HESI COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
260+ (Fully Updated 2026) Exam Questions + Verified & Rationalized
Answers | A+ Graded
100% Guarantee Pass
📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 263 Qs
This document, the "HESI Comprehensive Exam," covers a wide range of nursing topics, including
pharmacology, medication management, cardiovascular health, mental health, emergency care, and
maternal-newborn nursing. It provides 263 questions with correct answers and rationale explanations,
offering a valuable resource for students to review and understand key concepts in nursing practice. By
using this document, students can thoroughly study and review nursing concepts, develop a deeper
understanding of complex topics, and prepare for comprehensive exams with confidence.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
Risperidone is prescribed for a client hospitalized in the mental health unit for the treatment of a
psychotic disorder. Which finding in the client's medical record would prompt the nurse to contact the
prescribing primary health care provider before administering the medication?
The client has a history of cataracts.
The client has a history of hypothyroidism.
The client takes a prescribed antihypertensive.
The client is allergic to acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).
CORRECT ANSWER
The client takes a prescribed antihypertensive.
Rationale: Risperidone is an antipsychotic medication. Contraindications to the use of risperidone include
cardiac disorders, cerebrovascular disease, dehydration, hypovolemia, and therapy with antihypertensive
agents. Risperidone is used with caution in clients with a history of seizures. History of cataracts,
hypothyroidism, or allergy to aspirin does not affect the administration of this medication.
QUESTION 2
A nurse is preparing medication instructions for a client who will be taking a daily oral dose of digoxin
0.25 mg in the treatment of heart failure (HF). Which instructions should the nurse include on the list?
Select all that apply.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 1 of 96
, Take your pulse before taking each dose.
Avoid eating foods that contain potassium.
Take the digoxin at the same time each day.
Take the digoxin with a chewable antacid to prevent nausea.
If you forget to take your daily dose, double the dose on the next day.
Notify the primary health care provider if you experience loss of appetite, muscle weakness, or visual
disturbances.
CORRECT ANSWER
Take your pulse before taking each dose.
Take the digoxin at the same time each day.
Notify the primary health care provider if you experience loss of appetite, muscle weakness, or visual
disturbances.
Rationale: Loss of appetite, muscle weakness, and visual disturbances are signs/symptoms of digoxin
toxicity, and the primary health care provider must be notified if any of these occur. Digoxin is a cardiac
glycoside that increases the force of myocardial contraction. It is used to treat HF and to control the
ventricular rate in clients with atrial fibrillation. The client is instructed to take the medication at the same
time each day and to check the pulse rate before taking the medication. If the pulse rate is slower than 60
beats/min or faster than 100 beats/min, the primary health care provider is notified. The medication is not
taken with an antacid, because the antacid will affect absorption of the medication. If the client forgets to
take a dose, it needs to be taken as soon as remembered. The dose is never doubled. Hypokalemia
predisposes a client to digoxin toxicity. A client is not instructed to avoid foods that contain potassium
unless specifically instructed to do so by the primary health care provider.
QUESTION 3
A nurse on the evening shift checks a primary health care provider's prescriptions and notes that the
dose of a prescribed medication is higher than the normal dose. The nurse calls the primary health care
provider's answering service and is told that the primary health care provider is off for the night and
will be available in the morning. What should the nurse do next?
Call the nursing supervisor
Ask the answering service to contact the on-call primary health care provider
Withhold the medication until the primary health care provider can be reached in the morning
Administer the medication but consult the primary health care provider when he becomes available
CORRECT ANSWER
Ask the answering service to contact the on-call primary health care provider
Rationale: The nurse has a duty to protect the client from harm. A nurse who believes that a primary
health care provider's prescription may be in error is responsible for clarifying the prescription before
carrying it out. Therefore the nurse would not administer the medication; instead, the nurse would
withhold the medication until the dose can be clarified. The nurse would not wait until the next morning to
obtain clarification. It is premature to call the nursing supervisor.
QUESTION 4
A client arrives in the emergency department and tells the nurse that he/she is experiencing tingling in
both hands and is unable to move his/her fingers. The client states that he/she has been unable to
work because of the problem. During the psychosocial assessment, the client reports that 2 days
earlier his/her partner said he/she wanted a separation and that he/she would have to support self
financially. What problem does the nurse conclude that this client is exhibiting signs/symptoms
compatible with?
Severe anxiety
Conversion disorder
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 2 of 96
, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
CORRECT ANSWER
Conversion disorder
Rationale: Conversion disorder is characterized by the presence of one or more signs/symptoms
suggesting a neurological problem that cannot be attributed to a medical disorder. Psychological factors
such as stress and conflict are associated with the onset or exacerbation of the sign/symptom. A person
with severe anxiety may focus on a particular detail or many scattered details. The person may have
difficulty noticing what is going on in the environment, even when it is pointed out by another. Learning
and problem-solving are not possible at this level of anxiety, and the client may be dazed and confused.
