2025/2026 HESI Pharmacology V1 | Complete Exam Questions and Answers with Detailed Rationales

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2025/2026 HESI Pharmacology V1
Questions And Answers
A nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism and notes that the client's
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serum calcium level is 13 mg/dL. Which medication should the nurse prepare to
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administer as 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
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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,
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large doses of vitamin D need to be avoided. Calcitonin, a thyroid hormone, decreases
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the plasma calcium level by inhibiting bone resorption and lowering the serum
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calcium concentration.
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Oral iron supplements are prescribed for a 6-year-old child with iron deficiency
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anemia. The nurse instructs the mother to administer the iron with which best food
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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




Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron by the body. The mother should be
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instructed to administer the medication with a citrus fruit or a juice that is high in
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l vitamin C. Milk may affect absorption of the iron. Water will not assist in absorption.
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l Orange juice contains a 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
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the client, knowing that which of the following would indicate the presence of systemic
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toxicity 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)
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can result. Symptoms include tinnitus, dizziness, hyperpnea, and psychological
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disturbances. 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
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sunscreen. The nurse reminds the children that chemical sunscreens are most
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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
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minutes 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 l l l l l l l l l l l l l




sun so that they can penetrate the skin. All sunscreens should be reapplied after
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swimming or sweating
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Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) is prescribed for the client with a burn injury. When
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applying the medication, the client complains of local discomfort and burning. Which
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of the following is 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.
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Informing the client that this is normal
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Rationale: l




Mafenide acetate is bacteriostatic for gram-negative and gram-positive organisms and
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is used to treat burns to reduce bacteria present in avascular tissues. The client should
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be informed that the medication will cause local discomfort and burning and that this is
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a normal reaction; 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
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site of injury. The nurse monitors the client, knowing that which of the following
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indicates that a 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
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acid, thereby causing acidosis. Clients receiving this treatment should be monitored
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for signs of an acid-base imbalance (hyperventilation). If this occurs, the medication
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should be discontinued for 1 to 2 days. Options 3 and 4 describe local rather than
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syeffects. An elevated blood pressure may be expected from the pain that occurs with a
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burn injury.
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Isotretinoin is prescribed for a client with severe acne. Before the administration of l l l l l l l l l l l l




this 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
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measured before treatment and periodically thereafter until the effect on the
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triglycerides has been evaluated. Options 1, 3, and 4 do not need to be monitored
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specifically during this treatment.
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A client with severe acne is seen in the clinic and the health care provider (HCP)
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prescribes isotretinoin. The nurse reviews the client's medication record and would
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contact the (HCP) if the client is taking which medication?
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1. Vitamin A l l




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




2. Axilla l




3. Soles of the feet
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