HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI 2023
1. A client with epilepsy is prescribed lamotrigine. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Drowsiness
- B. Nausea and vomiting
- C. Skin rash
- D. Dizziness
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a client is prescribed lamotrigine, the nurse should closely monitor for the potential side effect of skin rash. Lamotrigine is known to cause skin rashes, which can be mild or severe, indicating a serious adverse reaction like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Monitoring for skin rash is crucial to detect any signs of severe allergic reactions early and prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, and dizziness are not typically associated with lamotrigine use. While dizziness can be a side effect of some antiepileptic medications, it is not a common side effect of lamotrigine.
2. A client with rheumatoid arthritis reports a new onset of increasing fatigue. What intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Assist the client in conserving energy during daily activities
- B. Explain to the client that this could be a side effect of the medication
- C. Assess the client for pallor
- D. Encourage the client to maintain a balanced diet and hydration
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct first intervention for a client with rheumatoid arthritis reporting increasing fatigue is to assess the client for pallor. Fatigue can be a sign of anemia or other complications; assessing for pallor can help determine if anemia is the cause. Option A is incorrect as it does not address the underlying cause of fatigue. Option B assumes the cause without further assessment. Option D is important for overall health but assessing for pallor takes precedence to identify immediate issues related to fatigue.
3. A nurse is planning to teach a group of clients who are breastfeeding after returning to work. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. “Thawed breast milk can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.”
- B. “Breast milk can be stored in a deep freezer for 12 months.”
- C. “Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours.”
- D. “Thawed breast milk that is unused cannot be refrozen.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: “Breast milk can be stored in a deep freezer for 12 months.” This instruction is important for mothers returning to work to ensure a long-term storage option for breast milk. Choice A is incorrect because thawed breast milk should be used within 24 hours if stored in the refrigerator. Choice C is incorrect as breast milk can be kept at room temperature for only up to 4 hours. Choice D is incorrect as thawed breast milk that is unused should not be refrozen due to safety concerns.
4. How should pain be assessed in a nonverbal child?
- A. Ask the parents about the child’s usual behavior
- B. Observe the child’s facial expressions and body movements
- C. Measure the child’s blood pressure
- D. Use a pain rating scale for older children
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Observing the nonverbal child's facial expressions and body movements is crucial in assessing pain. Nonverbal children may not be able to communicate their discomfort verbally, making it essential to rely on physical cues. Asking parents about the child's usual behavior (choice A) may provide some insight but observing the child directly is more direct and reliable. Measuring blood pressure (choice C) is not typically a direct method for assessing pain in nonverbal children. Using a pain rating scale designed for older children (choice D) is also inappropriate for nonverbal children who cannot participate in such self-reporting tools.
5. A client with schizophrenia who has been stabilized on medication is being discharged from the hospital. What discharge teaching is most important for the LPN/LVN to reinforce?
- A. The importance of adhering to the prescribed medication regimen.
- B. How to recognize early signs of relapse.
- C. The need to continue follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider.
- D. The importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet and exercise.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Reinforcing the importance of adhering to the prescribed medication regimen is crucial for preventing relapse in clients with schizophrenia. Compliance with medication is essential in managing the symptoms and preventing a worsening of the condition. Choice B, recognizing early signs of relapse, is important but secondary to ensuring medication adherence. Choice C, follow-up appointments, is also important but not as critical as medication compliance immediately post-discharge. Choice D, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, is beneficial for overall health but is not as directly linked to preventing relapse in schizophrenia as medication adherence.