HESI RN NUTRITION EXIT EXAM LATEST
2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS
The nurse caring for a 3-month-old boy one day after a pyloromyotomy notices that the
infant is restless, is exhibiting facial grimaces, and is drawing his knees to his chest. What
action should the nurse take?
Administer a prescribed analgesia for pain.
A 4-year-old with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is receiving a chemotherapy (CT) protocol
that includes methotrexate (Mexate, Trexal, MIX), an antimetabolite. Which information
should the nurse provide the parents about caring for their child?
Use sunblock or protective clothing when outdoors.
Two days after admission a male client remembers that he is allergic to eggs, and informs the
nurse of the allergy. Which actions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply)
- Notify the food services department of the allergy. - Enter the allergy
information in the client's record.
- Add egg allergy to the client's allergy arm band.
The rapid response team's detects return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after 2 min of
continuous chest compressions. The client has a weak, fast pulse and no respiratory effort, so
the healthcare provider performs a successful oral, intubation. What action should the nurse
implement?
Perform bilateral chest auscultation.
After administering an antipyretic medication, which intervention should the nurse
implement?
Encouraging liberal fluid intake
A client with hyperthyroidism is being treated with radioactive iodine (I-131). Which
explanation should be included in preparing this client for this treatment?
Describe radioactive iodine as a tasteless, colorless medication administered by the
healthcare provider
After a colon resection for colon cancer, a male client is moaning while being transferred to
the Post-anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Determine client's pulse, blood pressure, and respirations
The nurse is caring for a group of clients with the help of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and
an experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which procedures can the nurse
delegate to the UAP? (Select all that apply)
,- Take postoperative vital signs for a client who has an epidual following knee arthroplasty
- Collect a sputum specimen for a client with a fever of unknown origin
- Ambulate a client who had a femoral-popliteal bypass graft yesterday
A male client with cirrhosis has ascites and reports feeling short of breath. The client is in
semi Fowler position with his arms at his side. What action should the nurse implement?
Raise the head of the bed to a Fowler's position and support his arms with a pillow
A client with a history of chronic pain requests a non-opioid analgesic. The client is alert but
has difficulty describing the exact nature and location of the pain to the nurse. Which action
should the nurse implement next?
Administer the analgesic as requested — Rationale: Chronic pain may be difficult to describe
but should be treated with analgesics as indicated.
A client with a chronic health problem has difficulty ambulating short distance due to
generalized weakness, but is able to bear weight on both legs. To assist with ambulation and
provide the greatest stability, what assistive device is best for this client?
Crutches with 4 point gait.
A client with leukemia undergoes a bone marrow biopsy. The client's laboratory values
indicate the client has thrombocytopenia. Based on this data, which nursing assessment is
most important following the procedure?
Observe aspiration site.
An 18-year-old female client is seen at the health department for treatment of condylomata
acuminate (perineal warts) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Which intervention
should the nurse implement?
Reinforce the importance of annual Papanicolaou (Pap) smears.
A client admitted to the psychiatric unit diagnosed with major depression wants to sleep
during the day, refuses to take a bath, and refuses to eat. Which nursing intervention should
the nurse implement first?
Establish a structured routine for the client to follow.
A client with history of bilateral adrenalectomy is admitted with a weak, irregular pulse, and
hypotension. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
Ventricular arrhythmias — Rationale: adrenal crisis, a potential complication of bilateral
adrenalectomy, results in the loss of mineralocorticoids and sodium excretions that is
characterized by hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, dehydration, and hypotension. Ventricular
arrhythmias are life threatening and required immediate intervention to correct critical
potassium levels.
,The mother of a 7-month-old brings the infant to the clinic because the skin in the diaper
area is excoriated and red, but there are no blisters or bleeding. The mother reports no
evidence of watery stools. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement?
Instruct the mother to change the child's diaper more often.
A resident of a long-term care facility, who has moderate dementia, is having difficulty eating
in the dining room. The client becomes frustrated when dropping utensils on the floor and
then refuses to eat. What action should the nurse implement?
Encourage the client to eat finger foods.
A client is receiving mesalamine 800 mg PO TID. Which assessment is most important for the
nurse to perform to assess the effectiveness of the medication?
Bowel patterns — Rationale: the client should be assessed for a change in bowel patterns to
evaluate the effectiveness of this medication because Mesalamine is used to treat
ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon
[large intestine] and rectum) and also to maintain improvement of ulcerative colitis
symptoms. Mesalamine is in a class of medications called anti-inflammatory agents. It
works by stopping the body from producing a certain substance that may cause
inflammation.
While in the medical records department, the nurse observes several old medical records with names
visible in waste container. What action should the nurse implement?
Contact the medical records department supervisor.
While visiting a female client who has heart failure (HF) and osteoarthritis, the home health
nurse determines that the client is having more difficulty getting in and out of the bed than
she did previously. Which action should the nurse implement first?
