HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI Practice
1. A client with hypertension is prescribed valsartan. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Hyperglycemia
- D. Hyponatremia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypotension. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that can cause hypotension as a side effect by dilating blood vessels. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial to prevent complications related to low blood pressure. Choice B, Tachycardia, is incorrect because valsartan typically does not cause an increase in heart rate. Choice C, Hyperglycemia, is not a common side effect of valsartan. Choice D, Hyponatremia, is also unlikely with valsartan use.
2. When caring for a child diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, what is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering pain medication
- B. Ensuring adequate hydration
- C. Providing nutritional support
- D. Monitoring vital signs
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention when caring for a child with sickle cell anemia is administering pain medication. Pain management is crucial in sickle cell anemia due to vaso-occlusive crises that can cause severe pain. While ensuring adequate hydration, providing nutritional support, and monitoring vital signs are important aspects of care for a child with sickle cell anemia, addressing the pain with appropriate medication takes precedence to alleviate the child's suffering and improve their quality of life.
3. What should the nurse do to complete a focused assessment for a female client with inflamed and painful hemorrhoids?
- A. Determine if the client uses any over-the-counter preparations for hemorrhoids
- B. Place the client in a standing position, leaning over the exam bed for inspection
- C. Position the client in the left lateral position to inspect the perineal area for fissures or sacs
- D. Ask the client how long she has experienced discomfort related to hemorrhoids
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Asking the client about the duration of discomfort related to hemorrhoids is the best intervention to implement for a focused assessment. This information provides important context for assessing the severity and chronicity of the condition, which is crucial for developing an appropriate care plan. Choices A, B, and C do not directly address the need to gather information about the duration of symptoms, which is essential for understanding the client's condition.
4. A client is having difficulty breathing while laying in bed with a nasal cannula delivering oxygen. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take first?
- A. Suction the client's airway
- B. Administer a bronchodilator
- C. Increase the humidity in the client's room
- D. Assist the client to an upright position
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to assist the client to an upright position. When a client is having difficulty breathing, promoting optimal oxygenation is essential. Elevating the head of the bed improves ventilation and lung expansion by reducing pressure on the diaphragm. This position allows the lungs to expand fully, enhancing oxygen exchange. Suctioning the airway may be necessary if there are secretions causing obstruction, but it is not the first intervention in this scenario. Administering a bronchodilator is appropriate for bronchoconstriction but does not address the immediate need for better ventilation. Increasing humidity can be beneficial in certain respiratory conditions, but it is not the initial priority when a client is struggling to breathe.
5. A healthcare professional is teaching a class of new parents about how to position their infants during the first few weeks of life. Which position is safest?
- A. On the back, lying flat
- B. On either side, lying flat
- C. Head slightly elevated on the left side
- D. Head slightly elevated on the right side
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'On the back, lying flat.' Placing infants on their back to sleep is recommended to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This position promotes safe sleep practices and helps prevent accidental suffocation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as placing infants on their side or with the head slightly elevated may increase the risk of breathing difficulties or other hazards during sleep.