HESI RN Fundamentals Exit Exam Questions And Correct Verified Answers New
Version 2026 Graded A+
Four hours following surgical repair of a compound fracture of the right
26
ulna, the nurse is unable to palpate the client's right radial pulse. Which
action should the nurse take first -ANSWER- Elevate the client's right hand
on one or two pillows.
20
After placing a 36- week- gestation newborn in an isolette and drying the infant
with several blankets, what should the nurse implement next? -ANSWER-
am
Remove the wet blankets and linen from the isolette
A client in the third trimester of pregnancy complains of frequent nasal
stiffness and occasional nosebleeds. Her chest circumference has increased
Ex
by 5 cm during the pregnancy, and she uses thoracic breathing. Her
diaphragm is elevated and she has an increased costal angle. Which
intervention should the nurse implement? -ANSWER- Record the
s
respiratory finding in the clients chart as normal
rt
A terminally ill male hospice client who is at home is showing decreased
pe
awareness of his surroundings. His appetite is poor and he often refuses oral
intake of solids and liquids. For the past several days he has been unable to
get out of bed. Which action should the hospice nurse implement? -ANSWER-
Ex
Instruct family to offer client only soft bland foods
A woman was admitted yesterday afternoon with severe abdominal pain. Her
pregnancy test and ultrasound were negative, so an exploratory laparotomy
was completed during the night. When coffee ground materials is observed
in the drainage from the nasogastric tube (NGT), which intervention should
the nurse implement? -ANSWER- Verify correct placement of the nasogastric
tube
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory values for a client with acute pancreatitis
,The charge nurse is making assignments on a cardiac unit. Which client is best to assign to a new
graduate who is orienting to the unit?
With atrial fibrillation whose saline lock is infiltrated
Penicillin G procaine 2,400,000 units intramuscularly is prescribed for a 4-year-old child who has
streptococcal respiratory infection. The medication vial is labeled 1,200,000 units/2mnL. How many mL
should the nurse administer?
6
4 ML D/HX2ml
A client in labor states, "I think my water just broke!" The nurse notes that the umbilical cord is on the
2
perineum. What action should the nurse perform first?
20
Trendlenburg
A client who was recently diagnosed with anorexia nervosa collapses at an outpatient clinic. While taking the
blood pressure, the client begins to demonstrate cloudy consciousness, stupor, and has slurred speech. The
nurse obtains blood glucose of 50 mg/dL, heart rate of 116 beats/minute, and blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg.
am
Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Position client with head flat and feet elevated
The nurse is planning care for a 16-year-old, who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)> the nurse includes
activities to strengthen and mobilize the joints surrounding muscle. Which physical therapy regimen should
Ex
the nurse encourage the adolescent to implement?
Exercise in the swimming pool
The nurse is educating a client with end-stage kidney failure who requires dialysis three times a week.Which
information is important for the nurse to include about the clients daily diet?
ts
The protein intake should be decreased to prevent nitrogenous waste Buildup
r
A client is admitted to the hospital with symptoms consistent with a right hemispheric stroke. Which
neurovascular assessment requires immediate intervention by the nurse?
pe
Unequal bilateral hand grip strengths
As part of the treatment plan for a client diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, the nurse plans to withhold oral
Ex
fluids on which pathophysiological process?
Decreasing the formation and secretion of pancreatic enzymes
A male client being treated for testicular cancer with chemotherapy has decreased alpha fetoprotein
radioimmunoassay (AFP). Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement?
Advise the client that the treatment is having beneficial effect
The nurse plans to administer a bolus dose of IV heparin based on the clients weight. The prescribed bolus
dose is 100 units/kg. The client weighs 198 pounds. How many units of Heparin should the nurse
administer?
,9000
A successful businessman presents to the community mental health center complaining of sleeplessness and
anxiety over his financial status. What action should the nurse take to assist this client in diminishing his
anxiety?
teach him to limit sugar and caffeine
A 6-year old child who has a medical diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD has been
talking has been taken the psychostimulant methylphenidate Ritalin for two weeks which assessment finding
26
providing by the child mothers most significant in planning nursing care for this child
has not had a bm in 2 days
20
A client is receiving a continuous infusion of normal saline at 125 mL/hour post abdominal surgery. The client
is drowsy and complaining of constant abdominal pain and a headache. Urine output is 800 mL over the past
24 hours with a central venous pressure of 15mm Hg. The nurse notes respiratory 25breathes/minutes, BP of
160/90. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
am
decrease IV fluids to keep vein open (KVO) rate
The nurse is evaluating teaching about drug therapy to treat gout. Which statement by the client
demonstrates an understanding of the use of allopurinol to treat gout?
