HESI Pharmacology
The camp nurse asks the children preparing to swim in the lake if they have applied sunscreen. The nurse reminds the children that chemical sunscreens are most effective when applied at which times? Immediately before swimming 5 minutes before exposure to the sun Immediately before exposure to the sun At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun Rationale: Sunscreens are most effective when applied at least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun so that they can penetrate the skin. All sunscreens should be reapplied after swimming or sweating.
The nurse is applying a topical corticosteroid to a client with eczema. The nurse should apply the medication to which body area? Select all that apply. Back Axilla Eyelids Soles of the feet Palms of the hands
Back, Soles of the feet, and Palms of the hands Rationale: Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed into the systemic circulation. Absorption is higher from regions where the skin is especially permeable (scalp, axilla, face, eyelids, neck, perineum, genitalia), and lower from regions where permeability is poor (back, palms, soles). The nurse should avoid areas of higher absorption to prevent systemic absorption.
A client with metastatic breast cancer is receiving tamoxifen. The nurse specifically monitors which laboratory value while the client is taking this medication? Glucose level Calcium level Potassium level Prothrombin time
Calcium level Rationale: Tamoxifen may increase calcium, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Before the initiation of therapy, a complete blood count, platelet count, and serum calcium level should be assessed. These blood levels, along with cholesterol and triglyceride levels, should be monitored periodically during therapy. The nurse should assess for hypercalcemia while the client is taking this medication. Signs of hypercalcemia include increased urine volume, excessive thirst, nausea, vomiting, constipation, hypotonicity of muscles, and deep bone and flank pain.
The nurse is analyzing the laboratory results of a client with leukemia who has received a regimen of chemotherapy. Which laboratory value would the nurse specifically note as a result of the massive cell destruction that occurred from the chemotherapy? Anemia Decreased platelets Increased uric acid level Decreased leukocyte count
Increased uric acid level Rationale: Hyperuricemia is especially common following treatment for leukemias and lymphomas because chemotherapy results in massive cell kill. Although options 1, 2, and 4 also may be noted, an increased uric acid level is related specifically to cell destruction.
A client with small cell lung cancer is being treated with etoposide. The nurse monitors the client during administration, knowing that which adverse effect is specifically associated with this medication? Alopecia Chest pain Pulmonary fibrosis Orthostatic hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension Rationale: An adverse effect specific to etoposide is orthostatic hypotension. Etoposide should be administered slowly over 30 to 60 minutes to avoid hypotension. The client's blood pressure is monitored during the infusion. Hair loss occurs with nearly all antineoplastic medications. Chest pain and pulmonary fibrosis are unrelated to this medication.
The home care nurse visits a client recently diagnosed with diabetes mellitus who is taking Humulin NPH insulin daily. The client asks the nurse how to store the unopened vials of insulin. The nurse should tell the client to take which action? Freeze the insulin. Refrigerate the insulin. Store the insulin in a dark, dry place. Keep the insulin at room temperature.
Refrigerate the insulin. Rationale: Insulin in unopened vials should be stored under refrigeration until needed. Vials should not be frozen. When stored unopened under refrigeration, insulin can be used up to the expiration date on the vial. Options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect.
The nurse is monitoring the intravenous (IV) infusion of an antineoplastic medication. During the infusion, the client complains of pain at the insertion site. On inspection of the site, the nurse notes redness and swelling and that the infusion of the medication has slowed in rate. The nurse suspects extravasation and should take which actions? Select all that apply. Stop the infusion. Notify the health care provider (HCP). Prepare to apply ice or heat to the site. Restart the IV at a distal part of the same vein. Prepare to administer a prescribed antidote into the site. Increase the flow rate of the solution to flush the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
Stop the infusion. Notify the health care provider (HCP). Prepare to apply ice or heat to the site. Prepare to administer a prescribed antidote into the site. Rationale: Redness and swelling and a slowed infusion indicate signs of extravasation. If the nurse suspects extravasation during the IV administration of an antineoplastic medication, the infusion is stopped and the HCP is notified. Ice or heat may be prescribed for application to the site and an antidote may be prescribed to be administered into the site. Increasing the flow rate can increase damage to the tissues. Restarting an IV in the same vein can increase damage to the site and vein.
Tamoxifen citrate is prescribed for a client with metastatic breast carcinoma. The client asks the nurse if her family member with bladder cancer can also take this medication. The nurse most appropriately responds by making which statement? "This medication can be used only to treat breast cancer." "Yes, your family member can take this medication for bladder cancer as well." "This medication can be taken to prevent and treat clients with breast cancer." "This medication can be taken by anyone with cancer as long as their health care provider approves it."
