HESI LPN
HESI Practice Test Pharmacology
1. A client who received a prescription for cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion for dry eyes asks the practical nurse (PN) if it is safe to continue using artificial tears. What information should the PN provide?
- A. Avoid using artificial tears because they decrease the efficacy of cyclosporine.
- B. Discontinue the use of both products if transient blurring occurs after administration.
- C. Allow a 15-minute interval between the administration of cyclosporine and artificial tears.
- D. Discontinue the use of cyclosporine and artificial tears when tear production reaches a normal level.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to allow a 15-minute interval between the administration of cyclosporine and artificial tears. Cyclosporine, an ophthalmic emulsion that increases tear production, can be used in conjunction with artificial tears as long as the products are administered 15 minutes apart. This interval helps to prevent any potential interactions between the two products and ensures optimal effectiveness of cyclosporine for treating dry eyes.
2. How do the public view nurses today?
- A. Nurses are assistants to physicians.
- B. Nurses view the person within the family and community.
- C. Nurses are different from other health-care providers.
- D. Nurses are closely involved in shaping the health care of the future.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Nurses are assistants to physicians.' The public image of nurses, as portrayed by the media, often positions them as assistants to physicians. This perception stems from historical depictions and the traditional hierarchy within healthcare settings. Choice B is incorrect because it reflects how nurses perceive their patients, not how the public views nurses. Choice C is incorrect as nurses are part of the broader healthcare team but are not seen as fundamentally different from other healthcare providers by the public. Choice D is incorrect as while nurses play a crucial role in shaping healthcare, the public perception often focuses more on their supportive role in the healthcare system.
3. As a client who is terminally ill has been receiving high doses of an opioid analgesic for the past month and becomes unresponsive to verbal stimuli as death approaches, what orders would the nurse expect from the healthcare provider?
- A. Decrease the analgesic dosage by half
- B. Discontinue the analgesic
- C. Continue the same analgesic dosage
- D. Prescribe a less potent drug
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Continuing the same dosage of analgesic is appropriate to manage pain effectively as death nears and the client becomes unresponsive. The primary goal of palliative care in end-of-life situations is to ensure comfort, regardless of the client's level of consciousness. Decreasing the analgesic dosage or discontinuing it could lead to inadequate pain relief, which goes against the principles of palliative care. Prescribing a less potent drug may also compromise pain management in this critical stage. Therefore, maintaining the same analgesic dosage is the most appropriate action to provide comfort and alleviate suffering.
4. The healthcare provider is caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which laboratory value should be monitored closely to assess for complications?
- A. Serum sodium
- B. Serum calcium
- C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- D. Blood glucose
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Blood glucose. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial for clients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) due to the high glucose content in TPN solutions. TPN delivers essential nutrients, including glucose, directly into the bloodstream. Clients on TPN are at risk of developing hyperglycemia due to the concentrated glucose infusion. Therefore, close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary to detect and prevent hyperglycemia-related complications such as osmotic diuresis, hyperosmolarity, and electrolyte imbalances. While serum sodium, serum calcium, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are important parameters in various clinical scenarios, they are not specifically associated with TPN administration. These values are not the primary indicators to assess for complications in clients receiving TPN.
5. A hospitalized child suddenly has a seizure while his family is visiting. The nurse notes whole body rigidity followed by general jerking movements. The child vomits immediately after the seizure. A priority nursing diagnosis for the child is
- A. High risk for infection related to vomiting
- B. Altered family processes related to chronic illness
- C. Fluid volume deficit related to vomiting
- D. Risk for aspiration related to loss of consciousness
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Risk for aspiration is a priority concern following a seizure, especially when the child vomits, as there is a danger of aspirating the vomit into the lungs, leading to respiratory complications. The other options are not the priority in this situation. While infection risk and fluid volume deficit are important, ensuring the child's airway is clear and there is no risk of aspiration takes precedence. Altered family processes may be a concern but addressing the immediate physiological risk is the priority.