HESI LPN
Pharmacology HESI Practice
1. 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.
2. A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Tremors
- C. Insomnia
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weight gain. When a client is prescribed risperidone, monitoring weight is crucial due to the potential side effect of weight gain associated with this medication. This side effect can be significant as it may lead to other health issues. Choice B, Tremors, is not typically associated with risperidone use. Choice C, Insomnia, is less likely to be a direct side effect of risperidone compared to weight gain. Choice D, Hyperglycemia, is a possible side effect of some antipsychotic medications, but it is not commonly associated with risperidone.
3. A home health care nurse observes that a client with Parkinson's syndrome is experiencing increased tremors and difficulty in movement. What should the nurse do in response to this finding?
- A. Report the observed finding to the healthcare provider right away
- B. Arrange a medical evaluation so the medication dose can be adjusted
- C. Schedule a return home visit in 2 weeks to monitor
- D. Explain that this is an expected progression of Parkinson's
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a client with Parkinson's syndrome experiencing increased tremors and movement difficulty, arranging a medical evaluation is crucial to adjust the medication dose. This proactive approach helps in managing the symptoms effectively. Reporting the finding to the healthcare provider may delay necessary adjustments in treatment. Scheduling a return home visit in 2 weeks may not address the immediate need for medication adjustment. Explaining that the progression is expected without taking action does not address the client's worsening symptoms.
4. A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is prescribed oxcarbazepine. The nurse should monitor for which potential adverse effect?
- A. Hyponatremia
- B. Agranulocytosis
- C. Liver toxicity
- D. Weight gain
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Hyponatremia. Oxcarbazepine, an anticonvulsant used in bipolar disorder, can lead to hyponatremia. This is because it can cause the body to retain water, leading to a dilution of sodium levels in the blood. Monitoring sodium levels is crucial to prevent complications such as confusion, seizures, and even coma. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Agranulocytosis is not typically associated with oxcarbazepine use. Liver toxicity is a potential adverse effect of some medications but not commonly seen with oxcarbazepine. While weight gain can be a side effect of certain medications used in bipolar disorder treatment, it is not a common adverse effect of oxcarbazepine.
5. A client with an exacerbation of asthma is prescribed albuterol. The nurse should assess the client for which common side effect of this medication?
- A. Tremors
- B. Nausea and vomiting
- C. Insomnia
- D. Dry mouth
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tremors. Albuterol, a beta-agonist medication commonly used to treat asthma exacerbations, can lead to tremors as a side effect. Tremors result from the stimulation of beta-2 receptors in muscles, particularly in the hands. Nausea and vomiting (Choice B) are generally not common side effects of albuterol. Insomnia (Choice C) is less likely to occur with albuterol, as it is a stimulant and can cause alertness rather than sleep disturbances. Dry mouth (Choice D) is not a typical side effect associated with albuterol use.
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