HESI LPN
HESI Pharmacology Exam Test Bank
1. A client with anxiety is prescribed alprazolam. What instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?
- A. Take this medication with food.
- B. Avoid activities that require alertness.
- C. Do not stop taking this medication abruptly.
- D. This medication may cause drowsiness.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Do not stop taking this medication abruptly.' Alprazolam should not be stopped suddenly as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. It is important for clients to taper off the medication gradually under medical supervision to prevent adverse effects. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is irrelevant to alprazolam administration instructions. Choice B, 'Avoid activities that require alertness,' is not the priority teaching point for alprazolam. Choice D, 'This medication may cause drowsiness,' is a common side effect of alprazolam but not the most critical instruction to include in the teaching plan.
2. The mother of a toddler calls the nurse for help as the baby is choking on his food. The nurse determines that the Heimlich maneuver is necessary based on which finding?
- A. Inability of the toddler to cry or speak
- B. Coughing forcefully
- C. Gagging but able to breathe
- D. Wheezing during respiration
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is option A: Inability of the toddler to cry or speak. In cases of choking, the inability to cry or speak indicates a severe airway obstruction where the Heimlich maneuver is necessary to clear the obstruction and establish a patent airway. Option B, coughing forcefully, represents a partial obstruction where the child can still move air, making the Heimlich maneuver not immediately necessary. Option C, gagging but able to breathe, suggests a partial obstruction where air is moving, and the child can still breathe, not requiring immediate intervention like the Heimlich maneuver. Option D, wheezing during respiration, is more indicative of a lower airway issue such as asthma rather than an upper airway obstruction that necessitates the Heimlich maneuver.
3. While changing the pressure ulcer dressing of a client who is immobile, the nurse notes that the boundary edges of the wound have increased. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should review which of the client’s serum laboratory values?
- A. Potassium
- B. Platelets
- C. Creatinine
- D. Albumin
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Albumin. Reviewing albumin levels is crucial in this situation because low albumin levels can impact wound healing and contribute to increased wound edges. Potassium (choice A) is not directly related to wound healing or wound edges. Platelets (choice B) are more related to blood clotting than wound healing. Creatinine (choice C) is related to kidney function, not specifically to wound healing or wound edges.
4. What is the primary reason for applying sequential compression devices (SCDs) to a patient’s legs postoperatively?
- A. To prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- B. To promote wound healing
- C. To reduce postoperative pain
- D. To maintain body temperature
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: To prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sequential compression devices (SCDs) are used postoperatively to prevent DVT by promoting blood circulation in the legs. This helps reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the deep veins of the legs. Choice B, to promote wound healing, is incorrect as SCDs are primarily used for circulatory purposes rather than wound healing. Choice C, to reduce postoperative pain, is incorrect as the primary purpose of SCDs is not pain management but rather prevention of DVT. Choice D, to maintain body temperature, is incorrect as SCDs are not designed for regulating body temperature but for preventing circulatory issues.
5. A client is being discharged with a prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Take your pulse daily before taking this medication.
- B. Take an extra dose if you miss a dose of this medication.
- C. Take this medication with food.
- D. Avoid eating foods high in potassium while taking this medication.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Take your pulse daily before taking this medication.' It is essential for clients taking digoxin to monitor their pulse daily to detect bradycardia, a potential side effect. Choice B is incorrect because clients should never take an extra dose if a dose is missed; they should take the missed dose as soon as remembered unless it is close to the time for the next dose. Choice C is incorrect because digoxin is preferably taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Choice D is incorrect because digoxin itself can cause low potassium levels, so avoiding potassium-rich foods is not necessary.