"This medication can be taken to prevent and treat clients with breast cancer." Rationale: Tamoxifen is an antineoplastic medication that competes with estradiol for binding to estrogen in tissues containing high concentrations of receptors. Tamoxifen is used to treat metastatic breast carcinoma in women and men. Tamoxifen is also effective in delaying the recurrence of cancer following mastectomy and for preventing breast cancer in those that are at high risk.
A clinic nurse prepares a teaching plan for a client receiving an antineoplastic medication. When implementing the plan, the nurse should make which statement to the client? "You can take aspirin as needed for headache." "You can drink beverages containing alcohol in moderate amounts each evening." "You need to consult with the health care provider (HCP) before receiving immunizations." "It is fine to receive a flu vaccine at the local health fair without HCP approval because the flu is so contagious."
"You need to consult with the health care provider (HCP) before receiving immunizations." Rationale: Because antineoplastic medications lower the resistance of the body, clients must be informed not to receive immunizations without the HCP's approval. Clients also need to avoid contact with individuals who have recently received a live virus vaccine. Clients need to avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing products to minimize the risk of bleeding, and they need to avoid alcohol to minimize the risk of toxicity and side/adverse effects.
Potassium chloride intravenously is prescribed for a client with hypokalemia. Which actions should the nurse take to plan for preparation and administration of the potassium? Select all that apply. 1. Obtain an intravenous (IV) infusion pump. 2. Monitor urine output during administration. 3. Prepare the medication for bolus administration. 4. Monitor the IV site for signs of infiltration or phlebitis. 5. Ensure that the medication is diluted in the appropriate volume of fluid. 6. Ensure that the bag is labeled so that it reads the volume of potassium in the solution.
1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 Rationale: Potassium chloride administered intravenously must always be diluted in IV fluid and infused via an infusion pump. Potassium chloride is never given by bolus (IV push). Giving potassium chloride by IV push can result in cardiac arrest. The nurse should ensure that the potassium is diluted in the appropriate amount of diluent or fluid. The IV bag containing the potassium chloride should always be labeled with the volume of potassium it contains. The IV site is monitored closely because potassium chloride is irritating to the veins and there is risk of phlebitis. In addition, the nurse should monitor for infiltration. The nurse monitors urinary output during administration and contacts the health care provider if the urinary output is less than 30 mL/hour.
A client with hyperthyroidism has been given methimazole. Which nursing considerations are associated with this medication? Select all that apply. Administer methimazole with food. Place the client on a low-calorie, low-protein diet. Assess the client for unexplained bruising or bleeding. Instruct the client to report side and adverse effects such as sore throat, fever, or headaches. Use special radioactive precautions when handling the client's urine for the first 24 hours following initial administration.
Administer methimazole with food. Assess the client for unexplained bruising or bleeding. Instruct the client to report side and adverse effects such as sore throat, fever, or headaches. Rationale: Common side effects of methimazole include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. To address these side effects, this medication should be taken with food. Because of the increase in metabolism that occurs in hyperthyroidism, the client should consume a high-calorie diet. Antithyroid medications can cause agranulocytosis with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Sore throat, fever, headache, or bleeding may indicate agranulocytosis and the health care provider should be notified immediately. Methimazole is not radioactive and should not be stopped abruptly, due to the risk of thyroid storm.
A client with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is receiving daunorubicin. Which finding would indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect related to the medication? Fever Sores in the mouth and throat Complaints of nausea and vomiting Crackles on auscultation of the lungs
Crackles on auscultation of the lungs Rationale: Cardiotoxicity noted by abnormal electrocardiographic findings or cardiomyopathy manifested as heart failure (lung crackles) is an adverse effect of daunorubicin. Bone marrow depression is also an adverse effect. Fever is a frequent side effect and sores in the mouth and throat can occur occasionally. Nausea and vomiting is a frequent side effect associated with the medication that begins a few hours after administration and lasts 24 to 48 hours. Options 1, 2, and 3 are not adverse effects.
The home health care nurse is visiting a client who was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The client is prescribed repaglinide and metformin. The nurse should provide which instructions to the client? Select all that apply. Diarrhea may occur secondary to the metformin. The repaglinide is not taken if a meal is skipped. The repaglinide is taken 30 minutes before eating. A simple sugar food item is carried and used to treat mild hypoglycemia episodes. Muscle pain is an expected effect of metformin and may be treated with acetaminophen. Metformin increases hepatic glucose production to prevent hypoglycemia associated with repaglinide.
