2025 HESI Pharmacology V1 Questions and Answers — Latest Exam Prep with Verified Solutions — A comprehensive and exam-focused study resource designed to support success on the HESI Pharmacology exam. This guide includes updated questions with verified ans

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2025 HESI Pharmacology V1
Questions And Answers


A nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism and notes that the client's serum
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calcium level is 13 mg/dL. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer as
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prescribed to the client?1. Calcium chloride
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2. Calcium gluconate
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3. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
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4. Large doses of vitamin D - (Correct Answer) `3. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
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Rationale: l




The normal serum calcium level is 8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL. This client is experiencing hypercalcemia.
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Calcium gluconate and calcium chloride are medications used for the treatment of tetany,
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which occurs as a result of acute hypocalcemia. In hypercalcemia, large doses of vitamin D
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need to be avoided. Calcitonin, a thyroid hormone, decreases the plasma calcium level by
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inhibiting bone resorption and lowering the serum calcium concentration.
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Oral iron supplements are prescribed for a 6-year-old child with iron deficiency anemia. The
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nurse instructs the mother to administer the iron with which best food item?
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1. Milk l




2. Water l




3. Apple juice
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4. Orange juice - (Correct Answer) `4. Orange juice
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Rationale: l

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Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron by the body. The mother should be instructed to
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administer the medication with a citrus fruit or a juice that is high in vitamin C. Milk may
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affect absorption of the iron. Water will not assist in absorption. Orange juice contains a
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greater amount of vitamin C than apple juice.
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Salicylic acid is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of psoriasis. The nurse monitors the
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client, knowing that which of the following would indicate the presence of systemic toxicity
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from this medication?
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1. Tinnitus
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2. Diarrhea
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3. Constipation
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4. Decreased Respirations - (Correct Answer) `1. Tinnitus
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Rationale: l




Salicylic acid is absorbed readily through the skin, and systemic toxicity (salicylism) can result.
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Symptoms include tinnitus, dizziness, hyperpnea, and psychological disturbances.
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Constipation and diarrhea are not associated with salicylism.
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The camp nurse asks the children preparing to swim in the lake if they have applied sunscreen.
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The nurse reminds the children that chemical sunscreens are most effective when applied:
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1. Immediately before swimming
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2. 15 minutes before exposure to the sun
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3. Immediately before exposure to the sun
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4. At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun - (Correct Answer) `4. At least 30 minutes
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before exposure to the sun
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Rationale: l




Sunscreens are most effective when applied at least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun so
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that they can penetrate the skin. All sunscreens should be reapplied after swimming or
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sweating
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Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) is prescribed for the client with a burn injury. When applying
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the medication, the client complains of local discomfort and burning. Which of the following is
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the most appropriate nursing action?
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1. Notifying the registered nurse
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2. Discontinuing the medication
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3. Informing the client that this is normal
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4. Applying a thinner film than prescribed to the burn site - (Correct Answer) `3. Informing the
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client that this is normal
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Rationale: l




Mafenide acetate is bacteriostatic for gram-negative and gram-positive organisms and is used
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to treat burns to reduce bacteria present in avascular tissues. The client should be informed
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that the medication will cause local discomfort and burning and that this is a normal reaction;
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therefore options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect
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The burn client is receiving treatments of topical mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) to the site of
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injury. The nurse monitors the client, knowing that which of the following indicates that a
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systemic effect has occurred?1.Hyperventilation
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2.Elevated blood pressure l l l




3.Local pain at the burn site l l l l l l




4.Local rash at the burn site - (Correct Answer) `1.Hyperventilation
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Rationale: l




Mafenide acetate is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and can suppress renal excretion of acid,
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thereby causing acidosis. Clients receiving this treatment should be monitored for signs of an
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acid-base imbalance (hyperventilation). If this occurs, the medication should be discontinued
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for 1 to 2 days. Options 3 and 4 describe local rather than syeffects. An elevated blood pressure
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may be expected from the pain that occurs with a burn injury.
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Isotretinoin is prescribed for a client with severe acne. Before the administration of this l l l l l l l l l l l l l




medication, the nurse anticipates that which laboratory test will be prescribed?
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1. Platelet count
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2. Triglyceride level
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3. Complete blood count
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4. White blood cell count - (Correct Answer) `2. Triglyceride level
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Rationale: l




Isotretinoin can elevate triglyceride levels. Blood triglyceride levels should be measured before
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treatment and periodically thereafter until the effect on the triglycerides has been evaluated.
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Options 1, 3, and 4 do not need to be monitored specifically during this treatment.
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A client with severe acne is seen in the clinic and the health care provider (HCP) prescribes
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isotretinoin. The nurse reviews the client's medication record and would contact the (HCP) if
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the client is taking which medication?
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1. Vitamin A
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2. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
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3. Furosemide (Lasix)
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4. Phenytoin (Dilantin) - (Correct Answer) `1. Vitamin A
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Rationale: l




Isotretinoin is a metabolite of vitamin A and can produce generalized intensification of
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isotretinoin toxicity. Because of the potential for increased toxicity, vitamin A supplements
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should be discontinued before isotretinoin therapy. Options 2, 3, and 4 are not contraindicated
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with the use of isotretinoin
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The nurse is applying a topical corticosteroid to a client with eczema. The nurse would monitor
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for the potential for increased systemic absorption of the medication if the medication were
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being applied to which of the following body areas?
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1. Back l




2. Axillal




3. Soles of the feet
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4. Palms of the hands - (Correct Answer) `2. Axilla
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