HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI 2023
1. A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed diazepam. 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: Correct. Diazepam, a medication commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, can lead to drowsiness as a potential side effect. It is important for clients taking diazepam to be cautious about activities that require alertness, such as driving, due to the risk of drowsiness associated with this medication. Choice B, dry mouth, is not typically associated with diazepam use. Choice C, nausea, is less common as a side effect of diazepam compared to drowsiness. Choice D, headache, is also less common and typically not a significant side effect of diazepam.
2. In planning nursing care for a bedfast client, which factor is most likely to contribute to the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in an immobile client?
- A. Atherosclerotic plaque formation.
- B. Stasis of blood flow.
- C. Endothelial damage.
- D. Atherosclerotic vessel changes.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stasis of blood flow. Stasis of blood flow in immobile clients increases the risk of DVT, as lack of movement can cause blood to pool and clot. Atherosclerotic plaque formation (choice A) and atherosclerotic vessel changes (choice D) are more related to arterial diseases rather than DVT. Endothelial damage (choice C) can contribute to the development of DVT, but in an immobile client, stasis of blood flow is the most significant factor.
3. In combating myths and misconceptions about family planning in the community, what should you do first as a health educator?
- A. Identify the influential leaders of the community
- B. Select an approach to be used in correcting myths and misconceptions
- C. Decide who will be involved in the conference
- D. Identify myths and misconceptions prevailing in the community and their sources
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to identify myths and misconceptions prevailing in the community and their sources. This is the initial step in addressing misconceptions effectively. By understanding the specific myths and where they originate from, a health educator can tailor their approach to correct these misconceptions. Choice A is incorrect because while influential leaders can play a role, identifying myths comes first. Choice B is incorrect as selecting an approach should come after understanding the myths. Choice C is incorrect as deciding who will be involved in a conference is not the primary step in combating myths and misconceptions.
4. A client is expressing anger about his diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Reassure the client that this is an expected response to grief.
- B. Ignore the client’s anger and continue with the plan of care.
- C. Tell the client that anger is not going to help his situation.
- D. Encourage the client to express his anger.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a client is expressing anger about a diagnosis, it is essential for the nurse to validate the client's feelings. Choice A is correct because reassuring the client that anger is an expected response to grief acknowledges the client's emotions and encourages expression, fostering a therapeutic relationship. This validation helps the client feel understood and supported during a challenging time. Choice B is incorrect as ignoring the client's anger can lead to feelings of neglect and hinder effective communication, which is crucial for providing holistic care. Choice C is inappropriate because telling the client that anger is not helpful dismisses the client's emotions and can further escalate the situation, potentially damaging the nurse-client relationship. Choice D is not the best option as it does not involve acknowledging the client's feelings or providing support and validation, which are vital in promoting emotional well-being and trust between the client and the nurse.
5. A woman with an anxiety disorder calls her obstetrician’s office and tells the nurse of increased anxiety since the normal vaginal delivery of her son three weeks ago. Since she is breastfeeding, she stopped taking her antianxiety medications, but thinks she may need to start taking them again because of her increased anxiety. What response is best for the nurse to provide this woman?
- A. Describe the safety of certain antianxiety medications during breastfeeding
- B. Encourage her to consider stress-relieving alternatives, such as deep breathing exercises
- C. Inform her that some antianxiety medications are safe to take while breastfeeding
- D. Explain that anxiety is a common response for the mother of a 3-week-old
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Some antianxiety medications are considered safe for use while breastfeeding, and the nurse should provide this information to alleviate the woman's concerns. Choice A has been corrected to focus on the safety of certain antianxiety medications during breastfeeding, which is more accurate. Choice B suggests stress-relieving alternatives, which may help but do not address the need for antianxiety medication if required. Choice D is incorrect because it minimizes the woman's concerns by dismissing her increased anxiety as a normal response.