HESI EXIT V2
140+ (Fully Updated 2026) Exam Questions + Verified & Rationalized
Answers | A+ Graded
100% Guarantee Pass
📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 140 Qs
This document, "HESI Exit V2," covers topics related to cardiovascular and respiratory nursing, including
cardiac surgery, heart failure, cardioversion, pacemakers, thrombophlebitis, activity intolerance, coronary
artery disease, and total parenteral nutrition. The document contains 140 questions with correct answers
and detailed explanations, offering a comprehensive review of these concepts. Students can utilize this
resource to study, review, and understand the underlying principles, allowing them to better grasp and
apply the material to prepare for exams.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
The LPN/LVN is preparing to ambulate a postoperative client after cardiac surgery. The nurse plans to
do which to enable the client to best tolerate the ambulation?
CORRECT ANSWER
Premedicate the client with an analgesic before ambulating.
RATIONALE: Premedicating the client with an analgesic before ambulating is necessary to minimize pain and discomfort
associated with movement, which can increase stress and strain on the cardiovascular system, potentially triggering
complications in a postoperative client after cardiac surgery. By reducing pain and discomfort, the nurse can help the
client tolerate ambulation more comfortably and safely, thereby reducing the risk of complications and promoting a
smoother recovery.
QUESTION 2
A client is wearing a continuous cardiac monitor, which begins to alarm at the nurse's station. The
nurse sees no electrocardiographic complexes on the screen. The nurse should do which first?
CORRECT ANSWER
Check the client status and lead placement.
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, RATIONALE: The nurse should check the client status and lead placement because it is essential to verify whether the
alarming is a true cardiac issue or a technical problem with the monitor, which could be due to improper lead placement
or a disconnection. By assessing the client's status and verifying the lead placement, the nurse can immediately
determine if there is a real cardiac emergency or if the alarm is a false signal that needs to be addressed before taking
any further action.
QUESTION 3
The LPN/LVN in a medical unit is caring for a client with heart failure. The client suddenly develops
extreme dyspnea, tachycardia, and lung crackles, and the nurse suspects pulmonary edema. The nurse
immediately notifies the registered nurse and expects which interventions to be prescribed? Select all
that apply.
CORRECT ANSWER
1. Administering oxygen
2. Inserting a Foley catheter
3. Administering furosemide (Lasix)
RATIONALE: Administering oxygen is crucial because it increases oxygen levels in the blood, compensating for the
decreased oxygenation due to pulmonary edema. Inserting a Foley catheter and administering furosemide (Lasix) are
also necessary interventions because they help reduce fluid buildup in the lungs by increasing urine output and
promoting diuresis, thereby alleviating symptoms of pulmonary edema.
QUESTION 4
The nurse is monitoring a client following cardioversion. Which observations should be of highest
priority to the nurse?
CORRECT ANSWER
Status of airway
RATIONALE: The status of the airway is the highest priority observation for the nurse monitoring a client following
cardioversion because the procedure can cause respiratory depression or arrest, especially if the client was taking certain
medications that affect breathing. Effective airway management is critical to ensure the client's oxygenation and prevent
potential complications, making it the most critical observation to monitor closely.
QUESTION 5
The nurse is assisting in caring for the client immediately after insertion of a permanent demand
pacemaker via the right subclavian vein. The nurse prevents dislodgement of the pacing catheter by
implementing which intervention?
CORRECT ANSWER
Limiting movement and abduction of the right arm
RATIONALE: The correct intervention is necessary to prevent the pacing catheter from being dislodged from the right
subclavian vein, where it was inserted, by minimizing movement that could cause the catheter to shift or pull out.
Limiting movement and abduction of the right arm specifically targets the area where the catheter is located, thereby
reducing the risk of dislodgement and ensuring proper healing and function of the pacemaker.
QUESTION 6
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, A client diagnosed with thrombophlebitis 1 day ago suddenly complains of chest pain and shortness of
breath, and the client is visibly anxious. The LPN/LVN understands that a life-threatening complication
of this condition is which?