PTSD is characterized by repeated re-experiencing of a highly traumatic event that involved actual or
threatened death or serious injury to self or others to which the individual responded with intense fear,
helplessness, or horror. Obsessions are thoughts, impulses, or images that persist and recur so that they
cannot be dismissed from the mind. Compulsions are ritualistic behaviors that an individual feels driven to
perform in an attempt to reduce anxiety.
QUESTION 5
A client has been scheduled for an electronystagmography (ENG), and the nurse provides instructions
to the client about the test. Which statement by the client tells the nurse that the client understands
the instructions?
"I shouldn't drink coffee before the test."
"I'll need to receive sedation before the test."
"I won't be able to eat for 24 hours after the test."
"I can eat a light breakfast on the morning of the test."
CORRECT ANSWER
"I shouldn't drink coffee before the test." Rationale: The client understands the instructions for an ENG if
the client states, "I shouldn't drink coffee before the test." The client must fast for several hours (but not
for 24 hours) before the test and should avoid caffeine-containing products for 24 to 48 hours before the
test. An ENG is a test that is sensitive in detecting both central and peripheral disease of the vestibular
system in the ear. It detects nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), which can be recorded. After
electrodes are taped to the skin near the eyes, procedures are performed to stimulate nystagmus. No
sedation is used for the ENG. Fluids are given to the client after the test but are introduced carefully to
prevent nausea.
QUESTION 6
A nurse is providing information on the glycosylated hemoglobin assay and its purpose to a client with
diabetes mellitus. What does the nurse tell the client about this blood test?
Is a measure of the client's hematocrit level
Is a measure of the client's hemoglobin level
Helps predict the risk for the development of chronic complications of diabetes mellitus
Provides a determination of short-term glycemic control in the client with diabetes mellitus
CORRECT ANSWER
Helps predict the risk for the development of chronic complications of diabetes mellitus
Rationale: The nurse tells the client that the blood test is used to assess long-term glycemic control, as
well as to predict the risk for the development of chronic complications. Glycosylated hemoglobin is the
best indicator of the average blood glucose level. Because glucose attaches itself to the hemoglobin
molecule, measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin indicates the average blood glucose level during the
previous 120 days, the lifespan of the red blood cell.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 3 of 96
, QUESTION 7
A home care nurse prefills syringes containing NPH (Humulin N) and regular (Humulin R) insulin for a
client with diabetes mellitus who will be administering his/her own insulin but has difficulty seeing
and accurately preparing doses. How does the nurse place the medication in the client's refrigerator
with the syringes?
Lying flat
In a horizontal position
In a vertical position with the needles pointing up
In a vertical position with the needles pointing down
CORRECT ANSWER
In a vertical position with the needles pointing up
Rationale: The syringes should be stored vertically, with the needles pointing up to prevent clogging of the
needle with the insulin. Mixtures of insulin in prefilled syringes may be stored in a refrigerator, where they
will be stable for at least 1 to 2 weeks. Before administration of the medication, the syringe should be
agitated gently to resuspend the insulin.
QUESTION 8
A client diagnosed with chronic kidney disease who requires dialysis three times a week for the rest of
his life says to the nurse, "Why should I even bother to watch what I eat and drink? It doesn't really
matter what I do if I'm never going to get better!" On the basis of the client's statement, the nurse
determines that the client is experiencing which problem?
Anxiety
Powerlessness
Ineffective coping
Disturbed body image
CORRECT ANSWER
Powerlessness
Rationale: Powerlessness is present when a client believes that he or she has no control over the situation
or that his or her actions will not affect an outcome in any significant way. Anxiety is a vague uneasy
feeling of apprehension. Some factors in anxiety include a threat or perceived threat to physical or
emotional integrity or self-concept, changes in role function, and a threat to or change in socioeconomic
status. Ineffective coping is present when the client exhibits impaired adaptive abilities or behaviors in
meeting the demands or roles expected. Disturbed body image is diagnosed when there is an alteration in
the way the client perceives his or her own body image.
QUESTION 9
A nurse reviews arterial blood gas (ABG) values and notes a pH of 7.50 and a Pco2 of 30 mm Hg. What
does the nurse interpret these values as indicative of?
