HESI EXIT EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+. 100% VERIFIED SOLUTIONS |
UPDATED PER LATEST GUIDELINES | GRADED A+
Question 1
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.
The patient's respiratory rate drops from 22 to 10 breaths/min. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min
B. Assess the patient's oxygen saturation and level of consciousness
C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
D. Encourage the patient to take deep breaths
🟢 Correct Answer:
C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
🔴 RATIONALE:
A sudden drop in respiratory rate in a COPD patient receiving supplemental oxygen may indicate respiratory
depression due to loss of hypoxic drive. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate notification of the
healthcare provider. The nurse should also assess the patient, but notifying the provider is the priority action.
Question 2
A patient is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which laboratory finding is most consistent with this
diagnosis?
,A. Serum glucose 180 mg/dL
B. Serum bicarbonate 22 mEq/L
C. Arterial pH 7.25
D. Serum potassium 5.5 mEq/L
🟢 Correct Answer:
C. Arterial pH 7.25
🔴 RATIONALE:
DKA is characterized by metabolic acidosis with an arterial pH below 7.30, serum glucose often exceeding 250
mg/dL, and low serum bicarbonate (less than 15 mEq/L). A pH of 7.25 indicates acidosis. A serum glucose of 180
mg/dL is not high enough for DKA.
Question 3
A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Which assessment finding indicates the medication
is effective?
A. Decreased blood pressure
B. Increased urine output
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Increased peripheral edema
🟢 Correct Answer:
B. Increased urine output
,🔴 RATIONALE:
Furosemide is a diuretic used to reduce fluid volume overload in heart failure. The expected therapeutic
response is increased urine output, which helps reduce edema, shortness of breath, and other signs of fluid
overload. While decreased blood pressure and heart rate may occur, increased urine output is the most direct
indicator of effectiveness.
Question 4
A patient with a hip fracture is at risk for developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which intervention is most
effective in preventing this complication?
A. Administering prescribed anticoagulants
B. Encouraging the patient to cross their legs
C. Applying warm compresses to the legs
D. Performing passive range-of-motion exercises
🟢 Correct Answer:
A. Administering prescribed anticoagulants
🔴 RATIONALE:
Pharmacological prophylaxis with anticoagulants (such as heparin or enoxaparin) is the most effective
intervention for preventing DVT in patients with hip fractures and other major surgeries. While passive ROM and
other measures may help, they are not as effective as anticoagulation.
, Question 5
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). Which statement by the
patient indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I should avoid eating foods high in vitamin K."
B. "I should take the medication at the same time each day."
C. "I can take aspirin for headaches while on this medication."
D. "I will not need to have my blood tested while taking this medication."
🟢 Correct Answer:
B. "I should take the medication at the same time each day."
🔴 RATIONALE:
Warfarin should be taken at the same time each day to maintain a consistent blood level and therapeutic effect.
Patients should be taught to monitor for signs of bleeding, avoid foods high in vitamin K (or keep intake
consistent), and report any signs of bleeding. Aspirin should not be taken with warfarin without provider
approval.
Question 6
A patient is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which position does the nurse anticipate the patient will assume
to relieve pain?
A. Supine with legs extended
B. Side-lying with knees flexed
C. Prone position
D. Sitting upright
UPDATED PER LATEST GUIDELINES | GRADED A+
Question 1
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.
The patient's respiratory rate drops from 22 to 10 breaths/min. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min
B. Assess the patient's oxygen saturation and level of consciousness
C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
D. Encourage the patient to take deep breaths
🟢 Correct Answer:
C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
🔴 RATIONALE:
A sudden drop in respiratory rate in a COPD patient receiving supplemental oxygen may indicate respiratory
depression due to loss of hypoxic drive. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate notification of the
healthcare provider. The nurse should also assess the patient, but notifying the provider is the priority action.
Question 2
A patient is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which laboratory finding is most consistent with this
diagnosis?
,A. Serum glucose 180 mg/dL
B. Serum bicarbonate 22 mEq/L
C. Arterial pH 7.25
D. Serum potassium 5.5 mEq/L
🟢 Correct Answer:
C. Arterial pH 7.25
🔴 RATIONALE:
DKA is characterized by metabolic acidosis with an arterial pH below 7.30, serum glucose often exceeding 250
mg/dL, and low serum bicarbonate (less than 15 mEq/L). A pH of 7.25 indicates acidosis. A serum glucose of 180
mg/dL is not high enough for DKA.
Question 3
A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Which assessment finding indicates the medication
is effective?
A. Decreased blood pressure
B. Increased urine output
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Increased peripheral edema
🟢 Correct Answer:
B. Increased urine output
,🔴 RATIONALE:
Furosemide is a diuretic used to reduce fluid volume overload in heart failure. The expected therapeutic
response is increased urine output, which helps reduce edema, shortness of breath, and other signs of fluid
overload. While decreased blood pressure and heart rate may occur, increased urine output is the most direct
indicator of effectiveness.
Question 4
A patient with a hip fracture is at risk for developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which intervention is most
effective in preventing this complication?
A. Administering prescribed anticoagulants
B. Encouraging the patient to cross their legs
C. Applying warm compresses to the legs
D. Performing passive range-of-motion exercises
🟢 Correct Answer:
A. Administering prescribed anticoagulants
🔴 RATIONALE:
Pharmacological prophylaxis with anticoagulants (such as heparin or enoxaparin) is the most effective
intervention for preventing DVT in patients with hip fractures and other major surgeries. While passive ROM and
other measures may help, they are not as effective as anticoagulation.
, Question 5
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). Which statement by the
patient indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I should avoid eating foods high in vitamin K."
B. "I should take the medication at the same time each day."
C. "I can take aspirin for headaches while on this medication."
D. "I will not need to have my blood tested while taking this medication."
🟢 Correct Answer:
B. "I should take the medication at the same time each day."
🔴 RATIONALE:
Warfarin should be taken at the same time each day to maintain a consistent blood level and therapeutic effect.
Patients should be taught to monitor for signs of bleeding, avoid foods high in vitamin K (or keep intake
consistent), and report any signs of bleeding. Aspirin should not be taken with warfarin without provider
approval.
Question 6
A patient is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which position does the nurse anticipate the patient will assume
to relieve pain?
A. Supine with legs extended
B. Side-lying with knees flexed
C. Prone position
D. Sitting upright
