HESI Case Studies - Diabetes/ Exam Questions with
Correct Detailed Answers/ Latest Update 2026
1. Which type of diabetes is most commonly associated with an
autoimmune condition that destroys insulin-producing cells in the
pancreas?
A) Type 1 Diabetes
B) Type 2 Diabetes
C) Gestational Diabetes
D) Type 3c Diabetes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease
caused by the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β cells.
The body is unable to make enough insulin and requires insulin
injections for life .
1
,2. The nurse is providing teaching to a client newly diagnosed
with diabetes. Which statement best describes how Type 1
diabetes differs from Type 2 diabetes regarding insulin
production?
A) Type 1 diabetes involves insufficient insulin due to obesity,
whereas Type 2 diabetes results from autoimmune destruction.
B) Type 1 diabetes involves autoimmune destruction of insulin-
producing cells, whereas Type 2 diabetes involves insulin
resistance.
C) Type 1 diabetes results from insulin resistance, whereas Type
2 diabetes involves insufficient insulin from autoimmune
destruction.
D) Type 1 diabetes occurs due to excess insulin production,
whereas Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In type 2 diabetes mellitus, the secretion of insulin by
the pancreas is reduced, and/or the cells of the body become
2
,resistant to insulin. Type 1 involves autoimmune destruction of β-
cells .
3. In a person without diabetes, glucose levels are maintained
within the normal range through the action of hormones secreted
by the pancreas. One of these hormones enables the transport of
glucose into cells to be used for energy. This hormone is:
A) Glucagon
B) Pancreatin
C) Bile
D) Insulin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Insulin, secreted by the pancreas in response to blood
glucose, enables the transport of glucose into cells where it can
be used for energy. Without adequate insulin, hyperglycemia
occurs .
3
, 4. The nurse identifies that a client has experienced classic
symptoms of diabetes. These symptoms are:
A) Polyuria, polyphagia, and polydipsia
B) Polyuria, polycythemia, and polydipsia
C) Polyuria, polyphagia, and polycythemia
D) Polyphagia, polydipsia, and polycythemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The classic symptoms of diabetes mellitus are the
"three P's": polyuria (excessive urination), polyphagia (excessive
hunger), and polydipsia (excessive thirst). These result from
hyperglycemia and osmotic diuresis .
5. Which statement best explains the mechanism that results in
Kussmaul respirations in a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A) To compensate for metabolic alkalosis, the respirations are
deep and rapid.
4
Correct Detailed Answers/ Latest Update 2026
1. Which type of diabetes is most commonly associated with an
autoimmune condition that destroys insulin-producing cells in the
pancreas?
A) Type 1 Diabetes
B) Type 2 Diabetes
C) Gestational Diabetes
D) Type 3c Diabetes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease
caused by the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β cells.
The body is unable to make enough insulin and requires insulin
injections for life .
1
,2. The nurse is providing teaching to a client newly diagnosed
with diabetes. Which statement best describes how Type 1
diabetes differs from Type 2 diabetes regarding insulin
production?
A) Type 1 diabetes involves insufficient insulin due to obesity,
whereas Type 2 diabetes results from autoimmune destruction.
B) Type 1 diabetes involves autoimmune destruction of insulin-
producing cells, whereas Type 2 diabetes involves insulin
resistance.
C) Type 1 diabetes results from insulin resistance, whereas Type
2 diabetes involves insufficient insulin from autoimmune
destruction.
D) Type 1 diabetes occurs due to excess insulin production,
whereas Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In type 2 diabetes mellitus, the secretion of insulin by
the pancreas is reduced, and/or the cells of the body become
2
,resistant to insulin. Type 1 involves autoimmune destruction of β-
cells .
3. In a person without diabetes, glucose levels are maintained
within the normal range through the action of hormones secreted
by the pancreas. One of these hormones enables the transport of
glucose into cells to be used for energy. This hormone is:
A) Glucagon
B) Pancreatin
C) Bile
D) Insulin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Insulin, secreted by the pancreas in response to blood
glucose, enables the transport of glucose into cells where it can
be used for energy. Without adequate insulin, hyperglycemia
occurs .
3
, 4. The nurse identifies that a client has experienced classic
symptoms of diabetes. These symptoms are:
A) Polyuria, polyphagia, and polydipsia
B) Polyuria, polycythemia, and polydipsia
C) Polyuria, polyphagia, and polycythemia
D) Polyphagia, polydipsia, and polycythemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The classic symptoms of diabetes mellitus are the
"three P's": polyuria (excessive urination), polyphagia (excessive
hunger), and polydipsia (excessive thirst). These result from
hyperglycemia and osmotic diuresis .
5. Which statement best explains the mechanism that results in
Kussmaul respirations in a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A) To compensate for metabolic alkalosis, the respirations are
deep and rapid.
4
