BSN 225 HESI VERIFIED EXAM SOLUTIONS - COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - CURRENT VERSION 2026/2027
1. Q: A client with heart failure is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Which K+
level requires immediate intervention? ANSWER 2.8 mEq/L. R: Critical
hypokalemia risk for fatal dysrhythmias.
2. Q: Early sign of digoxin (Lanoxin) toxicity? ANSWER Anorexia,
nausea, vomiting. R: GI symptoms are the earliest indicators.
3. Q: Expected finding in left-sided heart failure? ANSWER Crackles in
lungs and dyspnea. R: Pulmonary congestion from blood backing up.
4. Q: Expected finding in right-sided heart failure? ANSWER Dependent
edema and JVD. R: Systemic venous backup.
5. Q: Complication most common 2 days post-MI? ANSWER Pericarditis.
R: Inflammatory response to necrotic tissue peaks 24-72 hrs.
6. Q: Discharge teaching for a client on an ACE inhibitor? ANSWER
Avoid salt substitutes. R: Salt substitutes have potassium; ACE inhibitors retain
potassium.
7. Q: Therapeutic INR for a client with atrial fibrillation on warfarin?
ANSWER 2.0 - 3.0. R: Standard range for AFib to prevent clots.
8. Q: Assessment before giving atenolol (Tenormin)? ANSWER Apical
pulse. R: Hold if HR < 60 bpm.
9. Q: Client statement regarding a Holter monitor indicating need for
teaching? ANSWER "I can take a shower while wearing it." R: Device must
stay dry.
,10. Q: Action for a client with PAD experiencing leg pain at rest? ANSWER
Keep legs dependent. R: Elevating legs decreases arterial flow and worsens
pain.
Respiratory (11-20)
11. Q: Client with COPD on 4L O2 has decreased respirations and lethargy.
Why? ANSWER CO2 narcosis/hypoxic drive suppression. R: High O2
eliminates their drive to breathe.
12. Q: Absence of tidaling in a chest tube water-seal chamber means what?
ANSWER Lung is re-expanded OR tube is clamped/blocked. R: Must check
for blockage or kinks.
13. Q: Isolation precautions for Tuberculosis? ANSWER Airborne. R:
Negative pressure room, N95 mask.
14. Q: Proper technique for suctioning an endotracheal tube? ANSWER
Apply suction only while withdrawing the catheter. R: Prevents mucosal
trauma.
15. Q: Classic assessment finding of a Pulmonary Embolism? ANSWER
Sudden onset dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain. R: Acute blockage of pulmonary
vasculature.
16. Q: Purpose of a spacer on an MDI? ANSWER Ensures medication
reaches lungs, not the back of the throat. R: Slows aerosol particles.
17. Q: Best position for an acute asthma exacerbation? ANSWER High
Fowler’s. R: Maximizes chest expansion.
18. Q: Finding that differentiates bacterial from viral pneumonia? ANSWER
Rusty-colored sputum. R: Classic for pneumococcal (bacterial) pneumonia.
19. Q: Continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber indicates what?
ANSWER Suction is functioning properly. R: Continuous bubbling in the
WATER-SEAL means air leak.
20. Q: Physical finding in a client with emphysema? ANSWER Barrel
chest. R: Loss of lung elasticity causes increased AP diameter.
Endocrine (21-30)
, 21. Q: Priority intervention for DKA (blood glucose 420, fruity breath,
Kussmaul)? ANSWER Administer IV regular insulin. R: Stops ketone
production.
22. Q: Sign that desmopressin (DDAVP) is effective for Diabetes Insipidus?
ANSWER Decreased urine output, increased specific gravity. R: Replaces
ADH to concentrate urine.
23. Q: Classic signs of hypothyroidism? ANSWER Fatigue, cold
intolerance, bradycardia. R: Slowed metabolic state.
24. Q: Priority intervention for Thyroid Storm? ANSWER Administer a
beta-blocker. R: Controls life-threatening tachycardia.
25. Q: Correct method to draw up NPH and Regular insulin? ANSWER
Draw up Regular (clear) first, then NPH (cloudy). R: Prevents contaminating
the clear vial.
26. Q: Immediate medication for Addisonian Crisis? ANSWER IV
Hydrocortisone. R: Life-threatening lack of cortisol.
27. Q: Highest risk complication for Cushing's Syndrome? ANSWER
Infection. R: High cortisol suppresses the immune system.
28. Q: When to draw a trough level for an antibiotic? ANSWER 30 minutes
before the next dose. R: Measures lowest drug concentration.
29. Q: Night sweats, morning headache, morning BG of 210 indicates?
ANSWER Somogyi effect. R: Nocturnal hypoglycemia causing rebound
hyperglycemia.
30. Q: Expected electrolyte imbalance in Cushing's Syndrome? ANSWER
Hypokalemia. R: Cortisol has mineralocorticoid effects causing K+ excretion.
Neurological (31-40)
31. Q: Priority intervention for a stroke patient with dysphagia? ANSWER
Keep NPO and request swallow eval. R: Prevents aspiration.
32. Q: Late sign of Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)? ANSWER
Cushing’s Triad (bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, irregular respirations).
