HESI EXIT RN V5 EXAM 160 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
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Core Domains
• Safe and Effective Care Environment – Management of Care
• Safe and Effective Care Environment – Safety and Infection Control
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity – Basic Care and Comfort
• Physiological Integrity – Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
• Physiological Integrity – Reduction of Risk Potential
• Physiological Integrity – Physiological Adaptation
• Clinical Judgment and Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Case Studies
• Leadership, Delegation, and Prioritization
Introduction
This comprehensive HESI Exit RN V5 examination is designed to assess the clinical
judgment, critical thinking, and nursing knowledge required for successful licensure
as a registered nurse. The exam contains 160 multiple-choice questions, including
Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) style case studies, select-all-that-apply items,
dosage calculations, and prioritization scenarios. Candidates will demonstrate
competency in safe and effective care, health promotion, psychosocial integrity,
and physiological integrity. Each question includes a detailed rationale to reinforce
learning and clinical decision-making. This resource reflects the latest 2026/2027
HESI Exit Exam standards and is verified for accuracy and relevance to current
nursing practice.
,
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 160
Question 1
The nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following abdominal
surgery. The client's vital signs are: BP 98/62 mmHg, HR 118 bpm, RR 24/min,
temperature 37.2°C (99.0°F). The client reports severe pain rated 9/10. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer prescribed analgesic medication
B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
C. Assess the surgical incision and dressing
D. Recheck vital signs in 15 minutes
A
RATIONALE: The nurse should first address the client's severe pain by
administering the prescribed analgesic. Pain can cause tachycardia and
hypertension, and untreated pain can delay recovery. While the vital signs should be
monitored, pain management is the priority. Assessing the incision is important but
can be done after administering pain medication.
Question 2
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide 40 mg IV push. Before
administering the medication, which assessment is most important for the nurse to
perform?
A. Serum potassium level
B. Serum sodium level
C. Blood glucose level
D. Serum calcium level
, A
RATIONALE: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium depletion.
The nurse should assess the client's serum potassium level before administration.
Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and is a significant risk with loop
diuretic therapy.
Question 3
The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a new diagnosis of type 2
diabetes mellitus. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. "I will check my blood sugar before meals and at bedtime."
B. "I can stop taking my metformin when my blood sugar is normal."
C. "I should eat a consistent amount of carbohydrates at each meal."
D. "I need to inspect my feet daily for any cuts or blisters."
B
RATIONALE: The client should not stop taking metformin when blood glucose
levels are normal. Diabetes is a chronic condition requiring ongoing medication
management. Stopping medication can lead to hyperglycemia and complications.
The other statements reflect correct understanding of diabetes management.
Question 4
The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube following a pneumothorax. The
nurse observes continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. What is the most
appropriate nursing action?
A. Clamp the chest tube immediately
B. Notify the healthcare provider
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Safe and Effective Care Environment – Management of Care
• Safe and Effective Care Environment – Safety and Infection Control
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity – Basic Care and Comfort
• Physiological Integrity – Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
• Physiological Integrity – Reduction of Risk Potential
• Physiological Integrity – Physiological Adaptation
• Clinical Judgment and Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Case Studies
• Leadership, Delegation, and Prioritization
Introduction
This comprehensive HESI Exit RN V5 examination is designed to assess the clinical
judgment, critical thinking, and nursing knowledge required for successful licensure
as a registered nurse. The exam contains 160 multiple-choice questions, including
Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) style case studies, select-all-that-apply items,
dosage calculations, and prioritization scenarios. Candidates will demonstrate
competency in safe and effective care, health promotion, psychosocial integrity,
and physiological integrity. Each question includes a detailed rationale to reinforce
learning and clinical decision-making. This resource reflects the latest 2026/2027
HESI Exit Exam standards and is verified for accuracy and relevance to current
nursing practice.
,
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 160
Question 1
The nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following abdominal
surgery. The client's vital signs are: BP 98/62 mmHg, HR 118 bpm, RR 24/min,
temperature 37.2°C (99.0°F). The client reports severe pain rated 9/10. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer prescribed analgesic medication
B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
C. Assess the surgical incision and dressing
D. Recheck vital signs in 15 minutes
A
RATIONALE: The nurse should first address the client's severe pain by
administering the prescribed analgesic. Pain can cause tachycardia and
hypertension, and untreated pain can delay recovery. While the vital signs should be
monitored, pain management is the priority. Assessing the incision is important but
can be done after administering pain medication.
Question 2
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide 40 mg IV push. Before
administering the medication, which assessment is most important for the nurse to
perform?
A. Serum potassium level
B. Serum sodium level
C. Blood glucose level
D. Serum calcium level
, A
RATIONALE: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium depletion.
The nurse should assess the client's serum potassium level before administration.
Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and is a significant risk with loop
diuretic therapy.
Question 3
The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a new diagnosis of type 2
diabetes mellitus. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. "I will check my blood sugar before meals and at bedtime."
B. "I can stop taking my metformin when my blood sugar is normal."
C. "I should eat a consistent amount of carbohydrates at each meal."
D. "I need to inspect my feet daily for any cuts or blisters."
B
RATIONALE: The client should not stop taking metformin when blood glucose
levels are normal. Diabetes is a chronic condition requiring ongoing medication
management. Stopping medication can lead to hyperglycemia and complications.
The other statements reflect correct understanding of diabetes management.
Question 4
The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube following a pneumothorax. The
nurse observes continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. What is the most
appropriate nursing action?
A. Clamp the chest tube immediately
B. Notify the healthcare provider
