HESI Mid Curricular Exam Study Guide: Comprehensive
Test Bank with All Predictor Terms and Updated Answers
The antitubular drug isoniazid is prescribed for a client with active tuberculosis. Which outcome
can the nurse expect to indicate the effectiveness of this medication?
A) Decreased appetite and weight loss.
B) A positive sputum smear and culture.
C) Decreased cough and sputum. (Correct Answer)
D) Vertigo and tinnitus.
During a routine assessment, a nurse evaluates a 12-hour-old infant. Which finding should
prompt immediate intervention by the nurse?
A) Crying for more than 10 minutes.
B) Acrocyanosis with hands and feet cool to touch.
C) Respiratory rate of 73 breaths/minute. (Correct Answer)
D) No voiding or stooling since birth.
A client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is experiencing impaired gas
exchange due to a respiratory infection. Which assessment finding requires immediate
intervention by the nurse?
A) Diminished lung sounds. (Correct Answer)
B) Generalized weakness.
C) Elevated temperature.
D) Pain when swallowing.
A client who is terminally ill has an advance directive stating that no resuscitative measures
should be taken. With the client's death imminent, the nurse observes Cheyne-Stokes respirations
and a blood pressure of 60/30 mm Hg. What is the nurse's priority action?
A) Allow privacy for the family and client to express their feelings to one another. (Correct
Answer)
B) Elevate the head of the client's bed and apply oxygen using a face mask.
,C) Apply an automatic blood pressure cuff and take readings every 15 minutes.
D) Teach the family how to use an oral suction device to clear the airway.
A client with cirrhosis presents with ascites and reports feeling short of breath. The client is in a
Semi-Fowler's position. What action should the nurse take to facilitate breathing comfort?
A) Reposition the client in a side-lying position and support the abdomen with pillows.
B) Raise the head of the bed to a Fowler's position and support the arms with a pillow. (Correct
Answer)
C) Place the client in a shock position and monitor vital signs at frequent intervals.
D) Elevate the client's feet on a pillow while keeping the head of the bed elevated.
A school-aged child is admitted with status asthmaticus and is receiving oxygen at 4 liters/minute
via a nasal cannula but remains dyspneic and extremely anxious. What should the nurse
implement?
A) Administer a PRN anxiolytic.
B) Orient the child to the hospital unit.
C) Talk to the child while holding their hand. (Correct Answer)
D) Encourage intake of oral fluids.
The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child who has been recently diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
Which is the most important discharge instruction to promote pulmonary function?
A) Cough suppressants can be used up to four times a day for relief.
B) Chest physiotherapy should be performed before meals and at bedtime. (Correct Answer)
C) Oxygen should be given through a nasal cannula at 4 to 6 L/min.
D) Exercise is discouraged in order to preserve pulmonary vital capacity.
An older adult resident of a long-term care facility reports small bruises that recently appeared
on the tops of both hands. What should the nurse do first?
A) Assure the client this is a normal part of the aging process.
B) Review the current list of prescribed medications. (Correct Answer)
,C) Place padded dressings on the hands.
D) Notify the healthcare provider about the onset of the bruises.
A young adult client is admitted to the emergency department following a motor vehicle collision
and is receiving a transfusion of 4 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). If the client's
pretransfusion hematocrit is 17%, what hematocrit value should the nurse expect after all PRBCs
have been transfused?
A) 21%
B) 25%
C) 30% (Correct Answer)
D) 35%
As the nurse prepares to administer a dose of medication, which action should be taken to ensure
patient safety?
A) Administer the medication quickly to avoid delays.
B) Double-check the medication order and verify the patient’s identity using two identifiers.
(Correct Answer)
C) Document the medication once it has been given, regardless of the patient's refusal.
D) Only check the medication label against the order upon initial opening.
A patient with a history of heart failure presents with edema in the lower extremities. What initial
assessment should the nurse perform?
A) Monitor the patient’s vital signs and temperature.
B) Evaluate heart rhythm and listen for abnormal heart sounds.
C) Measure the circumference of the calves and thighs. (Correct Answer)
D) Palpate peripheral pulses on the upper extremities.
When caring for a patient with diabetes mellitus who has been newly diagnosed, which dietary
instruction should the nurse provide?
A) Avoid all carbohydrates entirely.
B) Stick to a high-protein diet exclusively.
, C) Learn to balance carbohydrates with insulin therapy. (Correct Answer)
D) Only eat three large meals a day to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
A patient recovering from surgery is suggesting they are not experiencing pain but is exhibiting
signs of discomfort such as restlessness and tachycardia. What should be the nurse’s best
response?
A) "It’s normal to feel anxious after a surgery."
B) "Let me know if you need anything; your pain level is not high."
C) "You may need pain management even if you think you don’t feel pain." (Correct Answer)
D) "These signs are not concerning; you should be fine."
A nurse is assessing a patient who has just been diagnosed with hypertension. Which lifestyle
change is most crucial for this patient to implement?
A) Increase sodium intake for better hydration.
B) Begin a regular exercise routine and maintain a healthy weight. (Correct Answer)
C) Decrease fluid intake to lower blood pressure.
D) Consume alcohol in moderation to relax and reduce stress.
Following an allergic reaction, a patient is administered epinephrine. What assessment should the
nurse prioritize after administering this medication?
A) Monitor the patient’s pain level.
B) Assess for respiratory distress or improvement. (Correct Answer)
C) Check the patient’s blood glucose level.
D) Observe the patient’s skin condition after the reaction.
A patient is in the intensive care unit following a severe pulmonary embolism. Which nursing
intervention is the highest priority at this time?
A) Place the patient on a low-sodium diet.
