ATI PHARMACOLOGY HESI TEST EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS WITH RATIONALE

ATI PHARMACOLOGY HESI TEST
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALE
A client is receiving methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) 40 mg IV daily. The nurse anticipates an increase
in which laboratory value as the result of this medication?
a) Serum glucose.
b) Serum calcium.
c) Red blood cells.
d) Serum potassium. - ------correct answer-------Rationale: A
Solu-Medrol is a corticosteroid with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid actions. These effects can lead
to hyperglycemia which is reflected as an increase in the serum glucose value. The client taking SoluMedrol is also at risk for hypocalcemia and hypokalemia which result in a decrease in the serum calcium
and serum potassium levels. These medications also alter the some of the body's immune responses by
suppressing the migration of white blood cells decreasing inflammation response.
An adult client has prescriptions for morphine sulfate 2.5 mg IV q6h and ketorolac (Toradol) 30 mg IV
q6h. Which action should the nurse implement?
a) Administer both medications according to the prescription.
b) Hold the ketorolac to prevent an antagonistic effect.
c) Hold the morphine to prevent an additive drug interaction.
d) Contact the healthcare provider to clarify the prescription. - ------correct answer-------Rationale: A
Morphine and ketorolac (Toradol) can be administered concurrently, and may produce an additive
analgesic effect, resulting in the ability to reduce the dose of morphine, as seen in this prescription.
Toradol is an anti inflammatory analgesic, and does not have an antagonistic effect with morphine.
The nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing anaphylaxis from an insect sting. Which prescription
should the nurse prepare to administer this client?
a) Dopamine.
b) Ephedrine.
c) Epinephrine.
d) Diphenhydramine. - ------correct answer-------Rationale: C
Epinephrine is an adrenergic agent that stimulates beta receptors to increase cardiac automaticity in
cardiac arrest and relax bronchospasms in anaphylaxis. On the ither hand, dopamine is a vasopressor
used to treat clients with shock. Ephedrine causes peripheral vasoconstriction and is used in the
treatment of nasal congestion. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine decongestant used in the
treatment of mild allergic reactions and motion sickness. Epinephrine is the medication of choice in
treating anaphylaxis.
Which instruction(s) should the nurse give to a female client who just received a prescription for oral
metronidazole (Flagyl) for treatment of trichomonas vaginalis? (Select all that apply.)
o Increase fluid intake, especially cranberry juice.
o Do not abruptly discontinue the medication, taper use.
o Check blood pressure daily to detect hypertension.
o Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
o Use condoms until treatment is completed.
o Ensure that all sexual partners are treated at the same time. - ------correct answer-------Rationale: 1,4,6