HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI Practice
1. A client with diabetes mellitus type 2 is prescribed metformin. What instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?
- A. Take this medication with meals.
- B. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- C. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
- D. Report any signs of lactic acidosis to the healthcare provider.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed metformin is to take the medication with meals. Taking metformin with meals helps to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, which are common with this medication. Choice B, avoiding alcohol, is a good practice due to the increased risk of lactic acidosis when alcohol is consumed with metformin; however, it is not the priority teaching point in this scenario. Taking metformin on an empty stomach (Choice C) is incorrect because it can increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Reporting signs of lactic acidosis (Choice D) is important, but it is more related to monitoring for adverse effects rather than a primary teaching point for administration.
2. A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease reports black, tarry stools. What is the most appropriate action for the LPN/LVN to take?
- A. Reassure the client that this is not a normal finding.
- B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
- C. Document the finding in the client’s chart.
- D. Encourage the client to seek medical attention.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. Black, tarry stools can be indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding, a serious complication that requires urgent medical evaluation and intervention. This finding should not be dismissed or considered normal without further assessment. Option A is incorrect because black, tarry stools are not a normal finding and may signify a significant health issue. Option C is incorrect as immediate action is needed rather than just documenting the finding. Option D is not the best choice as it simply suggests seeking medical attention without emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Prompt notification of the healthcare provider is crucial to ensure timely intervention and management of potential gastrointestinal bleeding.
3. A female client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. What is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?
- A. I don't hear any voices. They must be in your head.
- B. What are the voices telling you to do?
- C. You need to ignore the voices and focus on reality.
- D. I know the voices are real to you, but I don't hear them.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Acknowledging the client's experience while gently presenting reality can help build trust and provide reassurance without reinforcing the hallucination.
4. The nurse is teaching the parents of a child who has head lice (pediculosis capitis). Which information will the nurse include in the teaching session?
- A. Treatment involves using regular shampoo.
- B. Products containing lindane are not recommended.
- C. Head lice may spread to furniture and other people.
- D. Manual removal is essential in treatment.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Head lice are highly contagious and can spread to furniture and other people if not treated promptly. Informing the parents about the potential spread of head lice emphasizes the importance of thorough treatment and prevention measures. Choice A is incorrect as regular shampoo is not typically effective in treating head lice. Choice B is incorrect as products containing lindane are not recommended due to safety concerns. Choice D is incorrect as manual removal, though labor-intensive, is a crucial step in effectively treating head lice infestations, but it is not the most pertinent information to include in the teaching session.
5. A child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is to receive prednisone as part of his treatment plan. After teaching the child's parents about this drug, which statement by the parents indicates the need for additional teaching?
- A. We should give this drug after he eats something.
- B. We need to watch carefully for possible infections.
- C. The drug should not be stopped abruptly.
- D. He might experience weight gain with this drug.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Giving prednisone with food helps prevent gastrointestinal upset. Therefore, the correct statement is that the drug should be given after the child eats something, not before. Watching for infections is important due to prednisone's immunosuppressive effects, making choice B correct. Choice C is accurate because prednisone should be tapered off gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Weight gain is a common side effect of prednisone, so choice D is also correct. The incorrect statement is choice A, as prednisone should be administered after a meal.