HESI Comprehensive Exam 2025–2026
Accurate Real Exam Questions and Verified
Correct Answers JUST RELEASED
A client living in a long-term care facility shouts at the nurse, "Get out of my room! I don't need your
help!" What is the most appropriate way for the nurse to document this occurrence in the client's
record?
Writing that the client is very agitated
Writing that the client yelled at the nurse
Writing that the client is able to perform his/her own care
Writing down the client's words and placing them in quotation marks - answer>>>Writing down the
client's words and placing them in quotation marks
Rationale: Documenting the client's words verbatim and placing them in quotations ensures accurate
data. An objective description is the result of direct observation and measurement. Documenting
inferences without supporting factual data is not acceptable, because a client's statements may be
misunderstood. The remaining options do not provide objective descriptions.
A nurse in the cardiac care unit (CCU) is told that a client with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI)
will be admitted from the emergency department (ED). Which item does the nurse give priority to
placing at the client's bedside?
Bedside commode
Suctioning equipment
Electrocardiography machine
Oxygen cannula and flowmeter - answer>>>Oxygen cannula and flowmeter
Rationale: The oxygen cannula and flowmeter are the priority. The client will require oxygen therapy
after myocardial infarction to improve oxygen supply to the myocardium and ease the pain resulting
from ischemia. Suctioning equipment is not the priority item but may be needed if a complication
occurs. An electrocardiogram machine and bedside commode may be necessary but are not the priority
items.
,A laxative has been prescribed for a client with diminished colonic motor response as a means of
promoting defecation. The nurse provides information to the client about the medication. What does
the nurse tell the client to do?
Increase fluid intake
Consume low-fiber foods
Consume foods that are low in potassium
Contact the primary health care provider if the urine turns yellow-brown - answer>>>Increase fluid
intake
Rationale: The nurse encourages the client to increase fluid intake, to consume a high-fiber diet, and to
exercise. Hypokalemia may result from use of a laxative, so the nurse encourages the client to consume
foods high in potassium. The client's urine may turn pink-red, red-violet, red-brown, or yellow-brown,
but the client is told that this is a temporary, harmless effect.
Cyclobenzaprine is prescribed to a client with multiple sclerosis for the treatment of muscle spasms. For
which common side effect of this medication does the nurse monitor the client?
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Abdominal pain
Increased salivation - answer>>>Drowsiness
Rationale: Drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth are the most common side effects of cyclobenzaprine.
Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant used in the management of muscle spasm
accompanying a variety of conditions. Rare side effects include fatigue, tiredness, blurred vision,
headache, nervousness, confusion, nausea, constipation, dyspepsia, and an unpleasant taste in the
mouth.
A nurse administers nitroglycerin sublingually to a client diagnosed with angina pectoris who reports
chest pain. The medication is ineffective, so the nurse prepares to administer a second dose. Before
administering the nitroglycerin, which action does the nurse make a priority?
Checking the client's blood pressure
Obtaining blood levels of cardiac enzymes
Asking the client if experiencing headache
,Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) - answer>>>Checking the client's blood pressure
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is a nitrate that dilates the coronary arteries. One adverse effect of the
medication is hypotension, and the nurse would assess the blood pressure and apical pulse before
administration and periodically after the dose is given. Blood levels of cardiac enzymes are obtained if
prescribed, but the priority is checking the client's blood pressure. Headache is a frequent side effect of
the medication, mostly early in therapy and usually disappearing with continued treatment. It is not
necessary to obtain a 12-lead ECG before administering a second dose of nitroglycerin unless this is
prescribed by the primary health care provider. However, the client receiving intravenous nitroglycerin
must have continuous ECG monitoring.
Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride is prescribed to a client with a urinary tract infection. The nurse provides
instruction about the medication. What does the nurse tell the client about how best to take the
medication?
With milk
With an antacid
2 hours after meals
With aluminum hydroxide - answer>>>2 hours after meals
Rationale: Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride is an anti-infective in the fluoroquinolone family. It may be taken
without regard to meals, but the best dosing time is 2 hours after a meal. Milk may affect absorption.
Antacids (here, aluminum hydroxide) may reduce absorption and should be administered 2 hours apart
from the ciprofloxacin hydrochloride.
A nurse provides home care instructions to a client with coronary artery disease (CAD) who is being
discharged from the hospital. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction?
"I need to carry my nitroglycerin with me at all times."
"I need to check my pulse before, during, and after exercise."
"I need to avoid foods with saturated fats and foods high in cholesterol."
"I need to participate in aerobic and weightlifting exercise three times a week." - answer>>>"I need to
participate in aerobic and weightlifting exercise three times a week."
