ADULT HEALTH HESI REVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026-2027 | HIG… EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
Adult Health HESI
Review Questions &
Answers 2026-2027 |
High-Yield Exam Prep
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
48 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 48 high-yield Adult Health HESI review questions, each accompanied by
its correct answer and a detailed rationale. It is an effective tool for comprehensive exam
preparation, offering a structured approach to mastering core nursing concepts. This resource is
ideal for students reviewing material, preparing for certification exams, and solidifying their
understanding of adult health nursing principles.
CONTENTS
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Q1–Q11
Gastrointestinal & Nutritional Support Q12–Q24
Endocrine & Metabolic Q25–Q35
Renal & Electrolytes Q36–Q41
Page 1
, Neurology & Sensory Q42–Q48
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 48
A central venous catheter has been inserted via a jugular vein, and a radiograph has confirmed
placement of the catheter. A prescription has been received for a medication STAT, but IV fluids
have not yet been started. Which action should the nurse take prior to administering the
prescribed medication?
A. Assess for signs of jugular venous distention.
B. Obtain the needed intravenous solution.
C. Flush the line with heparinized solution.
D. Flush the line with normal saline.
CORRECT ANSWER
Answer, D
Rationale- Medication can be administered via a central line without additional IV fluids. The line
should first be flushed with a normal saline solution to ensure patency. Insufficient evidence exists
on the effectiveness of flushing catheters with heparin. Option A will not affect the decision to
administer the medication and is not a priority. Administration of the medication STAT is of greater
priority than option B.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 48
An older male client comes to the outpatient clinic complaining of pain in his left calf. The nurse
notices a reddened area on the calf of his right leg that is warm to the touch, and the nurse
suspects that the client may have thrombophlebitis. Which additional assessment is most
important for the nurse to perform?
A. Measure the client's calf circumference.
B. Auscultate the client's breath sounds.
C. Observe for ecchymosis and petechiae.
D. Obtain the client's blood pressure.
Page 2
, CORRECT ANSWER
Answer- B
Rationale- All these techniques provide useful assessment data. The most important is to auscultate
the client's breath sounds because the client may have a pulmonary embolus secondary to the
thrombophlebitis. Option A may provide data that support the nurse's suspicion of
thrombophlebitis. Option C is the least helpful assessment because bruising is not a typical finding
associated with thrombophlebitis. Option D is always useful in evaluating the client's response to a
problem but is of less immediate priority than breath sound auscultation.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 48
An older client is admitted with a diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. Which symptom should the
nurse report to the health care provider after assessing the client?
A. Leukocytosis and febrile
B. Polycythemia and crackles
C. Pharyngitis and sputum production
D. Confusion and tachycardia
CORRECT ANSWER
Answer- D
Rationale- The onset of pneumonia in the older client may be signaled by general deterioration,
confusion, increased heart rate, and/or increased respiratory rate. Options A, B, and C are often
absent in the older client with bacterial pneumonia.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 48
The nurse is assessing a male client with acute pancreatitis. Which finding requires the most
immediate intervention by the nurse?
A. The client's amylase level is three times higher than the normal level.
B. While the nurse is taking the client's blood pressure, he has a carpal spasm.
C. On a 1 to 10 scale, the client tells the nurse that his epigastric pain is at 7.
D. The client states that he will continue to drink alcohol after going home.
Page 3
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
Adult Health HESI
Review Questions &
Answers 2026-2027 |
High-Yield Exam Prep
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
48 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 48 high-yield Adult Health HESI review questions, each accompanied by
its correct answer and a detailed rationale. It is an effective tool for comprehensive exam
preparation, offering a structured approach to mastering core nursing concepts. This resource is
ideal for students reviewing material, preparing for certification exams, and solidifying their
understanding of adult health nursing principles.
CONTENTS
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Q1–Q11
Gastrointestinal & Nutritional Support Q12–Q24
Endocrine & Metabolic Q25–Q35
Renal & Electrolytes Q36–Q41
Page 1
, Neurology & Sensory Q42–Q48
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 48
A central venous catheter has been inserted via a jugular vein, and a radiograph has confirmed
placement of the catheter. A prescription has been received for a medication STAT, but IV fluids
have not yet been started. Which action should the nurse take prior to administering the
prescribed medication?
A. Assess for signs of jugular venous distention.
B. Obtain the needed intravenous solution.
C. Flush the line with heparinized solution.
D. Flush the line with normal saline.
CORRECT ANSWER
Answer, D
Rationale- Medication can be administered via a central line without additional IV fluids. The line
should first be flushed with a normal saline solution to ensure patency. Insufficient evidence exists
on the effectiveness of flushing catheters with heparin. Option A will not affect the decision to
administer the medication and is not a priority. Administration of the medication STAT is of greater
priority than option B.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 48
An older male client comes to the outpatient clinic complaining of pain in his left calf. The nurse
notices a reddened area on the calf of his right leg that is warm to the touch, and the nurse
suspects that the client may have thrombophlebitis. Which additional assessment is most
important for the nurse to perform?
A. Measure the client's calf circumference.
B. Auscultate the client's breath sounds.
C. Observe for ecchymosis and petechiae.
D. Obtain the client's blood pressure.
Page 2
, CORRECT ANSWER
Answer- B
Rationale- All these techniques provide useful assessment data. The most important is to auscultate
the client's breath sounds because the client may have a pulmonary embolus secondary to the
thrombophlebitis. Option A may provide data that support the nurse's suspicion of
thrombophlebitis. Option C is the least helpful assessment because bruising is not a typical finding
associated with thrombophlebitis. Option D is always useful in evaluating the client's response to a
problem but is of less immediate priority than breath sound auscultation.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 48
An older client is admitted with a diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. Which symptom should the
nurse report to the health care provider after assessing the client?
A. Leukocytosis and febrile
B. Polycythemia and crackles
C. Pharyngitis and sputum production
D. Confusion and tachycardia
CORRECT ANSWER
Answer- D
Rationale- The onset of pneumonia in the older client may be signaled by general deterioration,
confusion, increased heart rate, and/or increased respiratory rate. Options A, B, and C are often
absent in the older client with bacterial pneumonia.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 48
The nurse is assessing a male client with acute pancreatitis. Which finding requires the most
immediate intervention by the nurse?
A. The client's amylase level is three times higher than the normal level.
B. While the nurse is taking the client's blood pressure, he has a carpal spasm.
C. On a 1 to 10 scale, the client tells the nurse that his epigastric pain is at 7.
D. The client states that he will continue to drink alcohol after going home.
Page 3
