HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI 2023 Quizlet
1. The nurse is studying antacids that contain magnesium and calcium for the pharmacology exam. The student nurse remembers that these antacids should be used with caution in patients with which condition?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Renal failure
- C. Heart failure
- D. Peptic ulcer disease
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Magnesium and calcium can accumulate in patients with renal failure, leading to toxicity.
2. Escitalopram is prescribed for a 16-year-old adolescent client who is clinically depressed. Five days later, the parent tells the practical nurse (PN) that the drug is not working because their child is not feeling any better. Which explanation should the PN provide?
- A. It takes 1 to 4 weeks for antidepressant medications to become effective.
- B. The dosage may need to be increased; I will contact your health care provider.
- C. Depression is difficult to treat with drugs alone. Therapy sessions would enhance their effectiveness.
- D. Based on your child's response to this drug, the health care provider is reviewing your medication regimen.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Antidepressant medications typically require 1 to 4 weeks to reach their full therapeutic effect. It is crucial to educate the family that during the initial week of treatment, the child may experience heightened anxiety. Therefore, it is important to wait for the medication to take its full course before assessing its effectiveness.
3. A client is receiving levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Dry skin
- C. Hair loss
- D. Hyperthermia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism by supplementing the body with thyroid hormone. If the dosage of levothyroxine is too high, it can cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including weight loss. Therefore, weight gain can be a potential side effect of levothyroxine if the dosage is excessive.
4. A client whose seizure disorder has been managed with phenytoin is admitted to the emergency department with status epilepticus. Which drug should the practical nurse anticipate being prescribed for administration to treat these seizures?
- A. Phenytoin
- B. Diazepam
- C. Phenobarbital
- D. Carbamazepine
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the management of status epilepticus, which is a life-threatening condition of prolonged seizures, rapid intervention is crucial. Diazepam is the drug of choice for treating status epilepticus due to its fast onset of action and effectiveness in stopping seizures. It acts by enhancing the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA to suppress seizure activity quickly. Phenytoin, although used for long-term seizure control, has a slower onset of action and is not the first-line medication for managing status epilepticus.
5. A client diagnosed with a herniated disc is prescribed hydrocodone/acetaminophen 10 mg/300 mg prn every 4 to 6 hours. As the practical nurse (PN) enters the client's room to administer the requested medication, the client is seen talking and laughing with visiting family. What action should the PN take?
- A. Hold the pain medication until after the visitors leave.
- B. Notify the healthcare provider of the client's drug-seeking behavior.
- C. Administer analgesia as requested by the client.
- D. Inform the client that the medication is not needed based on their behavior.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the PN in this situation is to administer the analgesia as requested by the client. Pain management is based on the client's self-report of pain, which is the most reliable indicator of pain intensity. Analgesics should be given promptly when pain occurs and before it worsens. Following the administration of medication, the PN should discuss the situation with the charge nurse for further guidance or assessment.
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