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BSN HESI 366 Exit Exam 2026/2027 Actual
Questions with Verified Answers and Detailed
Rationales Comprehensive Grade A Study Guide
1. A nurse is speaking with the wife of a client diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer.
The wife asks how she will know her husband's death is imminent so their adult
children can be present. Which of the following is the nurse's best response?
A. Explain that the client will start to lose consciousness and his body systems will slow
down.
B. Reassure the spouse that the healthcare provider will let her know when to call the
children.
C. Offer to discuss the client's health status with each of the adult children.
D. Gather information regarding how long it will take for the children to arrive.
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: While individual experiences vary, the nurse can educate the family on
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common signs of impending death, such as decreased consciousness, increased
sleeping, and changes in vital signs, to help them prepare.
2. A client taking Lovastatin reports a new problem. Which report requires the most
immediate follow-up by the nurse?
A. Diarrhea and flatulence
B. Abdominal cramps
C. Muscle pain
D. Altered taste
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Muscle pain (myalgia) is a significant side effect of statin medications and can
indicate a serious condition like rhabdomyolysis, requiring immediate evaluation.
3. A client with multiple burn injuries is admitted hours post-injury. To prevent
autocontamination during dressing changes, which intervention is most important for
the nurse to implement?
A. Dress each wound separately.
B. Assign equipment to this one client only.
C. Utilize a reverse isolation protocol.
D. Use a gown, mask, and gloves with dressing changes.
CORRECT ANSWER: D
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Rationale: Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) creates a barrier that
prevents the transfer of microorganisms from the nurse to the client's open wounds,
which is the primary goal in preventing autocontamination.
4. A nurse is assessing the arteriovenous (AV) fistula of a client with chronic kidney
disease. Which observation indicates the fistula is patent?
A. The left radial pulse is 2+ and bounding.
B. Distended, tortuous veins are noted in the left hand.
C. A thrill is auscultated on the left forearm.
D. A bruit is assessed on the left arm.
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: A palpable vibration, or thrill, over the AV fistula is a primary indicator of
adequate blood flow and patency.
5. A client receiving radiation for laryngeal cancer has developed xerostomia and
mucositis, leading to an imbalanced nutritional intake. Which factor is most likely the
cause of this problem?
A. Nausea
B. Fatigue
C. Pain when eating
D. Altered taste sensation
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CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Mucositis causes painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous
membranes in the mouth and throat, which directly and severely impairs the client's
ability to eat and drink.
6. Following laser trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma, a client reports acute pain
deep within the eye. What action should the nurse take first?
A. Apply bilateral eye shields to reduce photosensitivity.
B. Begin postoperative prophylactic antibiotics.
C. Administer an antiemetic to prevent vomiting.
D. Report the eye pain to the surgeon.
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: Acute, deep eye pain is not a normal postoperative finding and could indicate
a serious complication such as increased intraocular pressure or inflammation, requiring
immediate surgeon notification.
7. The nurse is caring for a child with mononucleosis. Which symptoms can the nurse
expect the child to exhibit?
A. Positive Epstein-Barr test and malaise
B. Ear pain and fever
C. Elevated WBC and sedimentation rate
BSN HESI 366 Exit Exam 2026/2027 Actual
Questions with Verified Answers and Detailed
Rationales Comprehensive Grade A Study Guide
1. A nurse is speaking with the wife of a client diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer.
The wife asks how she will know her husband's death is imminent so their adult
children can be present. Which of the following is the nurse's best response?
A. Explain that the client will start to lose consciousness and his body systems will slow
down.
B. Reassure the spouse that the healthcare provider will let her know when to call the
children.
C. Offer to discuss the client's health status with each of the adult children.
D. Gather information regarding how long it will take for the children to arrive.
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: While individual experiences vary, the nurse can educate the family on
,2|Page
common signs of impending death, such as decreased consciousness, increased
sleeping, and changes in vital signs, to help them prepare.
2. A client taking Lovastatin reports a new problem. Which report requires the most
immediate follow-up by the nurse?
A. Diarrhea and flatulence
B. Abdominal cramps
C. Muscle pain
D. Altered taste
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Muscle pain (myalgia) is a significant side effect of statin medications and can
indicate a serious condition like rhabdomyolysis, requiring immediate evaluation.
3. A client with multiple burn injuries is admitted hours post-injury. To prevent
autocontamination during dressing changes, which intervention is most important for
the nurse to implement?
A. Dress each wound separately.
B. Assign equipment to this one client only.
C. Utilize a reverse isolation protocol.
D. Use a gown, mask, and gloves with dressing changes.
CORRECT ANSWER: D
,3|Page
Rationale: Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) creates a barrier that
prevents the transfer of microorganisms from the nurse to the client's open wounds,
which is the primary goal in preventing autocontamination.
4. A nurse is assessing the arteriovenous (AV) fistula of a client with chronic kidney
disease. Which observation indicates the fistula is patent?
A. The left radial pulse is 2+ and bounding.
B. Distended, tortuous veins are noted in the left hand.
C. A thrill is auscultated on the left forearm.
D. A bruit is assessed on the left arm.
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: A palpable vibration, or thrill, over the AV fistula is a primary indicator of
adequate blood flow and patency.
5. A client receiving radiation for laryngeal cancer has developed xerostomia and
mucositis, leading to an imbalanced nutritional intake. Which factor is most likely the
cause of this problem?
A. Nausea
B. Fatigue
C. Pain when eating
D. Altered taste sensation
, 4|Page
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Mucositis causes painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous
membranes in the mouth and throat, which directly and severely impairs the client's
ability to eat and drink.
6. Following laser trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma, a client reports acute pain
deep within the eye. What action should the nurse take first?
A. Apply bilateral eye shields to reduce photosensitivity.
B. Begin postoperative prophylactic antibiotics.
C. Administer an antiemetic to prevent vomiting.
D. Report the eye pain to the surgeon.
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: Acute, deep eye pain is not a normal postoperative finding and could indicate
a serious complication such as increased intraocular pressure or inflammation, requiring
immediate surgeon notification.
7. The nurse is caring for a child with mononucleosis. Which symptoms can the nurse
expect the child to exhibit?
A. Positive Epstein-Barr test and malaise
B. Ear pain and fever
C. Elevated WBC and sedimentation rate
