HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI 55 Questions 2023
1. A client is prescribed phenobarbital 100 mg daily for the treatment of seizures. Which statement made by the client indicates an accurate understanding of the medication phenobarbital?
- A. I will take my medicine at 10 PM before retiring to bed.
- B. The medication will turn the color of my urine to a pink color.
- C. I should not eat or drink anything for at least 2 hours before taking my medicine.
- D. In the event a seizure occurs in the middle of the day, I need to take an extra dose of my medicine.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Phenobarbital should be taken at the same time every day to maintain blood levels and enhance compliance. Common side effects of phenobarbital include drowsiness, lethargy, dizziness, and nausea; therefore, it is best to take it before bedtime to minimize these effects and improve sleep quality. Choice B is incorrect because phenobarbital does not affect the color of urine. Choice C is incorrect because there is no need to fast before taking phenobarbital. Choice D is incorrect because taking extra doses without healthcare provider guidance can lead to overdose and adverse effects.
2. A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed alprazolam. The nurse should instruct the client that this medication may have which potential side effect?
- A. Drowsiness
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Nausea
- D. Headache
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Drowsiness. Alprazolam, a medication commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, can cause drowsiness as a common side effect. Clients should be advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them to ensure their safety.
3. A client post-lobectomy is placed on mechanical ventilation. The nurse notices the client is fighting the ventilator. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Increase the sedation as prescribed.
- B. Manually ventilate the client using an ambu bag.
- C. Check the ventilator settings and alarms.
- D. Suction the client’s airway.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a client is fighting the ventilator is to check the ventilator settings and alarms. This step is crucial to ensure that the ventilator is functioning correctly and providing the necessary support to the client. Increasing sedation (Choice A) should only be considered after confirming that the ventilator settings are appropriate. While manually ventilating the client (Choice B) may be required in some cases, it is not the initial action to take. Suctioning the client's airway (Choice D) is not the priority in this situation, where the primary concern is addressing the client's struggle with the ventilator.
4. What is the main purpose of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs)?
- A. To provide guidelines for nutrient intakes that meet the needs of most healthy people.
- B. To specify the minimum amount of nutrients required for survival.
- C. To establish maximum safe levels of nutrient intakes.
- D. To recommend specific nutrient intake levels to prevent chronic diseases.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The main purpose of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) is to provide guidelines for nutrient intakes that meet the needs of most healthy people. Choice B is incorrect because RDAs aim beyond just survival requirements. Choice C is incorrect because establishing maximum safe levels is the role of Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs). Choice D is incorrect because preventing chronic diseases is more associated with Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) like Adequate Intakes (AIs) and Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs). Therefore, the correct answer is A.
5. Refers to the nurses in the local/national health departments or public schools:
- A. Public health nursing
- B. Public health nurse
- C. Registered midwives
- D. Registered nurses
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct term for nurses working in local/national health departments or public schools is 'public health nurse.' This term specifically refers to individual nurses in those settings. Choice A, 'Public health nursing,' is a broader term that refers to the field of nursing focused on improving community health. Choices C and D, 'Registered midwives' and 'Registered nurses,' do not specifically indicate the nurses working in local/national health departments or public schools, making them incorrect.