January 2026 | HESI RN Comprehensive Exit Exam Prep & Test Bank | Complete Study Guide with Verified NCLEX-Style Questions, Correct Answers, Detailed Rationales, Medical-Surgical, Maternal-Newborn, Pediatrics, Mental Health, Pharmacology, Patient Care Sc

January 2026 | HESI RN Comprehensive Exit Exam Prep & Test Bank |
Complete Study Guide with Verified NCLEX-Style Questions, Correct
Answers, Detailed Rationales, Medical-Surgical, Maternal-Newborn,
Pediatrics, Mental Health, Pharmacology, Patient Care Scenarios, Nursing
Interventions, Critical Thinking & First-Attempt Exam Success
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of the nursing process?
• A) Diagnose patients
• B) Provide documentation
• C) Ensure consistent patient care
• D) Teach patients about medications
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Ensure consistent patient care
Rationale: The nursing process is a systematic approach to delivering care that ensures
consistency and safety in patient treatment.


Question 2:
What is the normal range for adult blood pressure?
• A) 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg
• B) 100/70 mmHg to 130/90 mmHg
• C) 110/80 mmHg to 140/90 mmHg
• D) 120/80 mmHg to 150/100 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: A) 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg
Rationale: The normal blood pressure range for adults is typically considered to be
90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg.


Question 3:
Which of the following medications is classified as an opioid analgesic?
• A) Aspirin
• B) Ibuprofen
• C) Morphine
• D) Acetaminophen

,CORRECT ANSWER: C) Morphine
Rationale: Morphine is classified as an opioid analgesic and is used for pain relief,
while the others are non-opioids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).


Question 4:
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a myocardial
infarction?
• A) Administer oxygen
• B) Provide aspirin
• C) Monitor vital signs
• D) Place the patient in a high-Fowler's position
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Administer oxygen
Rationale: Administering oxygen is the priority intervention to ensure oxygenation to the
heart and alleviate ischemia during a myocardial infarction.


Question 5:
In which stage of the nursing process does the nurse identify patient problems?
• A) Diagnosis
• B) Planning
• C) Implementation
• D) Evaluation
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Diagnosis
Rationale: The diagnosis phase is where the nurse identifies and prioritizes patient
problems based on assessment data.
Question 41:
Which of the following parameters is the most important to assess in a patient
receiving chemotherapy?
• A) White blood cell count
• B) Blood pressure
• C) Heart rate
• D) Respiratory rate

,CORRECT ANSWER: A) White blood cell count
Rationale: Monitoring the white blood cell count is crucial to detect neutropenia, a
common side effect of chemotherapy.


Question 42:
What is the primary nursing intervention for a patient with a new colostomy?
• A) Provide nutritional counseling
• B) Assess the stoma for color and integrity
• C) Encourage fluid intake
• D) Change the colostomy bag daily
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Assess the stoma for color and integrity
Rationale: The stoma should be assessed for proper color and integrity to ensure it is
functioning correctly.


Question 43:
Which assessment finding is a characteristic of right-sided heart failure?
• A) Pulmonary congestion
• B) Edema in the lower extremities
• C) Dyspnea on exertion
• D) Cough with pink frothy sputum
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Edema in the lower extremities
Rationale: Right-sided heart failure commonly results in peripheral edema due to fluid
retention.


Question 44:
Which of the following conditions is a contraindication for administering live
vaccines?
• A) Diabetes
• B) Asthma
• C) Immunosuppression
• D) Hypertension

, CORRECT ANSWER: C) Immunosuppression
Rationale: Live vaccines are contraindicated in individuals with weakened immune
systems.


Question 45:
What is the primary purpose of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?
• A) To assess pain levels.
• B) To measure blood pressure.
• C) To evaluate consciousness levels.
• D) To monitor respiratory rate.
CORRECT ANSWER: C) To evaluate consciousness levels.
Rationale: The GCS is used to assess a person's level of consciousness based on eye,
verbal, and motor responses.


Question 46:
A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed a low-sodium diet. What
should the nurse emphasize?
• A) Increase dairy products
• B) Avoid processed foods
• C) Limit hydration
• D) Use sea salt instead of regular salt
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Avoid processed foods
Rationale: Processed foods often contain high levels of sodium, which should be
avoided in a low-sodium diet.


Question 47:
Which lab value indicates the effectiveness of anticoagulation therapy?
• A) Prothrombin Time (PT)
• B) Hemoglobin
• C) Platelet count
• D) Serum creatinine