HESI EXIT EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
,Core Domains*
Nursing Process and Clinical Judgment*
Safe and Effective Care Environment*
Health Promotion and Maintenance*
Physiological Integrity*
Pharmacological Therapies*
Psychosocial Integrity*
Maternal-Newborn Nursing*
Pediatric Nursing*
, Medical-Surgical Nursing*
Mental Health Nursing*
Introduction*
This comprehensive assessment is designed to prepare nursing students for the HESI Exit Exam, a critical
gateway to professional nursing practice. The exam evaluates essential skills and knowledge across all major
nursing domains, emphasizing clinical judgment, prioritization, and decision-making in real-world healthcare
scenarios. Through 100 multiple-choice questions featuring both direct knowledge assessment and complex
scenario-based cases, this test bank mirrors the actual exam structure while reinforcing the application of
nursing principles to patient care. The questions challenge learners to demonstrate critical thinking, ethical
reasoning, regulatory compliance, and professional standards necessary for safe, effective nursing practice.*
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who experienced a hemorrhage 2 hours after delivery. The client's vital
signs show BP 88/52 mmHg, HR 128 bpm, and RR 24/min. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A. Administer oxygen at 4 L via nasal cannula
B. Insert a second large-bore IV catheter
C. Massage the client's fundus vigorously
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
🟢 B. Insert a second large-bore IV catheter
, 🔴 RATIONALE: The client is demonstrating signs of hypovolemic shock from postpartum hemorrhage.
Inserting a second large-bore IV catheter (18G or 16G) allows for rapid fluid resuscitation and blood product
administration, which is the most critical immediate intervention to restore circulating volume. While oxygen
administration, fundal massage, and provider notification are important, restoring intravascular volume is the
priority in shock management.
Question 2
A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is prescribed metformin 500 mg twice daily. Which statement by the client
indicates understanding of the medication?
A. "I will take this medication with my meals to reduce stomach upset."
B. "I will stop taking this if I develop a fever or cough."
C. "I can take extra doses if my blood sugar is high."
D. "I should avoid drinking water while on this medication."
🟢 A. "I will take this medication with my meals to reduce stomach upset."
🔴 RATIONALE: Metformin is best taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea,
diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. The client should not stop the medication without consulting the
healthcare provider, should not take extra doses without guidance, and should maintain adequate hydration
while on metformin.
Question 3
During shift report, a nurse learns that a client with a history of heart failure has developed new onset crackles
in both lung bases and increased shortness of breath. Which assessment finding is most concerning?
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
,Core Domains*
Nursing Process and Clinical Judgment*
Safe and Effective Care Environment*
Health Promotion and Maintenance*
Physiological Integrity*
Pharmacological Therapies*
Psychosocial Integrity*
Maternal-Newborn Nursing*
Pediatric Nursing*
, Medical-Surgical Nursing*
Mental Health Nursing*
Introduction*
This comprehensive assessment is designed to prepare nursing students for the HESI Exit Exam, a critical
gateway to professional nursing practice. The exam evaluates essential skills and knowledge across all major
nursing domains, emphasizing clinical judgment, prioritization, and decision-making in real-world healthcare
scenarios. Through 100 multiple-choice questions featuring both direct knowledge assessment and complex
scenario-based cases, this test bank mirrors the actual exam structure while reinforcing the application of
nursing principles to patient care. The questions challenge learners to demonstrate critical thinking, ethical
reasoning, regulatory compliance, and professional standards necessary for safe, effective nursing practice.*
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who experienced a hemorrhage 2 hours after delivery. The client's vital
signs show BP 88/52 mmHg, HR 128 bpm, and RR 24/min. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A. Administer oxygen at 4 L via nasal cannula
B. Insert a second large-bore IV catheter
C. Massage the client's fundus vigorously
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
🟢 B. Insert a second large-bore IV catheter
, 🔴 RATIONALE: The client is demonstrating signs of hypovolemic shock from postpartum hemorrhage.
Inserting a second large-bore IV catheter (18G or 16G) allows for rapid fluid resuscitation and blood product
administration, which is the most critical immediate intervention to restore circulating volume. While oxygen
administration, fundal massage, and provider notification are important, restoring intravascular volume is the
priority in shock management.
Question 2
A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is prescribed metformin 500 mg twice daily. Which statement by the client
indicates understanding of the medication?
A. "I will take this medication with my meals to reduce stomach upset."
B. "I will stop taking this if I develop a fever or cough."
C. "I can take extra doses if my blood sugar is high."
D. "I should avoid drinking water while on this medication."
🟢 A. "I will take this medication with my meals to reduce stomach upset."
🔴 RATIONALE: Metformin is best taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea,
diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. The client should not stop the medication without consulting the
healthcare provider, should not take extra doses without guidance, and should maintain adequate hydration
while on metformin.
Question 3
During shift report, a nurse learns that a client with a history of heart failure has developed new onset crackles
in both lung bases and increased shortness of breath. Which assessment finding is most concerning?
