HESI Pharmacology Test Bank (2023 Updated}/2023
HESI Pharmacology Question Bank 100% Verified
Questions with Rationale
1) 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.
10.) The clinic nurse is performing an admission assessment on a client. The nurse notes that
the client is taking azelaic acid (Azelex). Because of the medication prescription, the nurse
would suspect that the client is being treated for:
1. Acne
2. Eczema
3. Hair loss
4. Herpes simplex 1. Acne
Rationale:
Azelaic acid is a topical medication used to treat mild to moderate acne. The acid appears to
work by suppressing the growth of Propionibacterium acnes and decreasing the proliferation of
keratinocytes. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect.
100.) 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.
101.) Ketoconazole is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of candidiasis. Select the
interventions that the nurse includes when administering this medication. Select all that apply.
1. Restrict fluid intake.
2. Instruct the client to avoid alcohol.
3. Monitor hepatic and liver function studies.
4. Administer the medication with an antacid.
5. Instruct the client to avoid exposure to the sun.
6. Administer the medication on an empty stomach. 2. Instruct the client to avoid alcohol.
3. Monitor hepatic and liver function studies.
5. Instruct the client to avoid exposure to the sun.
Rationale:
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication. It is administered with food (not on an empty
stomach) and antacids are avoided for 2 hours after taking the medication to ensure
absorption. The medication is hepatotoxic and the nurse monitors liver function studies. The
client is instructed to avoid exposure to the sun because the medication increases
photosensitivity. The client is also instructed to avoid alcohol. There is no reason for the client
to restrict fluid intake. In fact, this could be harmful to the client.
102.) A client with human immunodeficiency virus is taking nevirapine (Viramune). The nurse
should monitor for which adverse effects of the medication? Select all that apply.
1. Rash
2. Hepatotoxicity
3. Hyperglycemia
4. Peripheral neuropathy
5. Reduced bone mineral density 1. Rash
, 2. Hepatotoxicity
Rationale:
Nevirapine (Viramune) is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) that is used
to treat HIV infection. It is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications to treat
HIV. Adverse effects include rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hepatitis, and increased
transaminase levels. Hyperglycemia, peripheral neuropathy, and reduced bone density are not
adverse effects of this medication.
103.) A nurse is caring for a hospitalized client who has been taking clozapine (Clozaril) for the
treatment of a schizophrenic disorder. Which laboratory study prescribed for the client will
the nurse specifically review to monitor for an adverse effect associated with the use of this
medication?
1. Platelet count
2. Cholesterol level
3. White blood cell count
4. Blood urea nitrogen level 3. White blood cell
count Rationale:
Hematological reactions can occur in the client taking clozapine and include agranulocytosis
and mild leukopenia. The white blood cell count should be checked before initiating treatment
and should be monitored closely during the use of this medication. The client should also be
monitored for signs indicating agranulocytosis, which may include sore throat, malaise, and
fever. Options 1, 2, and 4 are unrelated to this medication.
104.) Disulfiram (Antabuse) is prescribed for a client who is seen in the psychiatric health care
clinic. The nurse is collecting data on the client and is providing instructions regarding the use
of this medication. Which is most important for the nurse to determine before administration
of this medication?
1. A history of hyperthyroidism
2. A history of diabetes insipidus
3. When the last full meal was consumed
4. When the last alcoholic drink was consumed 4. When the last alcoholic drink was consumed
Rationale:
Disulfiram is used as an adjunct treatment for selected clients with chronic alcoholism who want
HESI Pharmacology Question Bank 100% Verified
Questions with Rationale
1) 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.
10.) The clinic nurse is performing an admission assessment on a client. The nurse notes that
the client is taking azelaic acid (Azelex). Because of the medication prescription, the nurse
would suspect that the client is being treated for:
1. Acne
2. Eczema
3. Hair loss
4. Herpes simplex 1. Acne
Rationale:
Azelaic acid is a topical medication used to treat mild to moderate acne. The acid appears to
work by suppressing the growth of Propionibacterium acnes and decreasing the proliferation of
keratinocytes. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect.
100.) 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.
101.) Ketoconazole is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of candidiasis. Select the
interventions that the nurse includes when administering this medication. Select all that apply.
1. Restrict fluid intake.
2. Instruct the client to avoid alcohol.
3. Monitor hepatic and liver function studies.
4. Administer the medication with an antacid.
5. Instruct the client to avoid exposure to the sun.
6. Administer the medication on an empty stomach. 2. Instruct the client to avoid alcohol.
3. Monitor hepatic and liver function studies.
5. Instruct the client to avoid exposure to the sun.
Rationale:
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication. It is administered with food (not on an empty
stomach) and antacids are avoided for 2 hours after taking the medication to ensure
absorption. The medication is hepatotoxic and the nurse monitors liver function studies. The
client is instructed to avoid exposure to the sun because the medication increases
photosensitivity. The client is also instructed to avoid alcohol. There is no reason for the client
to restrict fluid intake. In fact, this could be harmful to the client.
102.) A client with human immunodeficiency virus is taking nevirapine (Viramune). The nurse
should monitor for which adverse effects of the medication? Select all that apply.
1. Rash
2. Hepatotoxicity
3. Hyperglycemia
4. Peripheral neuropathy
5. Reduced bone mineral density 1. Rash
, 2. Hepatotoxicity
Rationale:
Nevirapine (Viramune) is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) that is used
to treat HIV infection. It is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications to treat
HIV. Adverse effects include rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hepatitis, and increased
transaminase levels. Hyperglycemia, peripheral neuropathy, and reduced bone density are not
adverse effects of this medication.
103.) A nurse is caring for a hospitalized client who has been taking clozapine (Clozaril) for the
treatment of a schizophrenic disorder. Which laboratory study prescribed for the client will
the nurse specifically review to monitor for an adverse effect associated with the use of this
medication?
1. Platelet count
2. Cholesterol level
3. White blood cell count
4. Blood urea nitrogen level 3. White blood cell
count Rationale:
Hematological reactions can occur in the client taking clozapine and include agranulocytosis
and mild leukopenia. The white blood cell count should be checked before initiating treatment
and should be monitored closely during the use of this medication. The client should also be
monitored for signs indicating agranulocytosis, which may include sore throat, malaise, and
fever. Options 1, 2, and 4 are unrelated to this medication.
104.) Disulfiram (Antabuse) is prescribed for a client who is seen in the psychiatric health care
clinic. The nurse is collecting data on the client and is providing instructions regarding the use
of this medication. Which is most important for the nurse to determine before administration
of this medication?
1. A history of hyperthyroidism
2. A history of diabetes insipidus
3. When the last full meal was consumed
4. When the last alcoholic drink was consumed 4. When the last alcoholic drink was consumed
Rationale:
Disulfiram is used as an adjunct treatment for selected clients with chronic alcoholism who want
