HESI PHARMACOLOGY VI 110
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS VERIFIED AND GRADED
A+ UPDATED 2026
The nurse is assigned to care for a client with cytomegalovirus retinitis and
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who is receiving foscarnet. The nurse
should check the latest results of which of the following laboratory studies
while the client is taking this medication?
1. CD4 cell count
2. Serum albumin
3. Serum creatinine
4. Lymphocyte count
3. Serum creatinine
Rationale:Foscarnet is toxic to the kidneys. Serum creatinine is monitored
before therapy, two to three times per week during induction therapy, and at
least weekly during maintenance therapy. Foscarnet may also cause
decreased levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Thus
these levels are also measured with the same frequency
The client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and Pneumocystis
jiroveci infection has been receiving pentamidine isethionate (Pentam 300).
The client develops a temperature of 101° F. The nurse does further
monitoring of the client, knowing that this sign would most likely indicate
:1. The dose of the medication is too low.
2. The client is experiencing toxic effects of the medication.
3. The client has developed inadequacy of thermoregulation.
,4. The result of another infection caused by leukopenic effects of the
medication.
4. The result of another infection caused by leukopenic effects of the
medication.
Rationale:Frequent side effects of this medication include leukopenia,
thrombocytopenia, and anemia. The client should be monitored routinely for
signs and symptoms of infection. Options 1, 2, and 3 are inaccurate
interpretations.
Saquinavir (Invirase) is prescribed for the client who is human
immunodeficiency virus seropositive. The nurse reinforces medication
instructions and tells the client to:
1. Avoid sun exposure.
2. Eat low-calorie foods.
3. Eat foods that are low in fat.
4. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
1. Avoid sun exposure.
Rationale:Saquinavir (Invirase) is an antiretroviral (protease inhibitor) used
with other antiretroviral medications to manage human immunodeficiency
virus infection. Saquinavir is administered with meals and is best absorbed if
the client consumes high-calorie, high- fat meals. Saquinavir can cause
photosensitivity, and the nurse should instruct the client to avoid sun
exposure.
A nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism and notes that the
client's serum calcium level is 13 mg/dL. Which medication should the nurse
prepare to administer as prescribed to the client?1. Calcium chloride
,2. Calcium gluconate
3. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
4. Large doses of vitamin D
3. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
Rationale:
The normal serum calcium level is 8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL. This client is
experiencing hypercalcemia. Calcium gluconate and calcium chloride are
medications used for the treatment of tetany, which occurs as a result of
acute hypocalcemia. In hypercalcemia, large doses of vitamin D need to be
avoided. Calcitonin, a thyroid hormone, decreases the plasma calcium level
by inhibiting bone resorption and lowering the serum calcium concentration.
Oral iron supplements are prescribed for a 6-year-old child with iron
deficiency anemia. The nurse instructs the mother to administer the iron with
which best food item?
1. Milk
2. Water
3. Apple juice
4. Orange juice
4. Orange juice
Rationale:
Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron by the body. The mother should be
instructed to administer the medication with a citrus fruit or a juice that is
high in vitamin C. Milk may affect absorption of the iron. Water will not assist
in absorption. Orange juice contains a greater amount of vitamin C than
apple juice.
, Salicylic acid is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of psoriasis. The nurse
monitors the client, knowing that which of the following would indicate the
presence of systemic toxicity from this medication?
1. Tinnitus
2. Diarrhea
3. Constipation
4. Decreased Respirations
1. Tinnitus
Rationale:
Salicylic acid is absorbed readily through the skin, and systemic toxicity
(salicylism) can result. Symptoms include tinnitus, dizziness, hyperpnea, and
psychological disturbances. Constipation and diarrhea are not associated
with salicylism.
The camp nurse asks the children preparing to swim in the lake if they have
applied sunscreen. The nurse reminds the children that chemical sunscreens
are most effective when applied:
1. Immediately before swimming
2. 15 minutes before exposure to the sun
3. Immediately before exposure to the sun
4. At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
4. At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
Rationale:
Sunscreens are most effective when applied at least 30 minutes before
exposure to the sun so that they can penetrate the skin. All sunscreens
should be reapplied after swimming or sweating
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS VERIFIED AND GRADED
A+ UPDATED 2026
The nurse is assigned to care for a client with cytomegalovirus retinitis and
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who is receiving foscarnet. The nurse
should check the latest results of which of the following laboratory studies
while the client is taking this medication?
