HESI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Question 1
A client with heart failure reports increasing shortness of breath
and difficulty sleeping while lying flat. Which assessment
finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A. 1+ ankle edema
B. Weight gain of 1 kg over one week
C. Crackles throughout both lung fields with an oxygen
saturation of 86%
D. Fatigue after walking to the bathroom
Correct answer: C. Crackles throughout both lung fields with
an oxygen saturation of 86%
Rationale: Bilateral crackles combined with significant
hypoxemia suggest pulmonary congestion and possible acute
pulmonary edema. The nurse should immediately assess airway
and breathing, position the client upright, administer oxygen as
prescribed, and initiate the appropriate emergency or provider
notification pathway. Mild edema, gradual weight gain, and
fatigue are important manifestations of worsening heart failure
but are less immediately life-threatening than acute respiratory
compromise.
,Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client receiving a continuous heparin
infusion. Which laboratory value is most important for
evaluating the medication's therapeutic effect?
A. INR
B. Hemoglobin A1c
C. aPTT
D. Serum sodium
Correct answer: C. aPTT
Rationale: The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is
commonly used to monitor unfractionated heparin therapy,
although some institutions use anti-Xa monitoring. The result is
interpreted according to the facility's therapeutic protocol. INR
is primarily associated with monitoring warfarin. Hemoglobin
A1c measures longer-term glycemic control, while serum
sodium does not measure heparin activity.
Question 3
A postoperative client suddenly develops dyspnea, tachycardia,
and sharp chest pain that worsens with inspiration. What
complication should the nurse suspect?
,A. Atelectasis
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Constipation
D. Urinary retention
Correct answer: B. Pulmonary embolism
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea, tachycardia, and pleuritic chest
pain are classic warning signs of pulmonary embolism,
particularly in a postoperative client who is at increased risk for
venous thromboembolism. The nurse should immediately assess
respiratory status, provide oxygen as indicated, notify the
appropriate provider or activate emergency response, and
prepare for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Delaying
treatment can result in severe hypoxemia, cardiovascular
collapse, or death.
Question 4
A client taking warfarin asks which food-related instruction is
most important.
A. Avoid all foods containing carbohydrates.
B. Increase vitamin K intake substantially each day.
C. Maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-containing foods.
D. Eliminate all fruits from the diet.
, Correct answer: C. Maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-
containing foods.
Rationale: Clients taking warfarin do not necessarily need to
eliminate vitamin K-containing foods. Instead, they should
maintain a consistent dietary intake so that significant
fluctuations do not interfere with anticoagulation. Foods such as
leafy green vegetables contain substantial vitamin K. The client
should also understand the importance of INR monitoring,
medication adherence, bleeding precautions, and reporting
signs of excessive anticoagulation.
Question 5
A client receiving morphine after surgery has a respiratory rate
of 7/min and is difficult to arouse. What is the nurse's priority?
A. Administer another dose of morphine.
B. Document the finding and reassess in one hour.
C. Encourage the client to drink fluids.
D. Support the airway and prepare to administer naloxone as
prescribed.
Correct answer: D. Support the airway and prepare to
administer naloxone as prescribed.
Rationale: Severe respiratory depression and decreased level of
consciousness are potentially life-threatening opioid adverse
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Question 1
A client with heart failure reports increasing shortness of breath
and difficulty sleeping while lying flat. Which assessment
finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A. 1+ ankle edema
B. Weight gain of 1 kg over one week
C. Crackles throughout both lung fields with an oxygen
saturation of 86%
D. Fatigue after walking to the bathroom
Correct answer: C. Crackles throughout both lung fields with
an oxygen saturation of 86%
Rationale: Bilateral crackles combined with significant
hypoxemia suggest pulmonary congestion and possible acute
pulmonary edema. The nurse should immediately assess airway
and breathing, position the client upright, administer oxygen as
prescribed, and initiate the appropriate emergency or provider
notification pathway. Mild edema, gradual weight gain, and
fatigue are important manifestations of worsening heart failure
but are less immediately life-threatening than acute respiratory
compromise.
,Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client receiving a continuous heparin
infusion. Which laboratory value is most important for
evaluating the medication's therapeutic effect?
A. INR
B. Hemoglobin A1c
C. aPTT
D. Serum sodium
Correct answer: C. aPTT
Rationale: The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is
commonly used to monitor unfractionated heparin therapy,
although some institutions use anti-Xa monitoring. The result is
interpreted according to the facility's therapeutic protocol. INR
is primarily associated with monitoring warfarin. Hemoglobin
A1c measures longer-term glycemic control, while serum
sodium does not measure heparin activity.
Question 3
A postoperative client suddenly develops dyspnea, tachycardia,
and sharp chest pain that worsens with inspiration. What
complication should the nurse suspect?
,A. Atelectasis
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Constipation
D. Urinary retention
Correct answer: B. Pulmonary embolism
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea, tachycardia, and pleuritic chest
pain are classic warning signs of pulmonary embolism,
particularly in a postoperative client who is at increased risk for
venous thromboembolism. The nurse should immediately assess
respiratory status, provide oxygen as indicated, notify the
appropriate provider or activate emergency response, and
prepare for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Delaying
treatment can result in severe hypoxemia, cardiovascular
collapse, or death.
Question 4
A client taking warfarin asks which food-related instruction is
most important.
A. Avoid all foods containing carbohydrates.
B. Increase vitamin K intake substantially each day.
C. Maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-containing foods.
D. Eliminate all fruits from the diet.
, Correct answer: C. Maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-
containing foods.
Rationale: Clients taking warfarin do not necessarily need to
eliminate vitamin K-containing foods. Instead, they should
maintain a consistent dietary intake so that significant
fluctuations do not interfere with anticoagulation. Foods such as
leafy green vegetables contain substantial vitamin K. The client
should also understand the importance of INR monitoring,
medication adherence, bleeding precautions, and reporting
signs of excessive anticoagulation.
Question 5
A client receiving morphine after surgery has a respiratory rate
of 7/min and is difficult to arouse. What is the nurse's priority?
A. Administer another dose of morphine.
B. Document the finding and reassess in one hour.
C. Encourage the client to drink fluids.
D. Support the airway and prepare to administer naloxone as
prescribed.
Correct answer: D. Support the airway and prepare to
administer naloxone as prescribed.
Rationale: Severe respiratory depression and decreased level of
consciousness are potentially life-threatening opioid adverse
