HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI 55 Questions 2023
1. An adolescent client with a seizure disorder is prescribed the anticonvulsant medication carbamazepine. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider if the client develops which condition?
- A. Experiences dry mouth.
- B. Experiences dizziness.
- C. Develops a sore throat.
- D. Develops gingival hyperplasia.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Develops a sore throat.' When a client on carbamazepine develops flu-like symptoms such as pallor, fatigue, sore throat, and fever, it could indicate blood dyscrasias (aplastic anemia, leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia), which are potential adverse effects of the medication. These symptoms warrant immediate notification of the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management to prevent complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because dry mouth, dizziness, and gingival hyperplasia are not commonly associated with carbamazepine use and do not indicate serious adverse effects that require immediate healthcare provider notification.
2. A client is recovering from gallbladder surgery performed under general anesthesia. How many times per hour should the nurse encourage the client to use the incentive spirometer?
- A. 4-5 times per hour
- B. 2-3 times per hour
- C. 6-7 times per hour
- D. 8-10 times per hour
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging the client to use the incentive spirometer 4-5 times per hour is the correct approach post-gallbladder surgery under general anesthesia. This frequency helps prevent respiratory complications, such as atelectasis, by promoting lung expansion. Choices B, C, and D suggest either too few or too many sessions per hour, which may not be optimal for the client's respiratory recovery needs. It is important to strike a balance between ensuring adequate lung expansion and not overexerting the client, which is why 4-5 times per hour is the recommended frequency.
3. When a client files a lawsuit against an LPN for malpractice, the client must prove that there is a link between the harm suffered and actions performed by the nurse that were negligent. This is known as:
- A. Evidence
- B. Tort discovery
- C. Proximate cause
- D. Common cause
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Proximate cause.' Proximate cause establishes the link between the harm suffered and the negligent actions performed by the nurse. In a malpractice lawsuit, proving proximate cause is essential to demonstrate that the nurse's actions directly led to the harm experienced by the client. Choice A, 'Evidence,' is incorrect as evidence is the information presented to support or refute a claim, not specifically the link between harm and negligence. Choice B, 'Tort discovery,' is incorrect as it does not specifically refer to establishing the link between harm and negligence. Choice D, 'Common cause,' is incorrect as it does not capture the legal concept of proximate cause in establishing liability in malpractice cases.
4. The mother of a child who has been diagnosed with varicella asks the nurse when the child can return to school. When is the child no longer contagious?
- A. When the fever dissipates
- B. After the incubation period
- C. When the lesions have healed
- D. When the lesions are crusted over
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'When the lesions are crusted over.' Varicella is no longer contagious once the lesions are dry and crusted. This stage indicates that the active viral shedding has significantly decreased, reducing the risk of transmission. Choice A, 'When the fever dissipates,' is incorrect because the presence of fever does not necessarily correlate with the contagiousness of varicella. Choice B, 'After the incubation period,' is incorrect as the incubation period occurs before the onset of symptoms and is not relevant to determining contagiousness. Choice C, 'When the lesions have healed,' is incorrect as healed lesions can still be contagious if they are not crusted over.
5. The healthcare professional is creating a class for older adults in the community. Which information about laxative use in older adults would be important to include?
- A. Laxatives are not effective in older adults
- B. All laxatives are exactly the same
- C. Over-the-counter laxatives are misused
- D. Laxatives can cause potassium retention
Correct answer: C
Rationale: It is important to include information about the misuse of over-the-counter laxatives in older adults as they often misuse these medications, which can lead to dependency and other health issues. Option A is incorrect as laxatives can be effective in older adults when used appropriately. Option B is incorrect because not all laxatives are the same, they have different mechanisms of action and side effects. Option D is incorrect because laxatives can actually cause electrolyte imbalances like potassium depletion rather than retention.