HESI RN PHARMACOLOGY | REAL EXAM | WITH ALL QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES (100% CORRECT ANSWERS)
RN HESI PHARMACOLOGY WITH NGN LATEST VERSIONS
1. A male client with stomach cancer returns to the unit following a total gastrectomy.
He has a nasogastric tube to suction and is receiving Lactated Ringer's solution at 75
mL/hour IV. One hour after admission to the unit, the nurse notes 300 mL of blood in
the suction canister, the client's heart rate is 155 beats/minute, and his blood pressure
is 78/48 mmHg. In addition to reporting the finding to the surgeon, which action
should the nurse implement first?
A. Clamp the nasogastric tube.
B. Lower the head of the bed.
C. Administer a prescribed blood transfusion.
D. Increase the infusion rate of Lactated Ringer's solution.
Answer: D. Increase the infusion rate of Lactated Ringer's solution.
Rationale: Rapid fluid resuscitation is essential to stabilize the client’s hemodynamic status in
response to hypovolemic shock from blood loss.
2. An adult male who fell 20 feet from the roof of his home has multiple injuries, including a
right pneumothorax. Chest tubes were inserted in the emergency department prior to his
transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU). The nurse notes that the suction control chamber is
bubbling at the -10 cm H2O mark, with fluctuation in the water seal, and over the past hour,
75 mL of bright red blood is measured in the collection chamber. Which intervention should
the nurse implement?
A. Add sterile water to the suction control chamber.
B. Report the findings to the healthcare provider.
C. Reduce the suction pressure to -5 cm H2O.
D. Change the chest tube drainage system.
,ESTUDYR
Answer: A. Add sterile water to the suction control chamber.
Rationale: Maintaining the correct suction pressure is crucial to ensure effective chest tube
function. Adding sterile water replenishes the suction control chamber.
3. A client who received hemodialysis yesterday is experiencing a blood pressure of 200/100
mmHg, heart rate 110 beats/minute, and respiratory rate 36 breaths/minute. The client is
manifesting shortness of breath, bilateral 2+ pedal edema, and an oxygen saturation on room
air of 89%. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Call the nephrologist for an urgent evaluation.
B. Begin supplemental oxygen.
C. Place the client in a high-Fowler's position.
D. Prepare the client for emergent dialysis.
Answer: B. Begin supplemental oxygen.
Rationale: Oxygen therapy addresses immediate hypoxemia. Subsequent actions include
positioning and consulting the healthcare provider.
4. A client with Addison's crisis is admitted for treatment with adrenal cortical
supplementation. Based on the client's admitting diagnosis, which findings require
immediate action by the nurse? (Select all that apply)
A. Weight gain of 2 pounds in one day
B. Headache and tremors
C. Irregular heart rate
D. Elevated blood glucose
E. Pallor and diaphoresis
Answer: B. Headache and tremors, C. Irregular heart rate, E. Pallor and diaphoresis
Rationale: Symptoms such as headache, tremors, arrhythmias, and diaphoresis indicate
hypoglycemia, electrolyte imbalances, and circulatory collapse, all requiring immediate
intervention.
,ESTUDYR
5. An older client is admitted with fluid volume deficit and dehydration. Which assessment
finding is the best indicator of hydration that the nurse should report to the healthcare
provider?
A. Low urine specific gravity.
B. Dry mucous membranes.
C. Urine output of 30 mL/hour.
D. Skin tenting occurs when the client's forearm is pinched.
Answer: D. Skin tenting occurs when the client's forearm is pinched.
Rationale: Skin tenting is a classic sign of dehydration, indicating a need for continued fluid
replacement.
6. After an in-service about electronic health record (EHR) security and safeguarding client
information, the nurse observes a colleague going home with printed copies of client
information in a uniform pocket. Which action should the nurse take?
A. File a detailed incident report with the specific hiring facility.
B. Ignore the situation to avoid conflict.
C. Confront the colleague directly about the issue.
D. Notify the client involved about the breach.
Answer: A. File a detailed incident report with the specific hiring facility.
Rationale: Reporting the breach aligns with HIPAA regulations and ensures appropriate
measures are taken to address the incident.
7. The nurse is evaluating a tertiary prevention program for clients with cardiovascular
disease implemented in a rural health clinic. Which outcome indicates the program is
effective?
A. Clients received educational brochures on diet.
B. Clients attended monthly health seminars.
C. Clients who incurred disease complications promptly received rehabilitation.
, ESTUDYR
D. Clients adhered to prescribed medications.
Answer: C. Clients who incurred disease complications promptly received rehabilitation.
Rationale: Tertiary prevention focuses on minimizing complications and promoting recovery
and rehabilitation for clients with existing conditions.
8. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who
uses oxygen at 2 L/minute per nasal cannula continuously. The nurse observes that the client
is having increased shortness of breath with respirations at 23 breaths/minute. Which action
should the nurse implement first?
A. Assess the delivery mechanism of the oxygen tank, tubing, and cannula.
B. Increase the oxygen flow to 4 L/minute.
C. Notify the respiratory therapist.
D. Check the client’s oxygen saturation.
Answer: A. Assess the delivery mechanism of the oxygen tank, tubing, and cannula.
Rationale: Ensuring proper oxygen delivery is the priority to address hypoxemia before making
changes to the flow rate or notifying others.
9. Which statement by a client who is 24 hours post-subtotal thyroidectomy requires an
immediate investigation by the nurse?
A. "When I get out of bed quickly, I feel a little dizzy."
B. "I feel tired and want to sleep most of the time."
C. "I have a little discomfort when swallowing."
D. "My throat feels scratchy and dry."
Answer: A. "When I get out of bed quickly, I feel a little dizzy."
Rationale: Dizziness could indicate a drop in blood pressure or early signs of hypocalcemia or
hemorrhage, requiring immediate assessment and intervention.
10. An older adult male who is in his early 70s is admitted to the emergency department
because of a COPD exacerbation. This client is struggling to breathe, and the healthcare team
is preparing for endotracheal intubation. The client's wife, who is 30 years younger, asks the