CORRECT ANSWER
Pulmonary embolism
RATIONALE: A pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening complication of thrombophlebitis because the clot from the
thrombophlebitis can break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a blockage in the pulmonary
arteries. This blockage disrupts oxygen delivery to the body, leading to the client's sudden onset of chest pain, shortness
of breath, and anxiety.
QUESTION 7
A 24-year-old man seeks medical attention for complaints of claudication in the arch of the foot. The
nurse also notes superficial thrombophlebitis of the lower leg. The nurse should check the client for
which next?
CORRECT ANSWER
Smoking history
RATIONALE: The nurse's next step is to check for smoking history because claudication in the arch of the foot and
superficial thrombophlebitis of the lower leg are common symptoms associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD),
which is often caused by smoking. A thorough smoking history will help the nurse identify the patient's smoking status
and assess the risk of PAD, allowing for further evaluation and treatment.
QUESTION 8
The nurse has reinforced instructions to the client with Raynaud's disease about self-management of
the disease process. The nurse determines that the client needs further teaching if the client states
which?
CORRECT ANSWER
"Moving to a warmer climate should help."
RATIONALE: Raynaud's disease is a condition that affects blood flow to the fingers and toes, often triggered by cold
temperatures, which makes relocating to a warmer climate a potentially beneficial self-management strategy for the
client. By moving to a warmer climate, the client may experience fewer episodes of the condition, thereby reducing the
need for further teaching on self-management.
QUESTION 9
A client with myocardial infarction suddenly becomes tachycardic, shows signs of air hunger, and
begins coughing frothy, pink-tinged sputum. The nurse listens to breath sounds, expecting to hear
which breath sounds bilaterally?
CORRECT ANSWER
Crackles
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 3 of 40
, RATIONALE: The presence of air hunger and frothy, pink-tinged sputum suggests pulmonary edema, a common
complication of myocardial infarction, which is characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs. Crackles are a classic
breath sound associated with pulmonary edema, resulting from the bubbling of fluid and air in the alveoli, making it the
expected breath sound in this scenario.
QUESTION 10
The LPN/LVN is collecting data on a client with a diagnosis of right-
sided heart failure. The nurse should expect to note which specific characteristic of this condition?
CORRECT ANSWER
Dependent edema
RATIONALE: Dependent edema is a characteristic of right-sided heart failure because the heart's inability to pump blood
effectively leads to fluid buildup in the body, particularly in the lower extremities due to gravity, causing swelling in the
feet, ankles, and legs.
This type of edema results from the heart's weakened ability to return deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation,
causing blood to back up into the systemic circulation, leading to fluid accumulation in the dependent areas of the body.
QUESTION 11
The LPN/LVN is checking the neurovascular status of a client who returned to the surgical nursing unit
4 hours ago after undergoing an aortoiliac bypass graft. The affected leg is warm, and the nurse notes
redness and edema. The pedal pulse is palpable and unchanged from admission. The nurse interprets
that the neurovascular status is which?
CORRECT ANSWER
Normal, caused by increased blood flow through the leg
RATIONALE: An aortoiliac bypass graft is a surgical procedure that increases blood flow to the lower extremities, which
is consistent with the client's warm and red affected leg, indicating increased blood flow through the leg. The presence
of warm skin and palpable pedal pulse, alongside redness and edema, further supports that the increased blood flow is
causing the observed neurovascular status.
QUESTION 12
A client with a diagnosis of rapid rate atrial fibrillation asks the nurse why the health care provider is
going to perform carotid massage. The LPN/LVN responds that this procedure may stimulate which?
CORRECT ANSWER
Vagus nerve to slow the heart rate
RATIONALE: The vagus nerve is stimulated through carotid massage, which in turn activates the parasympathetic
nervous system. This activation causes the heart rate to slow down, as the parasympathetic nervous system has a
calming effect on the body's 'fight or flight' response, thereby reducing the heart rate in a person with rapid rate atrial
fibrillation.
QUESTION 13
A client is admitted to the hospital with possible rheumatic endocarditis. The LPN/LVN should check
for a history of which type of infection?
