HESI Exit Exam Study Questions and
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
A patient is scheduled for an abdominal CT scan with contrast. Which statement indicates the
patient understands pre-procedure instructions?
A. “I can drink coffee right before the exam.”
✔✔B. “I need to be NPO for several hours before the exam.”
C. “I should stop breathing during the test.”
D. “I can eat a heavy meal just before the scan.”
Which instruction is most important before an MRI?
A. Remove dentures
✔✔B. Remove all metallic objects
C. Do not drink water before the exam
D. Take prescribed medications with food
A chest x-ray is ordered for a patient. Which action ensures radiation safety for the nurse?
A. Standing beside the patient during exposure
1
,B. Wearing a lead apron and holding the patient’s arm
✔✔C. Standing behind a protective barrier during exposure
D. Asking another nurse to hold the patient without protection
A patient asks why barium swallow is needed. Which is the best nurse response?
A. “It helps check your lungs.”
✔✔B. “It outlines your esophagus and stomach for the x-ray.”
C. “It measures your blood flow.”
D. “It evaluates your brain function.”
Which patient should the nurse question before administering contrast dye?
A. A patient with hypertension
✔✔B. A patient with history of kidney disease
C. A patient with a fracture
D. A patient with seasonal allergies
After a barium enema, which instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Avoid drinking fluids for 24 hours
2
,✔✔B. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent constipation
C. Remain NPO until bowel movement
D. Avoid ambulation for the rest of the day
Which finding must be reported immediately after IV contrast administration?
A. Mild nausea
✔✔B. Difficulty breathing and swelling of lips
C. Warm sensation at injection site
D. Metallic taste in the mouth
A nurse prepares a patient for an ultrasound. Which instruction is most accurate?
✔✔A. The procedure uses sound waves and does not involve radiation
B. The procedure requires general anesthesia
C. The patient must be exposed to x-rays
D. The procedure requires a lead shield
During portable x-rays, what should visitors in the room be instructed to do?
A. Stand next to the machine
3
, ✔✔B. Step out of the room or wear lead shielding
C. Hold the patient without protection
D. Stand directly behind the nurse
Which nursing action is required before a patient undergoes CT scan with contrast?
A. Give a high-protein snack
✔✔B. Check for iodine or shellfish allergy
C. Start oxygen therapy
D. Administer oral barium sulfate
After an upper GI study, which stool finding is expected?
A. Black and tarry stools
✔✔B. White or light-colored stools
C. Loose green stools
D. Normal brown stools immediately
Why is MRI contraindicated for a patient with a pacemaker?
A. Radiation exposure is harmful to pacemakers
4
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
A patient is scheduled for an abdominal CT scan with contrast. Which statement indicates the
patient understands pre-procedure instructions?
A. “I can drink coffee right before the exam.”
✔✔B. “I need to be NPO for several hours before the exam.”
C. “I should stop breathing during the test.”
D. “I can eat a heavy meal just before the scan.”
Which instruction is most important before an MRI?
A. Remove dentures
✔✔B. Remove all metallic objects
C. Do not drink water before the exam
D. Take prescribed medications with food
A chest x-ray is ordered for a patient. Which action ensures radiation safety for the nurse?
A. Standing beside the patient during exposure
1
,B. Wearing a lead apron and holding the patient’s arm
✔✔C. Standing behind a protective barrier during exposure
D. Asking another nurse to hold the patient without protection
A patient asks why barium swallow is needed. Which is the best nurse response?
A. “It helps check your lungs.”
✔✔B. “It outlines your esophagus and stomach for the x-ray.”
C. “It measures your blood flow.”
D. “It evaluates your brain function.”
Which patient should the nurse question before administering contrast dye?
A. A patient with hypertension
✔✔B. A patient with history of kidney disease
C. A patient with a fracture
D. A patient with seasonal allergies
After a barium enema, which instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Avoid drinking fluids for 24 hours
2
,✔✔B. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent constipation
C. Remain NPO until bowel movement
D. Avoid ambulation for the rest of the day
Which finding must be reported immediately after IV contrast administration?
A. Mild nausea
✔✔B. Difficulty breathing and swelling of lips
C. Warm sensation at injection site
D. Metallic taste in the mouth
A nurse prepares a patient for an ultrasound. Which instruction is most accurate?
✔✔A. The procedure uses sound waves and does not involve radiation
B. The procedure requires general anesthesia
C. The patient must be exposed to x-rays
D. The procedure requires a lead shield
During portable x-rays, what should visitors in the room be instructed to do?
A. Stand next to the machine
3
, ✔✔B. Step out of the room or wear lead shielding
C. Hold the patient without protection
D. Stand directly behind the nurse
Which nursing action is required before a patient undergoes CT scan with contrast?
A. Give a high-protein snack
✔✔B. Check for iodine or shellfish allergy
C. Start oxygen therapy
D. Administer oral barium sulfate
After an upper GI study, which stool finding is expected?
A. Black and tarry stools
✔✔B. White or light-colored stools
C. Loose green stools
D. Normal brown stools immediately
Why is MRI contraindicated for a patient with a pacemaker?
A. Radiation exposure is harmful to pacemakers
4
