Hesi
A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker for the treatment of hypertension. Which of the following
statements best describes the action of beta-blockers?
A. Increase heart rate and contractility
B. Dilate blood vessels
C. Inhibit sympathetic nervous system activity
D. Enhance insulin release from the pancreas
Answer 1:
C. Inhibit sympathetic nervous system activity
Rationale:
Beta-blockers work by inhibiting the action of the sympathetic nervous system. They block beta-
adrenergic receptors, leading to a reduction in heart rate, contractility, and blood pressure.
Question 2:
A patient receiving digoxin presents with nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. What
electrolyte imbalance should the nurse suspect, and how does it relate to digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia; enhances digoxin's effects
,B. Hyperkalemia; reduces digoxin's effects
C. Hyponatremia; decreases digoxin clearance
D. Hypercalcemia; potentiates digoxin toxicity
Answer 2:
A. Hypokalemia; enhances digoxin's effects
Rationale:
Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because potassium competes with digoxin for
binding sites on the sodium-potassium pump in the myocardium. When potassium levels are
low, digoxin's effects are enhanced, leading to toxicity.
Question 3:
A patient is prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor for the management
of hypertension. Which laboratory parameter should the nurse monitor closely during ACE
inhibitor therapy?
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Blood glucose levels
C. Serum sodium levels
D. Serum calcium levels
Answer 3:
,A. Serum potassium levels
Rationale:
ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia as a side effect by inhibiting aldosterone secretion.
Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications associated with elevated
potassium levels.
Question 4:
A patient is taking warfarin for anticoagulation. Which food should the nurse instruct the
patient to consume consistently to maintain a stable INR (International Normalized Ratio)?
A. Spinach
B. Grapefruit
C. Broccoli
D. Cranberry juice
Answer 4:
A. Spinach
Rationale:
Consistent intake of vitamin K-containing foods, such as spinach, helps maintain a stable INR as
vitamin K is a key factor in the synthesis of clotting factors. Inconsistent intake can affect
warfarin's effectiveness.
, Question 5:
A patient with asthma is prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid. The nurse educates the patient
about the need for regular dental check-ups. What is the rationale behind this
recommendation?
A. Corticosteroids can lead to dental caries
B. Corticosteroids cause gingival hyperplasia
C. Corticosteroids may suppress the immune response
D. Corticosteroids increase the risk of oral candidiasis
Answer 5:
D. Corticosteroids increase the risk of oral candidiasis
Rationale:
Inhaled corticosteroids can suppress the immune response in the oral cavity, increasing the risk
of fungal infections, particularly oral candidiasis. Regular dental check-ups help detect and
manage these complications.
Answer 6:
A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker for the treatment of hypertension. Which of the following
statements best describes the action of beta-blockers?
A. Increase heart rate and contractility
B. Dilate blood vessels
C. Inhibit sympathetic nervous system activity
D. Enhance insulin release from the pancreas
Answer 1:
C. Inhibit sympathetic nervous system activity
Rationale:
Beta-blockers work by inhibiting the action of the sympathetic nervous system. They block beta-
adrenergic receptors, leading to a reduction in heart rate, contractility, and blood pressure.
Question 2:
A patient receiving digoxin presents with nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. What
electrolyte imbalance should the nurse suspect, and how does it relate to digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia; enhances digoxin's effects
,B. Hyperkalemia; reduces digoxin's effects
C. Hyponatremia; decreases digoxin clearance
D. Hypercalcemia; potentiates digoxin toxicity
Answer 2:
A. Hypokalemia; enhances digoxin's effects
Rationale:
Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because potassium competes with digoxin for
binding sites on the sodium-potassium pump in the myocardium. When potassium levels are
low, digoxin's effects are enhanced, leading to toxicity.
Question 3:
A patient is prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor for the management
of hypertension. Which laboratory parameter should the nurse monitor closely during ACE
inhibitor therapy?
A. Serum potassium levels
B. Blood glucose levels
C. Serum sodium levels
D. Serum calcium levels
Answer 3:
,A. Serum potassium levels
Rationale:
ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia as a side effect by inhibiting aldosterone secretion.
Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications associated with elevated
potassium levels.
Question 4:
A patient is taking warfarin for anticoagulation. Which food should the nurse instruct the
patient to consume consistently to maintain a stable INR (International Normalized Ratio)?
A. Spinach
B. Grapefruit
C. Broccoli
D. Cranberry juice
Answer 4:
A. Spinach
Rationale:
Consistent intake of vitamin K-containing foods, such as spinach, helps maintain a stable INR as
vitamin K is a key factor in the synthesis of clotting factors. Inconsistent intake can affect
warfarin's effectiveness.
, Question 5:
A patient with asthma is prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid. The nurse educates the patient
about the need for regular dental check-ups. What is the rationale behind this
recommendation?
A. Corticosteroids can lead to dental caries
B. Corticosteroids cause gingival hyperplasia
C. Corticosteroids may suppress the immune response
D. Corticosteroids increase the risk of oral candidiasis
Answer 5:
D. Corticosteroids increase the risk of oral candidiasis
Rationale:
Inhaled corticosteroids can suppress the immune response in the oral cavity, increasing the risk
of fungal infections, particularly oral candidiasis. Regular dental check-ups help detect and
manage these complications.
Answer 6:
