LPN LPN
LPN Pharmacology Assessment A
1. A client is admitted to the emergency department with a suspected myocardial infarction (MI). The nurse should prepare the client for which immediate diagnostic test?
- A. Chest x-ray
- B. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- C. Echocardiogram
- D. Coronary angiography
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most immediate and essential test to diagnose a myocardial infarction (MI) and assess the extent of heart damage. An ECG can quickly identify changes in the heart's electrical activity, allowing prompt initiation of appropriate interventions. A chest x-ray (Choice A) may show other conditions affecting the heart, but it is not the immediate test of choice for diagnosing an MI. An echocardiogram (Choice C) and coronary angiography (Choice D) are valuable in further assessing cardiac function and anatomy post-MI but are not the first-line diagnostic tests due to their time-consuming nature compared to an ECG.
2. A client with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) is being discharged with a prescription for aspirin. Which instruction should the nurse reinforce with the client?
- A. Take the aspirin on an empty stomach for better absorption.
- B. Stop taking the aspirin if you experience any stomach discomfort.
- C. Take the aspirin with food to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.
- D. Take the aspirin only when you have chest pain.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct instruction is to take the aspirin with food to reduce the risk of stomach irritation. This is crucial for clients with a history of coronary artery disease as it helps minimize gastrointestinal side effects like irritation and bleeding. Option A is incorrect because aspirin should not be taken on an empty stomach to prevent stomach upset. Option B is incorrect because discontinuing aspirin at the first sign of stomach discomfort can be harmful, and a healthcare provider should be consulted instead. Option D is incorrect because aspirin is often prescribed for prevention in cardiovascular conditions, not just for chest pain relief.
3. A client with hypertension is prescribed metoprolol (Lopressor). The nurse should monitor the client for which side effect?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Hypertension
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that works by slowing the heart rate. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for bradycardia, which is a potential side effect of metoprolol. Bradycardia refers to a heart rate that is slower than normal, and it can be a concern when administering medications like metoprolol that affect heart rate. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as tachycardia (fast heart rate), hypertension (high blood pressure), and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) are not typically associated with metoprolol use. In fact, metoprolol is used to treat hypertension and certain heart conditions by lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
4. The patient with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) is prescribed aspirin. What instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Take the aspirin with food to prevent gastrointestinal upset
- B. Discontinue the aspirin if experiencing ringing in the ears
- C. Take the aspirin at bedtime to minimize side effects
- D. Avoid taking aspirin if also taking other NSAIDs
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Taking aspirin with food is recommended to prevent gastrointestinal irritation and upset, which are common side effects of aspirin. It helps protect the stomach lining and reduce the risk of developing ulcers. This instruction is crucial in promoting medication adherence and minimizing discomfort for the patient. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because discontinuing aspirin without consulting a healthcare provider, taking it at bedtime, or avoiding it if taking other NSAIDs can have negative consequences on the patient's health and treatment plan.
5. The healthcare professional is caring for a client who has just returned from a cardiac catheterization. The healthcare professional should prioritize which assessment?
- A. Monitoring the client's vital signs every 4 hours
- B. Assessing the puncture site for bleeding
- C. Encouraging the client to ambulate early to prevent complications
- D. Providing the client with fluids to flush out the contrast dye
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the puncture site for bleeding is a critical assessment after a cardiac catheterization procedure. This is essential to detect and address any potential complications promptly, such as hemorrhage or hematoma formation. Monitoring vital signs, encouraging early ambulation, and providing fluids to flush out contrast dye are important aspects of post-cardiac catheterization care, but assessing the puncture site for bleeding takes precedence due to the immediate risk of complications such as severe bleeding that require immediate intervention.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
ATI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $149.99