HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI Practice
1. A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Dry mouth
- B. Hair loss
- C. Weight gain
- D. Tremors
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tremors. When a client is prescribed lithium for bipolar disorder, one common side effect to monitor for is tremors. Tremors are a known adverse effect of lithium therapy and should be monitored closely by healthcare providers. Choice A, dry mouth, is not typically associated with lithium use. Hair loss, as in choice B, is not a common side effect of lithium. Weight gain, as mentioned in choice C, can occur with some medications used to treat bipolar disorder, but it is not a prominent side effect of lithium specifically.
2. A client with a diagnosis of chronic heart failure is prescribed digoxin. What is the most important assessment before administering this medication?
- A. Check blood pressure
- B. Assess heart rate
- C. Monitor respiratory rate
- D. Measure oxygen saturation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the heart rate before administering digoxin. Digoxin can lead to bradycardia, making it crucial to evaluate the heart rate to prevent potential complications. Checking blood pressure (Choice A) is important but not as critical as assessing the heart rate in this context. Monitoring respiratory rate (Choice C) and measuring oxygen saturation (Choice D) are not the most crucial assessments before administering digoxin, as the primary concern with this medication is its impact on heart rate.
3. A nurse is caring for a postoperative client following knee arthroplasty who requires thigh-high compression sleeves. What should the nurse do?
- A. Make sure two fingers can fit under the sleeve.
- B. Apply the sleeve tightly to prevent blood clots.
- C. Ensure the sleeve is snug and comfortable.
- D. Check that the sleeve is loose enough to avoid constriction.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to make sure two fingers can fit under the sleeve. This allows for proper circulation and ensures that the sleeve is not too tight, which can lead to complications such as impaired blood flow or tissue damage. Choice B is incorrect because applying the sleeve tightly can actually cause harm rather than prevent blood clots. Choice C is incorrect as snugness alone may not guarantee proper fit. Choice D is incorrect as a sleeve that is too loose can be ineffective in providing the necessary compression.
4. A male client is admitted to a mental health unit on Friday afternoon and is very upset on Sunday because he has not had the opportunity to talk with the healthcare provider. Which response is best for the nurse to provide this client?
- A. Let me call and leave a message for your healthcare provider.
- B. The healthcare provider should be here on Monday morning.
- C. How can I help answer your questions?
- D. What concerns do you have at this time?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: It is best for the nurse to call the healthcare provider (A) because clients have the right to information about their treatment. Suggesting that the healthcare provider will be available the following day (B) does not provide immediate reassurance to the client. While offering to help answer questions (C) and inquiring about concerns (D) are supportive approaches, contacting the healthcare provider is the most appropriate action to address the client's immediate need for communication with their healthcare provider.
5. A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed buspirone. The nurse should include which instruction in the client's teaching plan?
- A. This medication may cause drowsiness; avoid driving.
- B. This medication may take several weeks to take effect.
- C. This medication can be taken on an as-needed basis.
- D. This medication should be taken with food.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Buspirone may take several weeks to take effect, so clients should continue taking it as prescribed and not expect immediate relief.