B) Provide emotional support to the patient and family.
Test Bank with All Predictor Terms and Updated Answers
The antitubular drug isoniazid is prescribed for a client with active tuberculosis. Which outcome
can the nurse expect to indicate the effectiveness of this medication?
A) Decreased appetite and weight loss.
B) A positive sputum smear and culture.
C) Decreased cough and sputum. (Correct Answer)
D) Vertigo and tinnitus.
During a routine assessment, a nurse evaluates a 12-hour-old infant. Which finding should
prompt immediate intervention by the nurse?
A) Crying for more than 10 minutes.
B) Acrocyanosis with hands and feet cool to touch.
C) Respiratory rate of 73 breaths/minute. (Correct Answer)
D) No voiding or stooling since birth.
A client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is experiencing impaired gas
exchange due to a respiratory infection. Which assessment finding requires immediate
intervention by the nurse?
A) Diminished lung sounds. (Correct Answer)
B) Generalized weakness.
C) Elevated temperature.
D) Pain when swallowing.
A client who is terminally ill has an advance directive stating that no resuscitative measures
should be taken. With the client's death imminent, the nurse observes Cheyne-Stokes respirations
and a blood pressure of 60/30 mm Hg. What is the nurse's priority action?
A) Allow privacy for the family and client to express their feelings to one another. (Correct
Answer)
B) Elevate the head of the client's bed and apply oxygen using a face mask.
,C) Apply an automatic blood pressure cuff and take readings every 15 minutes.
D) Teach the family how to use an oral suction device to clear the airway.
A client with cirrhosis presents with ascites and reports feeling short of breath. The client is in a
Semi-Fowler's position. What action should the nurse take to facilitate breathing comfort?
A) Reposition the client in a side-lying position and support the abdomen with pillows.
B) Raise the head of the bed to a Fowler's position and support the arms with a pillow. (Correct
Answer)
C) Place the client in a shock position and monitor vital signs at frequent intervals.
D) Elevate the client's feet on a pillow while keeping the head of the bed elevated.
A school-aged child is admitted with status asthmaticus and is receiving oxygen at 4 liters/minute
via a nasal cannula but remains dyspneic and extremely anxious. What should the nurse
implement?
A) Administer a PRN anxiolytic.
B) Orient the child to the hospital unit.
C) Talk to the child while holding their hand. (Correct Answer)
D) Encourage intake of oral fluids.
The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child who has been recently diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
Which is the most important discharge instruction to promote pulmonary function?
A) Cough suppressants can be used up to four times a day for relief.
B) Chest physiotherapy should be performed before meals and at bedtime. (Correct Answer)
C) Oxygen should be given through a nasal cannula at 4 to 6 L/min.
D) Exercise is discouraged in order to preserve pulmonary vital capacity.
An older adult resident of a long-term care facility reports small bruises that recently appeared
on the tops of both hands. What should the nurse do first?
A) Assure the client this is a normal part of the aging process.
B) Review the current list of prescribed medications. (Correct Answer)
,C) Place padded dressings on the hands.
D) Notify the healthcare provider about the onset of the bruises.
A young adult client is admitted to the emergency department following a motor vehicle collision
and is receiving a transfusion of 4 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). If the client's
pretransfusion hematocrit is 17%, what hematocrit value should the nurse expect after all PRBCs
have been transfused?
A) 21%
B) 25%
C) 30% (Correct Answer)
D) 35%
As the nurse prepares to administer a dose of medication, which action should be taken to ensure
patient safety?
A) Administer the medication quickly to avoid delays.
B) Double-check the medication order and verify the patient’s identity using two identifiers.
(Correct Answer)
C) Document the medication once it has been given, regardless of the patient's refusal.
D) Only check the medication label against the order upon initial opening.
A patient with a history of heart failure presents with edema in the lower extremities. What initial
assessment should the nurse perform?
A) Monitor the patient’s vital signs and temperature.
B) Evaluate heart rhythm and listen for abnormal heart sounds.
C) Measure the circumference of the calves and thighs. (Correct Answer)
D) Palpate peripheral pulses on the upper extremities.
When caring for a patient with diabetes mellitus who has been newly diagnosed, which dietary
instruction should the nurse provide?
A) Avoid all carbohydrates entirely.
B) Stick to a high-protein diet exclusively.
, C) Learn to balance carbohydrates with insulin therapy. (Correct Answer)
D) Only eat three large meals a day to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
A patient recovering from surgery is suggesting they are not experiencing pain but is exhibiting
signs of discomfort such as restlessness and tachycardia. What should be the nurse’s best
response?
A) "It’s normal to feel anxious after a surgery."
B) "Let me know if you need anything; your pain level is not high."
C) "You may need pain management even if you think you don’t feel pain." (Correct Answer)
D) "These signs are not concerning; you should be fine."
A nurse is assessing a patient who has just been diagnosed with hypertension. Which lifestyle
change is most crucial for this patient to implement?
A) Increase sodium intake for better hydration.
B) Begin a regular exercise routine and maintain a healthy weight. (Correct Answer)
C) Decrease fluid intake to lower blood pressure.
D) Consume alcohol in moderation to relax and reduce stress.
Following an allergic reaction, a patient is administered epinephrine. What assessment should the
nurse prioritize after administering this medication?
A) Monitor the patient’s pain level.
B) Assess for respiratory distress or improvement. (Correct Answer)
C) Check the patient’s blood glucose level.
D) Observe the patient’s skin condition after the reaction.
A patient is in the intensive care unit following a severe pulmonary embolism. Which nursing
intervention is the highest priority at this time?
A) Place the patient on a low-sodium diet.
B) Provide emotional support to the patient and family.
