RN HESI EXIT EXAM VERSION 1
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A client is prescribed furosemide for congestive heart failure. Which laboratory value is
most important for the nurse to monitor?
A. Serum sodium level
B. Serum glucose
C. Serum creatinine level
D. Blood urea nitrogen
E. Serum potassium level
Answer: E
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant potassium
excretion. Hypokalemia is a common and dangerous side effect that can lead to cardiac
arrhythmias.
2. A client with schizophrenia is taking clozapine. Which assessment finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. WBC count of 2,500/mm3
,B. Drowsiness in the morning
C. Weight gain of 2 lbs in a week
D. Increased salivation at night
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a life-threatening decrease
in white blood cells. A WBC count below 3,000/mm3 requires immediate notification and
discontinuation of the drug.
3. The nurse is caring for a client receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which sign
indicates magnesium toxicity?
A. Increased respiratory rate
B. Loss of deep tendon reflexes
C. Hyperactive patellar reflex
D. Urinary output of 50 mL/hour
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium toxicity is characterized by central nervous system
depression, leading to loss of deep tendon reflexes, respiratory depression, and eventually
cardiac arrest.
, 4. A client is receiving a blood transfusion and begins to complain of back pain and chills.
What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Notify the health care provider
B. Check the client’s temperature
C. Slow the rate of infusion
D. Stop the transfusion immediately
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Back pain and chills are signs of a hemolytic reaction. The
priority is to stop the infusion immediately to prevent further exposure to the incompatible
blood.
5. A 4-year-old child is brought to the ER with suspected epiglottitis. Which action should the
nurse avoid?
A. Assessing the throat with a tongue blade
B. Monitoring oxygen saturation
C. Keeping the child in an upright position
D. Administering humidified oxygen
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In a child with suspected epiglottitis, using a tongue blade to
examine the throat can trigger a complete airway obstruction due to laryngospasm.
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A client is prescribed furosemide for congestive heart failure. Which laboratory value is
most important for the nurse to monitor?
A. Serum sodium level
B. Serum glucose
C. Serum creatinine level
D. Blood urea nitrogen
E. Serum potassium level
Answer: E
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant potassium
excretion. Hypokalemia is a common and dangerous side effect that can lead to cardiac
arrhythmias.
2. A client with schizophrenia is taking clozapine. Which assessment finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. WBC count of 2,500/mm3
,B. Drowsiness in the morning
C. Weight gain of 2 lbs in a week
D. Increased salivation at night
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a life-threatening decrease
in white blood cells. A WBC count below 3,000/mm3 requires immediate notification and
discontinuation of the drug.
3. The nurse is caring for a client receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which sign
indicates magnesium toxicity?
A. Increased respiratory rate
B. Loss of deep tendon reflexes
C. Hyperactive patellar reflex
D. Urinary output of 50 mL/hour
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium toxicity is characterized by central nervous system
depression, leading to loss of deep tendon reflexes, respiratory depression, and eventually
cardiac arrest.
, 4. A client is receiving a blood transfusion and begins to complain of back pain and chills.
What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Notify the health care provider
B. Check the client’s temperature
C. Slow the rate of infusion
D. Stop the transfusion immediately
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Back pain and chills are signs of a hemolytic reaction. The
priority is to stop the infusion immediately to prevent further exposure to the incompatible
blood.
5. A 4-year-old child is brought to the ER with suspected epiglottitis. Which action should the
nurse avoid?
A. Assessing the throat with a tongue blade
B. Monitoring oxygen saturation
C. Keeping the child in an upright position
D. Administering humidified oxygen
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In a child with suspected epiglottitis, using a tongue blade to
examine the throat can trigger a complete airway obstruction due to laryngospasm.
