HESI Comprehensive Exam 1
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the primary purpose of a chest X-ray?
✔✔To visualize the lungs, heart, and thoracic structures for diagnosis of conditions like
pneumonia or heart failure
A client is scheduled for a CT scan with contrast. What is an important pre-procedure nursing
action?
✔✔Assess for allergies to iodine or shellfish and check kidney function
Why is it important to instruct a client to hold their breath during a chest X-ray?
✔✔To prevent motion artifacts and ensure a clear image
What is the primary safety concern for pregnant clients undergoing radiologic procedures?
✔✔Fetal exposure to ionizing radiation and potential teratogenic effects
How does an MRI differ from a CT scan in imaging soft tissues?
1
,✔✔MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves, providing better soft tissue contrast without
ionizing radiation
What is the nurse’s role when a client receives a fluoroscopic study?
✔✔Provide shielding, monitor for radiation exposure, and ensure client understanding of
procedure
Why is it important to remove all metal objects before an MRI?
✔✔Metal can distort images and pose a safety risk due to the strong magnetic field
What preparation is necessary for a barium swallow study?
✔✔Client may need to fast, drink contrast, and follow instructions for imaging to evaluate
swallowing and esophagus
How does an ultrasound create images of internal organs?
✔✔By using high-frequency sound waves that reflect off tissues to produce real-time images
What should a nurse monitor after a client receives intravenous contrast for a CT scan?
2
,✔✔Signs of allergic reaction such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing
Why is positioning critical in radiographic imaging?
✔✔Correct positioning ensures accurate visualization of anatomy and reduces the need for
repeat exposures
What is the purpose of a mammogram?
✔✔To screen for breast cancer and detect small tumors or abnormalities
What client teaching is essential before a nuclear medicine scan?
✔✔Explain that a small amount of radioactive tracer will be used and that it is generally safe and
painless
How does a PET scan assist in cancer diagnosis?
✔✔By detecting metabolic activity and identifying malignant tissues through radioactive glucose
uptake
Why must clients remain still during an MRI or CT scan?
3
, ✔✔Movement can blur images and reduce diagnostic accuracy
What is the main risk associated with repeated X-ray exposure?
✔✔Cumulative radiation dose increases the lifetime risk of cancer
What is the purpose of using lead aprons during X-ray procedures?
✔✔To protect radiosensitive organs from unnecessary radiation exposure
What is the primary use of a bone scan in radiology?
✔✔To detect bone abnormalities, infections, fractures, or metastatic cancer
Why should a nurse assess renal function before administering contrast dye?
✔✔To prevent contrast-induced nephropathy in clients with impaired kidney function
What is the advantage of digital radiography over traditional film X-rays?
✔✔Faster image acquisition, lower radiation dose, and easier image storage and manipulation
What is the key nursing responsibility for a client undergoing a myelogram?
4
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the primary purpose of a chest X-ray?
✔✔To visualize the lungs, heart, and thoracic structures for diagnosis of conditions like
pneumonia or heart failure
A client is scheduled for a CT scan with contrast. What is an important pre-procedure nursing
action?
✔✔Assess for allergies to iodine or shellfish and check kidney function
Why is it important to instruct a client to hold their breath during a chest X-ray?
✔✔To prevent motion artifacts and ensure a clear image
What is the primary safety concern for pregnant clients undergoing radiologic procedures?
✔✔Fetal exposure to ionizing radiation and potential teratogenic effects
How does an MRI differ from a CT scan in imaging soft tissues?
1
,✔✔MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves, providing better soft tissue contrast without
ionizing radiation
What is the nurse’s role when a client receives a fluoroscopic study?
✔✔Provide shielding, monitor for radiation exposure, and ensure client understanding of
procedure
Why is it important to remove all metal objects before an MRI?
✔✔Metal can distort images and pose a safety risk due to the strong magnetic field
What preparation is necessary for a barium swallow study?
✔✔Client may need to fast, drink contrast, and follow instructions for imaging to evaluate
swallowing and esophagus
How does an ultrasound create images of internal organs?
✔✔By using high-frequency sound waves that reflect off tissues to produce real-time images
What should a nurse monitor after a client receives intravenous contrast for a CT scan?
2
,✔✔Signs of allergic reaction such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing
Why is positioning critical in radiographic imaging?
✔✔Correct positioning ensures accurate visualization of anatomy and reduces the need for
repeat exposures
What is the purpose of a mammogram?
✔✔To screen for breast cancer and detect small tumors or abnormalities
What client teaching is essential before a nuclear medicine scan?
✔✔Explain that a small amount of radioactive tracer will be used and that it is generally safe and
painless
How does a PET scan assist in cancer diagnosis?
✔✔By detecting metabolic activity and identifying malignant tissues through radioactive glucose
uptake
Why must clients remain still during an MRI or CT scan?
3
, ✔✔Movement can blur images and reduce diagnostic accuracy
What is the main risk associated with repeated X-ray exposure?
✔✔Cumulative radiation dose increases the lifetime risk of cancer
What is the purpose of using lead aprons during X-ray procedures?
✔✔To protect radiosensitive organs from unnecessary radiation exposure
What is the primary use of a bone scan in radiology?
✔✔To detect bone abnormalities, infections, fractures, or metastatic cancer
Why should a nurse assess renal function before administering contrast dye?
✔✔To prevent contrast-induced nephropathy in clients with impaired kidney function
What is the advantage of digital radiography over traditional film X-rays?
✔✔Faster image acquisition, lower radiation dose, and easier image storage and manipulation
What is the key nursing responsibility for a client undergoing a myelogram?
4
