2026 hesi rn exit exam | ngn nursing questions | 2026 hesi nursing exit exam questions
(latest pdf update)
A pt presses the call bell and requests pain medication for a severe headache. To assess the quality
of the pt. Pain, which approach should the nurse use? - -Ask the patient to describe the pain
--The nurse is wearing personal protective equipment while caring for a pt. When exiting the room,
which PPE should be removed first? - -Gloves
--An older pt is brought to the ED with a sudden onset of confusion that occurred after experiencing
a fall at home. The daughter, who has power of attorney, has brought the client's prescriptions.
Which information should the nurse provide first when reporting to the healthcare provider using
SBAR communication? - -Increasing confusion of the pt.
--A pt tells the nurse about working out with a personal trainer and swimming three times a week in
an effort to lose weight and sleep better. The pt states that it still is taking hours to fall asleep at
night. Which action should the nurse implement? - -Ask the pt for a description of the exercise
schedule that is being followed
--2 days prior to discharge from the rehab facility, the nurse is teaching a pt who is recovering from
Guillain-Barre syndrome about home. Which actions should the nurse include when providing
discharge teaching to the pt and spouse? SATA - --review safe transfer strategies
-develop a nutritional plan
-help identify community support
--The nurse implements a tertiary prevention program for type 2 diabetes in a rural health clinic.
Which outcome indicates that the program was effective? - -pt who develop disease complications
promptly received rehabilitation
--The nurse has received funding to design a health promotion project for African American women
who are at risk for developing breast cancer. Which resource is most important in designing this
program? - -participation of community leaders in planning the program
--A pt with multiple injuries is being treated in the burn trauma unit just hours after the injuries
occurred. The healthcare provider instructs the nurse to avoid auto contamination when performing
dressing changes. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement? - -use gown,
mask, and gloves with dressing changes
--A pt is recovering in the critical care unit following a cardiac cath. IV nitro and heparin are infusing.
The pt is sedated but responds to instructions. After changing positions, the pt complains of pain at
the right groin insertion site. What action should the nurse implement? - -Stimulate the pt to take
deep breaths
--Prior to obtaining a trapeze bar for a pt with limited mobility, which pt assessment is most
important for the nurse to obtain? - -upper body muscle strength
--While the nurse is assessing an older pt fall risk, the pt reports living at home alone and never
falling. Which action should the nurse take? - -Continue to obtain pt data needed to complete the
fall risk survey
,--The nurse is feeding an older adult who was admitted with aspiration pneumonia. The pt is weak
and begins coughing while attempting to drink through a straw. Which intervention should the nurse
implement? - -Teach coughing and deep breathing exercises
--The nurse is teaching the pt about home care after surgery for an ileal conduit placement. When
reviewing the information, which statement should the nurse recognize as needing additional
education? - -Empty the pouch when it is half full.
--A 12 week gestation is admitted to the antepartum unit with a dx of hyperemesis gravidarum.
Which action is most important for the nurse to implement? - -initiate prescribed IV fluids
--A pt with dyspnea is being admitted to the medical unit. To best prepare for the pt arrival, the
nurse should ensure that the pt bed is in which position? - -Picture with the bed sitting up
--A pt who is scheduled for a bronchoscopy in the morning is anxious and asking the nurse numerous
questions about the procedure. In preparing the pt for the procedure, which intervention has the
highest priority? - -Instruct pt to write down questions
--While caring for a pt post operative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the wound.
