HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI Practice
1. A patient with irritable bowel syndrome starts a new prescription for dicyclomine, an anticholinergic medication. The client reports the onset of sensitivity to light and a dry mouth. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Determine if the medication is being taken correctly
- B. Provide instructions on managing these side effects
- C. Schedule an appointment for evaluation by the healthcare provider
- D. Advise stopping the medication until the unpleasant side effects wear off
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is to provide instructions on managing these side effects. Sensitivity to light and dry mouth are common side effects of anticholinergic medications like dicyclomine. It is essential for the nurse to educate the patient on strategies to cope with these side effects, such as staying hydrated to address dry mouth and wearing sunglasses to reduce sensitivity to light. Option A is not the priority as the side effects are expected with this medication and do not necessarily indicate incorrect use. Option C is not immediately necessary as the side effects are common and can be managed without a healthcare provider evaluation. Option D is not recommended unless advised by the healthcare provider as abruptly stopping the medication can lead to worsening symptoms or withdrawal effects.
2. A practical nurse (PN) is providing education to a client who is starting therapy with metformin for type 2 diabetes. What side effect should the client be instructed to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Muscle pain
- D. Nausea
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Nausea.' Nausea is a common side effect of metformin, especially when the medication is first started. It is essential for the client to report persistent or severe nausea to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Weight gain (Choice A) is not a typical side effect of metformin; in fact, metformin is associated with weight loss or weight neutrality. Hypoglycemia (Choice B) is a potential side effect of some diabetes medications, but metformin does not typically cause hypoglycemia. Muscle pain (Choice C) is not a common side effect of metformin; it is more commonly associated with other medications like statins.
3. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is prescribed rivaroxaban. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Dizziness
- D. Headache
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is weight gain. Rivaroxaban, an anticoagulant, may lead to weight gain as a side effect due to fluid retention. Dry mouth (choice B), dizziness (choice C), and headache (choice D) are not typically associated with rivaroxaban use. Therefore, monitoring for weight gain is crucial to detect and manage this potential side effect in the client.
4. Twenty-four hours after starting to take oral penicillin for strep throat, a client calls the nurse to report the onset of a rash on the chest. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Instruct the client to discontinue the penicillin immediately
- B. Instruct the client regarding the use of topical analgesic cream PRN
- C. Question the client about any other related symptoms
- D. Reinforce the need to take all doses of the penicillin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the client has developed a rash after starting oral penicillin, which can indicate an allergic reaction. It is crucial for the nurse to instruct the client to discontinue the penicillin immediately. Continuing the medication can potentially lead to severe allergic reactions. Instructing about topical analgesic cream or questioning about other related symptoms may delay appropriate action in case of a severe allergic reaction. Reinforcing the need to complete all doses is not appropriate when an allergic reaction is suspected, as safety takes precedence over completing the antibiotic course.
5. A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed sertraline. The nurse should instruct the client that this medication may have which potential side effect?
- A. Nausea
- B. Drowsiness
- C. Insomnia
- D. Headache
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nausea. Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is known to commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea. It is recommended for clients to take sertraline with food to help minimize this potential side effect. Choice B, Drowsiness, is less commonly associated with sertraline use. Insomnia, choice C, is not a typical side effect of sertraline; in fact, it may help improve sleep in some individuals. Headache, choice D, is also not a common side effect of sertraline.
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