HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI Practice
1. A practical nurse (PN) is providing education to a client who is starting therapy with metformin for type 2 diabetes. What side effect should the client be instructed to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Muscle pain
- D. Nausea
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Nausea.' Nausea is a common side effect of metformin, especially when the medication is first started. It is essential for the client to report persistent or severe nausea to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Weight gain (Choice A) is not a typical side effect of metformin; in fact, metformin is associated with weight loss or weight neutrality. Hypoglycemia (Choice B) is a potential side effect of some diabetes medications, but metformin does not typically cause hypoglycemia. Muscle pain (Choice C) is not a common side effect of metformin; it is more commonly associated with other medications like statins.
2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed albuterol. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Nausea
- C. Dry mouth
- D. Weight gain
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A. Albuterol, a bronchodilator commonly used in COPD, can cause tachycardia as a potential side effect due to its beta-agonist properties that can stimulate the heart. Nausea (Choice B), dry mouth (Choice C), and weight gain (Choice D) are less likely associated with albuterol use. Nausea and dry mouth are not common side effects of albuterol, and weight gain is not typically linked to its use. Therefore, the nurse should primarily monitor for tachycardia when a client is prescribed albuterol for COPD.
3. The practical nurse (PN) is obtaining the medical history of a client starting a new prescription for conjugated estrogens PO daily. Which medical condition is not treated by this medication?
- A. Menopausal symptoms
- B. Prostatic cancer
- C. Thromboembolic diseases
- D. Abnormal uterine bleeding
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Conjugated estrogens, such as Premarin, are not used in the treatment of thromboembolic diseases. These medications are contraindicated in conditions predisposing to thromboembolic diseases due to their association with an increased risk of thromboembolism, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because conjugated estrogens are commonly prescribed for managing menopausal symptoms, abnormal uterine bleeding, and certain hormone-responsive cancers, but not for thromboembolic diseases.
4. A client admitted with shortness of breath and palpitations currently takes an antiarrhythmic medication, dronedarone. Which action should the nurse take to prevent arrhythmias?
- A. Measure orthostatic blood pressure
- B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG reading daily
- C. Assess the client's apical pulse daily
- D. Provide continuous ECG monitoring
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct action to prevent arrhythmias in a client taking an antiarrhythmic medication like dronedarone is to provide continuous ECG monitoring. This is essential because antiarrhythmic drugs can sometimes cause pro-arrhythmic effects, which may lead to dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. Continuous ECG monitoring allows for real-time detection of any abnormal rhythms, enabling prompt intervention. Measuring orthostatic blood pressure, obtaining a 12-lead ECG reading daily, and assessing the client's apical pulse daily are important assessments in general patient care but may not specifically prevent arrhythmias in this scenario.
5. What instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan for a client prescribed ranitidine for a peptic ulcer?
- A. Take this medication in the morning before breakfast.
- B. Take this medication with meals.
- C. Avoid taking this medication with antacids.
- D. Take this medication at bedtime.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed ranitidine for a peptic ulcer is to take the medication in the morning before breakfast. This timing helps reduce stomach acid production throughout the day, providing optimal therapeutic effects. Option B is incorrect because taking ranitidine with meals is not the recommended timing. Option C is incorrect as there is no specific contraindication against taking ranitidine with antacids. Option D is incorrect as the medication should not be taken at bedtime but rather in the morning before breakfast.
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