Before reporting this finding to the provider, the nurse should review which of the pt lab values? - -
culture for sensitive organisms
--A pt with a lower respiratory tract infection receives a prescription for ciprofloxacin 500mg PO
every 12hrs. When the client requests an afternoon snack, which dietary choice should the nurse
provide? - -Cinnamon apple sauce
--An older male reporting abd pain is admitted from a facility. It has been 7 days since his last BM
and his abd is distended, and he just vomited 150ml of dark brown emesis. In what order should the
nurse implement these interventions? - -Send emesis to lab
Elevate HOB
complete focused assessment
offers PRN pain meds
--A patient who recently received a prescription for ramelteon to treat sleep deprivation reports
experiencing several side effects since taking the med. Which side effect should the nurse report to
the healthcare provider? - -Somnambulism
--A pt is scheduled for a spiral CT scan with contrast to evaluate for pulmonary embolism. Which
information in the client's history requires follow up by the nurse? - -take metformin for type 2
diabetes
--The nurse should withhold which medication if the client's serum potassium level is 6.2 mEq/? - -
Spironolactone
--A nurse receives a report on a pt who is four hours post-total abdominal hysterectomy. The
previous nurse reports that it was necessary to change the client's perineal pad hourly and that it is
again saturated. The previous nurse also reports that the client's urinary output has decreased.
Which action should the nurse implement first? - -Assess for weakness or dizziness
--A pt who is admitted for primary hypothyroidism has early signs of myxedema coma. In assessing
the pt, in which sequence should the nurse complete these actions? - --Observe breathing patterns
,-assess blood pressure
-measure body temp
-palpate for pedal edema
--The nurse is taking the blood pressure measurement of a client with Parkinson's disease. Which
information in the admission assessment is relevant to the nurse's plan for taking the blood pressure
reading? SATA - -Blurred Vision
Flat Affect
frequent syncope
--After administering a proton pump inhibitor, which action should the nurse take to evaluate the
effectiveness of the medication? - -Ask the pt about gastrointestinal pain
--A pt is receiving enoxaparin 30 mg subcutaneously twice a day. In assessing for adverse effects of
the medication, which serum laboratory value most important for the nurse to monitor - -platelet
count
--A pediatric client is taking the beta-adrenergic blocking agent propranolol. In developing a teaching
plan, the nurse should teach the parents to report which sign of overdose? - -Bradycardia
--The nurse is demonstrating correct transfer procedures to the unlicensed assistive personnel
working on a rehab unit. The UAP asks the nurse how to safely move a physically disabled pt from
the... wheelchair to the bed. Which action should the nurse recommend? - -Place the pt locked
wheelchair on the pt strong side next to the bed
--The nurse has completed the diet teaching of a client who is being discharged following tx of a leg
wound. A high protein diet is encouraged to promote wound healing. Which lunch choice by the pt
indicates that the teaching was effective? - -A tuna fish sandwich with chips and ice cream
--When conducting diet teaching for a pt who was dx with a myocardial infarction, which snack foods
should the nurse encourage the pt to eat? SATA - -Fresh Turkey slices and berries
chick bouillon soup and toast
raw unsalted almonds and apples
--A pt taking clopidogrel reports the onset of diarrhea. Which nursing action should the nurse
implement first? - -Observe the appearance of the stool
--A pt is dx with Meniere's disease. Which problem should the nurse identify as most important in
the plan of care? - -Risk for injury related to vertigo
--A new nurse preparing to irrigate an IV catheter is attaching a 24 gauge needle. Which action
should the charge nurse implement? - -Suggest the nurse use 20g needle
--A nurse working on an Endocrine Unit should see which client first? - -A pt taking corticosteroids
who has become disoriented in the last two hours.
--After an older pt receives tx for drug toxicity the healthcare provider prescribes a 24 hr creatinine
clearance, the nurse notes that the pt serum creatinine is 0.3mg. Which action should the nurse
implement? - -Notify the healthcare provider of the results
, --An older adult pt with Systemic inflammatory syndrome (SIRS) has a temp of 101.8, HR of 110, and
RR of 24 breaths/min. Which additional finding is most important to report to the healthcare
provider? - -Serum Creatinine of 2mg/dl
--A pt in the third trimester of pregnancy reports that she feels some lumpy places in her breasts and
that her nipples sometimes leak a yellowish fluid. She has an appointment with her healthcare
provider in two weeks. What actions should the nurse take? - -Explain that this is normal recreation
and can be assessed at the next visit.
--A pt presents to the labor and delivery unit with a report of leaking fluid that is greenish-brown
vaginal discharge. Which action should the nurse take first? - -begin continuous fetal monitoring
--The mother of a 2 day old infant girl expresses concern about a flea bite type rash on her
daughter's body. The nurse identifies a pink papular rash with vesicles superimposed over the
thorax, back, buttocks, and abdomen. Which explanation should the nurse offer? - -This is a common
newborn rash that will resolve after several days.
