HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI 55 Questions 2023
1. When should a glucagon emergency kit be used for a client with Type 1 diabetes?
- A. During episodes of hypoglycemia
- B. At the onset of signs of diabetic ketoacidosis
- C. Before meals to prevent hyperglycemia
- D. When signs of severe hypoglycemia occur
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A glucagon emergency kit is used when signs of severe hypoglycemia occur in a client with Type 1 diabetes. Glucagon helps raise blood glucose levels in cases of severe hypoglycemia when the individual is unable to take oral glucose. It is crucial to administer glucagon promptly to prevent serious complications associated with low blood sugar levels. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a glucagon emergency kit is specifically indicated for severe hypoglycemia, not for general episodes of hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, or prevention of hyperglycemia.
2. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin. The nurse should monitor for which sign of potential bleeding?
- A. Elevated blood pressure
- B. Bruising
- C. Shortness of breath
- D. Nausea and vomiting
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding. Bruising is a common sign of potential bleeding in clients taking warfarin. Monitoring for bruising is essential as it can indicate a risk of bleeding that needs further assessment and management. Elevated blood pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting are not direct signs of potential bleeding associated with warfarin therapy.
3. What action should a healthcare professional planning to insert an IV for an older adult client take?
- A. Place the client’s arm in a dependent position.
- B. Place the client’s arm in a flexed position.
- C. Elevate the client’s arm to the level of the heart.
- D. Use a tourniquet above the insertion site.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for a healthcare professional planning to insert an IV for an older adult client is to place the client’s arm in a dependent position. This positioning helps with vein prominence and facilitates easier IV insertion by enhancing blood flow and distending the veins. Placing the arm in a flexed position or elevating it to the level of the heart can impede vein visualization and make insertion more challenging. Using a tourniquet above the insertion site is a step in the IV insertion process but is not the initial action to take when preparing for the procedure.
4. A client with hyperkalemia is being treated in the emergency department. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?
- A. Potassium chloride
- B. Calcium gluconate
- C. Magnesium sulfate
- D. Sodium bicarbonate
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Calcium gluconate. In hyperkalemia, where potassium levels are elevated, calcium gluconate is administered to stabilize the myocardial cell membrane and protect the heart from potential arrhythmias. Potassium chloride (choice A) would worsen the condition by further increasing potassium levels. Magnesium sulfate (choice C) is not the primary treatment for hyperkalemia. Sodium bicarbonate (choice D) is used in metabolic acidosis, not specifically for hyperkalemia.
5. Which statement by the client will assist the healthcare provider in determining whether she is in true labor as opposed to false labor?
- A. I passed some thick, pink mucus when I urinated this morning.
- B. My bag of waters just broke.
- C. The contractions in my uterus are getting stronger and closer together.
- D. My baby dropped, and I have to urinate more frequently now.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Regular, strong contractions with the presence of cervical change indicate that the woman is experiencing true labor. Choice A indicates the passing of the mucus plug, which is a sign of early labor but not definitive for true labor. Choice B, the breaking of the bag of waters, is a sign of labor but does not confirm whether it is true or false labor. Choice D, the baby dropping and increased urination frequency, suggests lightening, a sign that labor may be approaching, but it does not confirm true labor.