ATI LPN
LPN Pharmacology Practice Questions
1. The client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Which electrolyte imbalance is the nurse most likely to monitor for?
- A. Hyperkalemia
- B. Hypernatremia
- C. Hypokalemia
- D. Hyponatremia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypokalemia. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, commonly causes potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia. The nurse should closely monitor for decreased potassium levels in a client receiving furosemide to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias or muscle weakness. Hyperkalemia (Choice A) is not typically associated with furosemide use. Hypernatremia (Choice B) refers to high sodium levels and is not the primary concern with furosemide. Hyponatremia (Choice D) is low sodium levels, which can occur but is less common than hypokalemia in clients taking furosemide.
2. Why is a prolapsed umbilical cord dangerous?
- A. The cord may be wrapped around the baby's neck, causing strangulation.
- B. The cord might pull the placenta from the uterine wall during delivery.
- C. The baby's head may compress the cord, cutting off its supply of oxygen.
- D. The mother may die of hypoxia due to compromised placental blood flow.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A prolapsed umbilical cord is dangerous because the baby's head may compress the cord, cutting off its supply of oxygen. This compression can lead to oxygen deprivation, potentially causing significant harm to the baby. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in such cases to prevent adverse outcomes.
3. During an assessment, a client taking valproic acid exhibits elevated liver enzymes. What finding should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Elevated liver enzymes
- B. Weight loss
- C. Dry mouth
- D. Increased appetite
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Elevated liver enzymes are a critical finding that the nurse should report to the provider when assessing a client taking valproic acid. It can be indicative of hepatotoxicity, a severe side effect associated with valproic acid use. Timely reporting and intervention are essential to prevent further complications and ensure the client's safety and well-being. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to valproic acid use or the manifestation of hepatotoxicity. Weight loss, dry mouth, and increased appetite are not typically associated with elevated liver enzymes in the context of valproic acid administration.
4. A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has a chest tube connected to a closed drainage system. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
- A. Clamp the chest tube
- B. Maintain the drainage below the level of the chest
- C. Elevate the chest tube above chest level
- D. Avoid frequent dressing changes
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with a chest tube connected to a closed drainage system is to maintain the drainage below the level of the chest. This position allows proper drainage of fluids and helps prevent complications such as backflow of blood or fluids into the chest cavity. Clamping the chest tube (Choice A) is incorrect as it can lead to a tension pneumothorax. Elevating the chest tube above chest level (Choice C) is also incorrect because it can impede proper drainage. Avoiding frequent dressing changes (Choice D) is important to prevent introducing infection, but it is not directly related to the position of the drainage system.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple fractures following a motor-vehicle crash. For which of the following client statements should the nurse recommend a referral to an occupational therapist?
- A. I can't brush my teeth properly
- B. I am so frustrated I can't open my milk carton
- C. I can't hold a pencil
- D. I can't write anymore
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The client's frustration with opening a milk carton indicates difficulty with activities of daily living, which is a common concern addressed by occupational therapists. Choices A, C, and D are related to fine motor skills, which may also be addressed by an occupational therapist but are not as directly linked to activities of daily living as struggling with tasks like opening containers.
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