I need to take this drug every day to prevent from having flare ups
Ex
The nurse documents that a male client with schizophrenia is delusional. Which statement by the client
confirms this assessment?
The nurse at night is trying to poison me with pills
s
A postoperative client has a large amount of serosanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing and the nurse
notes that the operative report indicates that the client has a Penrose drain near the incision.What
rt
intervention should the nurse implement when changing the client's dressing?
place sterile gauze dressing under the penrose drain
pe
The nurse plans to administer a low dose prescription for dopamine to a client who is in septic shock.Which
physiological parameter should the nurse use to evaluate a therapeutic response to dopamine?
Ex
monitor blood pressure
An older client with cirrhosis of the liver and hepatic failure is places on a lowsodium diet and is receiving
periodic albumin infusions. Which assessment finding indicates progress toward the desired effect of this
treatment plan?
decreased abdominal girth
Which assessment finding places a client at risk for problems associated with impaired skin integrity?
Capillary refill of 5 seconds
, who reports of the abdominal pain is not as severe as it was on admission.
Which laboratory test should the nurse review to evaluate the clients
clinical recovery? -ANSWER- Lipase
While assessing a client who had a laparotomy the previous day, the nurse
notices that 300 mL of dark red fluid has drained from the nasogastric tube in
the last hour. Which action should the nurse take first? -ANSWER- take
vital signs
The home health nurse observes an older client with unilateral weakness place the walker in front of the chair for support while
26
rising to a standing position. Which action should the nurse take? Hold the walker securely to prevent slipping while the client raises
A client with cancer complains of fever, chills, malaise, and headache following administration of a colony-stimulating factor. Which
nursing intervention is most beneficial in helping to reduce the flu like symptoms? -ANSWER- Monitor lab values for an increase in
20
WBCs
Which laboratory value should the nurse review prior to administering the initial dose of a statin medication? -ANSWER- Serum
liver enzymes
am
Following a lumbar puncture, a client voices several concerns. Which concern indicates to the nurse that
complication of the procedure? -ANSWER- I have a headache that gets worse when I sit up
the client is experiencing a
The nurse is caring for a client withdrawing from a fentanyl citrate addiction. The client receives a prescription for clonidine 0.2 mg
PO taken twice daily. Which action should the nurse take? -ANSWER- Advise to sit up slowly from a reclining position
Ex
A 7-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever. In obtaining a health history form the
child'smother, the recent occurrence of what illness is most significant? -ANSWER- sore throat
Following discharge teaching, a client with a duodenal ulcer tells the nurse of plans to eat plenty of dairy products, such as milk, to
s
help coat and protect their ulcer. Which is the best follow-up action by the nurse? -ANSWER- Teview with the client the need to
avoid foods that are rich in milk and cream
rt
The nurse is caring for an adolescent client with an intestinal obstruction who presents with severe, colicky abdominal pain, nauseas,
vomiting, and abdominal distention. Which pathophysiological mechanism supports the client's clinical presentation? -ANSWER- A
pe
weakened diaphragm with high abdominal pressure
The nurse assesses a client with cirrhosis and find 4+ pitting edema of the feet and legs, and massive ascites. Which mechanism
contributes to edema and ascites in clients with cirrhosis? -ANSWER- Hypoalbuminemia that results in a decreased colloidal oncotic
Ex
pressure
An adult who was recently diagnosed with glaucoma tells the nurse, "it feels like I am driving through a tunnel." The client expresses
great concern about going blind. Which nursing instruction is most important for the nurse to provide to this client? -ANSWER-
Maintain prescribed eye drop regimen
Monitor lab values for an increase in WBCs
Which laboratory value should the nurse review prior to administering the initial dose of a statin medication?Serum liver enzymes
Following a lumbar puncture, a client voices several concerns. Which concern indicates to the nurse that the client is experiencing a
complication of the procedure?I have a headache that gets worse when I sit up
The nurse is caring for a client withdrawing from a fentanyl citrate addiction. The client receives a prescription for clonidine 0.2 mg
PO taken twice daily. Which action should the nurse take? Advise to sit up slowly from a reclining position
Version 2026 Graded A+
Four hours following surgical repair of a compound fracture of the right
26
ulna, the nurse is unable to palpate the client's right radial pulse. Which
action should the nurse take first -ANSWER- Elevate the client's right hand
on one or two pillows.