--When assessing a recently delivered mom that her vaginal bleeding is more than expected. Which
factor in this history is related to this finding? - -She is a gravid 6 para 5.
--The nurse is caring for a preterm newborn with nasal flaring, grunting, and sternal retractions.
After administering surfactant, which assessment is most important for the nurse to monitor? - -
Arterial blood gas
--A pt who gave birth 48 hours ago has decided to bottle feed teh infant. During the assessment, the
nurse observes that both breasts are swollen, warm and tender on palpation. Which instruction
should the nurse provide? - -Apply ice to the breast for comfort.
--The nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a 13 month old child who underwent
repair for an atrial septal defect. The healthcare provider prescribes aspirin and an antibiotic for the
first 6 months postoperatively to prevent infective endocarditis. What information is most important
for the nurse discuss with the parents about the child's recovery and prevention of IE. - -Brush the
child's teeth everyday and ensure the child receives regular dental follow up.
--A pt who is admitted with complications related to hypopituitarism is diaphoretic and hypotensive.
Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse? - -Lethargy
--The nurse identifies an electrolyte imbalance, a weight gain of 4.4lbs in 24 hours and an elevated
central venous pressure for a pt with full thickness burns. Which intervention should the nurse
implement? - -Auscultate for irregular heart rate.
--A nurse who is working in the emergency department triage area is presented with four clients at
the same time. The client presenting with which symptoms require the most immediate intervention
by the nurse? - -Chest discomfort one hour after consuming a large spicy meal.
--Which self care measure is most important to include in the plan of care of a pt recently diagnosed
with type 2 diabetes mellitus? - -blood glucose monitoring.
--In assessing a pt with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the nurse notes that the client's respirations have
changed from 16 breaths/min with a normal depth to 32 breaths/min and deep. And the pt has
become lethargic. Which assessment data should the nurse obtain next? - -blood glucose
(latest pdf update)
A pt presses the call bell and requests pain medication for a severe headache. To assess the quality
of the pt. Pain, which approach should the nurse use? - -Ask the patient to describe the pain
--The nurse is wearing personal protective equipment while caring for a pt. When exiting the room,
which PPE should be removed first? - -Gloves
--An older pt is brought to the ED with a sudden onset of confusion that occurred after experiencing
a fall at home. The daughter, who has power of attorney, has brought the client's prescriptions.
Which information should the nurse provide first when reporting to the healthcare provider using
SBAR communication? - -Increasing confusion of the pt.
--A pt tells the nurse about working out with a personal trainer and swimming three times a week in
an effort to lose weight and sleep better. The pt states that it still is taking hours to fall asleep at
night. Which action should the nurse implement? - -Ask the pt for a description of the exercise
schedule that is being followed
--2 days prior to discharge from the rehab facility, the nurse is teaching a pt who is recovering from
Guillain-Barre syndrome about home. Which actions should the nurse include when providing
discharge teaching to the pt and spouse? SATA - --review safe transfer strategies
-develop a nutritional plan
-help identify community support
--The nurse implements a tertiary prevention program for type 2 diabetes in a rural health clinic.
Which outcome indicates that the program was effective? - -pt who develop disease complications
promptly received rehabilitation
--The nurse has received funding to design a health promotion project for African American women
who are at risk for developing breast cancer. Which resource is most important in designing this
program? - -participation of community leaders in planning the program
--A pt with multiple injuries is being treated in the burn trauma unit just hours after the injuries
occurred. The healthcare provider instructs the nurse to avoid auto contamination when performing
dressing changes. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement? - -use gown,
mask, and gloves with dressing changes
--A pt is recovering in the critical care unit following a cardiac cath. IV nitro and heparin are infusing.