Rationale: There is a need for further instruction if the client states, "I need to participate in aerobic and
weightlifting exercise three times a week." The client should avoid activities that involve straining,
including weightlifting, push-ups and pull-ups, and straining during bowel movements. The client with
CAD should participate in a simple exercise program on a regular basis. The client may begin a simple
walking program by walking 400 feet (122 metres) twice a day at a rate of 1 mph (1.6 km/hr) the first
, week after discharge and increasing the distance and rate as tolerated, usually weekly, until he or she
can walk 2 miles (3.2 km) at 3 to 4 mph (4.8 to 6.4 km/hr). The client should always carry nitroglycerin
and must comply with dietary restrictions, including avoiding foods with saturated fats and foods high in
cholesterol. The nurse instructs the client to take a pulse reading before, halfway through, and after
exercise.
A nurse provides information to a client who will be undergoing endoscopic retrograde
cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). What does the nurse tell the client?
There is no need to fast (NPO status) before the procedure
The gallbladder is easily removed during this procedure if gallstones are found
The procedure is only performed to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
Dye may be injected during the procedure to permit visualization of the pancreatic and biliary ducts -
answer>>>Dye may be injected during the procedure to permit visualization of the pancreatic and
biliary ducts
Rationale: The nurse tells the client that dye may be injected to outline the pancreatic and biliary ducts.
ERCP involves the oral insertion of an endoscope with a side-viewing tip and a cannula that can be
maneuvered into the ampulla of Vater. The procedure may be combined with papillotomy to enlarge
the sphincter and release gallstones. However, the gallbladder itself cannot be removed during this
procedure. As with any endoscopic procedure, the client must remain NPO for 8 hours before the test.
A client who has undergone knee-replacement surgery will be self-administering enoxaparin sodium at
home. The nurse teaches the client about the medication. What does the nurse tell the client?
Store the medication in the refrigerator
Lie down to administer the subcutaneous injection
Inject the medication in the upper outer aspect of the arm
Discard the medication if the solution appears pale yellow - answer>>>Lie down to administer the
subcutaneous injection
Rationale: The client is instructed to lie down to administer the injection and to introduce the entire
length of the needle (½ inch [1.25 cm]) into a skin fold held between the thumb and forefinger.
Enoxaparin sodium is an anticoagulant that is administered by way of subcutaneous injection. It is
injected into the abdominal wall. The solution, which appears clear and colorless to pale yellow, is
stored at room temperature.
Accurate Real Exam Questions and Verified
Correct Answers JUST RELEASED
A client living in a long-term care facility shouts at the nurse, "Get out of my room! I don't need your
help!" What is the most appropriate way for the nurse to document this occurrence in the client's
record?
Writing that the client is very agitated
Writing that the client yelled at the nurse
Writing that the client is able to perform his/her own care
Writing down the client's words and placing them in quotation marks - answer>>>Writing down the
client's words and placing them in quotation marks
Rationale: Documenting the client's words verbatim and placing them in quotations ensures accurate
data. An objective description is the result of direct observation and measurement. Documenting
inferences without supporting factual data is not acceptable, because a client's statements may be
misunderstood. The remaining options do not provide objective descriptions.
A nurse in the cardiac care unit (CCU) is told that a client with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI)
will be admitted from the emergency department (ED). Which item does the nurse give priority to
placing at the client's bedside?
Bedside commode
Suctioning equipment
Electrocardiography machine
Oxygen cannula and flowmeter - answer>>>Oxygen cannula and flowmeter
Rationale: The oxygen cannula and flowmeter are the priority. The client will require oxygen therapy
after myocardial infarction to improve oxygen supply to the myocardium and ease the pain resulting
from ischemia. Suctioning equipment is not the priority item but may be needed if a complication
occurs. An electrocardiogram machine and bedside commode may be necessary but are not the priority
items.
,A laxative has been prescribed for a client with diminished colonic motor response as a means of
promoting defecation. The nurse provides information to the client about the medication. What does
the nurse tell the client to do?
Increase fluid intake
Consume low-fiber foods
Consume foods that are low in potassium
Contact the primary health care provider if the urine turns yellow-brown - answer>>>Increase fluid
intake
Rationale: The nurse encourages the client to increase fluid intake, to consume a high-fiber diet, and to
exercise. Hypokalemia may result from use of a laxative, so the nurse encourages the client to consume
foods high in potassium. The client's urine may turn pink-red, red-violet, red-brown, or yellow-brown,
but the client is told that this is a temporary, harmless effect.
Cyclobenzaprine is prescribed to a client with multiple sclerosis for the treatment of muscle spasms. For
which common side effect of this medication does the nurse monitor the client?
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Abdominal pain
Increased salivation - answer>>>Drowsiness
Rationale: Drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth are the most common side effects of cyclobenzaprine.
Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant used in the management of muscle spasm
accompanying a variety of conditions. Rare side effects include fatigue, tiredness, blurred vision,
headache, nervousness, confusion, nausea, constipation, dyspepsia, and an unpleasant taste in the
mouth.
A nurse administers nitroglycerin sublingually to a client diagnosed with angina pectoris who reports
chest pain. The medication is ineffective, so the nurse prepares to administer a second dose. Before
administering the nitroglycerin, which action does the nurse make a priority?
Checking the client's blood pressure
Obtaining blood levels of cardiac enzymes
Asking the client if experiencing headache
,Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) - answer>>>Checking the client's blood pressure
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is a nitrate that dilates the coronary arteries. One adverse effect of the
medication is hypotension, and the nurse would assess the blood pressure and apical pulse before
administration and periodically after the dose is given. Blood levels of cardiac enzymes are obtained if
prescribed, but the priority is checking the client's blood pressure. Headache is a frequent side effect of
the medication, mostly early in therapy and usually disappearing with continued treatment. It is not
necessary to obtain a 12-lead ECG before administering a second dose of nitroglycerin unless this is
prescribed by the primary health care provider. However, the client receiving intravenous nitroglycerin
must have continuous ECG monitoring.
Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride is prescribed to a client with a urinary tract infection. The nurse provides
instruction about the medication. What does the nurse tell the client about how best to take the
medication?
With milk
With an antacid
2 hours after meals
With aluminum hydroxide - answer>>>2 hours after meals
Rationale: Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride is an anti-infective in the fluoroquinolone family. It may be taken
without regard to meals, but the best dosing time is 2 hours after a meal. Milk may affect absorption.
Antacids (here, aluminum hydroxide) may reduce absorption and should be administered 2 hours apart
from the ciprofloxacin hydrochloride.
A nurse provides home care instructions to a client with coronary artery disease (CAD) who is being
discharged from the hospital. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction?
"I need to carry my nitroglycerin with me at all times."
"I need to check my pulse before, during, and after exercise."
"I need to avoid foods with saturated fats and foods high in cholesterol."
"I need to participate in aerobic and weightlifting exercise three times a week." - answer>>>"I need to
participate in aerobic and weightlifting exercise three times a week."
Rationale: There is a need for further instruction if the client states, "I need to participate in aerobic and
weightlifting exercise three times a week." The client should avoid activities that involve straining,
including weightlifting, push-ups and pull-ups, and straining during bowel movements. The client with
CAD should participate in a simple exercise program on a regular basis. The client may begin a simple
walking program by walking 400 feet (122 metres) twice a day at a rate of 1 mph (1.6 km/hr) the first
, week after discharge and increasing the distance and rate as tolerated, usually weekly, until he or she
can walk 2 miles (3.2 km) at 3 to 4 mph (4.8 to 6.4 km/hr). The client should always carry nitroglycerin
and must comply with dietary restrictions, including avoiding foods with saturated fats and foods high in
cholesterol. The nurse instructs the client to take a pulse reading before, halfway through, and after
exercise.
A nurse provides information to a client who will be undergoing endoscopic retrograde
cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). What does the nurse tell the client?
There is no need to fast (NPO status) before the procedure
The gallbladder is easily removed during this procedure if gallstones are found
The procedure is only performed to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
Dye may be injected during the procedure to permit visualization of the pancreatic and biliary ducts -
answer>>>Dye may be injected during the procedure to permit visualization of the pancreatic and
biliary ducts
Rationale: The nurse tells the client that dye may be injected to outline the pancreatic and biliary ducts.
ERCP involves the oral insertion of an endoscope with a side-viewing tip and a cannula that can be
maneuvered into the ampulla of Vater. The procedure may be combined with papillotomy to enlarge
the sphincter and release gallstones. However, the gallbladder itself cannot be removed during this
procedure. As with any endoscopic procedure, the client must remain NPO for 8 hours before the test.
A client who has undergone knee-replacement surgery will be self-administering enoxaparin sodium at
home. The nurse teaches the client about the medication. What does the nurse tell the client?
Store the medication in the refrigerator
Lie down to administer the subcutaneous injection
Inject the medication in the upper outer aspect of the arm
Discard the medication if the solution appears pale yellow - answer>>>Lie down to administer the
subcutaneous injection
Rationale: The client is instructed to lie down to administer the injection and to introduce the entire
length of the needle (½ inch [1.25 cm]) into a skin fold held between the thumb and forefinger.
Enoxaparin sodium is an anticoagulant that is administered by way of subcutaneous injection. It is
injected into the abdominal wall. The solution, which appears clear and colorless to pale yellow, is
stored at room temperature.
