HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI 55 Questions 2023
1. The healthcare provider is assessing the effectiveness of the drug amiodarone. Which client statement best indicates that the drug has been effective?
- A. I have not had as many spells of angina.
- B. I have not had as much swelling in my ankles lately.
- C. My doctor told me my cholesterol levels were improving with each visit.
- D. I do not notice as many irregular heartbeats as before I started taking this medication.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is option D. The effectiveness of amiodarone is best assessed by a reduction in irregular heartbeats since it is primarily used to treat ventricular dysrhythmias. This drug's main purpose is to control irregular heart rhythms, so a decrease in irregular heartbeats indicates its effectiveness. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because amiodarone is not primarily used to address angina, ankle swelling, or cholesterol levels, so improvements in these areas do not directly reflect the drug's effectiveness.
2. The patient is prescribed cimetidine (Tagamet) orally. What should the nurse consider about administering this drug?
- A. Administer the drug with the first bite of food
- B. Administer the drug immediately after meals
- C. Administer the drug 30 minutes after meals
- D. Administer the drug 30 minutes before meals
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Cimetidine is best absorbed when taken 30 minutes before meals to decrease stomach acid. Administering it before meals allows for optimal absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because administering cimetidine with food, immediately after meals, or 30 minutes after meals may not provide the best conditions for absorption. Taking it before meals ensures that the drug is absorbed properly and can exert its intended effects.
3. A client with a history of hypertension is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide. The practical nurse should monitor the client for which potential adverse effect?
- A. Hyperkalemia
- B. Hypokalemia
- C. Hypernatremia
- D. Hyponatremia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, resulting in hypokalemia. Monitoring for hypokalemia is essential because it can cause various complications such as cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, the practical nurse should closely watch for signs and symptoms of low potassium levels in clients taking hydrochlorothiazide. Incorrect Rationale for Other Choices: A. Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with hydrochlorothiazide use; instead, it is more commonly linked to medications like ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics. C. Hypernatremia is unlikely with hydrochlorothiazide use as it tends to cause sodium loss. D. Hyponatremia is more commonly associated with conditions where there is excessive water intake or syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), rather than with hydrochlorothiazide use.
4. A client with a history of deep vein thrombosis is prescribed edoxaban. The nurse should monitor for which potential adverse effect?
- A. Increased risk of bleeding
- B. Decreased risk of bleeding
- C. Increased risk of infection
- D. Decreased risk of infection
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased risk of bleeding. Edoxaban is an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting clot formation, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the client for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, petechiae, hematuria, or gastrointestinal bleeding, to prevent potential complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because edoxaban does not decrease the risk of bleeding or affect the risk of infection; its primary concern is the potential for bleeding due to its anticoagulant properties.
5. A male client receives a scopolamine transdermal patch 2 hours before surgery. Four hours after surgery, the client tells the nurse that he is experiencing pain and asks why the patch is not working. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Advise the client that the effects of the medication have worn off
- B. Explain that the medication is not given to relieve pain
- C. Check for the correct placement of the patch on the client
- D. Offer to apply a new transdermal patch to address the pain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Scopolamine is not a pain medication; it is commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting, particularly in surgical settings. It works on the central nervous system to help control these symptoms, not to relieve pain. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to explain to the client that the medication is not intended to relieve pain but rather to manage other specific symptoms. Checking the correct placement of the patch is also important to ensure proper administration, but addressing the misconception about the medication's purpose is the priority in this scenario. Offering to apply a new patch would not address the client's pain as scopolamine is not meant for pain relief. Advising the client that the effects have worn off is inaccurate because the medication is not used for pain management.
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