HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI 2023
1. A client diagnosed with seizures is prescribed phenytoin. Which medication instruction should the practical nurse (PN) reinforce to this client?
- A. Maintain consistent sodium intake.
- B. Use sunscreen when outdoors.
- C. Return for monthly urinalysis.
- D. Brush and floss teeth daily.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to reinforce the instruction to brush and floss teeth daily. Phenytoin therapy can lead to gingival hyperplasia (gum disease), which can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing daily. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they are not directly related to the side effects or management of phenytoin therapy. Maintaining consistent sodium intake is not a specific concern with phenytoin. Using sunscreen when outdoors is important to prevent sunburn but is not directly related to phenytoin therapy. Returning for monthly urinalysis may be necessary for other medications, but it is not specifically required for monitoring phenytoin therapy.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who wanders through the halls yelling obscenities at staff, other clients, and visitors. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Keep the client in their room with the door closed
- B. Contact a family member to come and sit with the client
- C. Place the client in a wheelchair with a lap tray
- D. Administer a sedative to the client
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When dealing with a client exhibiting disruptive behavior like yelling obscenities, involving a family member can provide emotional support and help in de-escalating the situation. Keeping the client isolated in their room (Choice A) may lead to further agitation. Placing the client in a wheelchair (Choice C) or administering a sedative (Choice D) should not be the first interventions for managing behavioral issues.
3. What causes Down's syndrome?
- A. Alcohol abuse by the mother at the time of conception.
- B. Sex-linked chromosomal abnormalities.
- C. An extra chromosome on the 21st pair.
- D. Drug abuse by the mother during pregnancy.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Down's syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome on the 21st pair. Choice A is incorrect as alcohol abuse is not the cause of Down's syndrome. Choice B is incorrect because Down's syndrome is not related to sex-linked chromosomal abnormalities. Choice D is also incorrect as drug abuse by the mother during pregnancy is not the cause of Down's syndrome.
4. A client undergoing chemotherapy reports a sudden onset of severe back pain. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Administer pain medication as prescribed
- B. Assess the pain's nature and intensity
- C. Encourage the client to rest and apply a hot pack
- D. Notify the physician immediately
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse is to assess the nature and intensity of the pain. This initial assessment is crucial in determining the underlying cause of the pain, whether it is related to the chemotherapy or another issue. Understanding the pain's characteristics will guide the nurse in implementing appropriate interventions and seeking timely medical assistance if needed. Administering pain medication without a thorough assessment may mask important symptoms and delay necessary treatment. Encouraging rest and hot pack application may be appropriate interventions but should come after assessing the pain. Notifying the physician immediately can be important but should follow the initial assessment to provide comprehensive information to the healthcare provider.
5. What is a common sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in toddlers?
- A. Excessive thirst
- B. Frequent, painful urination
- C. Increased appetite
- D. Skin rash
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Frequent, painful urination is a common sign of a urinary tract infection in toddlers. This symptom is often accompanied by possible fever and irritability. Excessive thirst (Choice A) is not a typical sign of a UTI in toddlers and is more commonly associated with conditions like diabetes. Increased appetite (Choice C) is not a typical symptom of a UTI in toddlers either. Skin rash (Choice D) is not a common sign of a UTI but may indicate other conditions like allergies or infections.