HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI 2023
1. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is prescribed digoxin. The nurse should monitor for which sign of digoxin toxicity?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Nausea
- D. Vomiting
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Bradycardia is a common sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin, a medication used to treat atrial fibrillation, can lead to toxicity manifesting as various cardiac dysrhythmias, with bradycardia being a notable indicator. Monitoring for bradycardia is crucial as it can indicate the need for dosage adjustment or discontinuation of digoxin to prevent adverse effects. Tachycardia, nausea, and vomiting are not typically associated with digoxin toxicity, making them incorrect choices for monitoring in a client receiving this medication.
2. The healthcare professional is developing a teaching plan for a child who is to have their cast removed. What instruction would the professional most likely include?
- A. Applying petroleum jelly to the dry skin.
- B. Rubbing the skin vigorously to remove the dead skin.
- C. Soaking the area in warm water every day.
- D. Washing the skin with diluted peroxide and water.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Soaking the area in warm water is the most appropriate instruction for a child who is having their cast removed. This method helps to gently remove dead skin without causing irritation. Applying petroleum jelly to dry skin (Choice A) is not recommended as it may not effectively aid in the removal of dead skin. Rubbing the skin vigorously (Choice B) can lead to skin irritation and should be avoided. Washing the skin with diluted peroxide and water (Choice D) may be too harsh, causing unnecessary irritation to the skin post-cast removal.
3. A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 6 hours old and has a bedside glucometer reading of 65 mg/dL. The newborn’s mother has type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Obtain a blood sample for a serum glucose level
- B. Feed the newborn immediately
- C. Administer 50 mL of dextrose solution IV
- D. Reassess the blood glucose level prior to the next feeding
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A bedside glucometer reading of 65 mg/dL is within the normal range for a newborn. Reassessing the blood glucose level prior to the next feeding ensures ongoing monitoring without unnecessary intervention. Obtaining a blood sample for a serum glucose level (Choice A) is not necessary as the initial reading is normal. Feeding the newborn immediately (Choice B) may not be indicated and could lead to unnecessary interventions. Administering dextrose solution IV (Choice C) is not warranted as the glucose level is within the normal range and does not require immediate correction.
4. A 40-year-old male client diagnosed with schizophrenia and alcohol dependence has not had any visitors or phone calls since admission. He reports he has no family that cares about him and was living on the streets prior to this admission. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which stage is the client in at this time?
- A. Isolation.
- B. Stagnation.
- C. Despair.
- D. Role confusion.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The client is in Erikson's 'Generativity vs. Stagnation' stage (age 24 to 45). This stage involves maintaining intimate relationships and moving toward developing a family, which the client seems to be struggling with due to lack of visitors and family support. Choices (A), (C), and (D) are incorrect. Isolation typically occurs in young adulthood (age 18 to 25), Despair in maturity (age 45 to death), and Role confusion in adolescence (age 12 to 20). These stages reflect challenges individuals face if they do not successfully navigate their psychosocial developmental tasks.
5. What should an adolescent with type 1 diabetes do if an insulin reaction is experienced while at a basketball game?
- A. Call your parents immediately.
- B. Buy a soda and hamburger to eat.
- C. Administer insulin as soon as possible.
- D. Leave the arena and rest until the symptoms subside.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Choosing option B, 'Buy a soda and hamburger to eat,' is the most appropriate action for an adolescent with type 1 diabetes experiencing an insulin reaction during a basketball game. In this situation, the individual is likely experiencing hypoglycemia, and consuming a soda provides a quick source of sugar to raise blood glucose levels rapidly. The hamburger can offer a more sustained release of energy due to its protein and fat content. Option A is incorrect because while contacting parents for help may be necessary in some situations, immediate action to address hypoglycemia is crucial. Option C is incorrect because administering insulin would further lower blood sugar levels, worsening the condition. Option D is incorrect as leaving the arena without addressing the hypoglycemia can lead to a worsening of symptoms and potentially dangerous outcomes.