HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI Practice
1. A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed sertraline. The nurse should instruct the client that this medication may have which potential side effect?
- A. Nausea
- B. Drowsiness
- C. Insomnia
- D. Headache
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nausea. Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is known to commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea. It is recommended for clients to take sertraline with food to help minimize this potential side effect. Choice B, Drowsiness, is less commonly associated with sertraline use. Insomnia, choice C, is not a typical side effect of sertraline; in fact, it may help improve sleep in some individuals. Headache, choice D, is also not a common side effect of sertraline.
2. A healthcare provider is preparing to insert an IV catheter into a client's arm before starting IV fluid therapy. Which of the following interventions should the provider implement to prevent infection?
- A. Thread the IV catheter so that the hub rests at the insertion site
- B. Shave excess hair from around the insertion site
- C. Cleanse the site with hydrogen peroxide before IV catheter insertion
- D. Palpate the site carefully just before inserting the IV catheter
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Inserting the IV catheter so that the hub rests at the insertion site reduces the risk of contamination along the length of the catheter. This technique helps prevent introducing microbes into the bloodstream during the catheter insertion process. Shaving excess hair is unnecessary and can increase the risk of skin irritation and infection. Cleansing the site with hydrogen peroxide is outdated as it can cause tissue damage and delay wound healing. Palpating the site just before insertion can introduce bacteria from the skin surface into the insertion site, increasing the risk of infection.
3. What is an important consideration when administering medications to a child with a history of chronic renal failure?
- A. Increased frequency of medication administration
- B. Adjustments in dosage due to altered drug metabolism
- C. Avoidance of all medications
- D. Use of only intravenous medications
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When administering medications to a child with chronic renal failure, it is crucial to consider adjustments in dosage due to altered drug metabolism. Children with chronic renal failure may have impaired drug excretion, leading to potential drug accumulation and toxicity. Increasing the frequency of medication administration (choice A) may not address the altered drug metabolism issue and could increase the risk of adverse effects. Avoiding all medications (choice C) is not practical or safe as some medications may be necessary for the child's health. Using only intravenous medications (choice D) is not always required and may not be the best route of administration for all medications needed.
4. After admission, which observation is most important for the nurse to report immediately for an adult client who weighs 150 pounds and has partial-thickness and full-thickness burns over 40% of the body from a house fire?
- A. Poor appetite and refusal to eat
- B. Systolic blood pressure at 102
- C. Painful moaning and crying
- D. Urinary output of 20 ml/hr
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A urinary output of 20 ml/hr is a sign of inadequate kidney perfusion and could indicate hypovolemic shock, which requires immediate intervention. In this situation, with severe burns over a large portion of the body, monitoring urinary output is crucial to assess kidney function and fluid status. Poor appetite, systolic blood pressure at 102, and painful moaning and crying are important but do not indicate the immediate need for intervention like inadequate urinary output does.
5. Which of the following is used to monitor specific groups eligible for a particular DOH program?
- A. Family treatment record
- B. Target Client list
- C. Reporting forms
- D. Output record
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Target Client list. The Target Client list is specifically designed to monitor groups that are eligible for a particular DOH program. It helps in identifying and tracking individuals or populations that qualify for the said program. Choice A, Family treatment record, is incorrect because it pertains to the medical history and treatment information of a particular family, not eligibility monitoring. Choice C, Reporting forms, is incorrect as they are used for documenting and submitting information, not for monitoring eligibility. Choice D, Output record, is also incorrect as it refers to the results or outcomes produced by a system, not for monitoring eligibility.