HESI RN EXIT Exam Questions and Verified Answers
Latest Update 2026 Exam Prep
1. Which of these findings would the RN more closely associate with anemia in a
10-month-old infant?
HR 140-160 bpm
Hypoactivity
Pale mucosa of eyelids & lips
Hgb 12 g/dL
2. Using the following image, a 4-week-old infant presents with a history of
projectile vomiting and a palpable upper abdominal mass. The findings in this
sonogram are most suspicious for:
Intussusception
Pyloric stenosis
Pancreatitis
Gastritis
3. Why is a serum potassium level of 6 mEq/L considered critical in a patient
with acute renal failure?
A serum potassium level of 6 mEq/L can indicate hyperkalemia,
which can lead to life-threatening cardiac complications.
A serum potassium level of 6 mEq/L is normal and does not require
immediate action.
A serum potassium level of 6 mEq/L indicates dehydration and
requires fluid replacement.
, A serum potassium level of 6 mEq/L suggests the need for a blood
transfusion.
4. Why is it important for the nurse to ask the client about acceptable foods in
this scenario?
It is a way to enforce hospital policies on food.
It helps to speed up the discharge process.
It allows the nurse to ignore the client's preferences.
It helps to respect the client's cultural preferences and ensures
appropriate nutrition.
5. Why is it important for the nurse to prioritize the client with lower abdominal
pain after starting treatment for a urinary infection?
Lower abdominal pain after starting treatment may indicate a
worsening infection or a complication.
It is common for all patients to experience abdominal pain after
treatment.
The client may simply need reassurance and does not require
immediate care.
The nurse should focus on clients with chronic conditions first.
6. Which finding most strongly indicates left heart failure in a client when the
nurse auscultates heart sounds?
murmur
pericardial friction rub
split S1 and S2
S3 gallop
,7. The nurse is caring for a newly admitted 6-month-old infant diagnosed with
nonorganic failure-to-thrive (NOFTT). What findings would the nurse expect
to observe during the initial assessment?
Alert, laughing, playing with a rattle, and sitting with support
Irritable and 'colicky,' making no attempts to turn or sit up
Pale skin, thin arms and legs, and uninterested in surroundings
Dusky in color with poor skin turgor over abdomen
8. What is a common response of a batterer immediately after an incident of
violence?
Minimizing the episode and underestimating the victim's injuries
Seeking medical help for the victim's injuries
Being very remorseful and assisting the victim with medical care
Contacting a close friend and asking for help
9. Why is it important for nurses to use assertive communication when clarifying
medication orders?
It helps prevent medication errors and ensures patient safety.
It allows nurses to express frustration.
It is a requirement of hospital policy.
It demonstrates authority over the prescribing physician.
10. During an examination, the nurse notes that a patient is exhibiting flight of
ideas. Which statement by the patient is an example of flight of ideas?
"My stomach hurts. Hurts, spurts, burts."
"Kiss, wood, reading, ducks, onto, maybe."
, "Take this pill? The pill is red. I see red. Red velvet is soft, soft as a
baby's bottom."
"I wash my hands, wash them, wash them. I usually go to the sink and
wash my hands."
11. Which of the actions suggested to the RN by the PN during a planning
conference for a 10 mo infant admitted 2 hrs ago with bacterial meningitis
would be acceptable to add to the POC?
Place in airborne isolation
Provide over-the-crib protective top
Provide passive ROM
Measure head circumference
12. A patient with hepatitis B presents with jaundice. Based on this symptom,
which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
Sedimentation Rate
Acid phosphatase
Blood urea nitrogen
Bilirubin
13. The nurse is caring for a client undergoing the placement of a central venous
catheter line. Which of the following would require the nurse's immediate
attention?
Involuntary muscle spasms
Dyspnea
Increased temperature
Latest Update 2026 Exam Prep
1. Which of these findings would the RN more closely associate with anemia in a
10-month-old infant?
HR 140-160 bpm
Hypoactivity
Pale mucosa of eyelids & lips
Hgb 12 g/dL
2. Using the following image, a 4-week-old infant presents with a history of
projectile vomiting and a palpable upper abdominal mass. The findings in this
sonogram are most suspicious for:
Intussusception
Pyloric stenosis
Pancreatitis
Gastritis
3. Why is a serum potassium level of 6 mEq/L considered critical in a patient
with acute renal failure?
A serum potassium level of 6 mEq/L can indicate hyperkalemia,
which can lead to life-threatening cardiac complications.
A serum potassium level of 6 mEq/L is normal and does not require
immediate action.
A serum potassium level of 6 mEq/L indicates dehydration and
requires fluid replacement.
, A serum potassium level of 6 mEq/L suggests the need for a blood
transfusion.
4. Why is it important for the nurse to ask the client about acceptable foods in
this scenario?
It is a way to enforce hospital policies on food.
It helps to speed up the discharge process.
It allows the nurse to ignore the client's preferences.
It helps to respect the client's cultural preferences and ensures
appropriate nutrition.
5. Why is it important for the nurse to prioritize the client with lower abdominal
pain after starting treatment for a urinary infection?
Lower abdominal pain after starting treatment may indicate a
worsening infection or a complication.
It is common for all patients to experience abdominal pain after
treatment.
The client may simply need reassurance and does not require
immediate care.
The nurse should focus on clients with chronic conditions first.
6. Which finding most strongly indicates left heart failure in a client when the
nurse auscultates heart sounds?
murmur
pericardial friction rub
split S1 and S2
S3 gallop
,7. The nurse is caring for a newly admitted 6-month-old infant diagnosed with
nonorganic failure-to-thrive (NOFTT). What findings would the nurse expect
to observe during the initial assessment?
Alert, laughing, playing with a rattle, and sitting with support
Irritable and 'colicky,' making no attempts to turn or sit up
Pale skin, thin arms and legs, and uninterested in surroundings
Dusky in color with poor skin turgor over abdomen
8. What is a common response of a batterer immediately after an incident of
violence?
Minimizing the episode and underestimating the victim's injuries
Seeking medical help for the victim's injuries
Being very remorseful and assisting the victim with medical care
Contacting a close friend and asking for help
9. Why is it important for nurses to use assertive communication when clarifying
medication orders?
It helps prevent medication errors and ensures patient safety.
It allows nurses to express frustration.
It is a requirement of hospital policy.
It demonstrates authority over the prescribing physician.
10. During an examination, the nurse notes that a patient is exhibiting flight of
ideas. Which statement by the patient is an example of flight of ideas?
"My stomach hurts. Hurts, spurts, burts."
"Kiss, wood, reading, ducks, onto, maybe."
, "Take this pill? The pill is red. I see red. Red velvet is soft, soft as a
baby's bottom."
"I wash my hands, wash them, wash them. I usually go to the sink and
wash my hands."
11. Which of the actions suggested to the RN by the PN during a planning
conference for a 10 mo infant admitted 2 hrs ago with bacterial meningitis
would be acceptable to add to the POC?
Place in airborne isolation
Provide over-the-crib protective top
Provide passive ROM
Measure head circumference
12. A patient with hepatitis B presents with jaundice. Based on this symptom,
which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
Sedimentation Rate
Acid phosphatase
Blood urea nitrogen
Bilirubin
13. The nurse is caring for a client undergoing the placement of a central venous
catheter line. Which of the following would require the nurse's immediate
attention?
Involuntary muscle spasms
Dyspnea
Increased temperature
