LPN 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. A client has a new prescription for verapamil. Which of the following beverages should the client avoid while taking this medication?
- A. Orange juice
- B. Coffee
- C. Milk
- D. Grapefruit juice
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Grapefruit juice should be avoided while taking verapamil as it can increase drug levels and the risk of side effects. The interaction between grapefruit juice and verapamil can lead to higher concentrations of the medication in the bloodstream, potentially causing adverse effects. Orange juice, coffee, and milk do not have significant interactions with verapamil. Therefore, it is crucial for the client to avoid grapefruit juice to ensure the safe and effective use of verapamil.
3. The client is taking interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A) and ribavirin (Virazole) combination therapy for hepatitis C and reports overwhelming feelings of depression. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Recommend mental health counseling.
- B. Review the medication actions and interactions.
- C. Assess the client's daily activity level.
- D. Provide information about a support group.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to review the medication actions and interactions. Interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin combination therapy for hepatitis C can lead to neuropsychiatric side effects, including depression. By assessing the medication actions and interactions, the nurse can identify if the depression is a known side effect of the medications, and further intervention or adjustment of the treatment plan may be required to address the client's emotional well-being. Recommending mental health counseling (choice A) may be necessary but should come after ensuring that the depression is not solely caused by medication side effects. Assessing the client's daily activity level (choice C) and providing information about a support group (choice D) are important interventions but addressing the medication's potential contribution to the depression takes precedence.
4. A client diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) reports chest pain radiating to the left arm. The nurse checks the client's blood pressure and administers nitroglycerin 0.4 mg sublingually. Five minutes later, the client is still experiencing chest pain. What is the next appropriate nursing action?
- A. Administer another dose of nitroglycerin.
- B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
- C. Have the client lie down and stay calm.
- D. Give the client aspirin 325 mg to chew.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: If chest pain persists after the first dose of nitroglycerin, it is appropriate to administer a second dose while continuing to monitor the client's response. Nitroglycerin helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart, relieving chest pain associated with coronary artery disease. Reassessing the client's response to a second dose is crucial before considering other interventions like contacting the healthcare provider or providing additional medications. Administering another dose of nitroglycerin aligns with the standard protocol for managing ongoing chest pain in clients with CAD.
5. A client reports chest pain that is unrelieved by three doses of nitroglycerin taken 5 minutes apart. What is the nurse's next best action?
- A. Administer another dose of nitroglycerin.
- B. Call the healthcare provider immediately.
- C. Provide oxygen via nasal cannula.
- D. Place the client in a supine position.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the scenario described, the client's chest pain persists despite three doses of nitroglycerin, indicating a potentially severe cardiac issue like a myocardial infarction. The priority for the nurse in this situation is to involve the healthcare provider promptly. Calling the healthcare provider immediately is essential to ensure timely evaluation and appropriate intervention for the client. Administering more nitroglycerin without further assessment or instructions may not be safe and could delay necessary treatments. Providing oxygen or changing the client's position may offer some comfort but does not address the underlying potentially life-threatening condition, making these options less appropriate as the immediate next best action.
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