HESI LPN
HESI Practice Test Pharmacology
1. A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is prescribed carbamazepine. The nurse should monitor for which potential adverse effect?
- A. Agranulocytosis
- B. Hair loss
- C. Liver toxicity
- D. Weight gain
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Carbamazepine is associated with the potential adverse effect of agranulocytosis, a serious condition characterized by a low white blood cell count. Monitoring white blood cell counts regularly is crucial to detect this adverse effect early and prevent complications.
2. After implementing a new fall prevention protocol on the nursing unit, which action by the nurse-manager best evaluates the protocol’s effectiveness?
- A. Compare the number of falls that occurred before and after protocol implementation
- B. Analyze data that reflects the unit’s costs incurred due to the new protocol
- C. Conduct a chart review on the unit to determine the number of clients at risk for falling
- D. Consult with the physical therapist to evaluate the benefits of the new fall protocol
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The best way to evaluate the effectiveness of a new fall prevention protocol is by comparing the number of falls that occurred before and after its implementation. This direct comparison helps in assessing the impact of the protocol on reducing fall rates. Choices B, C, and D do not directly measure the effectiveness of the protocol. Analyzing costs incurred (Choice B), conducting a chart review (Choice C), or consulting with a physical therapist (Choice D) may provide valuable information but do not specifically evaluate the protocol's effectiveness in preventing falls.
3. What title should be given to this occupational health nurse job description? A registered nurse with expertise in health promotion, illness and injury prevention, risk reduction, and adult learning principles.
- A. case manager
- B. health educator
- C. nurse consultant
- D. health promotion specialist
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: health promotion specialist.' This title aligns with the described expertise in health promotion, illness and injury prevention, and risk reduction. A health promotion specialist focuses on promoting health and preventing illnesses, which directly corresponds to the skills mentioned in the job description. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. A 'case manager' typically focuses on coordinating patient care, 'health educator' specifically emphasizes educating individuals on health topics, and a 'nurse consultant' offers expert advice and support in the nursing field but may not specialize in health promotion and risk reduction as required in this job description.
4. What role do fats play in the human body?
- A. They provide a concentrated source of energy.
- B. They are the building blocks of enzymes and hormones.
- C. They are essential for brain function and development.
- D. They aid in the digestion of food.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Fats play various essential roles in the human body, one of which is aiding in the digestion of food. While fats do provide a concentrated source of energy, the primary source is carbohydrates. Proteins are the building blocks of enzymes and hormones, not fats. Essential fatty acids found in fats are vital for brain function and development, but this is not the primary role of fats in the body.
5. The client with high blood pressure is being taught by the nurse to avoid adding salt during cooking. What effect does sodium have on blood pressure?
- A. It decreases the viscosity of blood
- B. It leads to increased fluid retention
- C. It causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels
- D. It enhances the excretion of potassium
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'It causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels.' Sodium can lead to vasoconstriction, which narrows the blood vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow and subsequently raising blood pressure. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Sodium does not decrease blood viscosity, but it can lead to fluid retention, which increases blood volume and pressure. It does not enhance the excretion of potassium; instead, high sodium intake can lead to potassium excretion by the kidneys.