HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI 55 Questions 2023
1. A client diagnosed with angina has been prescribed nitrate isosorbide dinitrate. Which instruction should the practical nurse reinforce in this client's teaching?
- A. Discontinue the medication if dizziness occurs.
- B. Avoid getting up quickly. Always rise slowly.
- C. Take the medication with or without food.
- D. Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction that the practical nurse should reinforce with a client prescribed nitrate isosorbide dinitrate is to avoid getting up quickly and to rise slowly. Nitrates can cause orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions. By rising slowly, the client can prevent the occurrence of orthostatic hypotension and its associated symptoms. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because discontinuing the medication without consulting a healthcare provider can be dangerous, taking the medication with or without food does not impact its effectiveness, and increasing potassium intake is not directly related to the use of nitrate isosorbide dinitrate.
2. Why should the nurse closely monitor the IV flow rate for a 5-month-old infant with severe diarrhea receiving IV fluids?
- A. Maintaining electrolyte balance
- B. Preventing dehydration
- C. Preventing fluid overload
- D. Avoiding cardiac overload
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In infants, monitoring IV flow rates is essential to prevent fluid overload, not cardiac overload. Excessive fluid administration can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema or congestive heart failure. It is crucial to maintain a balance between providing adequate hydration and avoiding fluid overload to prevent adverse outcomes. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because the primary concern is to prevent complications related to excess fluid rather than focusing on electrolyte balance, dehydration prevention, or avoiding cardiac overload.
3. Which of the following differentiates ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease?
- A. Crohn's disease primarily affects the left colon and rectum, while ulcerative colitis most often affects the right colon and distal ileum.
- B. Crohn's disease presents with shallow ulcerations, whereas ulcerative colitis presents with a cobblestone appearance of the mucosal lining.
- C. The extent of involvement is noncontiguous and segmented with Crohn's disease, whereas it is contiguous and diffuse with ulcerative colitis.
- D. Crohn's disease has primarily mucosal involvement, whereas it is transmural with ulcerative colitis.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Crohn's disease is characterized by noncontiguous, segmented involvement, meaning it can affect different areas with healthy tissue in between, while ulcerative colitis involves continuous areas of inflammation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, can present with shallow ulcerations or deep fissures, and is transmural, meaning it affects the entire thickness of the bowel wall. On the other hand, ulcerative colitis typically affects the colon and rectum, presents with a continuous pattern of inflammation, and primarily involves the mucosal lining of the colon.
4. In the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which of the following bases combines with thymine?
- A. Cytosine
- B. Adenine
- C. Rhodamine
- D. Serine
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adenine. In the structure of DNA, adenine pairs with thymine through hydrogen bonding, forming one of the complementary base pairs that make up the double helix structure of DNA. Cytosine pairs with guanine, not thymine. Rhodamine and serine are not DNA bases and do not participate in DNA base pairing. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect.
5. The nurse is triaging clients who have been injured during a tornado. Which client requires immediate action?
- A. A young male with a minor laceration on his forearm.
- B. An elderly woman with a dislocated shoulder who is calm.
- C. A middle-aged female with a broken humerus who is unable to follow commands and is crying.
- D. A teenager with abrasions and a bruised knee.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The middle-aged female with a broken humerus who is unable to follow commands and is crying requires immediate action. These symptoms indicate a possible head injury or severe emotional distress that need urgent attention. Choice A is not as urgent since a minor laceration can be addressed after more critical cases. Choice B, although having a dislocated shoulder, is stable, as the client is calm. Choice D presents with minor injuries that can wait while more critical cases are addressed.