HESI LPN-ADN COMPREHENSIVE
ENTRANCE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a blood gas result showing pH 7.31, PaCO2 50 mmHg, and HCO3 24
mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Metabolic acidosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause, and since the HCO3 is within the normal range, it is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. Which hormone is primarily responsible for the regulation of calcium levels in the blood by
stimulating osteoclast activity?
A. Calcitonin
,B. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
C. Thyroxine
D. Aldosterone
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: PTH increases blood calcium levels by stimulating bone
resorption (osteoclasts), increasing renal calcium reabsorption, and activating Vitamin D.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin to a patient. Which of the following findings
would require the nurse to withhold the medication?
A. Apical heart rate of 52 beats per minute
B. Serum potassium of 4.8 mEq/L
C. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
D. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate. It should
be withheld if the apical pulse is less than 60 bpm in adults to avoid bradycardia.
4. Which anatomical structure is responsible for the exchange of gases between the
atmosphere and the blood?
A. Alveoli
B. Trachea
, C. Bronchioles
D. Pharynx
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The alveoli are the functional units of the lungs where gas
exchange occurs via diffusion across the respiratory membrane.
5. During an assessment of a patient with suspected Cushing’s syndrome, which clinical
manifestation is the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Trunkal obesity and moon face
B. Weight loss and hypotension
C. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
D. Tachycardia and tremors
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome is caused by an excess of cortisol, leading to
characteristic fat redistribution such as trunkal obesity, moon face, and a buffalo hump.
6. What is the primary function of the Loop of Henle in the kidney?
A. Filtration of blood plasma
B. Concentration of urine via a countercurrent multiplier system
C. Secretory transport of potassium
ENTRANCE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a blood gas result showing pH 7.31, PaCO2 50 mmHg, and HCO3 24
mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Metabolic acidosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause, and since the HCO3 is within the normal range, it is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. Which hormone is primarily responsible for the regulation of calcium levels in the blood by
stimulating osteoclast activity?
A. Calcitonin
,B. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
C. Thyroxine
D. Aldosterone
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: PTH increases blood calcium levels by stimulating bone
resorption (osteoclasts), increasing renal calcium reabsorption, and activating Vitamin D.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin to a patient. Which of the following findings
would require the nurse to withhold the medication?
A. Apical heart rate of 52 beats per minute
B. Serum potassium of 4.8 mEq/L
C. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
D. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate. It should
be withheld if the apical pulse is less than 60 bpm in adults to avoid bradycardia.
4. Which anatomical structure is responsible for the exchange of gases between the
atmosphere and the blood?
A. Alveoli
B. Trachea
, C. Bronchioles
D. Pharynx
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The alveoli are the functional units of the lungs where gas
exchange occurs via diffusion across the respiratory membrane.
5. During an assessment of a patient with suspected Cushing’s syndrome, which clinical
manifestation is the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Trunkal obesity and moon face
B. Weight loss and hypotension
C. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
D. Tachycardia and tremors
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome is caused by an excess of cortisol, leading to
characteristic fat redistribution such as trunkal obesity, moon face, and a buffalo hump.
6. What is the primary function of the Loop of Henle in the kidney?
A. Filtration of blood plasma
B. Concentration of urine via a countercurrent multiplier system
C. Secretory transport of potassium
