HESI LPN
HESI Practice Test Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with a history of deep vein thrombosis is prescribed enoxaparin. The nurse should monitor for which potential adverse effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant that works by preventing blood clots. One of the potential adverse effects of enoxaparin is an increased risk of bleeding due to its anticoagulant properties. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, such as easy bruising, petechiae, or blood in stool or urine, to ensure timely intervention and prevent complications.
Question 2 of 5
A client with diabetes mellitus type 2 is prescribed sitagliptin. The nurse should monitor for which potential adverse effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor used in type 2 diabetes, has been associated with rare cases of pancreatitis. Therefore, the nurse should monitor for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. While hypoglycemia is a potential adverse effect of some diabetes medications, it is less common with sitagliptin. Hyperglycemia is the condition being treated and is not an expected adverse effect of sitagliptin.
Question 3 of 5
A client with hypertension is prescribed clonidine. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Bradycardia. Clonidine is a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist commonly used to treat hypertension. One of the known side effects of clonidine is bradycardia, which is a decrease in heart rate. This occurs due to the drug's mechanism of action in reducing sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system, leading to a decrease in heart rate. Option B) Tachycardia is incorrect because clonidine typically causes a decrease in heart rate rather than an increase. Option C) Dizziness is a common side effect of clonidine due to its effects on the central nervous system, but it is not as specific as bradycardia for this medication. Option D) Hyperglycemia is not a common side effect associated with clonidine use. Educationally, understanding the side effects of medications is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to patients. Monitoring for potential side effects allows for early recognition and intervention, promoting positive patient outcomes. In the case of clonidine, being aware of the risk of bradycardia helps nurses to promptly address any cardiovascular changes in patients receiving this medication for hypertension management.
Question 4 of 5
A client with a history of stroke is prescribed clopidogrel. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client with a history of stroke is prescribed clopidogrel, the nurse should monitor for potential side effects, especially bleeding. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that works by preventing blood clots. One of the major risks associated with clopidogrel is an increased tendency to bleed. Therefore, monitoring for signs of bleeding, such as easy bruising, blood in stool or urine, or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, is crucial to ensure patient safety and early intervention if needed.
Question 5 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.