HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI 2023
1. The practical nurse administered carbidopa-levodopa to a client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Which outcome by the client would indicate a therapeutic response?
- A. Decreased blood pressure
- B. Lessening of tremors
- C. Increased salivation
- D. Increased attention span
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lessening of tremors. Carbidopa-levodopa increases the amount of levodopa to the CNS, providing more dopamine to the brain. Increased dopamine levels help alleviate Parkinson's symptoms such as tremors, involuntary movements, and gait abnormalities. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as carbidopa-levodopa is not expected to have a direct effect on blood pressure, salivation, or attention span in the context of treating Parkinson's disease.
2. What is the primary focus of postoperative nursing care for the client with colon trauma?
- A. Monitoring for elevated coagulation studies
- B. Observation for and prevention of fistulas
- C. Monitoring for signs of hyponatremia
- D. Observation for and prevention of infection
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Observation for and prevention of infection. Postoperative nursing care for a client with colon trauma primarily focuses on preventing infections. Clients with colon trauma are at high risk for infections due to the disruption of the intestinal barrier. Monitoring for signs of infection, maintaining proper wound care, administering antibiotics as prescribed, and implementing strict aseptic techniques are essential in preventing postoperative infections. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because elevated coagulation studies, fistulas, and hyponatremia are not the primary concerns in the immediate postoperative period for a client with colon trauma.
3. The public health RN is called to investigate a report of several cases of varicella at a daycare center. The daycare workers state that 5 children have been sent home over the past 2 weeks with fever and itchy blisters. Which intervention should the RN implement first?
- A. Validate that the children who were sent home had chickenpox.
- B. Ask the parents to take the child to see their pediatrician.
- C. Ask the parents to not send the child back to daycare until after 6 weeks.
- D. Tell the parents to send the child back to daycare; it was a mistake they were sent home.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to validate that the children who were sent home had chickenpox. This is crucial in confirming the presence of varicella, which is necessary for appropriate management and control of the outbreak. Option B is not the first intervention because the focus initially is on verifying the cases within the daycare center. Option C is incorrect as it suggests a prolonged exclusion period without confirming the diagnosis. Option D is inappropriate and potentially harmful, as sending a child back without proper assessment can lead to further spread of the infection.
4. The UAP is caring for a male resident of a long-term care facility who has an external urinary catheter. Which finding should the PN instruct the UAP to report immediately?
- A. Swollen and discolored penile shaft
- B. Prepuce extends over the head of the penis
- C. Leaking urine around the top of the catheter
- D. Moist and excoriated perineal skin folds
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Swollen and discolored penile shaft. Swelling and discoloration of the penile shaft may indicate an infection or other complications requiring immediate attention. Prompt reporting allows for timely intervention to prevent further harm to the client. Choice B is incorrect because the prepuce extending over the head of the penis is not an urgent issue. Choice C, leaking urine around the catheter, may require intervention but is not as urgent as the swelling and discoloration described in choice A. Choice D, moist and excoriated perineal skin folds, also needs attention but is not as concerning as the potential complications indicated by the findings in choice A.
5. The nurse is planning discharge teaching for four mothers. Which postpartum client is at highest risk for psychological difficulties during the postpartum period?
- A. A primiparous woman who has recently migrated to the US with her spouse
- B. A multiparous client who lives with her husband and his family members
- C. A multiparous female with a large family living in a community
- D. A primiparous adolescent living at home with her parents and significant other
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A primiparous woman who has recently migrated to the US with her spouse is at the highest risk for psychological difficulties during the postpartum period. Recent migration and adjustment to a new environment can increase the risk of postpartum depression, especially when combined with the challenges of being a new mother. Choice B, a multiparous client living with her husband and his family, may have social support from family members, which can be protective against psychological difficulties. Choice C, a multiparous female with a large family living in a community, also indicates potential social support. Choice D, a primiparous adolescent living at home with her parents and significant other, may have a support system in place with her family and significant other.