Submit a referral for an evaluation by a physical therapist.
A client has an intravenous fluid infusing in the right forearm. To determine the client's distal
pulse rate most accurately, which action should the nurse implement?
Palpate at the radial pulse site with the pads of two or three fingers.
A child is admitted to the pediatric unit diagnosed with sickle cell crisis. When the nurse walks
into the room, the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is encouraging the child to stay in
bed in the supine position. Which action should the nurse implement?
Reposition the client with the head of the bed elevated.
A preschool-aged boy is admitted to the pediatric unit following successful resuscitation from
a near-drowning incident. While providing care to child, the nurse begins talking with his
preadolescent brother who rescued the child from the swimming pool and initiated
resuscitation. The nurse notices the older boy becomes withdrawn when asked about what
happened. What action should the nurse take?
, Ask the older brother how he felt during the incident.
After six days on a mechanical ventilator, a male client is extubated and place on 40% oxygen
via face mask. He is awake and cooperative, but complaining of a severe sore throat.
While sipping water to swallow a medication, the client begins coughing, as if strangled. What
intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Hold oral intake until swallow evaluation is done.
The nurse is interacting with a female client who is diagnosed with postpartum depression.
Which finding should the nurse document as an objective signs of depression? (Select all that
apply)
- Interacts with a flat affect
- Avoids eye contact
- Has a disheveled appearance
A client in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) has an eight (8) on the Aldrete post
anesthesia scoring system. What intervention should nurse implement?
Transfer the client to the surgical floor.
In caring for the body of a client who just died, which tasks can be delegate to the unlicensed
assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.)
- Place personal religious artifacts on the body.
- Attach identifying name tags to the body.
- Follow cultural beliefs in preparing the body.
An adult male reports the last time he received penicillin he developed a severe
maculopapular rash all over his chest. What information should the nurse provide the client
about future antibiotic prescriptions?
Be alert for possible cross-sensitivity to cephalosporin agents.
A client with a prescription for "do not resuscitate" (DNR) begins to manifest signs of
impending death. After notifying the family of the client's status, what priority action should
the nurse implement?
The client's need for pain medication should be determined.
A client with cirrhosis of the liver is admitted with complications related to end stage liver
disease. Which intervention should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply.)
- Monitor abdominal girth.
- Report serum albumin and globulin levels. - Note signs of swelling
and edema.
During discharge teaching, the nurse discusses the parameters for weight monitoring with a
client who was recently diagnosed with heart failure (HF). Which information is most
important for the client to acknowledge?
2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS
The nurse caring for a 3-month-old boy one day after a pyloromyotomy notices that the
infant is restless, is exhibiting facial grimaces, and is drawing his knees to his chest. What
action should the nurse take?
Administer a prescribed analgesia for pain.
A 4-year-old with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is receiving a chemotherapy (CT) protocol
that includes methotrexate (Mexate, Trexal, MIX), an antimetabolite. Which information
should the nurse provide the parents about caring for their child?
Use sunblock or protective clothing when outdoors.
Two days after admission a male client remembers that he is allergic to eggs, and informs the
nurse of the allergy. Which actions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply)
- Notify the food services department of the allergy. - Enter the allergy
information in the client's record.
- Add egg allergy to the client's allergy arm band.
The rapid response team's detects return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after 2 min of
continuous chest compressions. The client has a weak, fast pulse and no respiratory effort, so
the healthcare provider performs a successful oral, intubation. What action should the nurse
implement?
Perform bilateral chest auscultation.
After administering an antipyretic medication, which intervention should the nurse
implement?
Encouraging liberal fluid intake
A client with hyperthyroidism is being treated with radioactive iodine (I-131). Which
explanation should be included in preparing this client for this treatment?
Describe radioactive iodine as a tasteless, colorless medication administered by the
healthcare provider
After a colon resection for colon cancer, a male client is moaning while being transferred to
the Post-anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Determine client's pulse, blood pressure, and respirations
The nurse is caring for a group of clients with the help of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and
an experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which procedures can the nurse
delegate to the UAP? (Select all that apply)
,- Take postoperative vital signs for a client who has an epidual following knee arthroplasty
- Collect a sputum specimen for a client with a fever of unknown origin
- Ambulate a client who had a femoral-popliteal bypass graft yesterday
A male client with cirrhosis has ascites and reports feeling short of breath. The client is in
semi Fowler position with his arms at his side. What action should the nurse implement?
Raise the head of the bed to a Fowler's position and support his arms with a pillow
A client with a history of chronic pain requests a non-opioid analgesic. The client is alert but
has difficulty describing the exact nature and location of the pain to the nurse. Which action
should the nurse implement next?
Administer the analgesic as requested — Rationale: Chronic pain may be difficult to describe
but should be treated with analgesics as indicated.
A client with a chronic health problem has difficulty ambulating short distance due to
generalized weakness, but is able to bear weight on both legs. To assist with ambulation and
provide the greatest stability, what assistive device is best for this client?
