HESI COMPREHENSIVE EXIT PRACTICE EXAM 2
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS AND
RATIONALES FOR GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST
UPDATE 2025
Format: Multiple choice | Mixed content | Rationales in bold
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for digoxin. Which finding
should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Heart rate of 58 bpm
B. Digoxin level of 0.8 ng/mL
C. Serum potassium of 4.2 mEq/L
D. Apical pulse of 64 bpm
Correct Answer: A. Heart rate of 58 bpm
Rationale: Digoxin can cause bradycardia. A heart rate below 60 bpm is a
contraindication to administration and should be reported to the provider.
,Question 2
Which intervention is the priority for a client admitted with a stroke and a
decreased level of consciousness?
A. Monitor intake and output
B. Elevate the head of the bed
C. Assess pupil size and reactivity
D. Maintain a patent airway
Correct Answer: D. Maintain a patent airway
Rationale: Airway management is always the priority in clients with decreased
consciousness to prevent hypoxia and aspiration.
Question 3
A nurse assesses a postpartum client who delivered 12 hours ago. Which finding
should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Fundus firm at the umbilicus
B. Lochia rubra with a small amount of clots
C. Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C)
D. Saturating one perineal pad in 15 minutes
Correct Answer: D. Saturating one perineal pad in 15 minutes
Rationale: This indicates excessive bleeding and potential postpartum
hemorrhage, which is a medical emergency.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV heparin. Which laboratory value should
,be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy?
A. INR
B. aPTT
C. Platelet count
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: B. aPTT
Rationale: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the appropriate test
to monitor heparin therapy.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client with COPD. Which finding should the nurse report to
the provider?
A. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air
B. Use of accessory muscles to breathe
C. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min
D. Barrel-shaped chest
Correct Answer: C. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min
Rationale: A low respiratory rate in a COPD patient may indicate respiratory
fatigue and impending respiratory failure.
Question 6
A client newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes asks how exercise helps control
blood glucose. The nurse should respond with which explanation?
A. Exercise increases glycogen stores
, B. Exercise stimulates pancreatic insulin production
C. Exercise decreases insulin resistance
D. Exercise enhances glucagon secretion
Correct Answer: C. Exercise decreases insulin resistance
Rationale: Physical activity improves the body's use of insulin and helps reduce
insulin resistance.
Question 7
A client is scheduled for a lumbar puncture. What is the most appropriate position
for the client during the procedure?
A. Supine with head elevated
B. High Fowler’s position
C. Prone with head turned
D. Lateral with knees flexed to chest
Correct Answer: D. Lateral with knees flexed to chest
Rationale: This position widens the intervertebral spaces and allows easier
access to the spinal canal.
Question 8
Which of the following clients is at highest risk for developing a pressure ulcer?
A. 60-year-old with controlled diabetes walking independently
B. 72-year-old who is bedridden and incontinent
C. 55-year-old who just underwent elective surgery
D. 65-year-old with hypertension and heart failure
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS AND
RATIONALES FOR GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST
UPDATE 2025
Format: Multiple choice | Mixed content | Rationales in bold
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for digoxin. Which finding
should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Heart rate of 58 bpm
B. Digoxin level of 0.8 ng/mL
C. Serum potassium of 4.2 mEq/L
D. Apical pulse of 64 bpm
Correct Answer: A. Heart rate of 58 bpm
Rationale: Digoxin can cause bradycardia. A heart rate below 60 bpm is a
contraindication to administration and should be reported to the provider.
,Question 2
Which intervention is the priority for a client admitted with a stroke and a
decreased level of consciousness?
A. Monitor intake and output
B. Elevate the head of the bed
C. Assess pupil size and reactivity
D. Maintain a patent airway
Correct Answer: D. Maintain a patent airway
Rationale: Airway management is always the priority in clients with decreased
consciousness to prevent hypoxia and aspiration.
Question 3
A nurse assesses a postpartum client who delivered 12 hours ago. Which finding
should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Fundus firm at the umbilicus
B. Lochia rubra with a small amount of clots
C. Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C)
D. Saturating one perineal pad in 15 minutes
Correct Answer: D. Saturating one perineal pad in 15 minutes
Rationale: This indicates excessive bleeding and potential postpartum
hemorrhage, which is a medical emergency.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV heparin. Which laboratory value should
,be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy?
A. INR
B. aPTT
C. Platelet count
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: B. aPTT
Rationale: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the appropriate test
to monitor heparin therapy.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client with COPD. Which finding should the nurse report to
the provider?
A. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air
B. Use of accessory muscles to breathe
C. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min
D. Barrel-shaped chest
Correct Answer: C. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min
Rationale: A low respiratory rate in a COPD patient may indicate respiratory
fatigue and impending respiratory failure.
Question 6
A client newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes asks how exercise helps control
blood glucose. The nurse should respond with which explanation?
A. Exercise increases glycogen stores
, B. Exercise stimulates pancreatic insulin production
C. Exercise decreases insulin resistance
D. Exercise enhances glucagon secretion
Correct Answer: C. Exercise decreases insulin resistance
Rationale: Physical activity improves the body's use of insulin and helps reduce
insulin resistance.
Question 7
A client is scheduled for a lumbar puncture. What is the most appropriate position
for the client during the procedure?
A. Supine with head elevated
B. High Fowler’s position
C. Prone with head turned
D. Lateral with knees flexed to chest
Correct Answer: D. Lateral with knees flexed to chest
Rationale: This position widens the intervertebral spaces and allows easier
access to the spinal canal.
Question 8
Which of the following clients is at highest risk for developing a pressure ulcer?
A. 60-year-old with controlled diabetes walking independently
B. 72-year-old who is bedridden and incontinent
C. 55-year-old who just underwent elective surgery
D. 65-year-old with hypertension and heart failure
