HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI 2023
1. A client with diabetes mellitus type 1 is prescribed insulin glargine. When should the nurse instruct the client to administer this medication?
- A. Before meals
- B. After meals
- C. At bedtime
- D. In the morning
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that provides a consistent level of insulin over 24 hours. Administering it at bedtime helps mimic the body's natural insulin secretion pattern and provides optimal blood glucose control during the night and throughout the day. Choice A (Before meals) is incorrect because insulin glargine is not a rapid-acting insulin meant to cover meals. Choice B (After meals) is incorrect as the timing doesn't align with the insulin's mechanism. Choice D (In the morning) is incorrect as administering insulin glargine in the morning may not provide adequate coverage throughout the night and the following day.
2. A client is prescribed phenytoin for the management of seizures. What instruction should the practical nurse provide to the client regarding this medication?
- A. Take the medication at the same time every day.
- B. Discontinue the medication if a rash develops.
- C. Avoid consuming dairy products.
- D. Monitor blood pressure regularly.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction the practical nurse should provide to the client regarding phenytoin is to take the medication at the same time every day. This consistency helps maintain a steady level of the medication in the bloodstream, which is crucial for effectively managing seizures. It is important for clients to adhere to their prescribed dosing schedule to optimize the therapeutic benefits of phenytoin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because discontinuing the medication without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous, there is no specific interaction between phenytoin and dairy products, and monitoring blood pressure is not a primary concern with phenytoin therapy for seizures.
3. A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed citalopram. The nurse should instruct the client that this medication may have which potential side effect?
- A. Nausea
- B. Drowsiness
- C. Insomnia
- D. Headache
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct potential side effect of citalopram is nausea. Citalopram can cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, so clients should be advised to take the medication with food if nausea occurs to help minimize this side effect. While other side effects like drowsiness, insomnia, and headache may also occur with citalopram, nausea is a common side effect that clients should be informed about. Drowsiness and insomnia are more commonly associated with other medications used to treat anxiety or depression, such as benzodiazepines or certain antidepressants. Headache is a less common side effect of citalopram compared to nausea.
4. A client diagnosed with seizures is prescribed phenytoin. Which medication instruction should the practical nurse (PN) reinforce to this client?
- A. Maintain consistent sodium intake.
- B. Use sunscreen when outdoors.
- C. Return for monthly urinalysis.
- D. Brush and floss teeth daily.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to reinforce the instruction to brush and floss teeth daily. Phenytoin therapy can lead to gingival hyperplasia (gum disease), which can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing daily. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they are not directly related to the side effects or management of phenytoin therapy. Maintaining consistent sodium intake is not a specific concern with phenytoin. Using sunscreen when outdoors is important to prevent sunburn but is not directly related to phenytoin therapy. Returning for monthly urinalysis may be necessary for other medications, but it is not specifically required for monitoring phenytoin therapy.
5. A client is prescribed clonidine 0.1 mg/24 hours via a transdermal patch. Which client outcome would indicate that the medication is effective?
- A. No complaints of recent episodes of angina
- B. Change in peripheral edema from +3 to +1
- C. No complaints of new onset of nausea or vomiting
- D. Blood pressure changes from 180/120 to 140/70 mm Hg
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Clonidine is an antihypertensive agent that works centrally to reduce blood pressure. A significant decrease in blood pressure, such as changing from 180/120 to 140/70 mm Hg, indicates that the medication is effectively managing hypertension. Monitoring blood pressure levels is crucial in assessing the response to clonidine therapy. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the therapeutic effect of clonidine in managing hypertension, which is the primary goal of the medication in this scenario.
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