HESI LPN
HESI Practice Test Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 of 5
A client with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dry cough. Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, is known to cause a persistent dry cough as a common side effect. Monitoring for this adverse effect is crucial because it may lead to non-adherence to the medication. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is a potential side effect of potassium-sparing diuretics, not ACE inhibitors like lisinopril. Hypernatremia (choice C) refers to elevated sodium levels and is not a common side effect of lisinopril. Hyponatremia (choice D) is a condition characterized by low sodium levels and is not a typical side effect of lisinopril. Therefore, the nurse should focus on assessing the client for a dry cough when taking lisinopril.
Question 4 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 5 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.