20
After placing a 36- week- gestation newborn in an isolette and drying the infant
with several blankets, what should the nurse implement next? -ANSWER-
am
Remove the wet blankets and linen from the isolette
A client in the third trimester of pregnancy complains of frequent nasal
stiffness and occasional nosebleeds. Her chest circumference has increased
Ex
by 5 cm during the pregnancy, and she uses thoracic breathing. Her
diaphragm is elevated and she has an increased costal angle. Which
intervention should the nurse implement? -ANSWER- Record the
s
respiratory finding in the clients chart as normal
rt
A terminally ill male hospice client who is at home is showing decreased
pe
awareness of his surroundings. His appetite is poor and he often refuses oral
intake of solids and liquids. For the past several days he has been unable to
get out of bed. Which action should the hospice nurse implement? -ANSWER-
Ex
Instruct family to offer client only soft bland foods
A woman was admitted yesterday afternoon with severe abdominal pain. Her
pregnancy test and ultrasound were negative, so an exploratory laparotomy
was completed during the night. When coffee ground materials is observed
in the drainage from the nasogastric tube (NGT), which intervention should
the nurse implement? -ANSWER- Verify correct placement of the nasogastric
tube
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory values for a client with acute pancreatitis
,The charge nurse is making assignments on a cardiac unit. Which client is best to assign to a new
graduate who is orienting to the unit?
With atrial fibrillation whose saline lock is infiltrated
Penicillin G procaine 2,400,000 units intramuscularly is prescribed for a 4-year-old child who has
streptococcal respiratory infection. The medication vial is labeled 1,200,000 units/2mnL. How many mL
should the nurse administer?
6
4 ML D/HX2ml
A client in labor states, "I think my water just broke!" The nurse notes that the umbilical cord is on the
2
perineum. What action should the nurse perform first?
20
Trendlenburg
A client who was recently diagnosed with anorexia nervosa collapses at an outpatient clinic. While taking the
blood pressure, the client begins to demonstrate cloudy consciousness, stupor, and has slurred speech. The
nurse obtains blood glucose of 50 mg/dL, heart rate of 116 beats/minute, and blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg.
am
Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Position client with head flat and feet elevated
The nurse is planning care for a 16-year-old, who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)> the nurse includes
activities to strengthen and mobilize the joints surrounding muscle. Which physical therapy regimen should
Ex
the nurse encourage the adolescent to implement?
Exercise in the swimming pool
The nurse is educating a client with end-stage kidney failure who requires dialysis three times a week.Which
information is important for the nurse to include about the clients daily diet?
ts
The protein intake should be decreased to prevent nitrogenous waste Buildup
r
A client is admitted to the hospital with symptoms consistent with a right hemispheric stroke. Which
neurovascular assessment requires immediate intervention by the nurse?
pe
Unequal bilateral hand grip strengths
As part of the treatment plan for a client diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, the nurse plans to withhold oral
Ex
fluids on which pathophysiological process?
Decreasing the formation and secretion of pancreatic enzymes
A male client being treated for testicular cancer with chemotherapy has decreased alpha fetoprotein
radioimmunoassay (AFP). Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement?
Advise the client that the treatment is having beneficial effect
The nurse plans to administer a bolus dose of IV heparin based on the clients weight. The prescribed bolus
dose is 100 units/kg. The client weighs 198 pounds. How many units of Heparin should the nurse
administer?
,9000
A successful businessman presents to the community mental health center complaining of sleeplessness and
anxiety over his financial status. What action should the nurse take to assist this client in diminishing his
anxiety?
teach him to limit sugar and caffeine
A 6-year old child who has a medical diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD has been
talking has been taken the psychostimulant methylphenidate Ritalin for two weeks which assessment finding
26
providing by the child mothers most significant in planning nursing care for this child
has not had a bm in 2 days
20
A client is receiving a continuous infusion of normal saline at 125 mL/hour post abdominal surgery. The client
is drowsy and complaining of constant abdominal pain and a headache. Urine output is 800 mL over the past
24 hours with a central venous pressure of 15mm Hg. The nurse notes respiratory 25breathes/minutes, BP of
160/90. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
am
decrease IV fluids to keep vein open (KVO) rate
The nurse is evaluating teaching about drug therapy to treat gout. Which statement by the client
demonstrates an understanding of the use of allopurinol to treat gout?
