Page 1 of 945
HESI PHARMACOLOGY EXAM PRACTICE Q.
BANK*** QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS |
VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS
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UPDATE 2026/2027
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
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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.
2.) 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
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will not assist in absorption. Orange juice contains a
greater amount of vitamin C than apple juice.
3.) 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
❖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.
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4.) 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.
HESI PHARMACOLOGY EXAM PRACTICE Q.
BANK*** QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS |
VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS
|DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM
UPDATE 2026/2027
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
,Page 2 of 945
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.
2.) 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
,Page 3 of 945
will not assist in absorption. Orange juice contains a
greater amount of vitamin C than apple juice.
3.) 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
❖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.
, Page 4 of 945
4.) 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.
