HESI LPN
HESI Pharmacology Exam Test Bank
1. A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed fluvoxamine. The nurse should instruct the client that this medication may have which potential side effect?
- A. Drowsiness
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Insomnia
- D. Headache
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Drowsiness. Fluvoxamine is known to cause drowsiness as a potential side effect. Patients should be advised to avoid activities like driving that require alertness until they understand how the medication affects them. Dry mouth, insomnia, and headache are potential side effects of other medications used for anxiety disorders but are not typically associated with fluvoxamine.
2. A healthcare professional is obtaining the blood pressure in a client's lower extremity. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?
- A. Place the bladder of the cuff over the posterior aspect of the thigh
- B. Use a smaller cuff designed for lower extremities
- C. Place the cuff around the client's ankle
- D. Ensure the cuff is positioned above the knee
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When measuring blood pressure in the lower extremity, the bladder of the cuff should be placed over the posterior aspect of the thigh. This positioning ensures an accurate measurement. Placing the cuff around the ankle (Choice C) or above the knee (Choice D) would not provide an accurate blood pressure reading in the lower extremity. Using a smaller cuff designed for lower extremities (Choice B) is not appropriate as the standard cuff size should be used with the bladder placed over the posterior aspect of the thigh.
3. When discussing the side effects of the Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) vaccine with parents, which sign should the nurse mention for an infant receiving the vaccine?
- A. Lethargy
- B. Urticaria
- C. Generalized rash
- D. Low-grade fever
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Low-grade fever.' A low-grade fever is a typical, mild side effect that can occur after the Hib vaccine is administered. It is a sign that the body's immune system is responding to the vaccine and is generally not a cause for concern. Lethargy, urticaria, and generalized rash are not commonly associated side effects of the Hib vaccine. Lethargy may be a sign of other issues, while urticaria and generalized rash are more indicative of allergic reactions rather than typical responses to the Hib vaccine.
4. The nurse is admitting a male client who takes lithium carbonate (Eskalith) twice a day. Which information should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Short-term memory loss.
- B. Depressed affect.
- C. Five-pound weight gain.
- D. Nausea and vomiting.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Nausea and vomiting should be reported immediately because they could indicate lithium toxicity, which requires urgent medical attention to prevent more severe effects. Short-term memory loss, depressed affect, and weight gain are common side effects of lithium but do not require immediate medical attention compared to symptoms of toxicity like nausea and vomiting.
5. A parent tearfully tells a nurse, 'They think our child is developmentally delayed. We are thinking about investigating a preschool program for cognitively impaired children.' What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?
- A. Praise the parent for the decision and encourage the plan.
- B. Ask for more specific information related to the developmental delays.
- C. Advise the parent to have the healthcare provider help choose an appropriate program.
- D. Explain that this may be a premature action and the developmental delays could disappear.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate response in this situation is to ask for more specific information related to the developmental delays. By seeking additional details, the nurse can better understand the child's needs and provide tailored guidance and support to the parent. Praising the parent (Choice A) before fully grasping the situation may not be beneficial. Advising the parent to involve the healthcare provider in selecting a program (Choice C) is premature without a comprehensive understanding of the child's developmental delays. Explaining that the delays might resolve on their own (Choice D) is inappropriate as it dismisses the parent's concerns and the necessity for timely and appropriate interventions.