HESI RN Exit Exam 2026 | Actual Exam Questions
& Verified Answers | Complete NCLEX-RN®
Predictor Exam | Evolve Testing
Q001: A 68-year-old client with chronic heart failure is receiving furosemide 40 mg IV
every 12 hours. The client's most recent potassium level is 2.9 mEq/L (normal: 3.5-5.0
mEq/L). The client's cardiac monitor shows frequent premature ventricular contractions
(PVCs). Which action should the nurse prioritize first?
Options:
A. Administer the next dose of furosemide as scheduled
B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately - CORRECT
C. Encourage the client to eat a banana with lunch
D. Document the findings and continue monitoring
(Correct Answer: B)
Q002: The nurse is caring for a postoperative client who received morphine sulfate 4
mg IV 30 minutes ago for pain. The client is now difficult to arouse, has a respiratory
rate of 8 breaths/minute, and O2 saturation of 88%. What is the nurse's first action?
Options:
A. Administer naloxone 0.4 mg IV per PRN protocol - CORRECT
B. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min
C. Increase the frequency of vital sign monitoring
D. Contact the anesthesia provider for orders
(Correct Answer: A)
Q003: A client with a new colostomy is being discharged home. The client demonstrates
the colostomy irrigation procedure but states, "I'm not sure I can do this by myself."
What is the nurse's best response?
Options:
A. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it eventually."
B. "Let's identify what specifically concerns you and create a plan." - CORRECT
C. "Your family can help you with this at home."
,D. "You'll have a home health nurse do this for you."
(Correct Answer: B)
Q004: The nurse receives shift report that a client with COPD has a pH of 7.32, PaCO2
of 65 mmHg, and HCO3 of 30 mEq/L. Which set of arterial blood gas values indicates
the client's condition is worsening?
Options:
A. pH 7.34, PaCO2 60 mmHg, HCO3 31 mEq/L
B. pH 7.28, PaCO2 72 mmHg, HCO3 32 mEq/L - CORRECT
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 63 mmHg, HCO3 29 mEq/L
D. pH 7.32, PaCO2 64 mmHg, HCO3 30 mEq/L
(Correct Answer: B)
Q005: A client with type 1 diabetes has a pre-meal blood glucose of 250 mg/dL and
shows moderate ketones in the urine. The client reports feeling nauseated. What is the
nurse's priority intervention?
Options:
A. Administer the scheduled rapid-acting insulin dose
B. Notify the healthcare provider and prepare for possible IV insulin - CORRECT
C. Encourage the client to drink water and recheck in 2 hours
D. Administer an antiemetic and monitor glucose
(Correct Answer: B)
Q006: The nurse is delegating tasks to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which
task is most appropriate for the UAP to perform?
Options:
A. Assess a client's lung sounds after nebulizer treatment
B. Check a client's blood glucose before meals
C. Assist a client with morning hygiene and bedmaking - CORRECT
D. Administer a client's oral medications
(Correct Answer: C)
,Q007: A client is receiving a blood transfusion of packed red blood cells. Fifteen
minutes after the transfusion begins, the client reports chills, back pain, and anxiety.
The client's temperature is now 101.5°F. What is the nurse's immediate action?
Options:
A. Slow the transfusion rate and continue monitoring
B. Stop the transfusion immediately and maintain IV access with normal saline -
CORRECT
C. Administer diphenhydramine per protocol
D. Obtain a urine specimen for analysis
(Correct Answer: B)
Q008: A 72-year-old client has an indwelling urinary catheter. The nurse notices cloudy
urine in the drainage bag and the client reports suprapubic tenderness. What is the
priority nursing diagnosis?
Options:
A. Impaired urinary elimination
B. Deficient knowledge regarding catheter care
C. Risk for infection - CORRECT
D. Disturbed sleep pattern
(Correct Answer: C)
Q009: A client with major depressive disorder states, "I don't see any reason to keep
living." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Options:
A. "You have so much to live for."
B. "Are you thinking about harming yourself?" - CORRECT
C. "Depression can make you feel that way, but it will get better."
D. "Let's talk about what makes your life worth living."
(Correct Answer: B)
Q010: A client with a serum sodium of 118 mEq/L is receiving 3% saline at 50 mL/hr.
Which assessment finding requires immediate nursing intervention?
Options:
A. Client reports increased thirst
B. Client has a headache rated 4/10
C. Client becomes progressively lethargic and confused - CORRECT
, D. Client's urine output increases to 100 mL/hr
(Correct Answer: C)
Q011: The nurse is preparing to administer a medication that has a high potential for
causing nephrotoxicity. Which laboratory value should the nurse review prior to
administration?
Options:
A. Serum creatinine and BUN - CORRECT
B. serum potassium
C. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
D. Liver enzymes
(Correct Answer: A)
Q012: A postpartum client reports feeling sad, crying frequently, and having difficulty
bonding with her newborn 3 days after delivery. What is the nurse's best initial action?
Options:
A. Contact social services immediately
B. Inform the client these feelings are normal and will pass quickly
C. Assess for postpartum depression using a validated screening tool - CORRECT
D. Reassure the client that baby blues typically resolve within 2 weeks
(Correct Answer: C)
Q013: A client with a leg cast reports sudden severe pain, numbness, and tightness in
the casted leg. The pain is unrelieved by analgesics. What complication should the
nurse suspect?
Options:
A. Infection under the cast
B. Compartment syndrome - CORRECT
C. Deep vein thrombosis
D. Pressure injury from the cast
(Correct Answer: B)
Q014: A client with a BMI of 42 is postoperative day 2 following abdominal surgery.