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
Page 4 of 40
140+ (Fully Updated 2026) Exam Questions + Verified & Rationalized
Answers | A+ Graded
100% Guarantee Pass
📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 140 Qs
This document, "HESI Exit V2," covers topics related to cardiovascular and respiratory nursing, including
cardiac surgery, heart failure, cardioversion, pacemakers, thrombophlebitis, activity intolerance, coronary
artery disease, and total parenteral nutrition. The document contains 140 questions with correct answers
and detailed explanations, offering a comprehensive review of these concepts. Students can utilize this
resource to study, review, and understand the underlying principles, allowing them to better grasp and
apply the material to prepare for exams.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
The LPN/LVN is preparing to ambulate a postoperative client after cardiac surgery. The nurse plans to
do which to enable the client to best tolerate the ambulation?
CORRECT ANSWER
Premedicate the client with an analgesic before ambulating.
RATIONALE: Premedicating the client with an analgesic before ambulating is necessary to minimize pain and discomfort
associated with movement, which can increase stress and strain on the cardiovascular system, potentially triggering
complications in a postoperative client after cardiac surgery. By reducing pain and discomfort, the nurse can help the
client tolerate ambulation more comfortably and safely, thereby reducing the risk of complications and promoting a
smoother recovery.
QUESTION 2
A client is wearing a continuous cardiac monitor, which begins to alarm at the nurse's station. The
nurse sees no electrocardiographic complexes on the screen. The nurse should do which first?
CORRECT ANSWER
Check the client status and lead placement.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 1 of 40
, RATIONALE: The nurse should check the client status and lead placement because it is essential to verify whether the
alarming is a true cardiac issue or a technical problem with the monitor, which could be due to improper lead placement
or a disconnection. By assessing the client's status and verifying the lead placement, the nurse can immediately
determine if there is a real cardiac emergency or if the alarm is a false signal that needs to be addressed before taking
any further action.
QUESTION 3
The LPN/LVN in a medical unit is caring for a client with heart failure. The client suddenly develops
extreme dyspnea, tachycardia, and lung crackles, and the nurse suspects pulmonary edema. The nurse
immediately notifies the registered nurse and expects which interventions to be prescribed? Select all
that apply.
CORRECT ANSWER
1. Administering oxygen
2. Inserting a Foley catheter
3. Administering furosemide (Lasix)
RATIONALE: Administering oxygen is crucial because it increases oxygen levels in the blood, compensating for the
decreased oxygenation due to pulmonary edema. Inserting a Foley catheter and administering furosemide (Lasix) are
also necessary interventions because they help reduce fluid buildup in the lungs by increasing urine output and
promoting diuresis, thereby alleviating symptoms of pulmonary edema.
QUESTION 4
The nurse is monitoring a client following cardioversion. Which observations should be of highest
priority to the nurse?
CORRECT ANSWER
Status of airway
RATIONALE: The status of the airway is the highest priority observation for the nurse monitoring a client following
cardioversion because the procedure can cause respiratory depression or arrest, especially if the client was taking certain
medications that affect breathing. Effective airway management is critical to ensure the client's oxygenation and prevent
potential complications, making it the most critical observation to monitor closely.
QUESTION 5
The nurse is assisting in caring for the client immediately after insertion of a permanent demand
pacemaker via the right subclavian vein. The nurse prevents dislodgement of the pacing catheter by
implementing which intervention?
CORRECT ANSWER
Limiting movement and abduction of the right arm
RATIONALE: The correct intervention is necessary to prevent the pacing catheter from being dislodged from the right
subclavian vein, where it was inserted, by minimizing movement that could cause the catheter to shift or pull out.
Limiting movement and abduction of the right arm specifically targets the area where the catheter is located, thereby
reducing the risk of dislodgement and ensuring proper healing and function of the pacemaker.
QUESTION 6
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 2 of 40
, A client diagnosed with thrombophlebitis 1 day ago suddenly complains of chest pain and shortness of
breath, and the client is visibly anxious. The LPN/LVN understands that a life-threatening complication
of this condition is which?
