HESI PHARMACOLOGY EXIT EXAM 2024-2025
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (A+)
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?
a. Calcium chloride
b. Calcium gluconate
c. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
d. 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 hypercal- cemia,
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.
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?
a. Milk
b. Water
c. Apple juice
d. 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 will not assist in absorption. Orange juice
contains a greater amount of vitamin C than apple juice.
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?
a. Tinnitus
b. Diarrhea
c. Constipation
d. Decreased respirations: 1. 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.
,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:
a. Immediately before swimming
b. 15 minutes before exposure to the sun
c. Immediately before exposure to the sun
d. 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.
Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) is prescribed for the client with a burn injury. When
applying the medication, the client complains of local discomfort and burning.
Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
a. Notifying the registered nurse
b. Discontinuing the medication
c. Informing the client that this is normal
d. Applying a thinner film than prescribed to the burn site: 3. Informing the client that
this is normal
Rationale:
Mafenide acetate is bacteriostatic for gram-negative and gram-positive organisms and is
used to treat burns to reduce bacteria present in avascular tissues. The client should be
informed that the medication will cause local discomfort and burning and that this is a
normal reaction; therefore options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect
The burn client is receiving treatments of topical mafenide acetate (Sul- famylon)
to the site of injury.The nurse monitors the client, knowing that which of the
following indicates that a systemic effect has occurred?
a. Hyperventilation
b. Elevated blood pressure
c. Local pain at the burn site
d. Local rash at the burn site: 1.Hyperventilation Rationale:
Mafenide acetate is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and can suppress renal excre- tion
of acid, thereby causing acidosis. Clients receiving this treatment should be monitored
for signs of an acid-base imbalance (hyperventilation). If this occurs, the medication
should be discontinued for 1 to 2 days. Options 3 and 4 describe local rather than
systemic effects. An elevated blood pressure may be expected from the pain that occurs
with a burn injury.
,Isotretinoin is prescribed for a client with severe acne. Before the admin- istration
of 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: 2. Triglyceride level Rationale:
Isotretinoin can elevate triglyceride levels. Blood triglyceride levels should be mea-
sured before treatment and periodically thereafter until the effect on the triglycerides has
been evaluated. Options 1, 3, and 4 do not need to be monitored specifically during this
treatment.
A client with severe acne is seen in the clinic and the health care provider (HCP)
prescribes isotretinoin.The nurse reviews the client's medica- tion record and
would contact the (HCP) if the client is taking which medica- tion?
a. Vitamin A
b. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
c. Furosemide (Lasix)
d. Phenytoin (Dilantin): 1. Vitamin A Rationale:
Isotretinoin is a metabolite of vitamin A and can produce generalized intensification of
isotretinoin toxicity. Because of the potential for increased toxicity, vitamin A
supplements should be discontinued before isotretinoin therapy. Options 2, 3, and 4 are
not contraindicated with the use of isotretinoin.
The nurse is applying a topical corticosteroid to a client with eczema.The nurse
would monitor for the potential for increased systemic absorption of the
medication if the medication were being applied to which of the following body
areas?
a. Back
b. Axilla
c. Soles of the feet
d. Palms of the hands: 2. Axilla Rationale:
Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed into the systemic circulation. Absorption is
higher from regions where the skin is especially permeable (scalp, axilla, face, eyelids,
neck, perineum, genitalia), and lower from regions in which permeability is poor (back,
palms, soles).
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:
a. Acne
, b. Eczema
c. Hair loss
d. 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.
The health care provider has prescribed silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) for the client
with a partial-thickness burn, which has cultured positive for gram-negative
bacteria. The nurse is reinforcing information to the client about the medication.
Which statement made by the client indicates a lack of understanding about the
treatments?
a. "The medication is an antibacterial."
b. "The medication will help heal the burn."
c. "The medication will permanently stain my skin."
d. "The medication should be applied directly to the wound.": 3. "The medica- tion
will permanently stain my skin."
Rationale:
Silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) is an antibacterial that has a broad spectrum of activity
against gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. It is applied directly to
the wound to assist in healing. It does not stain the skin.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion of an
antineoplastic medication. During the infusion, the client com- plains of pain at
the insertion site. During an inspection of the site, the nurse notes redness and
swelling and that the rate of infusion of the medication has slowed. The nurse
should take which appropriate action?
a. Notify the registered nurse.
b. Administer pain medication to reduce the discomfort.
c. Apply ice and maintain the infusion rate, as prescribed.
d. Elevate the extremity of the IV site, and slow the infusion.: 1. Notify the registered
nurse.
Rationale:
When antineoplastic medications (Chemotheraputic Agents) are administered via IV,
great care must be taken to prevent the medication from escaping into the tissues
surrounding the injection site, because pain, tissue damage, and necrosis can result. The
nurse monitors for signs of extravasation, such as redness or swelling at the insertion
site and a decreased infusion rate. If extravasation occurs, the registered nurse needs
to be notified; he or she will then contact the health care provider.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (A+)
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?
a. Calcium chloride
b. Calcium gluconate
c. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
d. 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 hypercal- cemia,
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.
