HESI LPN
HESI Practice Test Pharmacology
1. A patient is prescribed sucralfate (Carafate) and asks the nurse what the purpose of taking this medication is. Which is the nurse's best response?
- A. The medication helps reduce bacteria levels in the stomach
- B. The medication helps neutralize gastric acid in the stomach
- C. The medication is used to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa
- D. The medication can reduce the patient's constipation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Sucralfate (Carafate) is used to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa by forming a protective barrier over ulcers. This barrier helps prevent stomach acid from further damaging the ulcers and promotes healing. It does not directly reduce bacteria levels, neutralize gastric acid, or have a direct effect on constipation.
2. A client who is 3 days post-op following a cholecystectomy has yellow and thick drainage on the dressing. The nurse suspects a wound infection. The nurse identifies this type of drainage as:
- A. Purulent
- B. Serous
- C. Sanguineous
- D. Serosanguineous
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Purulent. Purulent drainage is thick, yellow, and indicates the presence of infection. This type of drainage is typically seen in infected wounds. Choice B, Serous drainage, is thin, clear, and watery, which is normal in the initial stages of wound healing. Sanguineous drainage, choice C, is bright red and indicates fresh bleeding. Serosanguineous drainage, choice D, is pale pink to red and is a mixture of blood and serous fluid commonly seen in the early stages of wound healing.
3. As an important tool for planning a community health survey was conducted, the first tangible outcome of collaboration and teamwork with the Local Health Department and its Rural Health Units (RHUs) was seen. This later led to case-finding activities via collection and examination of stools from children for suspected parasitism. Which of the following community nursing diagnoses will guide the Parish Health Team for concrete action?
- A. Parasitism as a foreseeable crisis
- B. Malnutrition as a health deficit
- C. Parasitism as a health deficit
- D. Parasitism as a health threat
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Parasitism as a health threat.' This choice accurately describes the ongoing issue of parasitic infections in the community, highlighting the seriousness and urgency of the problem. Choice A ('Parasitism as a foreseeable crisis') is incorrect as it does not emphasize the immediate danger posed by parasitic infections. Choice B ('Malnutrition as a health deficit') is not the most relevant diagnosis considering the context provided. Choice C ('Parasitism as a health deficit') is also incorrect as it fails to capture the level of risk and urgency associated with parasitic infections in this scenario.
4. An older client comes to the clinic with a family member. When the nurse attempts to take the client’s health history, the client does not respond to questions clearly. What action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Assess the surroundings for noise and distractions
- B. Provide a printed health history form
- C. Defer the health history until the client is less anxious
- D. Ask the family member to answer the questions
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement first is to assess the surroundings for noise and distractions. This step is crucial as environmental factors can affect the client's ability to respond clearly. By minimizing noise and distractions, the nurse can create a more conducive environment for effective communication. Providing a printed form (Choice B) may help but addressing environmental factors should come first. Deferring the health history (Choice C) or asking the family member to answer the questions (Choice D) should not be the initial steps, as they do not directly address the issue of unclear communication with the client.
5. A client complains of paresthesia in the fingers and toes and experiences hand spasms when the blood pressure cuff is inflated. Which serum laboratory finding should the nurse expect to find when assessing the client?
- A. Elevated serum calcium
- B. Low serum magnesium
- C. Low serum calcium
- D. Elevated serum potassium
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Low serum calcium. Hand spasms and paresthesia are indicative of potential hypocalcemia, which is characterized by low serum calcium levels. Elevated serum calcium (Choice A) is not consistent with the symptoms described. Low serum magnesium (Choice B) and elevated serum potassium (Choice D) are not typically associated with hand spasms and paresthesia.