HESI LPN
HESI Practice Test Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed escitalopram. The nurse should instruct the client that this medication may have which potential side effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct potential side effect of escitalopram is drowsiness. Escitalopram is known to cause sedation, so clients should be advised to avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving, until they know how the medication affects them. Dry mouth, nausea, and headache are also common side effects of various medications but are not specifically associated with escitalopram.
Question 2 of 5
A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed alprazolam. The nurse should instruct the client that this medication may have which potential side effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In pharmacology, it is essential for nurses to understand the potential side effects of medications to ensure patient safety. In the case of alprazolam, a medication commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, the correct potential side effect is drowsiness (Option A). Alprazolam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which are central nervous system depressants. Drowsiness is a common side effect of benzodiazepines due to their sedative properties. Dry mouth (Option B), nausea (Option C), and headache (Option D) are less likely to be directly related to alprazolam use. While medications can affect individuals differently, these side effects are not typically associated with alprazolam specifically. Educationally, understanding the side effects of medications enables nurses to monitor patients effectively, anticipate potential complications, and provide appropriate patient education. By knowing that drowsiness is a common side effect of alprazolam, nurses can advise patients to avoid activities requiring alertness until they know how the medication affects them and to report excessive drowsiness to their healthcare provider. This knowledge enhances patient safety and contributes to quality care delivery.
Question 3 of 5
A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is prescribed carbamazepine. The nurse should monitor for which potential adverse effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this case, the correct answer is A) Agranulocytosis. Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. Agranulocytosis is a serious adverse effect characterized by a significant decrease in white blood cells, specifically granulocytes, which are important for fighting infections. Monitoring for signs of infection, such as fever, sore throat, and malaise, is crucial when a client is taking carbamazepine. Option B) Hair loss is not typically associated with carbamazepine use and is therefore an incorrect choice. Option C) Liver toxicity is a potential adverse effect of carbamazepine, but agranulocytosis is a more specific and serious concern that requires closer monitoring. Option D) Weight gain is not a common adverse effect of carbamazepine and is not a primary concern when monitoring a client taking this medication. Educationally, understanding the potential adverse effects of medications used in treating bipolar disorder is essential for nurses in providing safe and effective care. Recognizing and monitoring for these adverse effects can help prevent serious complications and improve patient outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is prescribed verapamil. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option A) Constipation. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker commonly used to manage atrial fibrillation. Constipation is a potential side effect of verapamil due to its mechanism of action in slowing down gut motility. Option B) Diarrhea is incorrect because verapamil typically causes constipation rather than diarrhea. Option C) Headache is less likely to be associated with verapamil use compared to constipation. Option D) Hypotension is a common side effect of calcium channel blockers like verapamil, but in this case, constipation is the more specific side effect to monitor for. Educationally, understanding the side effects of medications is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care. Monitoring for potential side effects ensures early detection and intervention, thus preventing complications for the patient. This question highlights the importance of pharmacological knowledge and the need for vigilant assessment in clinical practice.
Question 5 of 5
A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is prescribed lurasidone. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weight gain. When a client is prescribed lurasidone, monitoring for weight gain is essential as lurasidone can cause this side effect. Patients on lurasidone should have their weight monitored regularly to detect any changes that may occur. Options B, C, and D are not typically associated with lurasidone use, making them less likely to be a direct side effect of this medication.