HESI V1 Exam Review Questions with 100% Correct
Answers
While assessing a client with diabetes mellitus, the nurse observes an absence of hair growth on the
client's legs. What additional assessment provides further data to support this finding?
a. Palpate for the presence of femoral pulses bilaterally.
b. Assess for the presence of a positive Homan's sign.
c. Observe the appearance of the skin on the client's legs.
d. Watch the client's posture and balance during ambulation. - Answer ANS: C
Signs of chronic arterial insufficiency include decreased hair growth in the legs and feet, absent or
decreased pedal pulses, infection in the foot, poor wound healing, thickened nails, and a shiny
appearance of the skin (C). Femoral pulses (A) should still be palpable in the diabetic with chronic
arterial insufficiency. A positive Homan's sign is an indicator of deep vein thrombosis (B). (D) would
probably not be affected significantly by chronic arterial insufficiency.
The healthcare provider prescribes 15 mg/kg of Streptomycin for an infant weighing 4 pounds. The drug
is diluted in 25 ml of D5W to run over 8 hours. How much Streptomycin will the infant receive?
a. 9 mg.
b. 18 mg.
c. 27 mg.
d. 36 mg. - Answer ANS: C
4 lbs / 2.2 = 1.8 kg. 1.8 x 15 = 27 mg (C). NOTE, the fact that the drug is diluted in 25 ml of D5W, is not
relevant to the calculation requested.
In assessing a client with preeclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate, the nurse determines that
her deep tendon reflexes are 1+; respiratory rate is 12 breaths/minute; urinary output is 90 ml in 4
hours; magnesium sulfate level is 9 mg/dl. Based on these findings, what intervention should the nurse
implement?
a. Continue the magnesium sulfate infusion as prescribed.
b. Decrease the magnesium sulfate infusion by one-half.
c. Stop the magnesium sulfate infusion immediately.
d. Administer calcium gluconate immediately. - Answer ANS: C
,The client is exhibiting symptoms of magnesium sulfate toxicity--decreased reflexes (normal is +2), a low
normal respiratory rate (normal is 12 to 20 breaths/min), a less than average urinary output (30 ml/hour
is average), and a low magnesium sulfate level (normal is 4 to 8mg/dl). Based on these findings, the
nurse should stop the infusion (C). (A) is contraindicated. (B) would not fully alleviate the magnesium
sulfate toxicity symptoms. (D) (the antagonist for magnesium sulfate) would be indicated if the
respiratory rate were less than 12 breaths/minute.
A client is on a mechanical ventilator. Which client response indicates that the neuromuscular blocker
tubocurarine chloride (Tubarine) is effective?
a. The client's extremities are paralyzed.
b. The peripheral nerve stimulator causes twitching.
c. The client clinches fist upon command.
d. The client's Glasgow Coma Scale score is 14. - Answer ANS: A
This medication causes paralysis (A) following intravenous injection. Peak effects persist for 35 to 60
minutes. (B and C) would not be possible if the medication is effective. The Glasgow coma scale is used
to evaluate the neurological status of the client and does not evaluate the effectiveness (D) of this
medication.
An elderly female client comes to the clinic for a regular check-up. The client tells the nurse that she has
increased her daily doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the past month to control joint pain. Based on
this client's comment, what previous lab values should the nurse compare with today's lab report?
a. Look at last quarter's hemoglobin and hematocrit, expecting an increase today due to dehydration.
b. Look for an increase in today's LDH compared to the previous one to assess for possible liver damage.
c. Expect to find an increase in today's APTT as compared to last quarter's due to bleeding.
d. Determine if there is a decrease in serum potassium due to renal compromise. - Answer ANS: B
Frequent and/or large doses of acetaminophen can cause an increase in liver enzymes, indicating
possible liver damage (B). If the client reported unusual bleeding, or an increase in aspirin usage, it
would be important for the nurse to assess for increased bleeding and monitor (A and/or C). (D) is not
affected by increases in acetaminophen doses.
Aspirin is prescribed for a 9-year-old child with rheumatic fever to control the inflammatory process,
promote comfort, and reduce fever. What intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
a. Instruct the parents to hold the aspirin until the child has first had a tepid sponge bath.
b. Administer the aspirin with at least two ounces of water or juice.
