HESI Adult Health ACTUAL EXAM WITH REAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH WELL-
ELABORATED RATIONALES/ HESI Adult Health LATEST
EXAM 2025 (BRAND NEW!!)
A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed piroxicam (Feldene), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug (NSAID). Which effect is characteristic of (NSAIDs) used for treating rheumatoid arthritis?
A. Production of replacement cartilage is stimulated.
B. Further destruction of the articular cartilage is prevented.
C. Inflammation is reduced by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
D. Bradykinin is inhibited, thereby reducing acute and chronic pain.
C. Inflammation is reduced by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
Rationale
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, by inhibiting the
synthesis of prostaglandins and providing relief from the associated pain.
When planning care for a client with right renal calculi, which nursing diagnosis has the highest
priority?
A. Acute pain related to movement of the stone.
B. Impaired urinary elimination related to obstructed flow of urine.
C. Risk for infection related to urinary stasis.
D. Deficient knowledge related to need for prevention of recurrence of calculi.
A. Acute pain related to movement of the stone.
Rationale
The nursing diagnosis of the highest priority is "Acute pain related the renal calculi's movement".
The nurse is caring for a client who is admitted with a hemorrhagic stroke. Which nursing action
should be included in the plan of care?
A. Perform active range of motion three times daily
B. Monitor for Battle's sign every four hours
C. Teach measures to avoid the Valsalva maneuver
D. Maintain the head of bed in a flat position
,C. Teach measures to avoid the Valsalva maneuver
Rationale
The Valsalva maneuver, straining with bowel movements while holding one's breath, increases
intracerebral pressure (ICP) which may induce bleeding or rupture of cerebral blood vessels.
Which preexisting diagnosis places a client at greatest risk of developing superior vena cava
syndrome?
A. Carotid stenosis.
B. Steatosis hepatitis.
C. Metastatic cancer.
D. Clavicular fracture.
C. Metastatic cancer.
Rationale
Superior vena cava syndrome occurs when the superior vena cava (SVC) is compressed by outside
structures, such as a growing tumor that impedes the return blood flow to the heart. Superior vena cava
syndrome is likely to occur with metastatic cancer from a primary tumor in the upper lobe of the right
lung that compresses the superior vena cava.
What assessment finding should the nurse identify that indicates a client with an acute asthma
exacerbation is beginning to improve after treatment?
A. Wheezing becomes louder.
B. Cough remains unproductive.
C. Vesicular breath sounds decrease.
D. Bronchodilators stimulate coughing.
A. Wheezing becomes louder.
Rationale
In an acute asthma attack, air flow may be so significantly restricted that breath sounds and wheezing is
diminished. If the client is successfully responding to bronchodilators and respiratory treatments,
wheezing should become louder as the air flow increases in the airways. As the airways open and
mucous is mobilized in response to treatment, the cough should become more productive. Vesicular
breath sounds are soft, low-pitched sounds heard throughout the lungs. These are normal.
The nurse is providing postoperative instructions for a female client after a mastectomy. Which
information should the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)
Select all that apply
A. Empty surgical drains once a week using procedure gloves.
B. Report inflammation of the incision site or the affected arm.
C. Wear clothing with snug sleeves over the arm on the operative side.
D. Avoid lifting more than 4.5 kg (10 lb) or reaching above her head.
B. Report inflammation of the incision site or the affected arm.
D. Avoid lifting more than 4.5 kg (10 lb) or reaching above her head.
,Rationale
Part of a client's s/p (status post) mastectomy teaching plan should include reporting evidence of
inflammation at the incision site or the affected arm, and to avoid lifting or reaching above their head.
Which client is at highest risk for compromised psychological adjustment after a hysterectomy?
A. A 46-year-old woman with three children and a recent promotion at work.
B. A 55-year-old woman with abnormal bleeding and pain for 3 years.
C. A 62-year-old widow who has three friends who had uncomplicated hysterectomies.
D. A 29-year-old woman whose uterus ruptured after giving birth to her first child.
D. A 29-year-old woman whose uterus ruptured after giving birth to her first child.
Rationale
The client who is a primipara and is still in her childbearing years and is at highest risk for unresolved
conflicts about the end of her childbearing opportunities.
When caring for a client with a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube, what protocols
should the nurse implement for intermittent feedings? (Select all that apply.)
Select all that apply
A. Assessing residual amounts once a day.
B. Keeping the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees.
C. Changing the enteral-feeding bag every 24 hours.
D. Checking the placement of the tube by means of gastric aspiration.
E. Flushing the tube with 50 ml of normal saline solution after each feeding.
B. Keeping the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees.
C. Changing the enteral-feeding bag every 24 hours.
D. Checking the placement of the tube by means of gastric aspiration.
E. Flushing the tube with 50 ml of normal saline solution after each feeding.
Rationale
Keeping the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees, changing the enteral-feeding bag every 24 hours,
checking the placement of the tube by means of gastric aspiration, and flushing the tube with 50 ml of
normal saline solution after each feeding are interventions used to provide care of the client with a PEG
tube. Residual amounts should be assessed each time, prior to each feeding.
