HESI LPN
HESI Practice Test Pharmacology
1. A client with heart failure develops hyperaldosteronism. What dietary recommendation is essential for managing this condition?
- A. Limit intake of high potassium foods
- B. Replace salt with salt substitute
- C. Monitor skin for excessive bruising
- D. Cover your skin before going outside
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hyperaldosteronism can lead to increased potassium retention, which can be problematic for individuals with heart failure. Limiting intake of high potassium foods is crucial to prevent hyperkalemia, a condition that can worsen heart failure. Therefore, advising the client to limit high potassium foods is essential in managing hyperaldosteronism in the setting of heart failure.
2. A client has been diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma. The healthcare provider prescribes pilocarpine 1% eye drops. The nurse explains that which action of this drug makes it a useful treatment for the client's condition?
- A. The ciliary muscle contracts, increasing the outflow of aqueous humor in the eye.
- B. Ciliary muscles are paralyzed to decrease accommodation.
- C. Bilateral mydriasis with cycloplegia is accomplished.
- D. The production of aqueous humor in the eyes is decreased.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pilocarpine, a cholinergic agent, stimulates the ciliary muscle to contract, which opens the trabecular meshwork and facilitates the outflow of aqueous humor, reducing intraocular pressure. This mechanism helps in managing open-angle glaucoma by improving drainage and lowering pressure within the eye. Choice A is correct because the contraction of the ciliary muscle increases the outflow of aqueous humor, aiding in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not describe the mechanism of action of pilocarpine in treating glaucoma.
3. A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Dry mouth
- B. Hair loss
- C. Weight gain
- D. Tremors
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tremors. When a client is prescribed lithium for bipolar disorder, one common side effect to monitor for is tremors. Tremors are a known adverse effect of lithium therapy and should be monitored closely by healthcare providers. Choice A, dry mouth, is not typically associated with lithium use. Hair loss, as in choice B, is not a common side effect of lithium. Weight gain, as mentioned in choice C, can occur with some medications used to treat bipolar disorder, but it is not a prominent side effect of lithium specifically.
4. A client with chronic pain is prescribed oxycodone. What instruction should the practical nurse (PN) include in the client's teaching plan?
- A. Take the medication with meals to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
- B. Avoid taking the medication with alcohol.
- C. Increase fluid intake to avoid constipation.
- D. Report any signs of respiratory depression to the healthcare provider.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to avoid taking oxycodone with alcohol. Mixing oxycodone with alcohol can lead to serious side effects, including respiratory depression. Taking the medication with meals may not always be necessary, and instructions about fluid intake to avoid constipation are important but not the priority when considering the immediate risks associated with oxycodone. While reporting signs of respiratory depression is crucial, preventing it by avoiding alcohol is key in the client's safety.
5. A practical nurse (PN) is preparing to administer enoxaparin to a client. What is the most important action for the PN to take before administering this medication?
- A. Assess the client's blood pressure.
- B. Check the client's platelet count.
- C. Monitor the client's urine output.
- D. Review the client's blood glucose level.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client's platelet count. Enoxaparin can lead to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, assessing the platelet count before administering enoxaparin is crucial to ensure that it is within a safe range. Assessing the client's blood pressure (Choice A) is not directly related to enoxaparin administration. Monitoring urine output (Choice C) and reviewing blood glucose levels (Choice D) are not essential actions before administering enoxaparin.
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