HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI Practice
1. A patient with irritable bowel syndrome starts a new prescription for dicyclomine, an anticholinergic medication. The client reports the onset of sensitivity to light and a dry mouth. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Determine if the medication is being taken correctly
- B. Provide instructions on managing these side effects
- C. Schedule an appointment for evaluation by the healthcare provider
- D. Advise stopping the medication until the unpleasant side effects wear off
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is to provide instructions on managing these side effects. Sensitivity to light and dry mouth are common side effects of anticholinergic medications like dicyclomine. It is essential for the nurse to educate the patient on strategies to cope with these side effects, such as staying hydrated to address dry mouth and wearing sunglasses to reduce sensitivity to light. Option A is not the priority as the side effects are expected with this medication and do not necessarily indicate incorrect use. Option C is not immediately necessary as the side effects are common and can be managed without a healthcare provider evaluation. Option D is not recommended unless advised by the healthcare provider as abruptly stopping the medication can lead to worsening symptoms or withdrawal effects.
2. A charge nurse making rounds observes that an assistive personnel (AP) has applied wrist restraints to a client who is agitated and does not have a prescription for restraints. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Remove the restraints from the client's wrists
- B. Review the chart for nonrestraint alternatives for agitation
- C. Speak with the AP about the incident
- D. Inform the unit manager of the incident
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to remove the restraints from the client's wrists. Restraints should not be applied without a prescription due to the risk of harm to the client. Removing the restraints promptly is a priority to ensure the client's safety. Reviewing nonrestraint alternatives, speaking with the AP, and informing the unit manager can follow after ensuring the client's immediate safety by removing the restraints.
3. When admitting a client to an acute care facility, an identification bracelet is sent up with the admission form. In the event these do not match, the nurse's best action is to
- A. Change whichever item is incorrect to the correct information
- B. Use the bracelet and admission form until a replacement is supplied
- C. Notify the admissions office and wait to apply the bracelet
- D. Make a corrected identification bracelet for the client
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should notify the admissions office and wait to apply the bracelet. By doing so, the nurse ensures patient safety and accuracy in identification. Changing the incorrect item (Choice A) could lead to errors and confusion in the patient's identification. Using the mismatched items until a replacement is supplied (Choice B) compromises patient safety and could result in errors during care delivery. Making a corrected identification bracelet without verifying the correct information (Choice D) could introduce further inaccuracies and risks in patient identification.
4. A charge nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the care of a client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which of the following statements should the charge nurse identify as an indication that the newly licensed nurse understands the teaching?
- A. I should obtain a specimen for culture and sensitivity after the first dose of an antimicrobial.
- B. MRSA is usually resistant to vancomycin, so another antimicrobial will be prescribed.
- C. I will protect others from exposure when I transport the client outside the room.
- D. To decrease resistance, antimicrobial therapy is discontinued when the client is no longer febrile.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Protecting others from exposure when transporting a client with MRSA is crucial in preventing the spread of infection. This statement demonstrates understanding of infection control measures. Stating that MRSA is usually resistant to vancomycin (choice B) is incorrect; vancomycin is often effective against MRSA. Obtaining a specimen for culture and sensitivity after the first dose of an antimicrobial (choice A) is unnecessary and not indicated. Discontinuing antimicrobial therapy when the client is no longer febrile (choice D) is incorrect because antimicrobial therapy should be completed as prescribed to prevent the development of resistant strains.
5. Which other congenital defects are common in children with Down syndrome?
- A. Hypospadias
- B. Pyloric stenosis
- C. Heart defects
- D. Hip dysplasia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Heart defects. Many children with Down syndrome are born with congenital heart defects. These heart abnormalities are more prevalent in individuals with Down syndrome than in the general population. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while they may be congenital defects in children, they are not commonly associated with Down syndrome. Hypospadias is a urogenital condition, pyloric stenosis affects the stomach, and hip dysplasia involves the hip joint, but these are not typically seen as frequently as heart defects in children with Down syndrome.