HESI LPN
HESI Practice Test Pharmacology
1. A client with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Dry cough
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypernatremia
- D. Hyponatremia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dry cough. Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, is known to cause a persistent dry cough as a common side effect. Monitoring for this adverse effect is crucial because it may lead to non-adherence to the medication. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is a potential side effect of potassium-sparing diuretics, not ACE inhibitors like lisinopril. Hypernatremia (choice C) refers to elevated sodium levels and is not a common side effect of lisinopril. Hyponatremia (choice D) is a condition characterized by low sodium levels and is not a typical side effect of lisinopril. Therefore, the nurse should focus on assessing the client for a dry cough when taking lisinopril.
2. When replacing a client's surgical dressing, what should the nurse do?
- A. Don sterile gloves to remove the old dressing
- B. Wash hands thoroughly before removing the old dressing
- C. Use sterile gloves to remove the old dressing
- D. Apply a new dressing before removing the old one
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When replacing a client's surgical dressing, the nurse should use sterile gloves to remove the old dressing. Sterile technique is essential to prevent introducing infection to the wound. Choice A is incorrect because clean gloves are not sufficient; sterile gloves are necessary to maintain asepsis. Choice B, washing hands, is an important step before and after the procedure to maintain hand hygiene, but sterile gloves are required during the dressing change. Choice D is incorrect because a new dressing should only be applied after the old one has been removed to prevent contamination and ensure proper wound care.
3. What is important to include in discharge instructions for parents of a child who has had a tonsillectomy?
- A. Encourage the child to gargle with salt water
- B. Encourage fluid intake
- C. Provide the child with hard candy
- D. Apply heat to the neck
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging fluid intake is essential in the discharge instructions for a child who has had a tonsillectomy. It helps keep the throat moist, aids in preventing dehydration, and promotes healing. Gargling with salt water is not typically recommended after a tonsillectomy as it may irritate the surgical site. Providing the child with hard candy is not advisable as it can irritate the throat and potentially cause harm. Applying heat to the neck is also not recommended post-tonsillectomy as it can increase swelling and discomfort in the surgical area.
4. When assessing a client with acute asthma, the nurse is most likely to obtain which finding?
- A. Pursed lip breathing and clubbing of fingers
- B. Fever and a high-pitched inspiratory stridor
- C. A short expiratory phase and hemoptysis
- D. Cough and musical breath sounds on expiration
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When assessing a client with acute asthma, a cough and wheezing or musical breath sounds on expiration are typical findings. Pursed lip breathing and clubbing of fingers (choice A) are not common in acute asthma but could be seen in chronic respiratory conditions. Fever and high-pitched inspiratory stridor (choice B) are more indicative of croup or epiglottitis. A short expiratory phase and hemoptysis (choice C) are not typical findings in acute asthma.
5. A client is admitted to the emergency department with symptoms of arm numbness, chest pain, and nausea/vomiting. The examining healthcare provider believes that the client has experienced an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) within the past three hours and would like to initiate tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy. Which client history findings contraindicate the use of tPA?
- A. Treats hypoglycemia with an oral hypoglycemic agent.
- B. Had a cerebrovascular hemorrhage 2 months ago.
- C. Current age 65, father died of MI at 55.
- D. Report of being intolerant of medication that contains aspirin.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A history of cerebrovascular hemorrhage is a contraindication for tPA therapy due to the risk of bleeding. Choice A is incorrect because treating hypoglycemia with an oral hypoglycemic agent is not a contraindication for tPA therapy. Choice C is incorrect as age and family history of MI do not contraindicate the use of tPA. Choice D is incorrect as being intolerant of medication containing aspirin is not a contraindication for tPA therapy.