HESI Pharmacology Exam Version 2| 55
Questions and Verified Answers | 2023 / 2024
Update
Q: A client with Parkinson’s disease is taking carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet). Which
observation by the nurse should indicate that the desired outcome of the medication is being
achieved?
A) Decreased blood pressure.
B) Lessening of tremors.
C) Increased salivation.
D) Increased attention span.
Answer:
B. Lessening of tremors.
Sinemet increases the amount of levodopa to the CNS (dopamine to the brain). Increased
amounts of dopamine improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as involuntary movements,
resting tremors (B), shuffling gait, etc. (A) is a side effect of Sinemet. Decreased drooling would
be a desired effect, not (C). Sinemet does not affect (D).
Q: A client with congestive heart failure (CHF) is being discharged with a new prescription for
the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril (Capoten). The LPN/LVN
discharge instruction should include reporting which problem to the healthcare provider?
A) Weight loss.
B) Dizziness.
C) Muscle cramps.
D) Dry mucous membranes.
Answer:
B. Dizziness
The client should be prepared to implement measures for constipation (B) which is the most
likely persistent side effect related to opioid use. Tolerance to opiate narcotics is common, and
the client may experience less sedation (A) and respiratory depression (D) as analgesic use
continues. Opioids increase the tone in the urinary bladder sphincter, which causes retention (C)
but may subside.
Q: A client is receiving metroprolol (Lopressor SR). What assessment is most important for the
LPN/LVN to obtain?
A) Temperature.
B) Lung sounds.
C) Blood pressure.
D) Urinary output.
Answer:
C. Blood pressure
It is most important to monitor the blood pressure (C) of clients taking this medication because
Lopressor is an antianginal, antiarrhythmic, antihypertensive agent. While (A and B) are
important data to obtain on any client, they are not as important for a client receiving Lopressor
as (C). Intake and output ratios and daily weights should be monitored while taking Lopressor to
assess for signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure, but (D) alone does not have the
importance of (C).
Q: A client with coronary artery disease who is taking digoxin (Lanoxin) receives a new
prescription for atorvastatin (Lipitor). Two weeks after initiation of the Lipitor prescription, the
nurse assesses the client. Which finding requires the most immediate intervention?
A) Heartburn.
B) Headache.
C) Constipation.
D) Vomiting.
Answer:
D. Vomiting.
Vomiting, anorexia and abdominal pain are early indications of digitalis toxicity. Since Lipitor
increases the risk for digitalis toxicity, this finding requires the most immediate intervention by
the nurse (D). (A, B and C) are expected side effects of Lipitor.
Q: 16) Upon admission to the emergency center, an adult client with acute status asthmaticus is
prescribed this series of medications. In which order should the nurse administer the prescribed
medications? (Arrange from first to last.)
A) Prednisone (Deltasone) orally.
B) Gentamicin (Garamycin) IM.
C) Albuterol (Proventil) puffs.
D) Salmeterol (Serevent Diskus).