HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI 55 Questions 2023
1. A client with a history of stroke is prescribed dabigatran. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Dry mouth
- B. Weight gain
- C. Headache
- D. Dizziness
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Headache. Dabigatran, an anticoagulant, can cause headache as a potential side effect. Headache is important to monitor as it may indicate adverse effects or complications that need attention. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because dry mouth, weight gain, and dizziness are not commonly associated with dabigatran use.
2. How should a healthcare professional handle a child with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes?
- A. Focus on increasing physical activity and dietary management
- B. Initiate insulin therapy immediately
- C. Limit all carbohydrate intake
- D. Recommend frequent fasting
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In managing type 2 diabetes in a child, focusing on increasing physical activity and dietary management is crucial, especially in the initial treatment phase. This approach helps improve insulin sensitivity and overall glycemic control. Initiating insulin therapy immediately is not the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes in children. Limiting all carbohydrate intake is not advisable as carbohydrates are essential for providing energy and nutrients. Recommending frequent fasting can be harmful and is not a recommended strategy for managing type 2 diabetes in children.
3. Which procedure is used to detect neural tube defects such as spina bifida and certain chromosomal abnormalities?
- A. Artificial insemination
- B. Amniocentesis
- C. Endometriosis
- D. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) assay
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is the Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) assay. This blood test measures the level of AFP in a pregnant woman's blood, aiding in the detection of neural tube defects and certain chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. Choice A, artificial insemination, is a method used to facilitate fertilization and is not related to detecting fetal abnormalities. Choice B, amniocentesis, involves collecting amniotic fluid for genetic testing, not directly measuring AFP levels. Choice C, endometriosis, is a medical condition involving abnormal tissue growth and is not a procedure for detecting fetal abnormalities. Therefore, the Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) assay is the most appropriate option for detecting neural tube defects such as spina bifida and certain chromosomal abnormalities.
4. How should the nurse assess for cyanosis in a client with dark skin who is in respiratory distress?
- A. Abnormal skin color changes in a client with dark skin cannot be determined
- B. Blanching the soles of the feet in a client with dark skin reveals cyanosis
- C. The lips and mucus membranes of a client with dark skin are dusky in color
- D. Cyanosis in a client with dark skin is seen in the sclera
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Observing the lips and mucous membranes provides a reliable indicator of cyanosis in clients with dark skin tones. Choice A is incorrect because cyanosis can be assessed in clients with dark skin by observing other body areas. Choice B is incorrect as blanching the soles of the feet is not a relevant method for assessing cyanosis. Choice D is incorrect as cyanosis is not typically seen in the sclera in clients with dark skin.
5. The nurse is caring for a client with status epilepticus. The most important nursing assessment of this client is
- A. Intravenous fluid infusion
- B. Level of consciousness
- C. Pulse and respirations
- D. Extremities for injuries
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In status epilepticus, the most crucial nursing assessment is the level of consciousness. Assessing the client's level of consciousness is vital as prolonged seizures can result in hypoxia, brain damage, and require immediate intervention. Pulse and respirations (choice C) are important assessments, but in status epilepticus, the priority is to monitor the client's neurological status. Checking intravenous fluid infusion (choice A) and extremities for injuries (choice D) are not the primary assessments needed in managing a client experiencing status epilepticus.