Question

A client with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD) started a prescription for epoetin alfa two months ago. Which client finding best indicates that the medication is effective?

Reference Range:

Hemoglobin (Hgb) [14 to 18 g/dL (8.7 to 11.2 mmol/L)]

Answer 1

Correct Answers:

Hemoglobin level increased to 12 g/dl. (7.45 mmol/L).

Rationale :

🩸Epoetin alfa is used to stimulate red blood cell production, especially in clients with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease.

📊The most direct and objective indicator of treatment effectiveness is an increase in hemoglobin levels.

🧪A rise to 12 g/dL is a clear sign that the medication is producing its intended physiological effect.

✅While improved energy or iron intake are supportive, they are subjective or indirect markers, not primary indicators of drug efficacy.

📌Core Message

A rise in hemoglobin to near-normal levels provides the clearest evidence of epoetin alfa effectiveness.

Answer 2

Correct Answers:

Explain that the client should not use the discus more than twice daily.

Rationale :

💨Fluticasone/salmeterol is a maintenance inhaler, not intended for quick relief during acute attacks.

📆It is prescribed to be taken twice daily to maintain airway stability and reduce inflammation.

🗣Overuse increases the risk of side effects like oral thrush, hoarseness, and systemic corticosteroid complications.

✅Client education should include that the medication is not a rescue inhaler, and it should be used consistently, not as needed.

📌Core Message

Fluticasone/salmeterol should be used no more than twice daily for long-term asthma control, not for acute symptoms.

Answer 3

Correct Answers:

Administer a second dose of naloxone.

Rationale :

💉Naloxone has a short half-life, and its effects may wear off before the opioid has cleared, causing recurrent respiratory depression.

👩🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏿The client's respiratory rate of 4 and low oxygen saturation indicate that the opioid effects are likely re-emerging.

🔁A second dose of naloxone is the most appropriate and immediate intervention to reverse ongoing opioid toxicity.

✅Other actions like CPR or scoring GCS are secondary if reversible causes like opioid overdose are present and treatable.

📌Core Message

When respiratory depression recurs, giving a second dose of naloxone is critical due to its short duration of action.

Answer 4

Correct Answers:

Take on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before meals.

Rationale :

🍽Sucralfate works by coating the ulcer site, protecting it from stomach acid.

🕐For it to bind effectively, it must be taken on an empty stomach, ideally 1 hour before meals.

🧾Taking it with or after meals would interfere with its mechanism of action and reduce efficacy.

✅Proper timing improves ulcer healing and maximizes medication absorption.

📌Core Message

Sucralfate should be taken before meals on an empty stomach to ensure ulcer coating and protection.

Answer 5

Correct Answers:

St. John's Wort can decrease plasma concentrations of cyclosporine.

Rationale :

🌿St. John’s Wort induces liver enzymes, especially CYP3A4, which metabolize cyclosporine.

📉This interaction significantly reduces cyclosporine plasma levels, risking graft rejection in transplant clients.

💊Cyclosporine is a critical immunosuppressant, and any drop in its concentration undermines graft survival.

✅This makes St. John’s Wort contraindicated in transplant patients using cyclosporine.

📌Core Message

St. John’s Wort reduces cyclosporine levels, risking organ rejection through enzyme induction.

Answer 6

Correct Answers:

Instruct the client that it is necessary to take nothing but water with the medication.

Rationale :

🥛Risedronate must be taken with plain water only, not with food or other beverages like milk.

📉Taking it with milk or food interferes with absorption, making the drug less effective.

🪑Additionally, the client should remain upright for at least 30 minutes to reduce risk of esophageal irritation.

✅Client instructions should reinforce strict fasting guidelines before and after the dose.

📌Core Message

Risedronate must be taken with only water, on an empty stomach, and with upright posture.

Answer 7

Correct Answers:

Respiratory rate.

Rationale :

💁‍♂️Opioids can cause respiratory depression, which is the most life-threatening complication.

💤Lethargy following opioid administration raises immediate concern for hypoventilation.

📊Assessing respiratory rate helps determine if naloxone or other interventions are urgently needed.

✅It is the priority vital sign to assess before checking pulse or blood pressure.

📌Core Message

When monitoring opioid effects, respiratory rate is the first priority due to risk of respiratory depression.

Answer 8

Correct Answers:

Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L).

Rationale :

🧪Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is used to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium for potassium.

📉A drop in serum potassium to within normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L) means the medication worked.

🩺The drug’s primary goal is to lower elevated potassium, not affect ammonia, glucose, or hemoglobin.

✅A value of 3.8 mEq/L confirms restoration of safe potassium levels.

📌Core Message

A normal potassium level confirms that sodium polystyrene sulfonate effectively treated hyperkalemia.

Answer 9

Correct Answers:

Stop taking the medication if intended effect is not immediate.

Rationale :

💊Lorazepam works quickly, but stopping abruptly is unsafe and incorrect.

🚫Discontinuing it without guidance can cause withdrawal symptoms, including rebound anxiety or seizures.

