HESI LPN
HESI Practice Test Pharmacology
1. A client with heart failure develops hyperaldosteronism. What dietary recommendation is essential for managing this condition?
- A. Limit intake of high potassium foods
- B. Replace salt with salt substitute
- C. Monitor skin for excessive bruising
- D. Cover your skin before going outside
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hyperaldosteronism can lead to increased potassium retention, which can be problematic for individuals with heart failure. Limiting intake of high potassium foods is crucial to prevent hyperkalemia, a condition that can worsen heart failure. Therefore, advising the client to limit high potassium foods is essential in managing hyperaldosteronism in the setting of heart failure.
2. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is prescribed verapamil. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Constipation
- B. Diarrhea
- C. Headache
- D. Hypotension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, can commonly cause constipation due to its effects on smooth muscle relaxation in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, monitoring for constipation is important when a client is prescribed verapamil.
3. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed leflunomide. What instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?
- A. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- B. Take this medication with food to decrease gastrointestinal upset.
- C. Avoid sunlight while taking this medication.
- D. Report any signs of infection to the healthcare provider.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Leflunomide can increase sensitivity to sunlight. While it is important to avoid excessive sun exposure, the critical instruction for the client is to avoid alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can potentiate the hepatotoxic effects of leflunomide, making it crucial for the client to abstain from alcohol consumption to prevent liver damage.
4. The practical nurse is assigned a client on digoxin therapy. Which finding is likely to predispose this client to developing digoxin toxicity?
- A. Hyponatremia
- B. Hypernatremia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Hypokalemia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia predisposes a client on digoxin to digoxin toxicity. Symptoms of digoxin toxicity include abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, bradycardia, and atrioventricular (AV) dissociation. Therefore, assessment of serum potassium levels and prompt correction of hypokalemia are crucial interventions for clients taking digoxin.
5. A client who received a prescription for cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion for dry eyes asks the practical nurse (PN) if it is safe to continue using artificial tears. What information should the PN provide?
- A. Avoid using artificial tears because they decrease the efficacy of cyclosporine.
- B. Discontinue the use of both products if transient blurring occurs after administration.
- C. Allow a 15-minute interval between the administration of cyclosporine and artificial tears.
- D. Discontinue the use of cyclosporine and artificial tears when tear production reaches a normal level.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to allow a 15-minute interval between the administration of cyclosporine and artificial tears. Cyclosporine, an ophthalmic emulsion that increases tear production, can be used in conjunction with artificial tears as long as the products are administered 15 minutes apart. This interval helps to prevent any potential interactions between the two products and ensures optimal effectiveness of cyclosporine for treating dry eyes.
Similar Questions

Access More Features
HESI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
HESI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $149.99