HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam with Questions and Correct Answers with Complete Rationale

After giving a client sublingual nitroglycerin for an acute anginal attack, what signs should I look for to determine if the medication is working as intended? A. Client states chest pain is relieved B. Client's pulse decreases from 120 to 90 C. Client's systolic blood pressure decreases from 180 to 90 D. Clients SaO2 level increases from 92% to 96% - A. nitroglycerin reduces mycocardial oxygen consumption which decreases ischemia and reduces chest pain It is important for the nurse to provide thorough client teaching on the use of niacin (Niaspan) for a client with hyperlipidemia. a. expected duration of flushing b. symptoms of hyperglycemia c. diets that minimize gi irritation d. comfort measure for pruritis - A. flushing of the face and neck, lasting up to an hour, is a frequent reason for discontinuing niacin. inclusion of this effect in client teaching may promote compliance in taking the med. When assessing an adolescent who recently overdosed on acetaminophen (Tylenol), it is crucial for the nurse to assess for pain in which area of the body? a. flank b. abdomen c. chest d. head - B. acetaminophen toxicisty an result in liver damage; therefore, it is especially important for the nurse to assess for pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen (which might indicated liver damage) Question: A patient has been admitted to the coronary care unit with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Which medication prescription reduces both preload and afterload? • a. nitroglycerin • b. propranolol • c. propranolol • d. captopril Answer: a. nitroglycerin - Nitroglycerin is a nitrate that induces peripheral vasodilation and diminishes contractility, which in turn lowers both preload and afterload. ________________________________________ Question: A client is being treated for hyperthyroidism with propylthiouracil (PTU). The nurse understands 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 Answer: D. inhibit synthesis of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland - PTU is used to manage hyperthyroidism by preventing the production of thyroid hormones, commonly in preparation for thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine treatment. ________________________________________ Question: Which change in data indicates to the nurse that the desired effect of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist has been achieved? • A. Dependent edema reduced from +3 to +1 • B. Serum HDL increased from 35 to 55 mg/dL • C. Pulse rate reduced from 150 to 90 beats/min • D. Blood pressure reduced from 160/90 to 130/80 Answer: D. Blood pressure reduced from 160/90 to 130/80 - The desired outcome of angiotensin II receptor antagonists, used to treat hypertension, is a reduction in blood pressure. ________________________________________