HESI EXIT RN PREP 2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Pharmacology and Medication Management
Maternal-Newborn and Postpartum Care
Pediatric Nursing
Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
Fundamentals of Nursing
Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
Nutrition and Fluid Balance
Infection Control and Safety
Ethical and Legal Compliance in Nursing
,Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed to prepare nursing students for the HESI Exit RN examination
and the NCLEX-RN certification. The exam evaluates critical clinical judgment, nursing interventions,
pharmacology knowledge, patient safety principles, and decision-making skills essential for professional
nursing practice. The 100 multiple-choice questions include scenario-based items that simulate real-world
clinical situations, emphasizing applied knowledge over rote memorization. Candidates will encounter
questions requiring prioritization, delegation, therapeutic communication, and evidence-based interventions
across diverse patient populations. Success on this exam demonstrates readiness for safe, effective entry-level
nursing practice.
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who experienced hemorrhage 2 hours after delivery. The client's blood
pressure is 88/52 mmHg, heart rate is 128 bpm, and she reports dizziness. What is the nurse's priority
intervention?
A. Administer oxygen at 4 L via nasal cannula
B. Start a second IV line and infuse crystalloids
C. Massage the uterus firmly
D. Obtain blood samples for laboratory studies
🟢 Correct answer: B
,🔴 RATIONALE: The client is exhibiting signs of hypovolemic shock secondary to postpartum hemorrhage (low
BP, high HR, dizziness). The priority is rapid volume resuscitation. Starting a second IV line and infusing
crystalloids addresses the life-threatening hypovolemia immediately. While uterine massage (C) is important
for hemorrhage, volume replacement is the priority in shock. Oxygen (A) and lab draws (D) are secondary
interventions.
Question 2
A patient with type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin 500 mg twice daily. Which instruction should the nurse
provide to minimize gastrointestinal side effects?
A. Take the medication with the first bite of breakfast and dinner
B. Stop the medication if nausea occurs
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach
D. Double the dose if symptoms worsen
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: Metformin commonly causes GI distress (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort). Taking it
with food, specifically with the first bite of meals, significantly reduces these side effects. Stopping the
medication (B) without provider consultation is unsafe. Taking on an empty stomach (C) increases GI side
effects. Doubling the dose (D) is contraindicated and dangerous.
Question 3
During admission assessment, a client reports taking warfarin 5 mg daily. Which laboratory value requires
immediate notification of the provider?
, A. INR of 1.8
B. Platelet count of 180,000/mm³
C. Hemoglobin of 13.2 g/dL
D. PT of 12 seconds
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: The therapeutic INR range for warfarin is typically 2.0–3.0 (or 2.5–3.5 for certain
conditions). An INR of 1.8 indicates subtherapeutic anticoagulation, placing the client at risk for thrombosis.
The provider must adjust the dose. Platelet count (B), hemoglobin (C), and PT (D) are within normal ranges and
do not require immediate action.
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a client about deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention after total knee arthroplasty. Which
statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. "I will keep my leg completely still to prevent pain"
B. "I will apply warm compresses to my calf if it hurts"
C. "I will perform ankle pumps and leg exercises every hour"
D. "I will cross my legs occasionally to improve circulation"
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Ankle pumps and leg exercises promote venous return and prevent DVT formation
postoperatively. Keeping the leg still (A) increases DVT risk. Warm compresses on a painful calf (B) could be
dangerous if DVT is present. Crossing legs (D) impairs circulation and increases DVT risk.
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Pharmacology and Medication Management
Maternal-Newborn and Postpartum Care
Pediatric Nursing
Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
Fundamentals of Nursing
Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
Nutrition and Fluid Balance
Infection Control and Safety
Ethical and Legal Compliance in Nursing
,Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed to prepare nursing students for the HESI Exit RN examination
and the NCLEX-RN certification. The exam evaluates critical clinical judgment, nursing interventions,
pharmacology knowledge, patient safety principles, and decision-making skills essential for professional
nursing practice. The 100 multiple-choice questions include scenario-based items that simulate real-world
clinical situations, emphasizing applied knowledge over rote memorization. Candidates will encounter
questions requiring prioritization, delegation, therapeutic communication, and evidence-based interventions
across diverse patient populations. Success on this exam demonstrates readiness for safe, effective entry-level
nursing practice.
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who experienced hemorrhage 2 hours after delivery. The client's blood
pressure is 88/52 mmHg, heart rate is 128 bpm, and she reports dizziness. What is the nurse's priority
intervention?
A. Administer oxygen at 4 L via nasal cannula
B. Start a second IV line and infuse crystalloids
C. Massage the uterus firmly
D. Obtain blood samples for laboratory studies
🟢 Correct answer: B
,🔴 RATIONALE: The client is exhibiting signs of hypovolemic shock secondary to postpartum hemorrhage (low
BP, high HR, dizziness). The priority is rapid volume resuscitation. Starting a second IV line and infusing
crystalloids addresses the life-threatening hypovolemia immediately. While uterine massage (C) is important
for hemorrhage, volume replacement is the priority in shock. Oxygen (A) and lab draws (D) are secondary
interventions.
Question 2
A patient with type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin 500 mg twice daily. Which instruction should the nurse
provide to minimize gastrointestinal side effects?
A. Take the medication with the first bite of breakfast and dinner
B. Stop the medication if nausea occurs
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach
D. Double the dose if symptoms worsen
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: Metformin commonly causes GI distress (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort). Taking it
with food, specifically with the first bite of meals, significantly reduces these side effects. Stopping the
medication (B) without provider consultation is unsafe. Taking on an empty stomach (C) increases GI side
effects. Doubling the dose (D) is contraindicated and dangerous.
Question 3
During admission assessment, a client reports taking warfarin 5 mg daily. Which laboratory value requires
immediate notification of the provider?
, A. INR of 1.8
B. Platelet count of 180,000/mm³
C. Hemoglobin of 13.2 g/dL
D. PT of 12 seconds
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: The therapeutic INR range for warfarin is typically 2.0–3.0 (or 2.5–3.5 for certain
conditions). An INR of 1.8 indicates subtherapeutic anticoagulation, placing the client at risk for thrombosis.
The provider must adjust the dose. Platelet count (B), hemoglobin (C), and PT (D) are within normal ranges and
do not require immediate action.
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a client about deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention after total knee arthroplasty. Which
statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. "I will keep my leg completely still to prevent pain"
B. "I will apply warm compresses to my calf if it hurts"
C. "I will perform ankle pumps and leg exercises every hour"
D. "I will cross my legs occasionally to improve circulation"
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Ankle pumps and leg exercises promote venous return and prevent DVT formation
postoperatively. Keeping the leg still (A) increases DVT risk. Warm compresses on a painful calf (B) could be
dangerous if DVT is present. Crossing legs (D) impairs circulation and increases DVT risk.