,c. Notify the healthcare provider if the child complains of ringing in the ears.
d. Advise the parents to question the child about seeing yellow halos around objects. - Answer ANS: C
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) (C) is an important sign of aspirin overdosage and should be reported
immediately. Though a tepid sponge bath may lower the child's temperature, the prescription for aspirin
should not be held (A). Aspirin should be taken with at least eight ounces of water to completely wash
the tablet into the stomach and to help prevent GI discomfort (B). Yellow halos are associated with
Digoxin toxicity, not aspirin (D).
Which signs or symptoms are characteristic of an adult client diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome?
a. Husky voice and complaints of hoarseness.
b. Warm, soft, moist, salmon-colored skin.
c. Visible swelling of the neck, with no pain.
d. Central-type obesity, with thin extremities. - Answer ANS: D
The classic picture of Cushing's syndrome in the adult is central-type obesity with thin extremities (D),
along with a "buffalo hump" in the supraclavicular area, heavy trunk, and thin fragile skin. The
symptoms described in (A) are clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism, and in (B) of hyperthyroidism.
(C) may indicate a goiter or a tumor of the thyroid gland.
A charge nurse agrees to cover another nurse's assignment during a lunch break. Based on the status
report provided by the nurse who is leaving for lunch, which client should be checked first by the charge
nurse? The client:
a. admitted yesterday with diabetic ketoacidosis whose blood glucose level is now 195 mg/dl.
b. with an ileal conduit created two days ago with a scant amount of blood in the drainage pouch.
c. post-triple coronary bypass four days ago who has serosanguinous drainage in the chest tube.
d. with a pneumothorax secondary to a gunshot wound with a current pulse oximeter reading of 90%. -
Answer ANS: D
A pulse oximeter reading of 90% indicates an arterial blood gas of less than 80 to 100 and should be
assessed immediately (D). (A) is an expected finding. (B) is not an unusual finding. (C) is an expected
finding for this client.
An outcome for treatment of peripheral vascular disease is, "the client will have decreased venous
congestion." What client behavior would indicate to the nurse that this outcome has been met?
a. Avoids prolonged sitting or standing.
, b. Avoids trauma and irritation to skin.
c. Wears protective shoes.
d. Quits smoking. - Answer ANS: A
Client behaviors indicating that the expected outcome of, "decreased venous congestion" has been met
would include elevating the legs, increasing walking time, and an observable decrease in edema of the
lower extremities (A). (B and C) would be appropriate for outcomes for, "Attains or maintains tissue
integrity." (D) would be an appropriate outcome for, "Demonstrates an increase in arterial blood supply
to extremities."
The healthcare provider performs a paracentesis on a client with ascites and 3 liters of fluid are
removed. Which assessment parameter is most critical for the nurse to monitor following the
procedure?
a. Pedal pulses.
b. Breath sounds.
c. Gag reflex.
d. Vital signs. - Answer ANS: D
Life-threatening complications such as hypovolemia and sepsis can occur following a paracentesis, and
measurement of vital signs (D) will provide assessment data that will help detect the occurrence of such
complications. (A) might be assessed to check for circulation in the lower extremities, but are not
indicated for postparacentesis assessment. Reduction of (B) may occur as the result of decreased fluid in
the peritoneal cavity, but is a desired outcome, not a complication, of this procedure. (C) is not affected
by a paracentesis procedure.
The nurse is administering sevelamer (RenaGel) during lunch to a client with end stage renal disease
(ESRD). The client asks the nurse to bring the medication later. The nurse should describe which action
of RenaGel as an explanation for taking it with meals?
a. Prevents indigestion associated with ingestion of spicy foods.
b. Binds with phosphorus in foods and prevents absorption.
c. Promotes stomach emptying and prevents gastric reflux.
d. Buffers hydrochloric acid and prevents gastric erosion. - Answer ANS: B
RenaGel is an intestinal phosphate binder and should be taken with meals to prevent contributing to the
hyperphosphatemia (B), associated with ESRD. (A, C, and D) are not the therapeutic actions of RenaGel.
