HESI RN Compass Exit Exam V1 –
Questions & Answers (Latest 2025/2026
Update, 100% Verified)
SECTION 1: MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING
Question 1
A client with heart failure is receiving furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg IV push. Which
assessment finding indicates the medication is having the desired therapeutic
effect?
A) Decreased shortness of breath and weight loss
B) Increased blood pressure and heart rate
C) Decreased urine output and peripheral edema
D) Increased crackles in lung bases
Correct Answer: A) Decreased shortness of breath and weight loss
Rationales>..: Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to reduce fluid volume overload
in heart failure. The desired therapeutic effects include decreased dyspnea,
reduced peripheral edema, weight loss (from fluid loss), and improved lung sounds.
Question 2
,A client is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory value is most
consistent with this diagnosis?
A) Elevated serum amylase and lipase
B) Decreased serum glucose
C) Elevated serum potassium
D) Decreased serum calcium
Correct Answer: A) Elevated serum amylase and lipase
Rationales>..: Acute pancreatitis is characterized by elevated serum amylase and
lipase levels due to pancreatic enzyme release into the bloodstream. Lipase is
more specific to pancreatic injury.
Question 3
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has an oxygen
saturation of 88% on room air. Which oxygen delivery device should the nurse use?
A) Non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
B) Nasal cannula at 2 L/min
C) Simple face mask at 10 L/min
D) Venturi mask at 50%
Correct Answer: B) Nasal cannula at 2 L/min
Rationales>..: Clients with COPD rely on a hypoxic drive to breathe. Oxygen should
be administered cautiously to maintain SpO₂ between 88-92%. A nasal cannula at
1-2 L/min is the appropriate initial delivery method.
,Question 4
A client is receiving heparin therapy for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness?
A) aPTT
B) PT/INR
C) Platelet count
D) Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: A) aPTT
Rationales>..: Heparin therapy is monitored using the activated partial
thromboplastin time (aPTT). The therapeutic range is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the
control value. PT/INR is used to monitor warfarin therapy.
Question 5
A client with diabetes mellitus type 1 is exhibiting signs of diabetic ketoacidosis
(DKA). Which finding is most characteristic?
A) Blood glucose of 180 mg/dL
B) Serum pH of 7.30
C) Fruity breath odor
D) Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L
Correct Answer: C) Fruity breath odor
Rationales>..: Fruity breath odor (acetone breath) is a classic sign of DKA caused
by the production of ketone bodies. Other findings include blood glucose >250
mg/dL, metabolic acidosis (pH <7.3), and electrolyte imbalances.
, Question 6
A client is 2 days post-operative following a total hip replacement. Which finding
requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider?
A) Pain at the surgical site rated 6 on a 0-10 scale
B) Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C)
C) Shortness of breath and chest pain
D) Decreased bowel sounds
Correct Answer: C) Shortness of breath and chest pain
Rationales>..: Shortness of breath and chest pain in a post-operative client are
concerning for pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening complication. This
requires immediate notification of the provider.
Question 7
A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is on a potassium-restricted diet. Which
food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A) Apples
B) Bananas
C) Cabbage
D) Rice
Correct Answer: B) Bananas
Questions & Answers (Latest 2025/2026
Update, 100% Verified)
SECTION 1: MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING
Question 1
A client with heart failure is receiving furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg IV push. Which
assessment finding indicates the medication is having the desired therapeutic
effect?
A) Decreased shortness of breath and weight loss
B) Increased blood pressure and heart rate
C) Decreased urine output and peripheral edema
D) Increased crackles in lung bases
Correct Answer: A) Decreased shortness of breath and weight loss
Rationales>..: Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to reduce fluid volume overload
in heart failure. The desired therapeutic effects include decreased dyspnea,
reduced peripheral edema, weight loss (from fluid loss), and improved lung sounds.
Question 2
,A client is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory value is most
consistent with this diagnosis?
A) Elevated serum amylase and lipase
B) Decreased serum glucose
C) Elevated serum potassium
D) Decreased serum calcium
Correct Answer: A) Elevated serum amylase and lipase
Rationales>..: Acute pancreatitis is characterized by elevated serum amylase and
lipase levels due to pancreatic enzyme release into the bloodstream. Lipase is
more specific to pancreatic injury.
Question 3
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has an oxygen
saturation of 88% on room air. Which oxygen delivery device should the nurse use?
A) Non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
B) Nasal cannula at 2 L/min
C) Simple face mask at 10 L/min
D) Venturi mask at 50%
Correct Answer: B) Nasal cannula at 2 L/min
Rationales>..: Clients with COPD rely on a hypoxic drive to breathe. Oxygen should
be administered cautiously to maintain SpO₂ between 88-92%. A nasal cannula at
1-2 L/min is the appropriate initial delivery method.
,Question 4
A client is receiving heparin therapy for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness?
A) aPTT
B) PT/INR
C) Platelet count
D) Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: A) aPTT
Rationales>..: Heparin therapy is monitored using the activated partial
thromboplastin time (aPTT). The therapeutic range is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the
control value. PT/INR is used to monitor warfarin therapy.
Question 5
A client with diabetes mellitus type 1 is exhibiting signs of diabetic ketoacidosis
(DKA). Which finding is most characteristic?
A) Blood glucose of 180 mg/dL
B) Serum pH of 7.30
C) Fruity breath odor
D) Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L
Correct Answer: C) Fruity breath odor
Rationales>..: Fruity breath odor (acetone breath) is a classic sign of DKA caused
by the production of ketone bodies. Other findings include blood glucose >250
mg/dL, metabolic acidosis (pH <7.3), and electrolyte imbalances.
, Question 6
A client is 2 days post-operative following a total hip replacement. Which finding
requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider?
A) Pain at the surgical site rated 6 on a 0-10 scale
B) Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C)
C) Shortness of breath and chest pain
D) Decreased bowel sounds
Correct Answer: C) Shortness of breath and chest pain
Rationales>..: Shortness of breath and chest pain in a post-operative client are
concerning for pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening complication. This
requires immediate notification of the provider.
Question 7
A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is on a potassium-restricted diet. Which
food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A) Apples
B) Bananas
C) Cabbage
D) Rice
Correct Answer: B) Bananas
