HESI LPN
HESI Practice Test Pharmacology
1. A client with diabetes mellitus is prescribed insulin glargine. What information should the practical nurse (PN) provide to the client about this medication?
- A. Administer the insulin at mealtimes.
- B. Do not mix this insulin with other insulins.
- C. Shake the vial well before use.
- D. Store the insulin in the freezer.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that should not be mixed with other insulins in the same syringe. Mixing it with other insulins can alter its pharmacokinetics and effectiveness. Insulin glargine is usually administered at the same time each day, often at bedtime, to provide a consistent basal level of insulin over 24 hours.
2. During a skin assessment, a client expresses concern about skin cancer. What findings should the nurse identify as a potential indication of a skin malignancy?
- A. A mole with an asymmetrical appearance.
- B. A mole with a regular border.
- C. A mole that is the same color throughout.
- D. A mole that is smaller than 6mm in diameter.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A mole with an asymmetrical appearance. Asymmetry is a key characteristic of potential skin malignancy. An asymmetrical mole does not have a uniform shape when divided in half. This irregularity raises suspicion for skin cancer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. A mole with a regular border (B) is more likely to be benign. A mole that is the same color throughout (C) is also a feature commonly seen in benign moles. Additionally, a mole smaller than 6mm in diameter (D) is not necessarily indicative of malignancy, as some melanomas can be smaller or larger than this size.
3. When preparing to administer blood to a client, what is the most important action to ensure client safety during this procedure?
- A. Check the client’s blood type compatibility
- B. Monitor the client for signs of transfusion reaction
- C. Verify the correct client and blood product with another healthcare professional
- D. All of the above
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most important action to ensure client safety during a blood transfusion is to implement multiple safety checks. Checking the client’s blood type compatibility is crucial as it helps prevent major transfusion reactions. Monitoring the client for signs of transfusion reaction is essential to detect any adverse reactions early. Verifying the correct client and blood product with another healthcare professional adds an extra layer of safety by ensuring the right blood is administered to the right patient. Choosing 'All of the above' (Option D) is the correct answer because each action plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the client during a blood transfusion. Options A, B, and C are not exclusive; they complement each other to provide comprehensive safety measures.
4. The nurse is performing a peritoneal dialysis exchange on a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
- A. The appearance of the returning dialysate fluid is cloudy
- B. The client complains of slight shortness of breath during installation
- C. The amount of the returning dialysate fluid is greater than the amount instilled
- D. The client complains of abdominal fullness and cramping during instillation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cloudy dialysate fluid can indicate peritonitis, a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis. Peritonitis is an urgent condition that requires immediate evaluation and treatment. Reporting this finding promptly is crucial to prevent further complications. Choices B, C, and D are not indicative of peritonitis and do not require immediate reporting to the healthcare provider. Complaining of slight shortness of breath, having a greater return volume, and experiencing abdominal fullness and cramping are common occurrences during peritoneal dialysis and do not necessarily indicate an emergent issue.
5. For an older postoperative client with the nursing diagnosis 'impaired mobility related to fear of falling,' which desired outcome best directs the nurse's actions for the client?
- A. The client will ambulate with assistance every 4 hours
- B. The physical therapist will instruct the client in the use of a walker
- C. The client will use self-affirmation statements to decrease fear
- D. The nurse will place a gait belt on the client prior to ambulation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging the client to use self-affirmation statements is the most appropriate desired outcome in this scenario. By utilizing self-affirmation statements, the client can address their fears directly and build confidence, which can ultimately lead to a reduction in fear of falling. While ambulating with assistance (choice A) is important, the focus here is on addressing the fear itself. Instructing the client in the use of a walker (choice B) and placing a gait belt on the client (choice D) are interventions that may be helpful but do not directly address the client's fear of falling.