HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI Practice
1. A client with angina pectoris has been prescribed nitroglycerin tablets prn for chest pain. Which statement by the client causes the practical nurse (PN) to clarify instructions for this client?
- A. I will take one tablet every 5 minutes, up to three tablets.
- B. I should take one tablet at the onset of angina and stop activity.
- C. I need to replace nitroglycerin tablets every 3 to 6 months to maintain freshness.
- D. I should ensure that I chew the pill completely before swallowing it.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Nitroglycerin tablets should be taken at the onset of angina, and the client should stop activity and rest. One tablet should be placed under the tongue (sublingually), not chewed or swallowed. One tablet can be taken every 5 minutes, up to three doses. If pain relief not achieved after taking three pills, seek medical attention immediately. Nitroglycerin should be replaced every 3 to 6 months. Nitroglycerin pain relief should occur in 5 minutes and duration should last 30 minutes.
2. 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.
3. A practical nurse (PN) is preparing to administer enoxaparin to a client. What is the most important action for the PN to take before administering this medication?
- A. Assess the client's blood pressure.
- B. Check the client's platelet count.
- C. Monitor the client's urine output.
- D. Review the client's blood glucose level.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client's platelet count. Enoxaparin can lead to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, assessing the platelet count before administering enoxaparin is crucial to ensure that it is within a safe range. Assessing the client's blood pressure (Choice A) is not directly related to enoxaparin administration. Monitoring urine output (Choice C) and reviewing blood glucose levels (Choice D) are not essential actions before administering enoxaparin.
4. A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed venlafaxine. The nurse should instruct the client that this medication may have which potential side effect?
- A. Nausea
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Insomnia
- D. Headache
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nausea. Venlafaxine, a medication used for generalized anxiety disorder, can commonly cause nausea as a side effect. It is essential for clients to be aware of this potential side effect and advised to take the medication with food if nausea occurs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because dry mouth, insomnia, and headache are less commonly associated side effects of venlafaxine compared to nausea.
5. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is prescribed rivaroxaban. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Dizziness
- D. Headache
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is weight gain. Rivaroxaban, an anticoagulant, may lead to weight gain as a side effect due to fluid retention. Dry mouth (choice B), dizziness (choice C), and headache (choice D) are not typically associated with rivaroxaban use. Therefore, monitoring for weight gain is crucial to detect and manage this potential side effect in the client.
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