Pharm HESI Exam Study Guide Questions and
Answers 2025 Graded A+
The home health nurse observes that a female client is using a topical preparation that
contains echinacea to treat a canker sore. Her husband expresses concern regarding the
effectiveness and safety of using herbs. How should the nurse respond?
a. many of the herbal preparations are helpful primarily because of their placebo effect
b. this product is essentially harmless, but also is not very beneficial in treating skin
infections
c. topical echinacea is usually used to soothe burns and can cause damage to the skin
d. echinacea seems to be useful in the treatment of some infections such as canker sores
-Correct Answer ✔d. echinacea seems to be useful in the treatment of some infections
such as canker sores
echinacea stimulates the immune system and seems to be useful in the prevention and
treatment of some infections including its topical use to treat canker sores.
A- while a placebo can play a role in disease management, herbal remedies have
evidence of effectiveness
b- if used improperly it can be harmful
c- aloe vera is used to soothe burns
When preparing to administer the next scheduled dose of fentanyl (Sublimaze)
transdermal patch to a client with metastatic cancer and renal insufficiency. The nurse
notes that the client has shallow respiration at 8 breath/ minute. What action should the
nurse take first?
a. apply the transdermal patch
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b. notify the healthcare provider
c. give a breakthrough pain medication
d. assess deep tendon reflexes -Correct Answer ✔b. notify the healthcare provider
respiratory depression is a side effect of opioid analgesics in a client with renal failure.
the HCP should be notified
so Rx changes can be made
A client diagnosed with myasthenia gravis receives a prescription for the
anticholinesterase medication, pyridostigmine (Mestinon). Which intervention should
the nurse implement when preparing to administer this medication?
a. administer the medication thirty minutes prior to meals
b. schedule the medication to be given just before bedtime
c. instruct the client to avoid dairy products for 30 minutes
d. break the medication into small pieces and sprinkle onto food -Correct Answer ✔a.
administer the med 30 minutes prior to meals
this medication should be administered before meals because it increases muscle
strength to help enhance chewing and swallowing
b. this would not help improve strength during the day
c. it can be taken with dairy to minimize side effects
d. do not sprinkle on food
A nurse administered a second dose of an opioid containing codeine and acetaminophen
to a client fifteen after a first dose was administered by another nurse, because the first
dose was not documented in the medication record. Which intervention is most
important for the nurse to implement?
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a. obtain a serum liver panel
b. complete a medication error form
c. evaluate vital signs
d. assess the client's pain on a 10 point scale -Correct Answer ✔c. evaluate the client's
vital signs
an opioid containing codeine and acetaminophen can cause CNS depression and the
nurse's highest priority is to assess the client's vital signs and LOC
a. high doses of acetaminophen can cause liver toxicity, but it is not the highest priority
b/d. also important but not as important
The nurse retrieves hydromorphone (Dilaudid) 4mg/ ml from the Pyxis Medstation, an
automated dispensing system, for a client who is receiving Dilaudid 3 mg IM q6 hours
PRN severe pain. How many ml should the nurse administer to the client. (Enter the
numerical value only. If rounding is required round to the nearest tenth. -Correct Answer
✔*not multiple choice
0.8
d/h x v =
3mg/ 4mg x 1 ml = 0.75 = 0.8 ml
A client with emphysema is complaining of difficulty breathing and is exhibiting audible
wheezing. The nurse administers albuterol (Proventil) as prescribed for the third time
within the last 12 hours. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by
the nurse?
a. throat irritation
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