Answers
While assessing a client with diabetes mellitus, the nurse observes an absence of hair growth on the
client's legs. What additional assessment provides further data to support this finding?
a. Palpate for the presence of femoral pulses bilaterally.
b. Assess for the presence of a positive Homan's sign.
c. Observe the appearance of the skin on the client's legs.
d. Watch the client's posture and balance during ambulation. - Answer ANS: C
Signs of chronic arterial insufficiency include decreased hair growth in the legs and feet, absent or
decreased pedal pulses, infection in the foot, poor wound healing, thickened nails, and a shiny
appearance of the skin (C). Femoral pulses (A) should still be palpable in the diabetic with chronic
arterial insufficiency. A positive Homan's sign is an indicator of deep vein thrombosis (B). (D) would
probably not be affected significantly by chronic arterial insufficiency.
The healthcare provider prescribes 15 mg/kg of Streptomycin for an infant weighing 4 pounds. The drug
is diluted in 25 ml of D5W to run over 8 hours. How much Streptomycin will the infant receive?
a. 9 mg.
b. 18 mg.
c. 27 mg.
d. 36 mg. - Answer ANS: C
4 lbs / 2.2 = 1.8 kg. 1.8 x 15 = 27 mg (C). NOTE, the fact that the drug is diluted in 25 ml of D5W, is not
relevant to the calculation requested.
In assessing a client with preeclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate, the nurse determines that
her deep tendon reflexes are 1+; respiratory rate is 12 breaths/minute; urinary output is 90 ml in 4
hours; magnesium sulfate level is 9 mg/dl. Based on these findings, what intervention should the nurse
implement?
a. Continue the magnesium sulfate infusion as prescribed.
b. Decrease the magnesium sulfate infusion by one-half.
c. Stop the magnesium sulfate infusion immediately.
d. Administer calcium gluconate immediately. - Answer ANS: C
,The client is exhibiting symptoms of magnesium sulfate toxicity--decreased reflexes (normal is +2), a low
normal respiratory rate (normal is 12 to 20 breaths/min), a less than average urinary output (30 ml/hour
is average), and a low magnesium sulfate level (normal is 4 to 8mg/dl). Based on these findings, the
nurse should stop the infusion (C). (A) is contraindicated. (B) would not fully alleviate the magnesium
sulfate toxicity symptoms. (D) (the antagonist for magnesium sulfate) would be indicated if the
respiratory rate were less than 12 breaths/minute.
A client is on a mechanical ventilator. Which client response indicates that the neuromuscular blocker
tubocurarine chloride (Tubarine) is effective?
a. The client's extremities are paralyzed.
b. The peripheral nerve stimulator causes twitching.
c. The client clinches fist upon command.
d. The client's Glasgow Coma Scale score is 14. - Answer ANS: A
This medication causes paralysis (A) following intravenous injection. Peak effects persist for 35 to 60
minutes. (B and C) would not be possible if the medication is effective. The Glasgow coma scale is used
to evaluate the neurological status of the client and does not evaluate the effectiveness (D) of this
medication.
An elderly female client comes to the clinic for a regular check-up. The client tells the nurse that she has
increased her daily doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the past month to control joint pain. Based on
this client's comment, what previous lab values should the nurse compare with today's lab report?
a. Look at last quarter's hemoglobin and hematocrit, expecting an increase today due to dehydration.
b. Look for an increase in today's LDH compared to the previous one to assess for possible liver damage.
c. Expect to find an increase in today's APTT as compared to last quarter's due to bleeding.
d. Determine if there is a decrease in serum potassium due to renal compromise. - Answer ANS: B
Frequent and/or large doses of acetaminophen can cause an increase in liver enzymes, indicating
possible liver damage (B). If the client reported unusual bleeding, or an increase in aspirin usage, it
would be important for the nurse to assess for increased bleeding and monitor (A and/or C). (D) is not
affected by increases in acetaminophen doses.
Aspirin is prescribed for a 9-year-old child with rheumatic fever to control the inflammatory process,
promote comfort, and reduce fever. What intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
a. Instruct the parents to hold the aspirin until the child has first had a tepid sponge bath.
b. Administer the aspirin with at least two ounces of water or juice.