What complication is this client at highest risk for developing?
& Verified Answers | Complete NCLEX-RN®
Predictor Exam | Evolve Testing
Q001: A 68-year-old client with chronic heart failure is receiving furosemide 40 mg IV
every 12 hours. The client's most recent potassium level is 2.9 mEq/L (normal: 3.5-5.0
mEq/L). The client's cardiac monitor shows frequent premature ventricular contractions
(PVCs). Which action should the nurse prioritize first?
Options:
A. Administer the next dose of furosemide as scheduled
B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately - CORRECT
C. Encourage the client to eat a banana with lunch
D. Document the findings and continue monitoring
(Correct Answer: B)
Q002: The nurse is caring for a postoperative client who received morphine sulfate 4
mg IV 30 minutes ago for pain. The client is now difficult to arouse, has a respiratory
rate of 8 breaths/minute, and O2 saturation of 88%. What is the nurse's first action?
Options:
A. Administer naloxone 0.4 mg IV per PRN protocol - CORRECT
B. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min
C. Increase the frequency of vital sign monitoring
D. Contact the anesthesia provider for orders
(Correct Answer: A)
Q003: A client with a new colostomy is being discharged home. The client demonstrates
the colostomy irrigation procedure but states, "I'm not sure I can do this by myself."
What is the nurse's best response?
Options:
A. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it eventually."
B. "Let's identify what specifically concerns you and create a plan." - CORRECT
C. "Your family can help you with this at home."
,D. "You'll have a home health nurse do this for you."
(Correct Answer: B)
Q004: The nurse receives shift report that a client with COPD has a pH of 7.32, PaCO2
of 65 mmHg, and HCO3 of 30 mEq/L. Which set of arterial blood gas values indicates
the client's condition is worsening?
Options:
A. pH 7.34, PaCO2 60 mmHg, HCO3 31 mEq/L
B. pH 7.28, PaCO2 72 mmHg, HCO3 32 mEq/L - CORRECT
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 63 mmHg, HCO3 29 mEq/L
D. pH 7.32, PaCO2 64 mmHg, HCO3 30 mEq/L
(Correct Answer: B)
Q005: A client with type 1 diabetes has a pre-meal blood glucose of 250 mg/dL and
shows moderate ketones in the urine. The client reports feeling nauseated. What is the
nurse's priority intervention?
Options:
A. Administer the scheduled rapid-acting insulin dose
B. Notify the healthcare provider and prepare for possible IV insulin - CORRECT
C. Encourage the client to drink water and recheck in 2 hours
D. Administer an antiemetic and monitor glucose
(Correct Answer: B)
Q006: The nurse is delegating tasks to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which
task is most appropriate for the UAP to perform?
Options:
A. Assess a client's lung sounds after nebulizer treatment
B. Check a client's blood glucose before meals
C. Assist a client with morning hygiene and bedmaking - CORRECT
D. Administer a client's oral medications
(Correct Answer: C)
,Q007: A client is receiving a blood transfusion of packed red blood cells. Fifteen
minutes after the transfusion begins, the client reports chills, back pain, and anxiety.
The client's temperature is now 101.5°F. What is the nurse's immediate action?
Options:
A. Slow the transfusion rate and continue monitoring
B. Stop the transfusion immediately and maintain IV access with normal saline -
CORRECT
C. Administer diphenhydramine per protocol
D. Obtain a urine specimen for analysis
(Correct Answer: B)
Q008: A 72-year-old client has an indwelling urinary catheter. The nurse notices cloudy
urine in the drainage bag and the client reports suprapubic tenderness. What is the
priority nursing diagnosis?
Options:
A. Impaired urinary elimination
B. Deficient knowledge regarding catheter care
C. Risk for infection - CORRECT
D. Disturbed sleep pattern
(Correct Answer: C)
Q009: A client with major depressive disorder states, "I don't see any reason to keep
living." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Options:
A. "You have so much to live for."
B. "Are you thinking about harming yourself?" - CORRECT
C. "Depression can make you feel that way, but it will get better."
D. "Let's talk about what makes your life worth living."
(Correct Answer: B)
Q010: A client with a serum sodium of 118 mEq/L is receiving 3% saline at 50 mL/hr.
Which assessment finding requires immediate nursing intervention?
Options:
A. Client reports increased thirst
B. Client has a headache rated 4/10
C. Client becomes progressively lethargic and confused - CORRECT
, D. Client's urine output increases to 100 mL/hr
(Correct Answer: C)
Q011: The nurse is preparing to administer a medication that has a high potential for
causing nephrotoxicity. Which laboratory value should the nurse review prior to
administration?
Options:
A. Serum creatinine and BUN - CORRECT
B. serum potassium
C. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
D. Liver enzymes
(Correct Answer: A)
Q012: A postpartum client reports feeling sad, crying frequently, and having difficulty
bonding with her newborn 3 days after delivery. What is the nurse's best initial action?
Options:
A. Contact social services immediately
B. Inform the client these feelings are normal and will pass quickly
C. Assess for postpartum depression using a validated screening tool - CORRECT
D. Reassure the client that baby blues typically resolve within 2 weeks
(Correct Answer: C)
Q013: A client with a leg cast reports sudden severe pain, numbness, and tightness in
the casted leg. The pain is unrelieved by analgesics. What complication should the
nurse suspect?
Options:
A. Infection under the cast
B. Compartment syndrome - CORRECT
C. Deep vein thrombosis
D. Pressure injury from the cast
(Correct Answer: B)
Q014: A client with a BMI of 42 is postoperative day 2 following abdominal surgery.
What complication is this client at highest risk for developing?
