HESI Comprehensive Exit Exam 2026 | Exam-Style
Practice Questions & Verified Solutions
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who suddenly develops crackles, dyspnea,
and pink frothy sputum. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Encourage oral fluids
B. Place the client in high-Fowler’s position
C. Obtain a daily weight
D. Restrict sodium intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: High-Fowler’s position decreases venous return and improves lung expansion,
helping relieve pulmonary edema while additional interventions are initiated.
2. Which laboratory value should the nurse report immediately for a client receiving
warfarin?
A. INR 1.8
B. INR 2.5
C. INR 5.2
D. INR 2.0
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An INR above the therapeutic range significantly increases the risk of bleeding
and requires prompt provider notification.
3. A client with diabetes becomes confused and diaphoretic. The blood glucose is 48
mg/dL. What should the nurse do first?
A. Administer insulin
B. Give 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrates if the client can swallow
C. Encourage exercise
D. Restrict fluids
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Conscious clients with hypoglycemia should receive 15 g of a rapid-acting
carbohydrate immediately.
4. Which assessment finding is most concerning after a thyroidectomy?
A. Mild neck discomfort
B. Hoarseness immediately after surgery
C. Stridor
D. Sore throat
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Stridor indicates airway obstruction and is a medical emergency.
5. A nurse is teaching a client taking digoxin. Which symptom should be reported
immediately?
A. Mild headache
B. Yellow or blurred vision
C. Dry mouth
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Visual disturbances are classic signs of digoxin toxicity.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with peaked T waves on an ECG?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia produces peaked T waves and increases the risk of lethal
dysrhythmias.
7. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. Postoperative client with pain rated 6/10
, B. Client with COPD whose oxygen saturation dropped from 92% to 84%
C. Client requesting discharge instructions
D. Client awaiting breakfast
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Airway and oxygenation problems take priority using the ABC approach.
8. A client with bacterial meningitis requires which type of isolation?
A. Airborne
B. Contact
C. Droplet
D. Protective
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Droplet precautions help prevent transmission during the initial treatment
period.
9. Which food should a client taking warfarin consume consistently?
A. Spinach
B. Grapefruit
C. Bananas
D. Yogurt
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Foods rich in vitamin K should be eaten consistently rather than avoided.
10. Which finding suggests fluid volume overload?
A. Flat neck veins
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Bilateral crackles
D. Decreased blood pressure
Correct Answer: C
Practice Questions & Verified Solutions
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who suddenly develops crackles, dyspnea,
and pink frothy sputum. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Encourage oral fluids
B. Place the client in high-Fowler’s position
C. Obtain a daily weight
D. Restrict sodium intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: High-Fowler’s position decreases venous return and improves lung expansion,
helping relieve pulmonary edema while additional interventions are initiated.
2. Which laboratory value should the nurse report immediately for a client receiving
warfarin?
A. INR 1.8
B. INR 2.5
C. INR 5.2
D. INR 2.0
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An INR above the therapeutic range significantly increases the risk of bleeding
and requires prompt provider notification.
3. A client with diabetes becomes confused and diaphoretic. The blood glucose is 48
mg/dL. What should the nurse do first?
A. Administer insulin
B. Give 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrates if the client can swallow
C. Encourage exercise
D. Restrict fluids
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Conscious clients with hypoglycemia should receive 15 g of a rapid-acting
carbohydrate immediately.
4. Which assessment finding is most concerning after a thyroidectomy?
A. Mild neck discomfort
B. Hoarseness immediately after surgery
C. Stridor
D. Sore throat
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Stridor indicates airway obstruction and is a medical emergency.
5. A nurse is teaching a client taking digoxin. Which symptom should be reported
immediately?
A. Mild headache
B. Yellow or blurred vision
C. Dry mouth
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Visual disturbances are classic signs of digoxin toxicity.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with peaked T waves on an ECG?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia produces peaked T waves and increases the risk of lethal
dysrhythmias.
7. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. Postoperative client with pain rated 6/10
, B. Client with COPD whose oxygen saturation dropped from 92% to 84%
C. Client requesting discharge instructions
D. Client awaiting breakfast
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Airway and oxygenation problems take priority using the ABC approach.
8. A client with bacterial meningitis requires which type of isolation?
A. Airborne
B. Contact
C. Droplet
D. Protective
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Droplet precautions help prevent transmission during the initial treatment
period.
9. Which food should a client taking warfarin consume consistently?
A. Spinach
B. Grapefruit
C. Bananas
D. Yogurt
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Foods rich in vitamin K should be eaten consistently rather than avoided.
10. Which finding suggests fluid volume overload?
A. Flat neck veins
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Bilateral crackles
D. Decreased blood pressure
Correct Answer: C
