HESI Pharmacology V1 Practice Test

1. Saquinavir (Invirase) Administration Instructions Question: A client who is HIV seropositive has been prescribed Saquinavir (Invirase). What instruction should the nurse provide regarding the administration of this medication? a. Avoid sun exposure. b. Eat low-calorie foods. c. Eat foods that are low in fat. d. Take the medication on an empty stomach. Answer: a. Avoid sun exposure. Rationale: Saquinavir (Invirase) is an antiretroviral protease inhibitor used alongside other antiretrovirals for managing HIV infection. It should be taken with meals, particularly high-calorie, high-fat ones, for optimal absorption. Patients should avoid sun exposure due to the risk of photosensitivity. 2. Client Discomfort with Mafenide Acetate (Sulfamylon) Question: A client with a burn injury reports local discomfort and burning upon application of Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon). What is the most appropriate nursing response? a. Notify the registered nurse. b. Discontinue the medication. c. Inform the client that this is normal. d. Apply a thinner film than prescribed to the burn site. Answer: c. Inform the client that this is normal. Rationale: Mafenide acetate is a bacteriostatic agent for gram-negative and gram-positive organisms, used to reduce bacterial load in avascular burn tissues. Local discomfort and burning are expected reactions, so informing the client that this is normal is the appropriate response. 3. Monitoring for Systemic Effects of Mafenide Acetate (Sulfamylon) Question: A client with a burn injury is being treated with topical Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon). Which of the following indicates that a systemic effect may have occurred? a. Hyperventilation b. Elevated blood pressure c. Local pain at the burn site d. Local rash at the burn site Answer: a. Hyperventilation Rationale: Mafenide acetate, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, can lead to acidosis by suppressing renal acid excretion. Hyperventilation may signal this imbalance. Other options, such as local pain and rash, indicate local rather than systemic effects. Elevated blood pressure may be attributed to pain from the burn injury, not systemic effects. 1. Isotretinoin (Invirase) Laboratory Test Question: A client is prescribed isotretinoin for severe acne. Before starting this medication, the nurse anticipates that which laboratory test will be prescribed? a. Platelet count b. Triglyceride level c. Complete blood count d. White blood cell count Answer: b. Triglyceride level Rationale: Isotretinoin can raise triglyceride levels. Therefore, it is essential to measure blood triglyceride levels before starting the treatment and periodically afterwards to monitor its impact. Platelet count, complete blood count, and white blood cell count are not specifically required for isotretinoin therapy. 2. Medication for Hypercalcemia in Hyperparathyroidism Question: A nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism who has a serum calcium level of 13 mg/dL. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer as prescribed? a. Calcium chloride b. Calcium gluconate c. Calcitonin (Miacalcin) d. Large doses of vitamin D Answer: c. Calcitonin (Miacalcin) Rationale: The normal serum calcium range is 8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL. This client’s elevated level indicates hypercalcemia. Calcitonin helps reduce plasma calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption. Calcium gluconate and calcium chloride are used to treat hypocalcemia, and large doses of vitamin D should be avoided in hypercalcemia. 3. Administration of Oral Iron Supplements for a Child Question: Oral iron supplements are prescribed for a 6-year-old child with iron deficiency anemia. The nurse should instruct the mother to administer the iron with which of the following? a. Milk b. Water c. Apple juice d. Orange juice Answer: d. Orange juice Rationale: Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron. The medication should be given with a citrus juice, such as orange juice, which is high in vitamin C. Milk can hinder iron absorption, and water or apple juice does not aid in iron absorption as effectively as orange juice. 4. Systemic Toxicity from Salicylic Acid Question: Salicylic acid is prescribed for a client diagnosed with psoriasis. The nurse monitors the client, knowing that which of the following would indicate systemic toxicity from this medication? a. Tinnitus b. Diarrhea c. Constipation d. Decreased respirations Answer: a. Tinnitus Rationale: Salicylic acid can be absorbed through the skin, leading to systemic toxicity (salicylism). Symptoms include tinnitus, dizziness, hyperpnea, and psychological disturbances. Constipation and diarrhea are not typically associated with salicylism. 5. Effective Application of Chemical Sunscreens Question: The camp nurse asks children preparing to swim if they have applied sunscreen. The nurse reminds the children that chemical sunscreens are most effective when applied: a. Immediately before swimming b. 15 minutes before sun exposure c. Immediately before sun exposure d. At least 30 minutes before sun exposure Answer: d. At least 30 minutes before sun exposure Rationale: Sunscreens need to be applied at least 30 minutes before sun exposure to penetrate the skin effectively. They should also be reapplied after swimming or sweating. 6. Medication Interaction with Isotretinoin Question: A client with severe acne is prescribed isotretinoin. The nurse reviews the client's medication record and should contact the health care provider if the client is also taking which medication? a. Vitamin A b. Digoxin (Lanoxin) c. Furosemide (Lasix) d. Phenytoin (Dilantin) Answer: a. Vitamin A