Diarrhea may occur secondary to the metformin. The repaglinide is not taken if a meal is skipped. The repaglinide is taken 30 minutes before eating. A simple sugar food item is carried and used to treat mild hypoglycemia episodes. Rationale: Repaglinide, a rapid-acting oral hypoglycemic agent that stimulates pancreatic insulin secretion, should be taken before meals (approximately 30 minutes before meals) and 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 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 of acetaminophen.
The nurse is providing medication instructions to a client with breast cancer who is receiving cyclophosphamide. The nurse should tell the client to take which action? Take the medication with food. Increase fluid intake to 2000 to 3000 mL daily. Decrease sodium intake while taking the medication. Increase potassium intake while taking the medication.
Increase fluid intake to 2000 to 3000 mL daily. Rationale: Hemorrhagic cystitis is an adverse effect that can occur with the use of cyclophosphamide. The client needs to be instructed to drink copious amounts of fluid during the administration of this medication. Clients also should monitor urine output for hematuria. The medication should be taken on an empty stomach, unless gastrointestinal upset occurs. Hyperkalemia can result from the use of the medication; therefore, the client would not be told to increase potassium intake. The client would not be instructed to alter sodium intake.
The clinic nurse is performing an admission assessment on a client and notes that the client is taking azelaic acid. The nurse determines that which client complaint may be associated with use of this medication? Itching Euphoria Drowsiness Frequent urination
Itching Rationale: Azelaic acid is a topical medication used to treat mild to moderate acne. Adverse effects include burning, itching, stinging, redness of the skin, and hypopigmentation of the skin in clients with a dark complexion. The effects noted in the other options are not specifically associated with this medication.
Chemotherapy dosage is frequently based on total body surface area (BSA), so it is important for the nurse to perform which assessment before administering chemotherapy? Measure the client's abdominal girth. Calculate the client's body mass index. Measure the client's current weight and height. Ask the client about his or her weight and height.
Measure the client's current weight and height. Rationale: To ensure that the client receives optimal doses of chemotherapy, dosing is usually based on the total BSA, which requires a current accurate height and weight for BSA calculation (before each medication administration). Asking the client about his or her height and weight may lead to inaccuracies in determining a true BSA and dosage. Calculating body mass index and measuring abdominal girth will not provide the data needed.
The nurse is reviewing the history and physical examination of a client who will be receiving asparaginase, an antineoplastic agent. The nurse contacts the health care provider before administering the medication if which disorder is documented in the client's history? Pancreatitis Diabetes mellitus Myocardial infarction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Pancreatitis Rationale: Asparaginase is contraindicated if hypersensitivity exists, in pancreatitis, or if the client has a history of pancreatitis. The medication impairs pancreatic function and pancreatic function tests should be performed before therapy begins and when a week or more has elapsed between dose administrations. The client needs to be monitored for signs of pancreatitis, which include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The conditions noted in options 2, 3, and 4 are not contraindicated with this medication.
A client with ovarian cancer is being treated with vincristine. The nurse monitors the client, knowing that which manifestation indicates an adverse effect specific to this medication? Diarrhea Hair loss Chest pain Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy Rationale: An adverse effect specific to vincristine is peripheral neuropathy, which occurs in almost every client. Peripheral neuropathy can be manifested as numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes. Depression of the Achilles tendon reflex may be the first clinical sign indicating peripheral neuropathy. Constipation rather than diarrhea is most likely to occur with this medication, although diarrhea may occur occasionally. Hair loss occurs with nearly all antineoplastic medications. Chest pain is unrelated to this medication.
Glimepiride is prescribed for a client with diabetes mellitus. The nurse instructs the client that which food items are mostacceptable to consume while taking this medication? Select all that apply. Alcohol Red meats Whole-grain cereals Low-calorie desserts Carbonated beverages
Red meats Whole-grain cereals Carbonated beverages Rationale: When alcohol is combined with glimepiride, 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. Low-calorie desserts should also be avoided. Even though the calorie content may be low, carbohydrate content is most likely high and can affect the blood glucose. The items in options 2, 3, and 5 are acceptable to consume.
Salicylic acid is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of psoriasis. The nurse monitors the client, knowing that which finding indicates the presence of systemic toxicity from this medication? Tinnitus Diarrhea Constipation Decreased respirations
Tinnitus Rationale: Salicylic acid is absorbed readily through the skin, and systemic toxicity (salicylism) can result. Symptoms include tinnitus, dizziness, hyperpnea, and psychological disturbances. Constipation and diarrhea are not associated with salicylism.
