HESI LPN
HESI Pharmacology Exam Test Bank
1. A client is prescribed atorvastatin. The practical nurse should monitor the client for which potential adverse effect?
- A. Muscle pain and weakness
- B. Headache
- C. Hepatotoxicity
- D. Gastrointestinal bleeding
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muscle pain and weakness. Atorvastatin is known to potentially cause muscle pain and weakness, which could indicate muscle damage or rhabdomyolysis. This adverse effect should be closely monitored by the practical nurse to ensure early detection and appropriate management. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are not typically associated with atorvastatin use. Headache is a less common side effect, hepatotoxicity is rare but serious, and gastrointestinal bleeding is not a common adverse effect of atorvastatin.
2. What is the most common initial symptom of juvenile idiopathic arthritis?
- A. Joint swelling and pain
- B. Skin rash
- C. Gastrointestinal bleeding
- D. Neurological deficits
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Joint swelling and pain. These are the most common initial symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, typically affecting multiple joints. Skin rash (choice B), gastrointestinal bleeding (choice C), and neurological deficits (choice D) are not typical initial symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Skin rash may be seen in other conditions like dermatitis or systemic lupus erythematosus, gastrointestinal bleeding may be associated with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, and neurological deficits could be indicative of conditions like multiple sclerosis.
3. A client with hyperthyroidism is prescribed methimazole. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Agranulocytosis
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Hypercalcemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Agranulocytosis. Methimazole, used to treat hyperthyroidism, can lead to agranulocytosis, a severe decrease in white blood cells. This condition increases the risk of infections and requires immediate medical attention. Hypoglycemia (choice B) is not a common adverse effect of methimazole. Bradycardia (choice C) is unlikely as methimazole tends to have minimal effects on heart rate. Hypercalcemia (choice D) is not associated with methimazole use.
4. A female client with obsessive compulsive personality disorder is admitted to the hospital for a cardiac catheterization. The afternoon before the procedure, the client begins to keep detailed notes of the nursing care she is receiving and reports her findings to the RN at bedtime. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Explain to the client that her behavior invades the rights of the nursing staff.
- B. Ask the client to explain why she is keeping a detailed record of her nursing care.
- C. Teach the client strategies to control her obsessive compulsive behavior.
- D. Encourage the client to express her feelings regarding the upcoming procedure.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Encouraging the client to express her feelings can help address underlying anxieties and may reduce the need for obsessive behaviors. Choice A is incorrect because it may come across as confrontational and could escalate the situation. Choice B is not the best initial action as it focuses on the behavior rather than the client's emotions. Choice C is premature without first addressing the client's emotional needs.
5. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed albuterol. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Nausea
- C. Dry mouth
- D. Weight gain
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A. Albuterol, a bronchodilator commonly used in COPD, can cause tachycardia as a potential side effect due to its beta-agonist properties that can stimulate the heart. Nausea (Choice B), dry mouth (Choice C), and weight gain (Choice D) are less likely associated with albuterol use. Nausea and dry mouth are not common side effects of albuterol, and weight gain is not typically linked to its use. Therefore, the nurse should primarily monitor for tachycardia when a client is prescribed albuterol for COPD.