HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI Practice
1. A client with hypertension is prescribed clonidine. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Dizziness
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypotension. Clonidine, a medication used to treat hypertension, can cause a lowering of blood pressure leading to hypotension as a potential side effect. Monitoring for hypotension is essential to prevent complications such as dizziness, fainting, or falls. Option B, Tachycardia, is incorrect as clonidine typically causes bradycardia or a decreased heart rate. Option C, Dizziness, can occur due to hypotension caused by clonidine. Option D, Hyperglycemia, is not a common side effect associated with clonidine use.
2. A client with a history of coronary artery disease is experiencing chest pain. What is the priority action for the nurse to take?
- A. Administer oxygen via a nasal cannula.
- B. Measure the client's vital signs.
- C. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
- D. Encourage the client to use pursed-lip breathing.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering oxygen via a nasal cannula is the priority action for a client experiencing chest pain due to coronary artery disease. Oxygen therapy helps improve oxygenation, reduce myocardial workload, and relieve chest pain by increasing oxygen delivery to the heart muscle. While measuring vital signs, obtaining a 12-lead ECG, and encouraging pursed-lip breathing are important interventions, administering oxygen takes precedence in this situation to address the potential hypoxemia associated with chest pain in a client with a history of coronary artery disease.
3. What pathophysiologic process is producing the symptoms of gout in a client with sudden onset of big toe joint pain and swelling?
- A. Deposition of crystals in the synovial space of the joints produces inflammation and irritation.
- B. Degeneration of joint cartilage causing inflammation.
- C. Infection of the joint space leading to inflammation.
- D. Increased synovial fluid causing joint swelling and pain.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Gout is characterized by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the synovial fluid of joints, which triggers inflammation and pain. This process is known as crystal-induced arthritis. Choice B is incorrect as gout does not involve degeneration of joint cartilage. Choice C is incorrect as gout is not caused by an infection of the joint space. Choice D is incorrect as gout does not result from increased synovial fluid but rather from the deposition of uric acid crystals.
4. A nurse is providing care to four clients. Which of the following situations requires the nurse to complete an incident report?
- A. A nurse tied a client's restraints straps to the moveable part of the bed frame.
- B. An assistive personnel placed a surgical mask on a client who has TB before transporting her to radiology.
- C. A nurse administered a medication to a client 30 minutes before the dose is due.
- D. A client who has an IV infusion pump receives an additional 250 mL of IV fluid.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. An incident report should be completed when a nurse administers medication to a client significantly earlier than the scheduled time. This deviation from the prescribed schedule could potentially impact the client's treatment plan and requires documentation for proper evaluation and follow-up. Choices A, B, and D do not necessarily require an incident report. Choice A involves improper restraint application, which is a safety issue but does not directly involve medication administration. Choice B involves a protective measure for a client with TB, which is within the scope of practice for assistive personnel. Choice D describes an increase in IV fluid administration, which may need monitoring but does not necessarily indicate a need for an incident report unless there are specific complications or adverse effects related to the additional fluid.
5. A child with a diagnosis of leukemia is admitted to the hospital with a fever. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering antibiotics
- B. Administering antipyretics
- C. Providing nutritional support
- D. Monitoring for signs of infection
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with leukemia admitted to the hospital with a fever is to monitor for signs of infection. Children with leukemia are immunocompromised, making them more susceptible to infections. Monitoring for signs of infection helps in early detection and timely intervention, which is crucial in preventing complications. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be necessary if an infection is suspected or confirmed, but the priority is to assess for signs of infection first. Administering antipyretics (choice B) may help reduce fever, but it does not address the underlying cause, which could be an infection. Providing nutritional support (choice C) is important for overall health but is not the priority when a child with leukemia presents with a fever, as infection needs to be ruled out or managed first.