RN HESI FUNDAMENTALS EXIT EXAM
REVIEW 2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery.
The client reports a sudden ‘popping’ sensation and the nurse observes a protrusion of an
internal organ through the incision. Which of the following actions should the nurse take
first?
A. Apply a sterile dressing soaked in normal saline over the protruding organ.
B. Notify the surgeon immediately.
C. Instruct the client to remain quiet and avoid coughing.
D. Place the client in a low Fowler’s position with knees bent.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Placing the client in a low Fowler’s position with knees bent
minimizes strain on the incision and is the immediate priority for Evisceration
management before applying sterile dressings or notifying the surgeon.
,2. A nurse is assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the
following findings is the priority concern?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Muscle weakness in the lower extremities
C. Cardiac dysrhythmias on the EKG
D. Paresthesia of the hands and feet
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0) can lead to life-threatening
cardiac arrest. EKG changes and dysrhythmias are the most critical safety concerns.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an infant. Which site
should the nurse select as the safest for this population?
A. Dorsogluteal
B. Deltoid
C. Vastus lateralis
D. Ventrogluteal
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The vastus lateralis is the recommended site for IM injections in
infants because it is the most developed muscle at birth.
, 4. Which of the following tasks should a registered nurse (RN) delegate to an Assistive
Personnel (AP)?
A. Evaluating a client’s response to pain medication
B. Teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer
C. Measuring and recording the output from a Foley catheter
D. Assessing a client’s skin integrity following a fall
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Measurement of intake and output (I&O) is a routine task within
the scope of practice for AP. Evaluation, teaching, and assessment require professional
nursing judgment.
5. A client refuses a scheduled dose of medication. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Discard the medication according to hospital policy.
B. Explain the risks of refusing the medication.
C. Document the refusal in the medical record.
D. Notify the provider of the client’s decision.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Following the nursing process, the nurse should first explore the
reason for the refusal and provide education (assessment/intervention) before
documenting or notifying the provider.
REVIEW 2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery.
The client reports a sudden ‘popping’ sensation and the nurse observes a protrusion of an
internal organ through the incision. Which of the following actions should the nurse take
first?
A. Apply a sterile dressing soaked in normal saline over the protruding organ.
B. Notify the surgeon immediately.
C. Instruct the client to remain quiet and avoid coughing.
D. Place the client in a low Fowler’s position with knees bent.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Placing the client in a low Fowler’s position with knees bent
minimizes strain on the incision and is the immediate priority for Evisceration
management before applying sterile dressings or notifying the surgeon.
,2. A nurse is assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the
following findings is the priority concern?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Muscle weakness in the lower extremities
C. Cardiac dysrhythmias on the EKG
D. Paresthesia of the hands and feet
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0) can lead to life-threatening
cardiac arrest. EKG changes and dysrhythmias are the most critical safety concerns.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an infant. Which site
should the nurse select as the safest for this population?
A. Dorsogluteal
B. Deltoid
C. Vastus lateralis
D. Ventrogluteal
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The vastus lateralis is the recommended site for IM injections in
infants because it is the most developed muscle at birth.
, 4. Which of the following tasks should a registered nurse (RN) delegate to an Assistive
Personnel (AP)?
A. Evaluating a client’s response to pain medication
B. Teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer
C. Measuring and recording the output from a Foley catheter
D. Assessing a client’s skin integrity following a fall
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Measurement of intake and output (I&O) is a routine task within
the scope of practice for AP. Evaluation, teaching, and assessment require professional
nursing judgment.
5. A client refuses a scheduled dose of medication. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Discard the medication according to hospital policy.
B. Explain the risks of refusing the medication.
C. Document the refusal in the medical record.
D. Notify the provider of the client’s decision.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Following the nursing process, the nurse should first explore the
reason for the refusal and provide education (assessment/intervention) before
documenting or notifying the provider.
