HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI Practice
1. A client with a history of myocardial infarction is prescribed atorvastatin. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential adverse effect?
- A. Liver damage
- B. Kidney damage
- C. Muscle pain
- D. Increased appetite
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Muscle pain. Atorvastatin can cause muscle pain, which may indicate rhabdomyolysis, a serious adverse effect. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where muscle breakdown releases a protein (myoglobin) into the bloodstream, potentially leading to kidney damage. Liver damage (choice A) is a less common side effect of atorvastatin compared to muscle pain. Kidney damage (choice B) is not a direct adverse effect of atorvastatin but can occur indirectly if rhabdomyolysis is severe. Increased appetite (choice D) is not a known adverse effect of atorvastatin.
2. A client with uterine cancer asks the nurse, 'Which is the most common type of cancer in women?' The nurse replies that it is breast cancer. Which type of cancer causes the most deaths in women?
- A. Breast cancer
- B. Lung cancer
- C. Brain cancer
- D. Colon and rectal cancer
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, surpassing even breast cancer. While breast cancer is more common, it is often detected early enough for effective treatment. Lung cancer, on the other hand, tends to be diagnosed at later stages, leading to higher mortality rates. Brain cancer and colon and rectal cancer are not the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women, making them incorrect choices.
3. When discussing risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with a group of pregnant clients, which ethnicity should the nurse identify as having the lowest incidence of GDM?
- A. Asian
- B. Non-Hispanic White American
- C. Hispanic
- D. African American
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Non-Hispanic White Americans have the lowest incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to other ethnicities. This is because GDM is more prevalent among certain ethnic groups, such as Asian, Hispanic, and African American populations. Asian individuals have an increased risk of developing GDM due to genetic factors, while Hispanic and African American populations have higher incidences of GDM due to lifestyle and genetic predispositions. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as Non-Hispanic White Americans generally have a lower risk of developing GDM.
4. A nurse is practicing community health nursing when:
- A. leading a support group for obese adolescents
- B. visiting an old woman in her condominium to change her postsurgical dressing
- C. being in a clinic instructing a couple about newborn care
- D. performing any of these activities
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Correct! Community health nursing involves a broad scope of activities that focus on promoting and preserving the health of populations rather than individuals. This includes leading support groups, providing home care, and educating communities. The other options represent different aspects of nursing care such as home health nursing, wound care, and maternal-child health - which are not exclusive to community health nursing.
5. You are caring for a neonate who has a cleft palate. You should inform the mother that surgical correction will be done when the infant is:
- A. 8 to 12 months of age.
- B. 20 to 24 months of age.
- C. 16 to 20 months of age.
- D. 12 to 16 months of age.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 8 to 12 months of age. Surgical correction for a cleft palate is typically performed around this age to optimize speech development and prevent feeding difficulties. Options B, C, and D suggest later ages for surgery, which may lead to speech and feeding issues due to the delay in correction.