HESI Pharmacology _ distinction level Exam Solutions has everything, updated

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 ANS

✅- 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.

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 ANS

✅- 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.

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 

ANS✅- 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.

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 

ANS✅- 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.