable to heart problems such as angina for which nitroglycerine would be
indicated and and congestive heart failure for which furosemide would be indicated
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. propranolol
d. captopril -{correct Answer}- A. nitroglycerin is a nitrate that causes peripheral
vasodilation and decreases contractility, thereby decreasing both preload and afterload
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) Decreased muscle weakness. -{correct Answer}- D.
Administration of edrophonium chloride (Tensilon), a cholinergic agent, will temporarily
reduce muscle weakness (D), the most common complaint of newly-diagnosed clients
with myasthenia gravis. This medication is used to diagnose myasthenia gravis due to
its short duration of action. This drug would temporarily reverse (A and B), not increase
these symptoms. (C) is not a typical complaint of clients with myasthenia gravis, but
weakness of specific muscles, especially after prolonged use, is a common symptom.
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 the 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 -{correct Answer}- D. PTU is an
adjunct therapy used to control hyperthyroidism by inhibiting production of thyroid
hormones. It is often prescribed in prep for thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine therapy
A client is being treated for osteoporosis with alendronate (fosamax), and the nurse has
completed discharge teaching regarding medication administration. Which morning
schedule would indicated to the nurse that the client teaching has been effective?
A. take medication, go for a30 minutes morning walk, then eat breakfast
B. take med, rest in bed for 30 min., eat breakfast, go for morning walk
C. take medication with breakfast, then take a 30 minute morning walk
D. go for a 30minute morning walk, eat breakfast, then take the med -{correct Answer}-
A.
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) Rash.
B) Nausea.
C) Headache.
D) Dizziness. -{correct Answer}- A.
Rash (A) is the most common adverse effect of all penicillins, indicating an allergy to the
medication which could result in anaphylactic shock, a medical emergency. (B, C, and
D) are common side effects of penicillins that should subside after the body adjusts to
the medication. These would not require immediate medical care unless the symptoms
persist beyond the first few days or become extremely severe.
A client is receiving clonidine (catapres) 0.1mg/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. Blood pressure has changed from 180/120 to 140/70 -{correct Answer}- D. Catapres
acts as a centrally-acting analgesic and antihypertensive agent. D. indicates a reduction
in hypertention
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?
A) Hypokalemia.
B) Hyponatremia.
C) Hypercalcemia.
D) Low uric acid levels. -{correct Answer}- A.
Hypokalemia affects myocardial contractility, so (A) places this client at greatest risk for
dysrhythmias that may be unresponsive to drug therapy. Although an imbalance of