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?
a. Milk
b. Water
c. Apple juice
d. 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 will not assist in absorption. Orange juice
contains a greater amount of vitamin C than apple juice.
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?
a. Tinnitus
b. Diarrhea
c. Constipation
d. Decreased respirations: 1. 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.
,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:
a. Immediately before swimming
b. 15 minutes before exposure to the sun
c. Immediately before exposure to the sun
d. 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.
Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) is prescribed for the client with a burn injury. When
applying the medication, the client complains of local discomfort and burning.
Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
a. Notifying the registered nurse
b. Discontinuing the medication
c. Informing the client that this is normal
d. Applying a thinner film than prescribed to the burn site: 3. Informing the client that
this is normal
Rationale:
Mafenide acetate is bacteriostatic for gram-negative and gram-positive organisms and is
used to treat burns to reduce bacteria present in avascular tissues. The client should be
informed that the medication will cause local discomfort and burning and that this is a
normal reaction; therefore options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect
The burn client is receiving treatments of topical mafenide acetate (Sul- famylon)
to the site of injury.The nurse monitors the client, knowing that which of the
following indicates that a systemic effect has occurred?
a. Hyperventilation
b. Elevated blood pressure
c. Local pain at the burn site
d. Local rash at the burn site: 1.Hyperventilation Rationale:
Mafenide acetate is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and can suppress renal excre- tion
of acid, thereby causing acidosis. Clients receiving this treatment should be monitored
for signs of an acid-base imbalance (hyperventilation). If this occurs, the medication
should be discontinued for 1 to 2 days. Options 3 and 4 describe local rather than
systemic effects. An elevated blood pressure may be expected from the pain that occurs
with a burn injury.
,Isotretinoin is prescribed for a client with severe acne. Before the admin- istration
of 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: 2. Triglyceride level Rationale:
Isotretinoin can elevate triglyceride levels. Blood triglyceride levels should be mea-
sured before treatment and periodically thereafter until the effect on the triglycerides has
been evaluated. Options 1, 3, and 4 do not need to be monitored specifically during this
treatment.
A client with severe acne is seen in the clinic and the health care provider (HCP)
prescribes isotretinoin.The nurse reviews the client's medica- tion record and
would contact the (HCP) if the client is taking which medica- tion?
a. Vitamin A
b. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
c. Furosemide (Lasix)
d. Phenytoin (Dilantin): 1. Vitamin A Rationale:
Isotretinoin is a metabolite of vitamin A and can produce generalized intensification of
isotretinoin toxicity. Because of the potential for increased toxicity, vitamin A
supplements should be discontinued before isotretinoin therapy. Options 2, 3, and 4 are
not contraindicated with the use of isotretinoin.
The nurse is applying a topical corticosteroid to a client with eczema.The nurse
would monitor for the potential for increased systemic absorption of the
medication if the medication were being applied to which of the following body
areas?
a. Back
b. Axilla
c. Soles of the feet
d. Palms of the hands: 2. Axilla Rationale:
Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed into the systemic circulation. Absorption is
higher from regions where the skin is especially permeable (scalp, axilla, face, eyelids,
neck, perineum, genitalia), and lower from regions in which permeability is poor (back,
palms, soles).
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:
a. Acne
, b. Eczema
c. Hair loss
d. 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.
The health care provider has prescribed silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) for the client
with a partial-thickness burn, which has cultured positive for gram-negative
bacteria. The nurse is reinforcing information to the client about the medication.
Which statement made by the client indicates a lack of understanding about the
treatments?
a. "The medication is an antibacterial."
b. "The medication will help heal the burn."
c. "The medication will permanently stain my skin."
d. "The medication should be applied directly to the wound.": 3. "The medica- tion
will permanently stain my skin."
Rationale:
Silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) is an antibacterial that has a broad spectrum of activity
against gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. It is applied directly to
the wound to assist in healing. It does not stain the skin.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion of an
antineoplastic medication. During the infusion, the client com- plains of pain at
the insertion site. During an inspection of the site, the nurse notes redness and
swelling and that the rate of infusion of the medication has slowed. The nurse
should take which appropriate action?
a. Notify the registered nurse.
b. Administer pain medication to reduce the discomfort.
c. Apply ice and maintain the infusion rate, as prescribed.
d. Elevate the extremity of the IV site, and slow the infusion.: 1. Notify the registered
nurse.
Rationale:
When antineoplastic medications (Chemotheraputic Agents) are administered via IV,
great care must be taken to prevent the medication from escaping into the tissues
surrounding the injection site, because pain, tissue damage, and necrosis can result. The
nurse monitors for signs of extravasation, such as redness or swelling at the insertion
site and a decreased infusion rate. If extravasation occurs, the registered nurse needs
to be notified; he or she will then contact the health care provider.