📋Clients must be instructed to follow dosing as prescribed and report concerns to a provider.

✅This statement reflects a misunderstanding that needs immediate correction.

📌Core Message

Clients should never abruptly stop lorazepam—it must be tapered with guidance to prevent withdrawal risks.

Answer 10

Correct Answers:

Body mass index (BMI).

Rationale :

⚖️Orlistat is used to assist with weight loss, and BMI is a direct and objective indicator of this.

📏Tracking BMI over time shows whether the client is losing, gaining, or maintaining weight.

📊Other measures like calorie intake or mood may be helpful, but they do not measure drug effectiveness directly.

✅Monitoring BMI aligns with the medication’s therapeutic goal.

📌Core Message

The most reliable way to assess orlistat effectiveness is by monitoring changes in BMI.

RN HESI Pharmacology 2024 Exam 3

No.

1 :
A client with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD) started a prescription for epoetin alfa two months ago. Which client finding best indicates that the medication is effective?
Reference Range:
Hemoglobin (Hgb) [14 to 18 g/dL (8.7 to 11.2 mmol/L)]

2 :
To control asthma, a client in a residential treatment facility uses a fluticasone propionate and salmeterol discus inhalation system, which provides an inhaled powdered form of these combined medications. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this client's caregivers?

3 :
The nurse administers naloxone to a client with opioid-induced respiratory depression. One hour later, nursing assessment reveals that the client has a respiratory rate of 4 breaths/minute, oxygen saturation of 75%, and is unable to be aroused. Which action should the nurse implement?

4 :
The nurse is caring for a client receiving a prescription for sucralfate to treat a peptic ulcer. Which instruction should the nurse provide during discharge education?

6 :
The nurse administers risedronate to a client with osteoporosis at 0700. The client asks for a glass of milk to drink with the medication. Which action should the nurse take?

7 :
The nurse observes that a client has become lethargic 30 minutes after receiving an opioid injection for pain. Which vital sign should the nurse obtain first?

9 :
A client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) receives a new prescription for lorazepam. Which statement provided by the client requires additional instruction by the nurse?

10 :
A client is receiving orlistat as part of a weight management program. Which ongoing assessment should be included in the plan of care to determine the effectiveness of the medication?

RN HESI Pharmacology 2024 Exam 3

No.

1 : A client with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD) started a prescription for epoetin alfa two months ago. Which client finding best indicates that the medication is effective?Reference Range:Hemoglobin (Hgb) [14 to 18 g/dL (8.7 to 11.2 mmol/L)]

2 : To control asthma, a client in a residential treatment facility uses a fluticasone propionate and salmeterol discus inhalation system, which provides an inhaled powdered form of these combined medications. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this client's caregivers?

3 : The nurse administers naloxone to a client with opioid-induced respiratory depression. One hour later, nursing assessment reveals that the client has a respiratory rate of 4 breaths/minute, oxygen saturation of 75%, and is unable to be aroused. Which action should the nurse implement?

4 : The nurse is caring for a client receiving a prescription for sucralfate to treat a peptic ulcer. Which instruction should the nurse provide during discharge education?

6 : The nurse administers risedronate to a client with osteoporosis at 0700. The client asks for a glass of milk to drink with the medication. Which action should the nurse take?

7 : The nurse observes that a client has become lethargic 30 minutes after receiving an opioid injection for pain. Which vital sign should the nurse obtain first?

9 : A client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) receives a new prescription for lorazepam. Which statement provided by the client requires additional instruction by the nurse?

10 : A client is receiving orlistat as part of a weight management program. Which ongoing assessment should be included in the plan of care to determine the effectiveness of the medication?

1 :
A client with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD) started a prescription for epoetin alfa two months ago. Which client finding best indicates that the medication is effective?
Reference Range:
Hemoglobin (Hgb) [14 to 18 g/dL (8.7 to 11.2 mmol/L)]

2 :
To control asthma, a client in a residential treatment facility uses a fluticasone propionate and salmeterol discus inhalation system, which provides an inhaled powdered form of these combined medications. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this client's caregivers?

3 :
The nurse administers naloxone to a client with opioid-induced respiratory depression. One hour later, nursing assessment reveals that the client has a respiratory rate of 4 breaths/minute, oxygen saturation of 75%, and is unable to be aroused. Which action should the nurse implement?

4 :
The nurse is caring for a client receiving a prescription for sucralfate to treat a peptic ulcer. Which instruction should the nurse provide during discharge education?

6 :
The nurse administers risedronate to a client with osteoporosis at 0700. The client asks for a glass of milk to drink with the medication. Which action should the nurse take?

7 :
The nurse observes that a client has become lethargic 30 minutes after receiving an opioid injection for pain. Which vital sign should the nurse obtain first?

9 :
A client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) receives a new prescription for lorazepam. Which statement provided by the client requires additional instruction by the nurse?

10 :
A client is receiving orlistat as part of a weight management program. Which ongoing assessment should be included in the plan of care to determine the effectiveness of the medication?