HESI LPN
HESI Pharmacology Exam Test Bank
1. The practical nurse administered 15 units of NPH insulin subcutaneously to a client before they consumed their breakfast at 7:30 AM. At what time is the client at an increased risk for a hypoglycemic reaction?
- A. 8:30 to 11:30 AM
- B. 3:30 to 7:30 PM
- C. 9:30 PM to midnight
- D. 1:00 to 5:00 AM
Correct answer: B
Rationale: NPH insulin, an intermediate-acting type, peaks approximately 8 to 12 hours after subcutaneous administration. Considering this, the client is most likely to experience a hypoglycemic reaction between 3:30 and 7:30 PM, making option B the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they fall outside the peak time for a hypoglycemic reaction after administering NPH insulin.
2. What is the main objective of palliative care?
- A. To cure the disease
- B. To provide relief from symptoms and improve quality of life
- C. To extend hospital stays
- D. To focus solely on treatment
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The main objective of palliative care is to provide relief from symptoms and improve quality of life. Palliative care focuses on enhancing the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses by providing relief from symptoms such as pain, stress, and other physical and emotional issues. Choice A is incorrect because palliative care does not aim to cure the disease but rather to manage symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as the goal of palliative care is not to extend hospital stays unnecessarily but to improve the patient's well-being. Choice D is incorrect as palliative care is not solely focused on treatment but takes a holistic approach to care that includes addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
3. A nurse offers pain medication to a client who is postoperative before ambulation. The nurse understands that this aspect of care delivery is an example of which of the following ethical principles?
- A. Fidelity
- B. Autonomy
- C. Justice
- D. Beneficence
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Beneficence. Beneficence involves actions intended to benefit the client, such as providing pain relief. In this scenario, the nurse is demonstrating beneficence by offering pain medication to alleviate the client's discomfort and promote their well-being. Fidelity (A) relates to being faithful to agreements and commitments, autonomy (B) refers to respecting a client's right to make decisions about their care, and justice (C) involves fairness and equal treatment. While these ethical principles are important in healthcare, the situation described primarily exemplifies the principle of beneficence.
4. The parents of a 6-week-old infant who was born without an immune system ask a nurse why their baby is still so healthy. How should the nurse reply?
- A. Exposure to pathogens during this time can be limited.
- B. Some antibodies are produced by the infant’s colonic bacteria.
- C. Antibodies are passively received from the mother through the placenta and breast milk.
- D. Fewer antibodies are produced by the fetal thymus during the eighth and ninth months of gestation.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Infants receive passive immunity through antibodies from the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which protect them initially. Choice A is incorrect because a 6-week-old infant born without an immune system would not be able to limit exposure to pathogens effectively. Choice B is incorrect as antibodies produced by colonic bacteria are not a significant source of immunity in infants. Choice D is incorrect as the fetal thymus primarily plays a role in T cell development rather than antibody production during gestation.
5. By the second postoperative day, a client has not achieved satisfactory pain relief. Based on this evaluation, which of the following actions should the nurse take, according to the nursing process?
- A. Reassess the client to determine the reasons for inadequate pain relief.
- B. Wait to see whether the pain lessens during the next 24 hours.
- C. Change the plan of care to provide different pain relief interventions.
- D. Teach the client about the plan of care for managing pain.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Reassessing the client is crucial to identify the reasons for inadequate pain relief. This action allows the nurse to gather more information, evaluate the current pain management interventions, and make necessary adjustments to the care plan. Waiting for the pain to lessen without taking action delays appropriate pain management. Changing the plan of care without reassessment may lead to ineffective interventions. Teaching the client about the plan of care should be based on a reassessment of the current pain relief status to ensure tailored and effective pain management strategies.