,c. Notify the healthcare provider if the child complains of ringing in the ears.
d. Advise the parents to question the child about seeing yellow halos around objects. - Answer ANS: C
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) (C) is an important sign of aspirin overdosage and should be reported
immediately. Though a tepid sponge bath may lower the child's temperature, the prescription for aspirin
should not be held (A). Aspirin should be taken with at least eight ounces of water to completely wash
the tablet into the stomach and to help prevent GI discomfort (B). Yellow halos are associated with
Digoxin toxicity, not aspirin (D).
Which signs or symptoms are characteristic of an adult client diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome?
a. Husky voice and complaints of hoarseness.
b. Warm, soft, moist, salmon-colored skin.
c. Visible swelling of the neck, with no pain.
d. Central-type obesity, with thin extremities. - Answer ANS: D
The classic picture of Cushing's syndrome in the adult is central-type obesity with thin extremities (D),
along with a "buffalo hump" in the supraclavicular area, heavy trunk, and thin fragile skin. The
symptoms described in (A) are clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism, and in (B) of hyperthyroidism.
(C) may indicate a goiter or a tumor of the thyroid gland.
A charge nurse agrees to cover another nurse's assignment during a lunch break. Based on the status
report provided by the nurse who is leaving for lunch, which client should be checked first by the charge
nurse? The client:
a. admitted yesterday with diabetic ketoacidosis whose blood glucose level is now 195 mg/dl.
b. with an ileal conduit created two days ago with a scant amount of blood in the drainage pouch.
c. post-triple coronary bypass four days ago who has serosanguinous drainage in the chest tube.
d. with a pneumothorax secondary to a gunshot wound with a current pulse oximeter reading of 90%. -
Answer ANS: D
A pulse oximeter reading of 90% indicates an arterial blood gas of less than 80 to 100 and should be
assessed immediately (D). (A) is an expected finding. (B) is not an unusual finding. (C) is an expected
finding for this client.
An outcome for treatment of peripheral vascular disease is, "the client will have decreased venous
congestion." What client behavior would indicate to the nurse that this outcome has been met?
a. Avoids prolonged sitting or standing.
, b. Avoids trauma and irritation to skin.
c. Wears protective shoes.
d. Quits smoking. - Answer ANS: A
Client behaviors indicating that the expected outcome of, "decreased venous congestion" has been met
would include elevating the legs, increasing walking time, and an observable decrease in edema of the
lower extremities (A). (B and C) would be appropriate for outcomes for, "Attains or maintains tissue
integrity." (D) would be an appropriate outcome for, "Demonstrates an increase in arterial blood supply
to extremities."
The healthcare provider performs a paracentesis on a client with ascites and 3 liters of fluid are
removed. Which assessment parameter is most critical for the nurse to monitor following the
procedure?
a. Pedal pulses.
b. Breath sounds.
c. Gag reflex.
d. Vital signs. - Answer ANS: D
Life-threatening complications such as hypovolemia and sepsis can occur following a paracentesis, and
measurement of vital signs (D) will provide assessment data that will help detect the occurrence of such
complications. (A) might be assessed to check for circulation in the lower extremities, but are not
indicated for postparacentesis assessment. Reduction of (B) may occur as the result of decreased fluid in
the peritoneal cavity, but is a desired outcome, not a complication, of this procedure. (C) is not affected
by a paracentesis procedure.
The nurse is administering sevelamer (RenaGel) during lunch to a client with end stage renal disease
(ESRD). The client asks the nurse to bring the medication later. The nurse should describe which action
of RenaGel as an explanation for taking it with meals?
a. Prevents indigestion associated with ingestion of spicy foods.
b. Binds with phosphorus in foods and prevents absorption.
c. Promotes stomach emptying and prevents gastric reflux.
d. Buffers hydrochloric acid and prevents gastric erosion. - Answer ANS: B
RenaGel is an intestinal phosphate binder and should be taken with meals to prevent contributing to the
hyperphosphatemia (B), associated with ESRD. (A, C, and D) are not the therapeutic actions of RenaGel.
