HESI COMPASS COMPREHENSIVE EXIT EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) Q&A 2026/2027 INSTANT DOWNLOAD
PDF
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for
morphine IV. Which assessment finding requires the nurse to
hold the medication and notify the provider?
A. Blood pressure of 138/84 mmHg
B. Respiratory rate of 8/min
C. Pain rating of 8/10
D. Heart rate of 92/min
Correct Answer: B. Respiratory rate of 8/min
Rationale: Opioids can cause respiratory depression. A
respiratory rate below 10–12/min requires holding the
medication and notifying the provider.
2. A nurse is teaching a client with diabetes mellitus about
foot care. Which instruction is appropriate?
A. Walk barefoot to improve circulation
B. Apply lotion between toes daily
C. Inspect feet every day for injuries
D. Soak feet in hot water for 30 minutes
,Correct Answer: C. Inspect feet every day for injuries
Rationale: Daily foot inspection helps detect wounds early and
prevent complications such as diabetic ulcers.
3. A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
A. Calcium
B. Potassium
C. Hemoglobin
D. Platelets
Correct Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause
potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia.
4. A nurse is caring for a postoperative client. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Mild incisional pain
B. Temperature of 37.2°C (99°F)
C. Oxygen saturation of 88%
D. Decreased appetite
Correct Answer: C. Oxygen saturation of 88%
,Rationale: Low oxygen saturation indicates impaired
oxygenation and requires immediate assessment and
intervention.
5. A nurse is teaching a client about anticoagulant therapy
with warfarin. Which food should the client consume
consistently?
A. Foods high in vitamin K
B. Grapefruit products
C. Alcohol beverages
D. Herbal supplements
Correct Answer: A. Foods high in vitamin K
Rationale: Vitamin K affects warfarin effectiveness. Clients
should maintain consistent intake rather than avoid vitamin K
completely.
6. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. Client requesting pain medication
B. Client with chest pain and diaphoresis
C. Client needing discharge instructions
D. Client asking for a blanket
Correct Answer: B. Client with chest pain and diaphoresis
Rationale: Chest pain with diaphoresis may indicate myocardial
infarction and requires immediate assessment.
, 7. A nurse is caring for a client receiving oxygen therapy.
Which finding indicates oxygen toxicity?
A. Improved breathing pattern
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Chest discomfort and coughing
D. Increased oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: C. Chest discomfort and coughing
Rationale: Prolonged exposure to high oxygen concentrations
may cause lung irritation and oxygen toxicity.
8. Which intervention is best for preventing pressure injuries
in an immobile client?
A. Massage reddened skin
B. Reposition every 2 hours
C. Limit fluid intake
D. Keep the head of bed elevated
Correct Answer: B. Reposition every 2 hours
Rationale: Frequent repositioning reduces prolonged pressure
and prevents skin breakdown.
9. A nurse is assessing a client with pneumonia. Which finding
is expected?
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) Q&A 2026/2027 INSTANT DOWNLOAD
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for
morphine IV. Which assessment finding requires the nurse to
hold the medication and notify the provider?
A. Blood pressure of 138/84 mmHg
B. Respiratory rate of 8/min
C. Pain rating of 8/10
D. Heart rate of 92/min
Correct Answer: B. Respiratory rate of 8/min
Rationale: Opioids can cause respiratory depression. A
respiratory rate below 10–12/min requires holding the
medication and notifying the provider.
2. A nurse is teaching a client with diabetes mellitus about
foot care. Which instruction is appropriate?
A. Walk barefoot to improve circulation
B. Apply lotion between toes daily
C. Inspect feet every day for injuries
D. Soak feet in hot water for 30 minutes
,Correct Answer: C. Inspect feet every day for injuries
Rationale: Daily foot inspection helps detect wounds early and
prevent complications such as diabetic ulcers.
3. A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
A. Calcium
B. Potassium
C. Hemoglobin
D. Platelets
Correct Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause
potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia.
4. A nurse is caring for a postoperative client. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Mild incisional pain
B. Temperature of 37.2°C (99°F)
C. Oxygen saturation of 88%
D. Decreased appetite
Correct Answer: C. Oxygen saturation of 88%
,Rationale: Low oxygen saturation indicates impaired
oxygenation and requires immediate assessment and
intervention.
5. A nurse is teaching a client about anticoagulant therapy
with warfarin. Which food should the client consume
consistently?
A. Foods high in vitamin K
B. Grapefruit products
C. Alcohol beverages
D. Herbal supplements
Correct Answer: A. Foods high in vitamin K
Rationale: Vitamin K affects warfarin effectiveness. Clients
should maintain consistent intake rather than avoid vitamin K
completely.
6. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. Client requesting pain medication
B. Client with chest pain and diaphoresis
C. Client needing discharge instructions
D. Client asking for a blanket
Correct Answer: B. Client with chest pain and diaphoresis
Rationale: Chest pain with diaphoresis may indicate myocardial
infarction and requires immediate assessment.
, 7. A nurse is caring for a client receiving oxygen therapy.
Which finding indicates oxygen toxicity?
A. Improved breathing pattern
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Chest discomfort and coughing
D. Increased oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: C. Chest discomfort and coughing
Rationale: Prolonged exposure to high oxygen concentrations
may cause lung irritation and oxygen toxicity.
8. Which intervention is best for preventing pressure injuries
in an immobile client?
A. Massage reddened skin
B. Reposition every 2 hours
C. Limit fluid intake
D. Keep the head of bed elevated
Correct Answer: B. Reposition every 2 hours
Rationale: Frequent repositioning reduces prolonged pressure
and prevents skin breakdown.
9. A nurse is assessing a client with pneumonia. Which finding
is expected?
