HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI 55 Questions 2023
1. What is the primary nursing intervention that the practical nurse should perform before administering ampicillin to a client diagnosed with a urinary tract infection?
- A. Obtain a clean-catch urine specimen.
- B. Assess the urine pH for acidity.
- C. Insert an indwelling catheter.
- D. Assess for complaints of dysuria.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to obtain a clean-catch urine specimen. Before administering ampicillin to a client with a urinary tract infection, it is crucial to collect a urine specimen to determine the causative organism and evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacological therapy. Assessing the urine pH for acidity (choice B) is not the primary intervention needed before administering ampicillin. Inserting an indwelling catheter (choice C) is invasive and not necessary unless indicated for specific reasons. Assessing for complaints of dysuria (choice D) is important but does not take precedence over obtaining a urine specimen for proper diagnosis and treatment.
2. A group of students is reviewing information about the endocrine system in infants and children. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they state:
- A. Endocrine glands begin developing during gestation.
- B. Endocrine glands are fully functional at birth.
- C. Infants may have difficulty regulating glucose and electrolytes.
- D. A child’s endocrine system plays a significant role in growth and development.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Infants may have difficulty regulating glucose and electrolytes due to their immature endocrine systems. This can lead to issues such as hypoglycemia and electrolyte imbalances. Choice A is incorrect because endocrine glands actually begin developing early in gestation, not just in the third trimester. Choice B is incorrect as endocrine glands are not fully functional at birth; they continue to mature and develop after birth. Choice D is incorrect as a child's endocrine system has a significant impact on growth and development through the secretion of hormones that regulate various processes in the body, but it does not specifically address the difficulty in regulating glucose and electrolytes seen in infants.
3. A client who is recovering from an appendectomy is receiving narcotics. Earlier, the nurse witnessed the client's family pushing the pain pump. What should the nurse implement?
- A. Check the client's level of consciousness
- B. Instruct the family not to push the button
- C. Stop the client's basal infusion
- D. Administer a narcotic reversal medication
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Instructing the family not to push the button is necessary to prevent the client from receiving an excessive amount of narcotics, ensuring the safe and appropriate use of the pain pump. Checking the client's level of consciousness may not address the issue of family members pushing the button. Stopping the client's basal infusion is not indicated unless there are specific medical reasons for doing so. Administering a narcotic reversal medication is not necessary at this point as the issue lies with inappropriate use rather than an overdose.
4. The parents of a child suffering from depression ask the nurse what causes depression in children. Which answer is an appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. The causes of major depression are unknown.
- B. Major affective disorders in parents increase depression in children.
- C. Boys are more likely than girls to be depressed.
- D. The prevalence rate is higher in prepubescent children.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because while the exact causes of depression in children are not fully understood, research indicates that children are more likely to experience depression if their parents have a major affective disorder. Choice A is incorrect because it suggests that the causes of major depression are entirely unknown, which is not accurate. Choice C is incorrect as there is no conclusive evidence that boys are more likely than girls to be depressed. Choice D is incorrect as the prevalence rate of depression is not necessarily higher in prepubescent children specifically.
5. Which of the following best describes cultural competence in healthcare?
- A. Ignoring cultural differences
- B. Understanding and respecting cultural differences
- C. Enforcing cultural norms
- D. Focusing solely on medical knowledge
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cultural competence in healthcare involves understanding and respecting cultural differences to provide effective and respectful care to patients from diverse backgrounds. Choice A is incorrect as ignoring cultural differences goes against the principles of cultural competence. Choice C is wrong because enforcing cultural norms can be culturally insensitive and may not align with the patient's beliefs. Choice D is also incorrect as cultural competence encompasses more than just medical knowledge, including communication, empathy, and awareness of cultural factors.