CORRECT ANSWER
Pulmonary embolism
RATIONALE: A pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening complication of thrombophlebitis because the clot from the
thrombophlebitis can break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a blockage in the pulmonary
arteries. This blockage disrupts oxygen delivery to the body, leading to the client's sudden onset of chest pain, shortness
of breath, and anxiety.
QUESTION 7
A 24-year-old man seeks medical attention for complaints of claudication in the arch of the foot. The
nurse also notes superficial thrombophlebitis of the lower leg. The nurse should check the client for
which next?
CORRECT ANSWER
Smoking history
RATIONALE: The nurse's next step is to check for smoking history because claudication in the arch of the foot and
superficial thrombophlebitis of the lower leg are common symptoms associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD),
which is often caused by smoking. A thorough smoking history will help the nurse identify the patient's smoking status
and assess the risk of PAD, allowing for further evaluation and treatment.
QUESTION 8
The nurse has reinforced instructions to the client with Raynaud's disease about self-management of
the disease process. The nurse determines that the client needs further teaching if the client states
which?
CORRECT ANSWER
"Moving to a warmer climate should help."
RATIONALE: Raynaud's disease is a condition that affects blood flow to the fingers and toes, often triggered by cold
temperatures, which makes relocating to a warmer climate a potentially beneficial self-management strategy for the
client. By moving to a warmer climate, the client may experience fewer episodes of the condition, thereby reducing the
need for further teaching on self-management.
QUESTION 9
A client with myocardial infarction suddenly becomes tachycardic, shows signs of air hunger, and
begins coughing frothy, pink-tinged sputum. The nurse listens to breath sounds, expecting to hear
which breath sounds bilaterally?
CORRECT ANSWER
Crackles
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 3 of 40
, RATIONALE: The presence of air hunger and frothy, pink-tinged sputum suggests pulmonary edema, a common
complication of myocardial infarction, which is characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs. Crackles are a classic
breath sound associated with pulmonary edema, resulting from the bubbling of fluid and air in the alveoli, making it the
expected breath sound in this scenario.
QUESTION 10
The LPN/LVN is collecting data on a client with a diagnosis of right-
sided heart failure. The nurse should expect to note which specific characteristic of this condition?
CORRECT ANSWER
Dependent edema
RATIONALE: Dependent edema is a characteristic of right-sided heart failure because the heart's inability to pump blood
effectively leads to fluid buildup in the body, particularly in the lower extremities due to gravity, causing swelling in the
feet, ankles, and legs.
This type of edema results from the heart's weakened ability to return deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation,
causing blood to back up into the systemic circulation, leading to fluid accumulation in the dependent areas of the body.
QUESTION 11
The LPN/LVN is checking the neurovascular status of a client who returned to the surgical nursing unit
4 hours ago after undergoing an aortoiliac bypass graft. The affected leg is warm, and the nurse notes
redness and edema. The pedal pulse is palpable and unchanged from admission. The nurse interprets
that the neurovascular status is which?
CORRECT ANSWER
Normal, caused by increased blood flow through the leg
RATIONALE: An aortoiliac bypass graft is a surgical procedure that increases blood flow to the lower extremities, which
is consistent with the client's warm and red affected leg, indicating increased blood flow through the leg. The presence
of warm skin and palpable pedal pulse, alongside redness and edema, further supports that the increased blood flow is
causing the observed neurovascular status.
QUESTION 12
A client with a diagnosis of rapid rate atrial fibrillation asks the nurse why the health care provider is
going to perform carotid massage. The LPN/LVN responds that this procedure may stimulate which?
CORRECT ANSWER
Vagus nerve to slow the heart rate
RATIONALE: The vagus nerve is stimulated through carotid massage, which in turn activates the parasympathetic
nervous system. This activation causes the heart rate to slow down, as the parasympathetic nervous system has a
calming effect on the body's 'fight or flight' response, thereby reducing the heart rate in a person with rapid rate atrial
fibrillation.
QUESTION 13
A client is admitted to the hospital with possible rheumatic endocarditis. The LPN/LVN should check
for a history of which type of infection?
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
Page 4 of 40