R: Indicates brainstem herniation.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - CURRENT VERSION 2026/2027
1. Q: A client with heart failure is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Which K+
level requires immediate intervention? ANSWER 2.8 mEq/L. R: Critical
hypokalemia risk for fatal dysrhythmias.
2. Q: Early sign of digoxin (Lanoxin) toxicity? ANSWER Anorexia,
nausea, vomiting. R: GI symptoms are the earliest indicators.
3. Q: Expected finding in left-sided heart failure? ANSWER Crackles in
lungs and dyspnea. R: Pulmonary congestion from blood backing up.
4. Q: Expected finding in right-sided heart failure? ANSWER Dependent
edema and JVD. R: Systemic venous backup.
5. Q: Complication most common 2 days post-MI? ANSWER Pericarditis.
R: Inflammatory response to necrotic tissue peaks 24-72 hrs.
6. Q: Discharge teaching for a client on an ACE inhibitor? ANSWER
Avoid salt substitutes. R: Salt substitutes have potassium; ACE inhibitors retain
potassium.
7. Q: Therapeutic INR for a client with atrial fibrillation on warfarin?
ANSWER 2.0 - 3.0. R: Standard range for AFib to prevent clots.
8. Q: Assessment before giving atenolol (Tenormin)? ANSWER Apical
pulse. R: Hold if HR < 60 bpm.
9. Q: Client statement regarding a Holter monitor indicating need for
teaching? ANSWER "I can take a shower while wearing it." R: Device must
stay dry.
,10. Q: Action for a client with PAD experiencing leg pain at rest? ANSWER
Keep legs dependent. R: Elevating legs decreases arterial flow and worsens
pain.
Respiratory (11-20)
11. Q: Client with COPD on 4L O2 has decreased respirations and lethargy.
Why? ANSWER CO2 narcosis/hypoxic drive suppression. R: High O2
eliminates their drive to breathe.
12. Q: Absence of tidaling in a chest tube water-seal chamber means what?
ANSWER Lung is re-expanded OR tube is clamped/blocked. R: Must check
for blockage or kinks.
13. Q: Isolation precautions for Tuberculosis? ANSWER Airborne. R:
Negative pressure room, N95 mask.
14. Q: Proper technique for suctioning an endotracheal tube? ANSWER
Apply suction only while withdrawing the catheter. R: Prevents mucosal
trauma.
15. Q: Classic assessment finding of a Pulmonary Embolism? ANSWER
Sudden onset dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain. R: Acute blockage of pulmonary
vasculature.
16. Q: Purpose of a spacer on an MDI? ANSWER Ensures medication
reaches lungs, not the back of the throat. R: Slows aerosol particles.
17. Q: Best position for an acute asthma exacerbation? ANSWER High
Fowler’s. R: Maximizes chest expansion.
18. Q: Finding that differentiates bacterial from viral pneumonia? ANSWER
Rusty-colored sputum. R: Classic for pneumococcal (bacterial) pneumonia.
19. Q: Continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber indicates what?
ANSWER Suction is functioning properly. R: Continuous bubbling in the
WATER-SEAL means air leak.
20. Q: Physical finding in a client with emphysema? ANSWER Barrel
chest. R: Loss of lung elasticity causes increased AP diameter.
Endocrine (21-30)
, 21. Q: Priority intervention for DKA (blood glucose 420, fruity breath,
Kussmaul)? ANSWER Administer IV regular insulin. R: Stops ketone
production.
22. Q: Sign that desmopressin (DDAVP) is effective for Diabetes Insipidus?
ANSWER Decreased urine output, increased specific gravity. R: Replaces
ADH to concentrate urine.
23. Q: Classic signs of hypothyroidism? ANSWER Fatigue, cold
intolerance, bradycardia. R: Slowed metabolic state.
24. Q: Priority intervention for Thyroid Storm? ANSWER Administer a
beta-blocker. R: Controls life-threatening tachycardia.
25. Q: Correct method to draw up NPH and Regular insulin? ANSWER
Draw up Regular (clear) first, then NPH (cloudy). R: Prevents contaminating
the clear vial.
26. Q: Immediate medication for Addisonian Crisis? ANSWER IV
Hydrocortisone. R: Life-threatening lack of cortisol.
27. Q: Highest risk complication for Cushing's Syndrome? ANSWER
Infection. R: High cortisol suppresses the immune system.
28. Q: When to draw a trough level for an antibiotic? ANSWER 30 minutes
before the next dose. R: Measures lowest drug concentration.
29. Q: Night sweats, morning headache, morning BG of 210 indicates?
ANSWER Somogyi effect. R: Nocturnal hypoglycemia causing rebound
hyperglycemia.
30. Q: Expected electrolyte imbalance in Cushing's Syndrome? ANSWER
Hypokalemia. R: Cortisol has mineralocorticoid effects causing K+ excretion.
Neurological (31-40)
31. Q: Priority intervention for a stroke patient with dysphagia? ANSWER
Keep NPO and request swallow eval. R: Prevents aspiration.
32. Q: Late sign of Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)? ANSWER
Cushing’s Triad (bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, irregular respirations).
R: Indicates brainstem herniation.
