H E S I · H E A LT H E D U C AT I O N S Y S T E M S , I N C .
HESI RN Exit Exam
Complete Practice
Question Bank
70+ Exam-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topic Focus: NCLEX-RN — Comprehensive Review
Edition 1 · July 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales — HESI RN Exit Exam 2
HESI · Health Education Systems, Inc. Page 1
,HESI RN EXIT EXAM PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. These questions are designed to reflect the HESI RN Exit Exam style and content.
Category: HESI RN Exit Exam — Nursing Practice
1 The healthcare provider changes a client's medication prescription from IV to PO
administration and doubles the dose. The nurse notes in the drug guide that the
prescribed medication, when given orally, has a high first-pass effect and reduced
bioavailability. What action should the nurse implement?
A Continue to administer the medication via the IV route
B Give half the prescribed oral dose until the provider is consulted
C Administer the medication via the oral route as prescribed
D Consult with the pharmacist regarding the error in prescription
Why C is correct: Bioavailability refers to the percentage of drug available in the systemic
circulation. An increase in dosage is necessary to provide a therapeutic effect for oral
medications with significantly reduced bioavailability. The provider's prescription accounts
for this.
A — The prescription has been changed to PO; continuing IV would be inappropriate.
B — Giving half the dose would be subtherapeutic.
D — There is no error in the prescription; the dose accounts for first-pass effect.
, 2 A client refuses to ambulate, reporting abdominal discomfort and bloating caused
by "too much gas buildup." The client's abdomen is distended. Which prescribed
PRN medication should the nurse administer?
A Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (Lortab)
B Simethicone (Mylicon)
C Promethazine (Phenergan)
D Nalbuphine (Nubain)
Why B is correct: Simethicone is an antiflatulent that is used to increase the client's ability
to expel flatus, which relieves the client's discomfort. Hydrocodone and nalbuphine are
analgesics for pain but do not alleviate gas. Promethazine is an antiemetic for nausea.
A — Lortab is an analgesic for pain, not gas.
C — Phenergan is an antiemetic for nausea.
D — Nubain is an analgesic for pain, not gas.
3 The public health nurse received funding to initiate a primary prevention program in
the community. Which program best fits the nurse's proposal?
A Case management and screening for clients with HIV
B Regional relocation center for earthquake victims
C Vitamin supplements for high-risk pregnant women
D Lead screening for children in low-income housing
Why C is correct: Primary prevention activities focus on health promotion and disease
prevention. Vitamin supplements for high-risk pregnant women provide adequate vitamin
and mineral supplementation for fetal development, preventing complications before they
occur.
A — Screening is secondary prevention.
B — Disaster response is not primary prevention.
D — Lead screening is secondary prevention.
HESI RN Exit Exam
Complete Practice
Question Bank
70+ Exam-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topic Focus: NCLEX-RN — Comprehensive Review
Edition 1 · July 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales — HESI RN Exit Exam 2
HESI · Health Education Systems, Inc. Page 1
,HESI RN EXIT EXAM PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. These questions are designed to reflect the HESI RN Exit Exam style and content.
Category: HESI RN Exit Exam — Nursing Practice
1 The healthcare provider changes a client's medication prescription from IV to PO
administration and doubles the dose. The nurse notes in the drug guide that the
prescribed medication, when given orally, has a high first-pass effect and reduced
bioavailability. What action should the nurse implement?
A Continue to administer the medication via the IV route
B Give half the prescribed oral dose until the provider is consulted
C Administer the medication via the oral route as prescribed
D Consult with the pharmacist regarding the error in prescription
Why C is correct: Bioavailability refers to the percentage of drug available in the systemic
circulation. An increase in dosage is necessary to provide a therapeutic effect for oral
medications with significantly reduced bioavailability. The provider's prescription accounts
for this.
A — The prescription has been changed to PO; continuing IV would be inappropriate.
B — Giving half the dose would be subtherapeutic.
D — There is no error in the prescription; the dose accounts for first-pass effect.
, 2 A client refuses to ambulate, reporting abdominal discomfort and bloating caused
by "too much gas buildup." The client's abdomen is distended. Which prescribed
PRN medication should the nurse administer?
A Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (Lortab)
B Simethicone (Mylicon)
C Promethazine (Phenergan)
D Nalbuphine (Nubain)
Why B is correct: Simethicone is an antiflatulent that is used to increase the client's ability
to expel flatus, which relieves the client's discomfort. Hydrocodone and nalbuphine are
analgesics for pain but do not alleviate gas. Promethazine is an antiemetic for nausea.
A — Lortab is an analgesic for pain, not gas.
C — Phenergan is an antiemetic for nausea.
D — Nubain is an analgesic for pain, not gas.
3 The public health nurse received funding to initiate a primary prevention program in
the community. Which program best fits the nurse's proposal?
A Case management and screening for clients with HIV
B Regional relocation center for earthquake victims
C Vitamin supplements for high-risk pregnant women
D Lead screening for children in low-income housing
Why C is correct: Primary prevention activities focus on health promotion and disease
prevention. Vitamin supplements for high-risk pregnant women provide adequate vitamin
and mineral supplementation for fetal development, preventing complications before they
occur.
A — Screening is secondary prevention.
B — Disaster response is not primary prevention.
D — Lead screening is secondary prevention.