The pt is sedated but responds to instructions. After changing positions, the pt complains of pain at
the right groin insertion site. What action should the nurse implement? - -Stimulate the pt to take
deep breaths
--Prior to obtaining a trapeze bar for a pt with limited mobility, which pt assessment is most
important for the nurse to obtain? - -upper body muscle strength
--While the nurse is assessing an older pt fall risk, the pt reports living at home alone and never
falling. Which action should the nurse take? - -Continue to obtain pt data needed to complete the
fall risk survey
,--The nurse is feeding an older adult who was admitted with aspiration pneumonia. The pt is weak
and begins coughing while attempting to drink through a straw. Which intervention should the nurse
implement? - -Teach coughing and deep breathing exercises
--The nurse is teaching the pt about home care after surgery for an ileal conduit placement. When
reviewing the information, which statement should the nurse recognize as needing additional
education? - -Empty the pouch when it is half full.
--A 12 week gestation is admitted to the antepartum unit with a dx of hyperemesis gravidarum.
Which action is most important for the nurse to implement? - -initiate prescribed IV fluids
--A pt with dyspnea is being admitted to the medical unit. To best prepare for the pt arrival, the
nurse should ensure that the pt bed is in which position? - -Picture with the bed sitting up
--A pt who is scheduled for a bronchoscopy in the morning is anxious and asking the nurse numerous
questions about the procedure. In preparing the pt for the procedure, which intervention has the
highest priority? - -Instruct pt to write down questions
--While caring for a pt post operative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the wound.
Before reporting this finding to the provider, the nurse should review which of the pt lab values? - -
culture for sensitive organisms
--A pt with a lower respiratory tract infection receives a prescription for ciprofloxacin 500mg PO
every 12hrs. When the client requests an afternoon snack, which dietary choice should the nurse
provide? - -Cinnamon apple sauce
--An older male reporting abd pain is admitted from a facility. It has been 7 days since his last BM
and his abd is distended, and he just vomited 150ml of dark brown emesis. In what order should the
nurse implement these interventions? - -Send emesis to lab
Elevate HOB
complete focused assessment
offers PRN pain meds
--A patient who recently received a prescription for ramelteon to treat sleep deprivation reports
experiencing several side effects since taking the med. Which side effect should the nurse report to
the healthcare provider? - -Somnambulism
--A pt is scheduled for a spiral CT scan with contrast to evaluate for pulmonary embolism. Which
information in the client's history requires follow up by the nurse? - -take metformin for type 2
diabetes
--The nurse should withhold which medication if the client's serum potassium level is 6.2 mEq/? - -
Spironolactone
--A nurse receives a report on a pt who is four hours post-total abdominal hysterectomy. The
previous nurse reports that it was necessary to change the client's perineal pad hourly and that it is
again saturated. The previous nurse also reports that the client's urinary output has decreased.
Which action should the nurse implement first? - -Assess for weakness or dizziness
--A pt who is admitted for primary hypothyroidism has early signs of myxedema coma. In assessing
the pt, in which sequence should the nurse complete these actions? - --Observe breathing patterns
,-assess blood pressure
-measure body temp
-palpate for pedal edema
--The nurse is taking the blood pressure measurement of a client with Parkinson's disease. Which
information in the admission assessment is relevant to the nurse's plan for taking the blood pressure
reading? SATA - -Blurred Vision
Flat Affect
frequent syncope
--After administering a proton pump inhibitor, which action should the nurse take to evaluate the
effectiveness of the medication? - -Ask the pt about gastrointestinal pain
--A pt is receiving enoxaparin 30 mg subcutaneously twice a day. In assessing for adverse effects of
the medication, which serum laboratory value most important for the nurse to monitor - -platelet
count
--A pediatric client is taking the beta-adrenergic blocking agent propranolol. In developing a teaching
plan, the nurse should teach the parents to report which sign of overdose? - -Bradycardia
--The nurse is demonstrating correct transfer procedures to the unlicensed assistive personnel
working on a rehab unit. The UAP asks the nurse how to safely move a physically disabled pt from
the... wheelchair to the bed. Which action should the nurse recommend? - -Place the pt locked
wheelchair on the pt strong side next to the bed
--The nurse has completed the diet teaching of a client who is being discharged following tx of a leg
wound. A high protein diet is encouraged to promote wound healing. Which lunch choice by the pt
indicates that the teaching was effective? - -A tuna fish sandwich with chips and ice cream
--When conducting diet teaching for a pt who was dx with a myocardial infarction, which snack foods
should the nurse encourage the pt to eat? SATA - -Fresh Turkey slices and berries
chick bouillon soup and toast
raw unsalted almonds and apples
--A pt taking clopidogrel reports the onset of diarrhea. Which nursing action should the nurse
implement first? - -Observe the appearance of the stool
--A pt is dx with Meniere's disease. Which problem should the nurse identify as most important in
the plan of care? - -Risk for injury related to vertigo
--A new nurse preparing to irrigate an IV catheter is attaching a 24 gauge needle. Which action
should the charge nurse implement? - -Suggest the nurse use 20g needle
--A nurse working on an Endocrine Unit should see which client first? - -A pt taking corticosteroids
who has become disoriented in the last two hours.
