HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam With Rationale

HESI Pharmacology Practice Exam With Rationale

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 - 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:
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.
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 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.
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 will not assist in absorption. Orange juice contains a 
greater amount of vitamin C than apple juice.
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?
1. Notifying the registered nurse
2. Discontinuing the medication
3. Informing the client that this is normal
4. 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 grampositive 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 
(Sulfamylon) to the site of injury. The nurse monitors the client, 
knowing that which of the following indicates that a systemic effect 
has occurred?
1.Hyperventilation
2.Elevated blood pressure
3.Local pain at the burn site
4.Local rash at the burn site - 1.Hyperventilation