The nurse obtains a client's history that includes right mastectomy and radiation therapy for cancer of
the breast 10 years ago. Which current health problem should the nurse consider is a consequence of
the radiation therapy?
A. Asthma.
B. Myocardial infarction.
C. Chronic esophagitis with gastroesophageal reflux.
D. Pathologic fracture of two ribs on the right chest.
D. Pathologic fracture of two ribs on the right chest.
, Rationale
The ribs lie in the radiation pathway and lose density over time, becoming thin and brittle, so the
occurrence of two right-sided ribs with pathological fractures resulting without evidence of trauma is
related to radiation damage.
Which intervention should the nurse implement that best confirms placement of an endotracheal
tube (ETT)?
A. Use an end-tidal CO2 detector.
B. Auscultate for bilateral breath sounds.
C. Obtain pulse oximeter reading.
D. Check symmetrical chest movement.
A. Use an end-tidal CO2 detector.
Rationale
The end-tidal carbon dioxide detector indicates the presence of CO2 tidal by a color change or a number
indicated on the detector, which is supporting evidence that the ETT is in the trachea, not the
esophagus.
A client is admitted to the hospital with a traumatic brain injury after his head violently struck a brick
wall during a gang fight. Which finding is most important for the nurse to assess further?
A. A scalp laceration oozing blood.
B. Serosanguineous nasal drainage.
C. Headache rated "10" on a 0-10 scale.
D. Dizziness, nausea and transient confusion.
B. Serosanguineous nasal drainage.
Rationale
Any nasal discharge following a head injury should be evaluated to determine the presence of cerebral
spinal fluid which would indicate a tear in the dura making the client susceptible to meningitis.
A 48-year-old client with endometrial cancer is being discharged after a total hysterectomy and
bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Which client statement indicates that further teaching is needed?
A. "Well, I don't have to worry about getting pregnant anymore."
B. "I can't wait to go on the cruise that I have planned for this summer."
C. "I know I will miss having sexual intercourse with my husband."
D. "I have asked my daughter to stay with me next week after I am discharged."
C. "I know I will miss having sexual intercourse with my husband."
Rationale
Further teaching is needed in response to the client's misunderstanding of not being able to have sexual
intercourse after a hysterectomy, needs to be addressed.
What is the primary nursing problem for a client with asymptomatic primary syphilis?
A. Acute pain.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH WELL-
ELABORATED RATIONALES/ HESI Adult Health LATEST
EXAM 2025 (BRAND NEW!!)
A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed piroxicam (Feldene), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug (NSAID). Which effect is characteristic of (NSAIDs) used for treating rheumatoid arthritis?
A. Production of replacement cartilage is stimulated.
B. Further destruction of the articular cartilage is prevented.
C. Inflammation is reduced by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
D. Bradykinin is inhibited, thereby reducing acute and chronic pain.
C. Inflammation is reduced by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
Rationale
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, by inhibiting the
synthesis of prostaglandins and providing relief from the associated pain.
When planning care for a client with right renal calculi, which nursing diagnosis has the highest
priority?
A. Acute pain related to movement of the stone.
B. Impaired urinary elimination related to obstructed flow of urine.
C. Risk for infection related to urinary stasis.
D. Deficient knowledge related to need for prevention of recurrence of calculi.
A. Acute pain related to movement of the stone.
Rationale
The nursing diagnosis of the highest priority is "Acute pain related the renal calculi's movement".
The nurse is caring for a client who is admitted with a hemorrhagic stroke. Which nursing action
should be included in the plan of care?
A. Perform active range of motion three times daily
B. Monitor for Battle's sign every four hours
C. Teach measures to avoid the Valsalva maneuver
D. Maintain the head of bed in a flat position
,C. Teach measures to avoid the Valsalva maneuver
Rationale
The Valsalva maneuver, straining with bowel movements while holding one's breath, increases
intracerebral pressure (ICP) which may induce bleeding or rupture of cerebral blood vessels.
Which preexisting diagnosis places a client at greatest risk of developing superior vena cava
syndrome?
A. Carotid stenosis.
B. Steatosis hepatitis.
C. Metastatic cancer.
D. Clavicular fracture.
C. Metastatic cancer.
Rationale
Superior vena cava syndrome occurs when the superior vena cava (SVC) is compressed by outside
structures, such as a growing tumor that impedes the return blood flow to the heart. Superior vena cava
syndrome is likely to occur with metastatic cancer from a primary tumor in the upper lobe of the right
lung that compresses the superior vena cava.
What assessment finding should the nurse identify that indicates a client with an acute asthma
exacerbation is beginning to improve after treatment?
