HESI RN Exit Exam V2 – Complete Questions and Answers with Rationales – Ranked A+ – 2026–2027 Latest Update – Instant Download PDF

2026–2027 HESI RN EXIT
EXAM V2 WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTION RANKED A+ — 2026
LATEST UPDATE

1. The nurse has just admitted a client with severe
depression. From which focus should the nurse identify a
priority nursing diagnosis?
A. Nutrition
B. Elimination
C. Activity
D. Safety
ANSWER: D
Rationale: Safety is the priority nursing diagnosis for a client with
severe depression because of the risk for self-harm or suicide.




2. While explaining an illness to a 10 year-old, what should
the nurse keep in mind about the cognitive development at
this age?
A. They are able to make simple association of ideas
B. They are able to think logically in organizing facts
C. Interpretation of events originate from their own perspective
D. Conclusions are based on previous experiences
ANSWER: B
Rationale: According to Piaget's concrete operational stage (ages
7–11), a 10-year-old is able to think logically about concrete facts
and organize information.




3. The nurse enters the room as a 3 year-old is having a
generalized seizure. Which intervention should the nurse do
first?
A. Clear the area of any hazards
B. Place the child on the side



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,C. Restrain the child
D. Give the prescribed anticonvulsant
ANSWER: B
Rationale: Positioning the child on the side prevents aspiration and
maintains airway patency during a seizure.




4. The nurse is reviewing a depressed client's history from
an earlier admission. Documentation of anhedonia is noted.
The nurse understands that this finding refers to
A. Reports of difficulty falling and staying asleep
B. Expression of persistent suicidal thoughts
C. Lack of enjoyment in usual pleasures
D. Flat affect and lack of facial expression
ANSWER: C
Rationale: Anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure from
activities that are normally enjoyable.




5. A client has just returned to the medical-surgical unit
following a segmental lung resection. After assessing the
client, the first nursing action would be to
A. Administer pain medication
B. Suction excessive tracheobronchial secretions
C. Assist client to turn, deep breathe and cough
D. Monitor oxygen saturation
ANSWER: B
Rationale: After lung resection, clearing excessive
tracheobronchial secretions is the priority to maintain airway
patency and prevent respiratory compromise.




6. While assessing a client in an outpatient facility with a
panic disorder, the nurse completes a thorough health
history and physical exam. Which finding is most significant
for this client?
A. Compulsive behavior
B. Sense of impending doom
C. Fear of flying
D. Predictable episodes


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,ANSWER: B
Rationale: A sense of impending doom is the hallmark finding of a
panic attack.




7. A 16 month-old child has just been admitted to the
hospital. As the nurse assigned to this child enters the
hospital room for the first time, the toddler runs to the
mother, clings to her and begins to cry. What would be the
initial action by the nurse?
A. Arrange to change client care assignments
B. Explain that this behavior is expected
C. Discuss the appropriate use of "time-out"
D. Explain that the child needs extra attention
ANSWER: B
Rationale: Clinging to the parent and crying is a normal response
to hospitalization for a toddler experiencing stranger anxiety and
separation anxiety.




8. A 15 year-old client with a lengthy confining illness is at
risk for altered growth and development of which task?
A. Loss of control
B. Insecurity
C. Dependence
D. Lack of trust
ANSWER: C
Rationale: A lengthy confining illness may lead to dependence
rather than the development of independence expected at this age.




9. Which playroom activities should the nurse organize for a
small group of 7 year-old hospitalized children?
A. Sports and games with rules
B. Finger paints and water play
C. "Dress-up" clothes and props
D. Chess and television programs
ANSWER: A




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, Rationale: School-age children are in Erikson's industry vs.
inferiority stage and enjoy games with rules and teamwork.




10. The nurse is discussing dietary intake with an
adolescent who has acne. The most appropriate statement
for the nurse is
A. "Eat a balanced diet for your age."
B. "Increase your intake of protein and Vitamin A."
C. "Decrease fatty foods from your diet."
D. "Do not use caffeine in any form, including chocolate."
ANSWER: A
Rationale: There is no strong evidence linking specific foods to
acne; a balanced diet for the adolescent's age is the most
appropriate recommendation.




11. The nurse is assigned to a newly delivered woman with
HIV/AIDS. The student asks the nurse about how it is
determined that a person has AIDS other than a positive HIV
test. The nurse responds
A. "The complaints of at least 3 common findings."
B. "The absence of any opportunistic infection."
C. "CD4 lymphocyte count is less than 200."
D. "Developmental delays in children."
ANSWER: C
Rationale: AIDS is diagnosed when the CD4 lymphocyte count falls
below 200 cells/mm³ or an opportunistic infection develops.




12. The nurse is caring for a child who has just returned
from surgery following a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
A. Offer ice cream every 2 hours
B. Place the child in a supine position
C. Allow the child to drink through a straw
D. Observe swallowing patterns
ANSWER: D
Rationale: Frequent swallowing is the earliest sign of hemorrhage
after tonsillectomy, so observing swallowing patterns is essential.


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