1. CD4 cell count
2. Serum albumin
3. Serum creatinine
4. Lymphocyte count
3. Serum creatinine
Rationale:Foscarnet is toxic to the kidneys. Serum creatinine is monitored
before therapy, two to three times per week during induction therapy, and at
least weekly during maintenance therapy. Foscarnet may also cause
decreased levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Thus
these levels are also measured with the same frequency
The client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and Pneumocystis
jiroveci infection has been receiving pentamidine isethionate (Pentam 300).
The client develops a temperature of 101° F. The nurse does further
monitoring of the client, knowing that this sign would most likely indicate
:1. The dose of the medication is too low.
2. The client is experiencing toxic effects of the medication.
3. The client has developed inadequacy of thermoregulation.
,4. The result of another infection caused by leukopenic effects of the
medication.
4. The result of another infection caused by leukopenic effects of the
medication.
Rationale:Frequent side effects of this medication include leukopenia,
thrombocytopenia, and anemia. The client should be monitored routinely for
signs and symptoms of infection. Options 1, 2, and 3 are inaccurate
interpretations.
Saquinavir (Invirase) is prescribed for the client who is human
immunodeficiency virus seropositive. The nurse reinforces medication
instructions and tells the client to:
1. Avoid sun exposure.
2. Eat low-calorie foods.
3. Eat foods that are low in fat.
4. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
1. Avoid sun exposure.
Rationale:Saquinavir (Invirase) is an antiretroviral (protease inhibitor) used
with other antiretroviral medications to manage human immunodeficiency
virus infection. Saquinavir is administered with meals and is best absorbed if
the client consumes high-calorie, high- fat meals. Saquinavir can cause
photosensitivity, and the nurse should instruct the client to avoid sun
exposure.
A nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism and notes that the
client's serum calcium level is 13 mg/dL. Which medication should the nurse
prepare to administer as prescribed to the client?1. Calcium chloride
,2. Calcium gluconate
3. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
4. Large doses of vitamin D
3. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
Rationale:
The normal serum calcium level is 8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL. This client is
experiencing hypercalcemia. Calcium gluconate and calcium chloride are
medications used for the treatment of tetany, which occurs as a result of
acute hypocalcemia. In hypercalcemia, large doses of vitamin D need to be
avoided. Calcitonin, a thyroid hormone, decreases the plasma calcium level
by inhibiting bone resorption and lowering the serum calcium concentration.
Oral iron supplements are prescribed for a 6-year-old child with iron
deficiency anemia. The nurse instructs the mother to administer the iron with
which best food item?
1. Milk
2. Water
3. Apple juice
4. Orange juice
4. Orange juice
Rationale:
Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron by the body. The mother should be
instructed to administer the medication with a citrus fruit or a juice that is
high in vitamin C. Milk may affect absorption of the iron. Water will not assist
in absorption. Orange juice contains a greater amount of vitamin C than
apple juice.
, Salicylic acid is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of psoriasis. The nurse
monitors the client, knowing that which of the following would indicate the
presence of systemic toxicity from this medication?
1. Tinnitus
2. Diarrhea
3. Constipation
4. Decreased Respirations
1. Tinnitus
Rationale:
Salicylic acid is absorbed readily through the skin, and systemic toxicity
(salicylism) can result. Symptoms include tinnitus, dizziness, hyperpnea, and
psychological disturbances. Constipation and diarrhea are not associated
with salicylism.
The camp nurse asks the children preparing to swim in the lake if they have
applied sunscreen. The nurse reminds the children that chemical sunscreens
are most effective when applied:
1. Immediately before swimming
2. 15 minutes before exposure to the sun
3. Immediately before exposure to the sun
4. At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
4. At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
Rationale:
Sunscreens are most effective when applied at least 30 minutes before
exposure to the sun so that they can penetrate the skin. All sunscreens
should be reapplied after swimming or sweating