--After an older pt receives tx for drug toxicity the healthcare provider prescribes a 24 hr creatinine
clearance, the nurse notes that the pt serum creatinine is 0.3mg. Which action should the nurse
implement? - -Notify the healthcare provider of the results
, --An older adult pt with Systemic inflammatory syndrome (SIRS) has a temp of 101.8, HR of 110, and
RR of 24 breaths/min. Which additional finding is most important to report to the healthcare
provider? - -Serum Creatinine of 2mg/dl
--A pt in the third trimester of pregnancy reports that she feels some lumpy places in her breasts and
that her nipples sometimes leak a yellowish fluid. She has an appointment with her healthcare
provider in two weeks. What actions should the nurse take? - -Explain that this is normal recreation
and can be assessed at the next visit.
--A pt presents to the labor and delivery unit with a report of leaking fluid that is greenish-brown
vaginal discharge. Which action should the nurse take first? - -begin continuous fetal monitoring
--The mother of a 2 day old infant girl expresses concern about a flea bite type rash on her
daughter's body. The nurse identifies a pink papular rash with vesicles superimposed over the
thorax, back, buttocks, and abdomen. Which explanation should the nurse offer? - -This is a common
newborn rash that will resolve after several days.
--When assessing a recently delivered mom that her vaginal bleeding is more than expected. Which
factor in this history is related to this finding? - -She is a gravid 6 para 5.
--The nurse is caring for a preterm newborn with nasal flaring, grunting, and sternal retractions.
After administering surfactant, which assessment is most important for the nurse to monitor? - -
Arterial blood gas
--A pt who gave birth 48 hours ago has decided to bottle feed teh infant. During the assessment, the
nurse observes that both breasts are swollen, warm and tender on palpation. Which instruction
should the nurse provide? - -Apply ice to the breast for comfort.
--The nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a 13 month old child who underwent
repair for an atrial septal defect. The healthcare provider prescribes aspirin and an antibiotic for the
first 6 months postoperatively to prevent infective endocarditis. What information is most important
for the nurse discuss with the parents about the child's recovery and prevention of IE. - -Brush the
child's teeth everyday and ensure the child receives regular dental follow up.
--A pt who is admitted with complications related to hypopituitarism is diaphoretic and hypotensive.
Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse? - -Lethargy
--The nurse identifies an electrolyte imbalance, a weight gain of 4.4lbs in 24 hours and an elevated
central venous pressure for a pt with full thickness burns. Which intervention should the nurse
implement? - -Auscultate for irregular heart rate.
--A nurse who is working in the emergency department triage area is presented with four clients at
the same time. The client presenting with which symptoms require the most immediate intervention
by the nurse? - -Chest discomfort one hour after consuming a large spicy meal.
--Which self care measure is most important to include in the plan of care of a pt recently diagnosed
with type 2 diabetes mellitus? - -blood glucose monitoring.
--In assessing a pt with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the nurse notes that the client's respirations have
changed from 16 breaths/min with a normal depth to 32 breaths/min and deep. And the pt has
become lethargic. Which assessment data should the nurse obtain next? - -blood glucose
