Herzing University HESI RN Exit Exam 2025–2026
Comprehensive Nursing Review & Clinical Practice
Study Guide, Practice Questions & Exam Review
1.
A client with chronic heart failure is prescribed furosemide 40 mg PO daily. Which assessment
finding requires immediate follow-up?
A. Weight loss of 2 pounds in 3 days
B. Serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L
C. Blood pressure of 138/78 mmHg
D. Mild nocturia
Answer: B
2.
A postoperative client reports shortness of breath and sharp chest pain on inspiration. What is
the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Encourage use of incentive spirometer
B. Administer prescribed opioid analgesic
C. Notify healthcare provider of possible pulmonary embolism
D. Apply supplemental oxygen
Answer: C
3.
The nurse is caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The TPN solution is
nearly finished, but the next bag is delayed from pharmacy. What action should the nurse take?
A. Hang 5% dextrose in water until TPN arrives
B. Stop the infusion and flush with normal saline
C. Reduce the rate of infusion by half
D. Contact provider for new orders
Answer
,4.
A client receiving chemotherapy reports painful mouth ulcers. Which intervention should the
nurse recommend?
A. Use alcohol-based mouthwash after meals
B. Perform frequent oral rinses with normal saline
C. Increase intake of citrus fruits
D. Brush teeth vigorously with a hard-bristle brush
Answer: B
5.
During blood transfusion, the client suddenly develops chills, fever, and lower back pain. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Slow the infusion rate
B. Stop the transfusion and maintain IV with normal saline
C. Notify the provider immediately
D. Document the adverse reaction in client chart
Answer: B
6.
Which finding in a client with Addison’s disease requires immediate intervention?
A. Blood pressure of 88/54 mmHg
B. Bronze discoloration of skin
C. Weight loss of 5 pounds over a week
D. Salt craving
Answer: A
7.
2|Page
,A client with pneumonia is receiving IV antibiotics. The nurse notices swelling, erythema, and
pain at the IV site. What is the priority action?
A. Apply warm compresses
B. Stop infusion and remove IV catheter
C. Notify healthcare provider
D. Document findings
Answer: B
9.
The nurse is teaching a client about warfarin therapy. Which statement indicates need for
further teaching?
A. “I will eat more green leafy vegetables to stay healthy.”
B. “I will report any unusual bruising to my provider.”
C. “I will need to have my blood tested regularly.”
D. “I will avoid aspirin unless prescribed.”
Answer: A
10.
Which finding in a client receiving digoxin requires immediate follow-up?
A. Apical pulse 58 bpm
B. Serum potassium 4.0 mEq/L
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Digoxin level 1.2 ng/mL
Answer: A
11.
Which nursing action is most appropriate when administering subcutaneous heparin?
A. Massage the injection site after administration
B. Inject into abdominal tissue with a 90° angle
C. Aspirate before injecting the medication
D. Use the deltoid muscle for faster absorption
Answer: B
3|Page
, 12.
A client with COPD has an SpO₂ of 85% on room air. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Increase fluid intake
B. Place client in high Fowler’s position
C. Initiate oxygen therapy as prescribed
D. Encourage pursed-lip breathing
Answer: C
13.
The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube on low suction. Which finding
indicates a complication?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Potassium level 2.7 mEq/L
C. Slight abdominal tenderness
D. Watery nasal secretions
Answer: B
14.
Which instruction should the nurse provide to a client starting nitroglycerin therapy?
A. Swallow tablets whole with water
B. Store medication in original dark container
C. Take with food to avoid stomach upset
D. Expect relief within 30 minutes of use
Answer: B
15.
A client with cirrhosis is at risk for hepatic encephalopathy. Which diet selection by the client
indicates teaching was effective?
A. Grilled chicken breast with rice
B. Bacon and scrambled eggs
C. Steak with mashed potatoes
D. Cheeseburger and fries
Answer: A
4|Page
Comprehensive Nursing Review & Clinical Practice
Study Guide, Practice Questions & Exam Review
1.
A client with chronic heart failure is prescribed furosemide 40 mg PO daily. Which assessment
finding requires immediate follow-up?
A. Weight loss of 2 pounds in 3 days
B. Serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L
C. Blood pressure of 138/78 mmHg
D. Mild nocturia
Answer: B
2.
A postoperative client reports shortness of breath and sharp chest pain on inspiration. What is
the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Encourage use of incentive spirometer
B. Administer prescribed opioid analgesic
C. Notify healthcare provider of possible pulmonary embolism
D. Apply supplemental oxygen
Answer: C
3.
The nurse is caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The TPN solution is
nearly finished, but the next bag is delayed from pharmacy. What action should the nurse take?
A. Hang 5% dextrose in water until TPN arrives
B. Stop the infusion and flush with normal saline
C. Reduce the rate of infusion by half
D. Contact provider for new orders
Answer
,4.
A client receiving chemotherapy reports painful mouth ulcers. Which intervention should the
nurse recommend?
A. Use alcohol-based mouthwash after meals
B. Perform frequent oral rinses with normal saline
C. Increase intake of citrus fruits
D. Brush teeth vigorously with a hard-bristle brush
Answer: B
5.
During blood transfusion, the client suddenly develops chills, fever, and lower back pain. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Slow the infusion rate
B. Stop the transfusion and maintain IV with normal saline
C. Notify the provider immediately
D. Document the adverse reaction in client chart
Answer: B
6.
Which finding in a client with Addison’s disease requires immediate intervention?
A. Blood pressure of 88/54 mmHg
B. Bronze discoloration of skin
C. Weight loss of 5 pounds over a week
D. Salt craving
Answer: A
7.
2|Page
,A client with pneumonia is receiving IV antibiotics. The nurse notices swelling, erythema, and
pain at the IV site. What is the priority action?
A. Apply warm compresses
B. Stop infusion and remove IV catheter
C. Notify healthcare provider
D. Document findings
Answer: B
9.
The nurse is teaching a client about warfarin therapy. Which statement indicates need for
further teaching?
A. “I will eat more green leafy vegetables to stay healthy.”
B. “I will report any unusual bruising to my provider.”
C. “I will need to have my blood tested regularly.”
D. “I will avoid aspirin unless prescribed.”
Answer: A
10.
Which finding in a client receiving digoxin requires immediate follow-up?
A. Apical pulse 58 bpm
B. Serum potassium 4.0 mEq/L
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Digoxin level 1.2 ng/mL
Answer: A
11.
Which nursing action is most appropriate when administering subcutaneous heparin?
A. Massage the injection site after administration
B. Inject into abdominal tissue with a 90° angle
C. Aspirate before injecting the medication
D. Use the deltoid muscle for faster absorption
Answer: B
3|Page
, 12.
A client with COPD has an SpO₂ of 85% on room air. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Increase fluid intake
B. Place client in high Fowler’s position
C. Initiate oxygen therapy as prescribed
D. Encourage pursed-lip breathing
Answer: C
13.
The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube on low suction. Which finding
indicates a complication?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Potassium level 2.7 mEq/L
C. Slight abdominal tenderness
D. Watery nasal secretions
Answer: B
14.
Which instruction should the nurse provide to a client starting nitroglycerin therapy?
A. Swallow tablets whole with water
B. Store medication in original dark container
C. Take with food to avoid stomach upset
D. Expect relief within 30 minutes of use
Answer: B
15.
A client with cirrhosis is at risk for hepatic encephalopathy. Which diet selection by the client
indicates teaching was effective?
A. Grilled chicken breast with rice
B. Bacon and scrambled eggs
C. Steak with mashed potatoes
D. Cheeseburger and fries
Answer: A
4|Page