I need to take this drug every day to prevent from having flare ups
Ex
The nurse documents that a male client with schizophrenia is delusional. Which statement by the client
confirms this assessment?
The nurse at night is trying to poison me with pills
s
A postoperative client has a large amount of serosanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing and the nurse
notes that the operative report indicates that the client has a Penrose drain near the incision.What
rt
intervention should the nurse implement when changing the client's dressing?
place sterile gauze dressing under the penrose drain
pe
The nurse plans to administer a low dose prescription for dopamine to a client who is in septic shock.Which
physiological parameter should the nurse use to evaluate a therapeutic response to dopamine?
Ex
monitor blood pressure
An older client with cirrhosis of the liver and hepatic failure is places on a lowsodium diet and is receiving
periodic albumin infusions. Which assessment finding indicates progress toward the desired effect of this
treatment plan?
decreased abdominal girth
Which assessment finding places a client at risk for problems associated with impaired skin integrity?
Capillary refill of 5 seconds
, who reports of the abdominal pain is not as severe as it was on admission.
Which laboratory test should the nurse review to evaluate the clients
clinical recovery? -ANSWER- Lipase
While assessing a client who had a laparotomy the previous day, the nurse
notices that 300 mL of dark red fluid has drained from the nasogastric tube in
the last hour. Which action should the nurse take first? -ANSWER- take
vital signs
The home health nurse observes an older client with unilateral weakness place the walker in front of the chair for support while
26
rising to a standing position. Which action should the nurse take? Hold the walker securely to prevent slipping while the client raises
A client with cancer complains of fever, chills, malaise, and headache following administration of a colony-stimulating factor. Which
nursing intervention is most beneficial in helping to reduce the flu like symptoms? -ANSWER- Monitor lab values for an increase in
20
WBCs
Which laboratory value should the nurse review prior to administering the initial dose of a statin medication? -ANSWER- Serum
liver enzymes
am
Following a lumbar puncture, a client voices several concerns. Which concern indicates to the nurse that
complication of the procedure? -ANSWER- I have a headache that gets worse when I sit up
the client is experiencing a
The nurse is caring for a client withdrawing from a fentanyl citrate addiction. The client receives a prescription for clonidine 0.2 mg
PO taken twice daily. Which action should the nurse take? -ANSWER- Advise to sit up slowly from a reclining position
Ex
A 7-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever. In obtaining a health history form the
child'smother, the recent occurrence of what illness is most significant? -ANSWER- sore throat
Following discharge teaching, a client with a duodenal ulcer tells the nurse of plans to eat plenty of dairy products, such as milk, to
s
help coat and protect their ulcer. Which is the best follow-up action by the nurse? -ANSWER- Teview with the client the need to
avoid foods that are rich in milk and cream
rt
The nurse is caring for an adolescent client with an intestinal obstruction who presents with severe, colicky abdominal pain, nauseas,
vomiting, and abdominal distention. Which pathophysiological mechanism supports the client's clinical presentation? -ANSWER- A
pe
weakened diaphragm with high abdominal pressure
The nurse assesses a client with cirrhosis and find 4+ pitting edema of the feet and legs, and massive ascites. Which mechanism
contributes to edema and ascites in clients with cirrhosis? -ANSWER- Hypoalbuminemia that results in a decreased colloidal oncotic
Ex
pressure
An adult who was recently diagnosed with glaucoma tells the nurse, "it feels like I am driving through a tunnel." The client expresses
great concern about going blind. Which nursing instruction is most important for the nurse to provide to this client? -ANSWER-
Maintain prescribed eye drop regimen
Monitor lab values for an increase in WBCs
Which laboratory value should the nurse review prior to administering the initial dose of a statin medication?Serum liver enzymes
Following a lumbar puncture, a client voices several concerns. Which concern indicates to the nurse that the client is experiencing a
complication of the procedure?I have a headache that gets worse when I sit up
The nurse is caring for a client withdrawing from a fentanyl citrate addiction. The client receives a prescription for clonidine 0.2 mg
PO taken twice daily. Which action should the nurse take? Advise to sit up slowly from a reclining position
