HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI 2023
1. In the immediate postoperative period, a client is prescribed morphine via a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Which finding should the PN consider the highest priority in this client?
- A. Monitoring the expiration date of the PCA morphine
- B. Assessing the rate and depth of the client's respirations
- C. Reviewing the type of anesthesia used during the surgery
- D. Observing the client's signs of disorientation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The highest priority for the PN is to assess the rate and depth of the client's respirations when a client is receiving morphine via a PCA pump. Respiratory depression is a life-threatening side effect of intravenous morphine administration. If the client's respiratory rate falls below 10 breaths/min, the PCA pump should be stopped, and the healthcare provider must be notified immediately to prevent further complications. Monitoring the expiration date of the PCA morphine is important but not the highest priority compared to assessing respiratory status. Reviewing the type of anesthesia used during the surgery is not directly related to the immediate management of the client receiving morphine via PCA. Observing signs of disorientation is also important but not as critical as assessing respirations for potential respiratory depression.
2. A child with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is under the care of a nurse. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering pancreatic enzymes
- B. Providing respiratory therapy
- C. Encouraging physical activity
- D. Encouraging frequent handwashing
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with cystic fibrosis is administering pancreatic enzymes. This is crucial for managing the condition as it helps in proper digestion of nutrients. Providing respiratory therapy and encouraging physical activity are important aspects of care for cystic fibrosis, but administering pancreatic enzymes takes precedence due to its direct impact on the child's ability to digest and absorb essential nutrients. Encouraging frequent handwashing is a good practice for infection control but is not the priority intervention in this scenario.
3. A mother tells the nurse that her 2-year-old toddler has temper tantrums and says 'no' every time the mother tries to help them get dressed. The nurse should recognize the toddler is manifesting which of the following stages of development?
- A. Trying to increase independence.
- B. Developing a sense of trust.
- C. Establishing a new identity.
- D. Attempting to master a skill.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trying to increase independence. Toddlers around the age of 2 often exhibit behaviors like temper tantrums and saying 'no' as they are asserting their independence and autonomy. This behavior is a normal part of their developmental stage where they are starting to explore and assert their own preferences and desires. Choice B, developing a sense of trust, is more relevant to infants during the trust vs. mistrust stage. Choice C, establishing a new identity, is typically associated with adolescence and identity formation. Choice D, attempting to master a skill, is more indicative of a child trying to learn and develop new abilities rather than the behavior described in the scenario.
4. The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has been prescribed an iron supplement. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I should take the supplement with milk to increase absorption.
- B. I should expect my stools to turn black while taking this supplement.
- C. I should take the supplement with a full glass of water.
- D. I should take the supplement on an empty stomach.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Taking an iron supplement with milk can decrease its absorption, indicating a need for further teaching.
5. An 82-year-old client is prescribed eye drops for the treatment of glaucoma. What assessment is needed before the nurse begins teaching proper administration of the medication?
- A. Determine the client's manual dexterity
- B. The client’s manual dexterity
- C. Proximity to health care services
- D. Ability to use visual assistive devices
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the client’s manual dexterity is crucial before teaching the administration of eye drops. Manual dexterity is essential for the proper instillation of eye drops. If the client has limited manual dexterity, alternative methods of administration may be necessary. The other choices, such as determining third-party payment plan, proximity to health care services, and ability to use visual assistive devices, are not directly related to the immediate need for assessing manual dexterity for the proper administration of eye drops.