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
CORRECT ANSWER
Respiratory alkalosis
Rationale: The nurse interprets these values as indicative of respiratory alkalosis. The normal pH is 7.35 to
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
Page 4 of 96
260+ (Fully Updated 2026) Exam Questions + Verified & Rationalized
Answers | A+ Graded
100% Guarantee Pass
📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 263 Qs
This document, the "HESI Comprehensive Exam," covers a wide range of nursing topics, including
pharmacology, medication management, cardiovascular health, mental health, emergency care, and
maternal-newborn nursing. It provides 263 questions with correct answers and rationale explanations,
offering a valuable resource for students to review and understand key concepts in nursing practice. By
using this document, students can thoroughly study and review nursing concepts, develop a deeper
understanding of complex topics, and prepare for comprehensive exams with confidence.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
Risperidone is prescribed for a client hospitalized in the mental health unit for the treatment of a
psychotic disorder. Which finding in the client's medical record would prompt the nurse to contact the
prescribing primary health care provider before administering the medication?
The client has a history of cataracts.
The client has a history of hypothyroidism.
The client takes a prescribed antihypertensive.
The client is allergic to acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).
CORRECT ANSWER
The client takes a prescribed antihypertensive.
Rationale: Risperidone is an antipsychotic medication. Contraindications to the use of risperidone include
cardiac disorders, cerebrovascular disease, dehydration, hypovolemia, and therapy with antihypertensive
agents. Risperidone is used with caution in clients with a history of seizures. History of cataracts,
hypothyroidism, or allergy to aspirin does not affect the administration of this medication.
QUESTION 2
A nurse is preparing medication instructions for a client who will be taking a daily oral dose of digoxin
0.25 mg in the treatment of heart failure (HF). Which instructions should the nurse include on the list?
Select all that apply.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 1 of 96
, Take your pulse before taking each dose.
Avoid eating foods that contain potassium.
Take the digoxin at the same time each day.
Take the digoxin with a chewable antacid to prevent nausea.
If you forget to take your daily dose, double the dose on the next day.
Notify the primary health care provider if you experience loss of appetite, muscle weakness, or visual
disturbances.
CORRECT ANSWER
Take your pulse before taking each dose.
Take the digoxin at the same time each day.
Notify the primary health care provider if you experience loss of appetite, muscle weakness, or visual
disturbances.
Rationale: Loss of appetite, muscle weakness, and visual disturbances are signs/symptoms of digoxin
toxicity, and the primary health care provider must be notified if any of these occur. Digoxin is a cardiac
glycoside that increases the force of myocardial contraction. It is used to treat HF and to control the
ventricular rate in clients with atrial fibrillation. The client is instructed to take the medication at the same
time each day and to check the pulse rate before taking the medication. If the pulse rate is slower than 60
beats/min or faster than 100 beats/min, the primary health care provider is notified. The medication is not
taken with an antacid, because the antacid will affect absorption of the medication. If the client forgets to
take a dose, it needs to be taken as soon as remembered. The dose is never doubled. Hypokalemia
predisposes a client to digoxin toxicity. A client is not instructed to avoid foods that contain potassium
unless specifically instructed to do so by the primary health care provider.
QUESTION 3
A nurse on the evening shift checks a primary health care provider's prescriptions and notes that the
dose of a prescribed medication is higher than the normal dose. The nurse calls the primary health care
provider's answering service and is told that the primary health care provider is off for the night and
will be available in the morning. What should the nurse do next?
Call the nursing supervisor
Ask the answering service to contact the on-call primary health care provider
Withhold the medication until the primary health care provider can be reached in the morning
Administer the medication but consult the primary health care provider when he becomes available
CORRECT ANSWER
Ask the answering service to contact the on-call primary health care provider
Rationale: The nurse has a duty to protect the client from harm. A nurse who believes that a primary
health care provider's prescription may be in error is responsible for clarifying the prescription before
carrying it out. Therefore the nurse would not administer the medication; instead, the nurse would
withhold the medication until the dose can be clarified. The nurse would not wait until the next morning to
obtain clarification. It is premature to call the nursing supervisor.
QUESTION 4
A client arrives in the emergency department and tells the nurse that he/she is experiencing tingling in
both hands and is unable to move his/her fingers. The client states that he/she has been unable to
work because of the problem. During the psychosocial assessment, the client reports that 2 days
earlier his/her partner said he/she wanted a separation and that he/she would have to support self
financially. What problem does the nurse conclude that this client is exhibiting signs/symptoms
compatible with?
Severe anxiety
Conversion disorder
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 2 of 96
, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
CORRECT ANSWER
Conversion disorder
Rationale: Conversion disorder is characterized by the presence of one or more signs/symptoms
suggesting a neurological problem that cannot be attributed to a medical disorder. Psychological factors
such as stress and conflict are associated with the onset or exacerbation of the sign/symptom. A person
with severe anxiety may focus on a particular detail or many scattered details. The person may have
difficulty noticing what is going on in the environment, even when it is pointed out by another. Learning
and problem-solving are not possible at this level of anxiety, and the client may be dazed and confused.
