hesi practice questions 1 (2025-2026 UPDATE)
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Answers, 100% Guarantee Pass
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Question 1
which nursing intervention would be appropriate for a client who is newly diagnosed with cushing
syndrome?
a. monitor BS levels daily
B. increase intake of fluids high in potassium
C. encourage adequate rest between activites
D. offer the client a sodium-enriched menu
Correct Answer
A
Rationale:Cushing syndrome results from a hypersecretion of glucocorticoids in the adrenal cortex. Clients
with Cushing syndrome often develop diabetes mellitus. Monitoring of serum glucose levels assesses for
increased blood glucose levels so that treatment can begin early. A common finding in Cushing syndrome
is generalized edema. Although potassium is needed, it is generally obtained from food intake, not by
offering potassium-enhanced fluids. Fatigue is usually not an overwhelming factor in Cushing syndrome,
so an emphasis on the need for rest is not indicated A low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, low-sodium diet is
not recommended.
Question 2
The nurse is caring for a critically ill client with cirrhosis of the liver who has a nasogastric tube draining
bright red blood. The nurse notes that the client's serum hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are decreased.
Which additional change in laboratory data should the nurse expect?
A. increased serum albumin level
B. decreased serum creatinine
C. decreased serum ammonia level
D. increased liver function test results
Correct Answer
C
Rationale:The breakdown of glutamine in the intestine and the increased activity of colonic bacteria from
the digestion of proteins increase ammonia levels in clients with advanced liver disease, so removal of
blood, a protein source, from the intestine results in a reduced level of ammonia. Options A, B, and D will
not be significantly affected by the removal of blood.
Page 1 of 14
, Question 3
During the shift report, the charge nurse informs a nurse that she has been assigned to another unit for the
day. The nurse begins to sigh deeply and tosses about her belongings as she prepares to leave, making it
known that she is very unhappy about being floated to the other unit. What is the best immediate action for
the charge nurse to take?
A. continue with the shift report and talk to the nurse about the incident at a later time.
B. ask the nurse to call the house supervisor to see if she must be reassigned.
C. stop the shift report and remind the nurse that all staff are floated equally
D. Inform the nurse that her behavior is disruptive to the rest of the staff
Correct Answer
A
Continuing with the shift report is the best immediate action because it allows the nurse who was floated
some cooling off time. At a later time (after the nurse has cooled off) the charge nurse should discuss the
conduct of the nurse in private. Option B encourages the nurse to shirk the float assignment. Option C is
disruptive. Reprimanding the nurse in front of the staff would increase the nurse's hostility, so the nurse
should be counseled in private.
Question 4
43-year-old homeless, malnourished female client with a history of alcoholism is transferred to the ICU. She
is placed on telemetry, and the rhythm strip shown is obtained. The nurse palpates a heart rate of 160
beats/min, and the client's blood pressure is 90/54 mm Hg. Based on these findings, which IV medication
should the nurse administer?
A. amiodarone (cordarone)
B. Magnesium sulfate
C. lidocaine (xylocaine)
D. procainamide (pronestyl)
Correct Answer
B
Rationale:Because the client has chronic alcoholism, she is likely to have hypomagnesemia. Option B is the
recommended drug for torsades de pointes, which is a form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT)
usually associated with a prolonged QT interval that occurs with hypomagnesemia. Options A and D
increase the QT interval, which can cause the torsades to worsen. Option C is the antiarrhythmic of choice
in most cases of drug-induced monomorphic VT, not torsades.
Page 2 of 14
with Questions and Verified Rationalized
Answers, 100% Guarantee Pass
100% Verified Passing Score Guaranteed Expert Rationales Included
Question 1
which nursing intervention would be appropriate for a client who is newly diagnosed with cushing
syndrome?
a. monitor BS levels daily
B. increase intake of fluids high in potassium
C. encourage adequate rest between activites
D. offer the client a sodium-enriched menu
Correct Answer
A
Rationale:Cushing syndrome results from a hypersecretion of glucocorticoids in the adrenal cortex. Clients
with Cushing syndrome often develop diabetes mellitus. Monitoring of serum glucose levels assesses for
increased blood glucose levels so that treatment can begin early. A common finding in Cushing syndrome
is generalized edema. Although potassium is needed, it is generally obtained from food intake, not by
offering potassium-enhanced fluids. Fatigue is usually not an overwhelming factor in Cushing syndrome,
so an emphasis on the need for rest is not indicated A low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, low-sodium diet is
not recommended.
Question 2
The nurse is caring for a critically ill client with cirrhosis of the liver who has a nasogastric tube draining
bright red blood. The nurse notes that the client's serum hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are decreased.
Which additional change in laboratory data should the nurse expect?
A. increased serum albumin level
B. decreased serum creatinine
C. decreased serum ammonia level
D. increased liver function test results
Correct Answer
C
Rationale:The breakdown of glutamine in the intestine and the increased activity of colonic bacteria from
the digestion of proteins increase ammonia levels in clients with advanced liver disease, so removal of
blood, a protein source, from the intestine results in a reduced level of ammonia. Options A, B, and D will
not be significantly affected by the removal of blood.
Page 1 of 14
, Question 3
During the shift report, the charge nurse informs a nurse that she has been assigned to another unit for the
day. The nurse begins to sigh deeply and tosses about her belongings as she prepares to leave, making it
known that she is very unhappy about being floated to the other unit. What is the best immediate action for
the charge nurse to take?
A. continue with the shift report and talk to the nurse about the incident at a later time.
B. ask the nurse to call the house supervisor to see if she must be reassigned.
C. stop the shift report and remind the nurse that all staff are floated equally
D. Inform the nurse that her behavior is disruptive to the rest of the staff
Correct Answer
A
Continuing with the shift report is the best immediate action because it allows the nurse who was floated
some cooling off time. At a later time (after the nurse has cooled off) the charge nurse should discuss the
conduct of the nurse in private. Option B encourages the nurse to shirk the float assignment. Option C is
disruptive. Reprimanding the nurse in front of the staff would increase the nurse's hostility, so the nurse
should be counseled in private.
Question 4
43-year-old homeless, malnourished female client with a history of alcoholism is transferred to the ICU. She
is placed on telemetry, and the rhythm strip shown is obtained. The nurse palpates a heart rate of 160
beats/min, and the client's blood pressure is 90/54 mm Hg. Based on these findings, which IV medication
should the nurse administer?
A. amiodarone (cordarone)
B. Magnesium sulfate
C. lidocaine (xylocaine)
D. procainamide (pronestyl)
Correct Answer
B
Rationale:Because the client has chronic alcoholism, she is likely to have hypomagnesemia. Option B is the
recommended drug for torsades de pointes, which is a form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT)
usually associated with a prolonged QT interval that occurs with hypomagnesemia. Options A and D
increase the QT interval, which can cause the torsades to worsen. Option C is the antiarrhythmic of choice
in most cases of drug-induced monomorphic VT, not torsades.
Page 2 of 14