Crutches with 4 point gait.
A client with leukemia undergoes a bone marrow biopsy. The client's laboratory values
indicate the client has thrombocytopenia. Based on this data, which nursing assessment is
most important following the procedure?
Observe aspiration site.
An 18-year-old female client is seen at the health department for treatment of condylomata
acuminate (perineal warts) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Which intervention
should the nurse implement?
Reinforce the importance of annual Papanicolaou (Pap) smears.
A client admitted to the psychiatric unit diagnosed with major depression wants to sleep
during the day, refuses to take a bath, and refuses to eat. Which nursing intervention should
the nurse implement first?
Establish a structured routine for the client to follow.
A client with history of bilateral adrenalectomy is admitted with a weak, irregular pulse, and
hypotension. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
Ventricular arrhythmias — Rationale: adrenal crisis, a potential complication of bilateral
adrenalectomy, results in the loss of mineralocorticoids and sodium excretions that is
characterized by hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, dehydration, and hypotension. Ventricular
arrhythmias are life threatening and required immediate intervention to correct critical
potassium levels.
,The mother of a 7-month-old brings the infant to the clinic because the skin in the diaper
area is excoriated and red, but there are no blisters or bleeding. The mother reports no
evidence of watery stools. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement?
Instruct the mother to change the child's diaper more often.
A resident of a long-term care facility, who has moderate dementia, is having difficulty eating
in the dining room. The client becomes frustrated when dropping utensils on the floor and
then refuses to eat. What action should the nurse implement?
Encourage the client to eat finger foods.
A client is receiving mesalamine 800 mg PO TID. Which assessment is most important for the
nurse to perform to assess the effectiveness of the medication?
Bowel patterns — Rationale: the client should be assessed for a change in bowel patterns to
evaluate the effectiveness of this medication because Mesalamine is used to treat
ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon
[large intestine] and rectum) and also to maintain improvement of ulcerative colitis
symptoms. Mesalamine is in a class of medications called anti-inflammatory agents. It
works by stopping the body from producing a certain substance that may cause
inflammation.
While in the medical records department, the nurse observes several old medical records with names
visible in waste container. What action should the nurse implement?
Contact the medical records department supervisor.
While visiting a female client who has heart failure (HF) and osteoarthritis, the home health
nurse determines that the client is having more difficulty getting in and out of the bed than
she did previously. Which action should the nurse implement first?
Submit a referral for an evaluation by a physical therapist.
A client has an intravenous fluid infusing in the right forearm. To determine the client's distal
pulse rate most accurately, which action should the nurse implement?
Palpate at the radial pulse site with the pads of two or three fingers.
A child is admitted to the pediatric unit diagnosed with sickle cell crisis. When the nurse walks
into the room, the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is encouraging the child to stay in
bed in the supine position. Which action should the nurse implement?
Reposition the client with the head of the bed elevated.
A preschool-aged boy is admitted to the pediatric unit following successful resuscitation from
a near-drowning incident. While providing care to child, the nurse begins talking with his
preadolescent brother who rescued the child from the swimming pool and initiated
resuscitation. The nurse notices the older boy becomes withdrawn when asked about what
happened. What action should the nurse take?
, Ask the older brother how he felt during the incident.
After six days on a mechanical ventilator, a male client is extubated and place on 40% oxygen
via face mask. He is awake and cooperative, but complaining of a severe sore throat.
While sipping water to swallow a medication, the client begins coughing, as if strangled. What
intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Hold oral intake until swallow evaluation is done.
The nurse is interacting with a female client who is diagnosed with postpartum depression.
Which finding should the nurse document as an objective signs of depression? (Select all that
apply)
- Interacts with a flat affect
- Avoids eye contact
- Has a disheveled appearance
A client in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) has an eight (8) on the Aldrete post
anesthesia scoring system. What intervention should nurse implement?
Transfer the client to the surgical floor.
In caring for the body of a client who just died, which tasks can be delegate to the unlicensed
assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.)
- Place personal religious artifacts on the body.
- Attach identifying name tags to the body.
- Follow cultural beliefs in preparing the body.
An adult male reports the last time he received penicillin he developed a severe
maculopapular rash all over his chest. What information should the nurse provide the client
about future antibiotic prescriptions?
Be alert for possible cross-sensitivity to cephalosporin agents.
A client with a prescription for "do not resuscitate" (DNR) begins to manifest signs of
impending death. After notifying the family of the client's status, what priority action should
the nurse implement?
The client's need for pain medication should be determined.
A client with cirrhosis of the liver is admitted with complications related to end stage liver
disease. Which intervention should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply.)
- Monitor abdominal girth.
- Report serum albumin and globulin levels. - Note signs of swelling
and edema.
During discharge teaching, the nurse discusses the parameters for weight monitoring with a
client who was recently diagnosed with heart failure (HF). Which information is most
important for the client to acknowledge?