Megestrol acetate, an antineoplastic medication, is prescribed for a client with metastatic endometrial carcinoma. The nurse reviews the client's history and should contact the health care provider if which diagnosis is documented in the client's history? Gout Asthma Myocardial infarction Venous thromboembolism
Venous thromboembolism Rationale: Megestrol acetate suppresses the release of luteinizing hormone from the anterior pituitary by inhibiting pituitary function and regressing tumor size. Megestrol is used with caution if the client has a history of venous thromboembolism. Options 1, 2, and 3 are not contraindications for this medication.
A client with severe acne is seen in the clinic and the health care provider (HCP) prescribes isotretinoin. The nurse reviews the client's medication record and would contact the HCP if the client is also taking which medication? Digoxin Phenytoin Vitamin A Furosemide
Vitamin A Rationale: Isotretinoin is a metabolite of vitamin A and can produce generalized intensification of isotretinoin toxicity. Because of the potential for increased toxicity, vitamin A supplements should be discontinued before isotretinoin therapy. There are no contraindications associated with digoxin, phenytoin, or furosemide.
The nurse is teaching the client about his prescribed prednisone. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates that further teaching is necessary? "I can take aspirin or my antihistamine if I need it." "I need to take the medication every day at the same time." "I need to avoid coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate in my diet." "If I gain more than 5 pounds (2.25 kg) a week, I will call my health care provider (HCP)."
"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 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; however, after the dosage is stabilized, a weight gain of 5 pounds (2.25 kg) 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.
The nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus who has been prescribed metformin. Which client statement indicates the need for further teaching? "It is okay if I skip meals now and then." "I need to constantly watch for signs of low blood sugar." "I need to let my health care provider know if I get unusually tired." "I will be sure to not drink alcohol excessively while on this medication."
"I need to constantly watch for signs of low blood sugar." Rationale: Metformin is classified as a biguanide and is the most commonly used medication for type 2 diabetes mellitus initially. It is also often used as a preventive medication for those at high risk for developing diabetes mellitus. When used alone, metformin lowers the blood sugar after meal intake as well as fasting blood glucose levels. Metformin does not stimulate insulin release and therefore poses little risk for hypoglycemia. For this reason, metformin is well suited for clients who skip meals. Unusual somnolence, as well as hyperventilation, myalgia, and malaise, are early signs of lactic acidosis, a toxic effect associated with metformin. If any of these signs or symptoms occur, the client should inform the health care provider immediately. While it is best to avoid consumption of alcohol, it is not always realistic or feasible for clients to quit drinking altogether; for this reason, clients should be informed that excessive alcohol intake can cause an adverse reaction with metformin.
Silver sulfadiazine is prescribed for a client with a partial-thickness burn and the nurse provides teaching about the medication. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further teaching about the treatments? "The medication is an antibacterial." "The medication will help heal the burn." "The medication is likely to cause stinging every time it is applied." "The medication should be applied directly to the wound."
"The medication is likely to cause stinging every time it is applied." Rationale: Silver sulfadiazine is an antibacterial that has a broad spectrum of activity against gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. It is applied directly to the wound to assist in healing. It does not cause stinging when applied.
A burn client is receiving treatments of topical mafenide acetate to the site of injury. The nurse monitors the client, knowing that which finding indicates that a systemic effect has occurred? Hyperventilation Elevated blood pressure Local rash at the burn site Local pain at the burn site
Hyperventilation Rationale: Mafenide acetate is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and can suppress renal excretion of acid, thereby causing acidosis. Clients receiving this treatment should be monitored for signs of an acid-base imbalance (hyperventilation). If this occurs, the medication will probably be discontinued for 1 to 2 days. Options 3 and 4 describe local rather than systemic effects. An elevated blood pressure may be expected from the pain that occurs with a burn injury.
A client is taking Humulin NPH insulin and regular insulin every morning. The nurse should provide which instructions to the client? Select all that apply. Hypoglycemia may be experienced before dinnertime. The insulin dose should be decreased if illness occurs. The insulin should be administered at room temperature. The insulin vial needs to be shaken vigorously to break up the precipitates. The NPH insulin should be drawn into the syringe first, then the regular insulin.