A. Wheezing becomes louder.
B. Cough remains unproductive.
C. Vesicular breath sounds decrease.
D. Bronchodilators stimulate coughing.
A. Wheezing becomes louder.
Rationale
In an acute asthma attack, air flow may be so significantly restricted that breath sounds and wheezing is
diminished. If the client is successfully responding to bronchodilators and respiratory treatments,
wheezing should become louder as the air flow increases in the airways. As the airways open and
mucous is mobilized in response to treatment, the cough should become more productive. Vesicular
breath sounds are soft, low-pitched sounds heard throughout the lungs. These are normal.
The nurse is providing postoperative instructions for a female client after a mastectomy. Which
information should the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)
Select all that apply
A. Empty surgical drains once a week using procedure gloves.
B. Report inflammation of the incision site or the affected arm.
C. Wear clothing with snug sleeves over the arm on the operative side.
D. Avoid lifting more than 4.5 kg (10 lb) or reaching above her head.
B. Report inflammation of the incision site or the affected arm.
D. Avoid lifting more than 4.5 kg (10 lb) or reaching above her head.
,Rationale
Part of a client's s/p (status post) mastectomy teaching plan should include reporting evidence of
inflammation at the incision site or the affected arm, and to avoid lifting or reaching above their head.
Which client is at highest risk for compromised psychological adjustment after a hysterectomy?
A. A 46-year-old woman with three children and a recent promotion at work.
B. A 55-year-old woman with abnormal bleeding and pain for 3 years.
C. A 62-year-old widow who has three friends who had uncomplicated hysterectomies.
D. A 29-year-old woman whose uterus ruptured after giving birth to her first child.
D. A 29-year-old woman whose uterus ruptured after giving birth to her first child.
Rationale
The client who is a primipara and is still in her childbearing years and is at highest risk for unresolved
conflicts about the end of her childbearing opportunities.
When caring for a client with a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube, what protocols
should the nurse implement for intermittent feedings? (Select all that apply.)
Select all that apply
A. Assessing residual amounts once a day.
B. Keeping the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees.
C. Changing the enteral-feeding bag every 24 hours.
D. Checking the placement of the tube by means of gastric aspiration.
E. Flushing the tube with 50 ml of normal saline solution after each feeding.
B. Keeping the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees.
C. Changing the enteral-feeding bag every 24 hours.
D. Checking the placement of the tube by means of gastric aspiration.
E. Flushing the tube with 50 ml of normal saline solution after each feeding.
Rationale
Keeping the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees, changing the enteral-feeding bag every 24 hours,
checking the placement of the tube by means of gastric aspiration, and flushing the tube with 50 ml of
normal saline solution after each feeding are interventions used to provide care of the client with a PEG
tube. Residual amounts should be assessed each time, prior to each feeding.
The nurse obtains a client's history that includes right mastectomy and radiation therapy for cancer of
the breast 10 years ago. Which current health problem should the nurse consider is a consequence of
the radiation therapy?
A. Asthma.
B. Myocardial infarction.
C. Chronic esophagitis with gastroesophageal reflux.
D. Pathologic fracture of two ribs on the right chest.
D. Pathologic fracture of two ribs on the right chest.
, Rationale
The ribs lie in the radiation pathway and lose density over time, becoming thin and brittle, so the
occurrence of two right-sided ribs with pathological fractures resulting without evidence of trauma is
related to radiation damage.
Which intervention should the nurse implement that best confirms placement of an endotracheal
tube (ETT)?
A. Use an end-tidal CO2 detector.
B. Auscultate for bilateral breath sounds.
C. Obtain pulse oximeter reading.
D. Check symmetrical chest movement.
A. Use an end-tidal CO2 detector.
Rationale
The end-tidal carbon dioxide detector indicates the presence of CO2 tidal by a color change or a number
indicated on the detector, which is supporting evidence that the ETT is in the trachea, not the
esophagus.
A client is admitted to the hospital with a traumatic brain injury after his head violently struck a brick
wall during a gang fight. Which finding is most important for the nurse to assess further?
A. A scalp laceration oozing blood.
B. Serosanguineous nasal drainage.
C. Headache rated "10" on a 0-10 scale.
D. Dizziness, nausea and transient confusion.
B. Serosanguineous nasal drainage.
Rationale
Any nasal discharge following a head injury should be evaluated to determine the presence of cerebral
spinal fluid which would indicate a tear in the dura making the client susceptible to meningitis.
A 48-year-old client with endometrial cancer is being discharged after a total hysterectomy and
bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Which client statement indicates that further teaching is needed?
A. "Well, I don't have to worry about getting pregnant anymore."
B. "I can't wait to go on the cruise that I have planned for this summer."
C. "I know I will miss having sexual intercourse with my husband."
D. "I have asked my daughter to stay with me next week after I am discharged."
C. "I know I will miss having sexual intercourse with my husband."
Rationale
Further teaching is needed in response to the client's misunderstanding of not being able to have sexual
intercourse after a hysterectomy, needs to be addressed.
What is the primary nursing problem for a client with asymptomatic primary syphilis?
A. Acute pain.
