Page 1 of 491
HESI PHARMACOLOGY EXAM VERSION / / 5
|STUDY BUNDLE EACH WITH 55 QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS | 2025 UPDATE
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 .....ANSWER.....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
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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.
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
.....ANSWER.....4. Orange juice
Rationale:
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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.
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 .....ANSWER.....1. Tinnitus
Rationale:
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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.
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
.....ANSWER.....4. At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
Rationale:
HESI PHARMACOLOGY EXAM VERSION / / 5
|STUDY BUNDLE EACH WITH 55 QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS | 2025 UPDATE
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 .....ANSWER.....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
,Page 2 of 491
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.
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
.....ANSWER.....4. Orange juice
Rationale:
,Page 3 of 491
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.
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 .....ANSWER.....1. Tinnitus
Rationale:
, Page 4 of 491
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.
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
.....ANSWER.....4. At least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun
Rationale:
