CORRECT/ACCURATE ANSWERS
ACTUAL-STYLE QUESTIONS, ANSWER CHOICES, AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
HESI RN EXIT V2
1. A parent of a child with sickle cell anemia asks the nurse if there
are any places the family should avoid while planning a vacation.
Which recommendation should the nurse provide?
A. Advise the parent to ask for further explanation
B. Encourage increased fluid intake
C. Advise avoiding places with high altitudes
D. Recommend locations without insects or pests
,Correct Answer: C — Advise avoiding places with high altitudes
Rationale:
High altitudes have lower oxygen levels, which increase the risk of hypoxia and sickling in children with
sickle cell anemia. Avoiding high altitudes is the most effective prevention strategy.
2. While caring for a toddler with croup, which initial sign requires
the nurse’s immediate attention?
A. Inspiratory stridor
B. Lethargy for the past hour
C. Apical pulse of 54
D. Coughing up copious secretions
Correct Answer: A — Inspiratory stridor
Rationale:
Inspiratory stridor indicates upper airway obstruction, a hallmark of severe croup. Immediate intervention is
required to prevent respiratory failure.
3. A school nurse evaluates a child with Type 1 diabetes who has
been sick for 24 hours. Which assessment finding requires
immediate medical attention?
A. Polyuria
B. Diaphoresis
C. Lethargy/Confusion
D. Mild hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: C — Lethargy/Confusion
Rationale:
Lethargy and confusion are signs of severe metabolic dysfunction, often indicating diabetic ketoacidosis
(DKA), requiring urgent medical care.
4. The parents of an 8-year-old ask the nurse which developmental
task their child should be achieving. What should the nurse
identify?
, A. Trust
B. Growth
C. Industry
D. Doubt
Correct Answer: C — Industry
Rationale:
Erikson’s stage for school-age children (6–12 years) is Industry vs. Inferiority, where children develop
competence through learning and accomplishment.
5. A nurse is receiving a verbal prescription over the telephone.
Which response demonstrates correct communication?
A. “I cannot give the medication as written. I don’t understand what you mean.”
B. “Would you please clarify what you mean and how often it should be given?”
C. “I’m having difficulty reading your handwriting; I want to ensure I give the correct dose.”
D. “It sounds like you aren’t listening when I read back the medication order.”
Correct Answer: B — “Would you please clarify what you mean and how often it should be given?”
Rationale:
Nurses must seek clarification for unclear verbal orders to ensure medication accuracy and prevent errors.
6. When teaching parents how to reduce safety risks in the home,
what is the most important factor for the nurse to consider?
A. Age and knowledge level of the parents
B. Proximity to emergency services
C. Number of children in the home
D. Age of the children in the home
Correct Answer: D — Age of the children in the home
Rationale:
Children’s developmental stages determine safety risks. Education must be tailored to the child’s age and
developmental abilities.