PTSD is characterized by repeated re-experiencing of a highly traumatic event that involved actual or
threatened death or serious injury to self or others to which the individual responded with intense fear,
helplessness, or horror. Obsessions are thoughts, impulses, or images that persist and recur so that they
cannot be dismissed from the mind. Compulsions are ritualistic behaviors that an individual feels driven to
perform in an attempt to reduce anxiety.
QUESTION 5
A client has been scheduled for an electronystagmography (ENG), and the nurse provides instructions
to the client about the test. Which statement by the client tells the nurse that the client understands
the instructions?
"I shouldn't drink coffee before the test."
"I'll need to receive sedation before the test."
"I won't be able to eat for 24 hours after the test."
"I can eat a light breakfast on the morning of the test."
CORRECT ANSWER
"I shouldn't drink coffee before the test." Rationale: The client understands the instructions for an ENG if
the client states, "I shouldn't drink coffee before the test." The client must fast for several hours (but not
for 24 hours) before the test and should avoid caffeine-containing products for 24 to 48 hours before the
test. An ENG is a test that is sensitive in detecting both central and peripheral disease of the vestibular
system in the ear. It detects nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), which can be recorded. After
electrodes are taped to the skin near the eyes, procedures are performed to stimulate nystagmus. No
sedation is used for the ENG. Fluids are given to the client after the test but are introduced carefully to
prevent nausea.
QUESTION 6
A nurse is providing information on the glycosylated hemoglobin assay and its purpose to a client with
diabetes mellitus. What does the nurse tell the client about this blood test?
Is a measure of the client's hematocrit level
Is a measure of the client's hemoglobin level
Helps predict the risk for the development of chronic complications of diabetes mellitus
Provides a determination of short-term glycemic control in the client with diabetes mellitus
CORRECT ANSWER
Helps predict the risk for the development of chronic complications of diabetes mellitus
Rationale: The nurse tells the client that the blood test is used to assess long-term glycemic control, as
well as to predict the risk for the development of chronic complications. Glycosylated hemoglobin is the
best indicator of the average blood glucose level. Because glucose attaches itself to the hemoglobin
molecule, measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin indicates the average blood glucose level during the
previous 120 days, the lifespan of the red blood cell.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 3 of 96
, QUESTION 7
A home care nurse prefills syringes containing NPH (Humulin N) and regular (Humulin R) insulin for a
client with diabetes mellitus who will be administering his/her own insulin but has difficulty seeing
and accurately preparing doses. How does the nurse place the medication in the client's refrigerator
with the syringes?
Lying flat
In a horizontal position
In a vertical position with the needles pointing up
In a vertical position with the needles pointing down
CORRECT ANSWER
In a vertical position with the needles pointing up
Rationale: The syringes should be stored vertically, with the needles pointing up to prevent clogging of the
needle with the insulin. Mixtures of insulin in prefilled syringes may be stored in a refrigerator, where they
will be stable for at least 1 to 2 weeks. Before administration of the medication, the syringe should be
agitated gently to resuspend the insulin.
QUESTION 8
A client diagnosed with chronic kidney disease who requires dialysis three times a week for the rest of
his life says to the nurse, "Why should I even bother to watch what I eat and drink? It doesn't really
matter what I do if I'm never going to get better!" On the basis of the client's statement, the nurse
determines that the client is experiencing which problem?
Anxiety
Powerlessness
Ineffective coping
Disturbed body image
CORRECT ANSWER
Powerlessness
Rationale: Powerlessness is present when a client believes that he or she has no control over the situation
or that his or her actions will not affect an outcome in any significant way. Anxiety is a vague uneasy
feeling of apprehension. Some factors in anxiety include a threat or perceived threat to physical or
emotional integrity or self-concept, changes in role function, and a threat to or change in socioeconomic
status. Ineffective coping is present when the client exhibits impaired adaptive abilities or behaviors in
meeting the demands or roles expected. Disturbed body image is diagnosed when there is an alteration in
the way the client perceives his or her own body image.
QUESTION 9
A nurse reviews arterial blood gas (ABG) values and notes a pH of 7.50 and a Pco2 of 30 mm Hg. What
does the nurse interpret these values as indicative of?
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
CORRECT ANSWER
Respiratory alkalosis
Rationale: The nurse interprets these values as indicative of respiratory alkalosis. The normal pH is 7.35 to
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
Page 4 of 96
