Pharmacology HESI 2023

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct potential side effect of citalopram is nausea. Citalopram can cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, so clients should be advised to take the medication with food if nausea occurs to help minimize this side effect. While other side effects like drowsiness, insomnia, and headache may also occur with citalopram, nausea is a common side effect that clients should be informed about.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a client is prescribed methylprednisolone, a corticosteroid, the nurse should monitor for weight gain as a potential side effect. Corticosteroids like methylprednisolone can cause weight gain and fluid retention due to their impact on metabolism and sodium retention.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Carbidopa-levodopa increases the amount of levodopa to the CNS, providing more dopamine to the brain. Increased dopamine levels help alleviate Parkinson's symptoms such as tremors, involuntary movements, and gait abnormalities.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: When a client with a history of deep vein thrombosis is prescribed fondaparinux, the nurse should monitor for the potential adverse effect of an increased risk of bleeding. Fondaparinux is an anticoagulant that works by preventing blood clots, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the client for signs of bleeding, such as unexplained bruising, bleeding gums, or blood in the urine or stool.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a client reports orange urine after taking rifampin is to inform the client that this change is not harmful. Rifampin is known to cause orange discoloration of urine, which is a harmless side effect. There is no need to notify the health care provider as this is an expected outcome. Monitoring creatinine levels or assessing for nephrotoxicity is unnecessary in this situation, as rifampin does not typically cause kidney damage.