Hypoglycemia may be experienced before dinnertime. The insulin dose should be decreased if illness occurs. The insulin should be administered at room temperature. Rationale: Humulin NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin. The onset of action is 60 to 120 minutes, it peaks in 6 to 14 hours, and its duration of action is 16 to 24 hours. Regular insulin is a short-acting insulin. Depending on the type, the onset of action is 30 to 60 minutes, it peaks in 1 to 5 hours, and its duration is 6 to 10 hours. Hypoglycemic reactions most likely occur during peak time. Insulin should be at room temperature when administered. Clients may need their insulin dosages increased during times of illness. Insulin vials should never be shaken vigorously. Regular insulin is always drawn up before NPH.
A client with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx is receiving bleomycin intravenously. The nurse caring for the client anticipates that which diagnostic study will be prescribed? Echocardiography Electrocardiography Cervical radiography Pulmonary function studies
Pulmonary function studies Rationale: Bleomycin is an antineoplastic medication that can cause interstitial pneumonitis, which can progress to pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary function studies along with hematological, hepatic, and renal function tests need to be monitored. The nurse needs to monitor lung sounds for dyspnea and crackles, which indicate pulmonary toxicity. The medication needs to be discontinued immediately if pulmonary toxicity occurs. Options 1, 2, and 3 are unrelated to the specific use of this medication.
Isotretinoin is prescribed for a client with severe acne. Before the administration of this medication, the nurse anticipates that which laboratory test will be prescribed? Potassium level Triglyceride level Hemoglobin A1C Total cholesterol level
Triglyceride level Rationale: Isotretinoin can elevate triglyceride levels. Blood triglyceride levels should be measured before treatment and periodically thereafter until the effect on the triglycerides has been evaluated. There is no indication that isotretinoin affects potassium, hemoglobin A1C, or total cholesterol levels.
A client with acute myelocytic leukemia is being treated with busulfan. Which laboratory value would the nurse specifically monitor during treatment with this medication? Clotting time Uric acid level Potassium level Blood glucose level
Uric acid level Rationale: Busulfan can cause an increase in the uric acid level. Hyperuricemia can produce uric acid nephropathy, renal stones, and acute kidney injury. Options 1, 3, and 4 are not specifically related to this medication.
Silver sulfadiazine is prescribed for a client with a burn injury. Which laboratory finding requires the need for follow-upby the nurse? 1. Glucose level of 99 mg/dL (5.65 mmol/L) 2. Magnesium level of 1.5 mEq/L (0.75 mmol/L) 3. Platelet level of 300,000 mm3 (300 × 109/L) 4. White blood cell count of 3000 mm3 (3.0 × 109/L)
White blood cell count of 3000 mm3 (3.0 × 109/L) Rationale: Silver sulfadiazine is used for the treatment of burn injuries. Adverse effects of this medication include rash and itching, blue-green or gray skin discoloration, leukopenia, and interstitial nephritis. The nurse should monitor a complete blood count, particularly the white blood cells, frequently for the client taking this medication. If leukopenia develops, the health care provider is notified and the medication is usually discontinued. The white blood cell count noted in option 4 is indicative of leukopenia. The other laboratory values are not specific to this medication, and are also within normal limits.
The nurse is teaching a client how to mix regular insulin and NPH insulin in the same syringe. Which action, if performed by the client, indicates the need for further teaching? Withdraws the NPH insulin first Withdraws the regular insulin first Injects air into NPH insulin vial first Injects an amount of air equal to the desired dose of insulin into each vial
Withdraws the NPH insulin first Rationale: When preparing a mixture of short-acting insulin, such as regular insulin, with another insulin preparation, the short-acting insulin is drawn into the syringe first. This sequence will avoid contaminating the vial of short-acting insulin with insulin of another type. Options 2, 3, and 4 identify correct actions for preparing NPH and short-acting insulin.
The health care provider (HCP) prescribes exenatide for a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who takes insulin. The nurse should plan to take which most appropriate intervention? Withhold the medication and call the HCP, questioning the prescription for the client. Administer the medication within 60 minutes before the morning and evening meal. Monitor the client for gastrointestinal side effects after administering the medication. Withdraw the insulin from the prefilled pen into an insulin syringe to prepare for administration.
Withhold the medication and call the HCP, questioning the prescription for the client. Rationale: Exenatide is an incretin mimetic used for type 2 diabetes mellitus only. It is not recommended for clients taking insulin. Hence, the nurse should withhold the medication and question the HCP regarding this prescription. Although options 2 and 3 are correct statements about the medication, in this situation the medication should not be administered. The medication is packaged in prefilled pens ready for injection without the need for drawing it up into another syringe.
