Page 1 of 99
HESI COMPREHENSIVE EXAM AND RATIONALE EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE 2026 QUESTIONS EXAM LATEST
VERSION SOLVED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS VERIFIED
100 %
A rape victim being treated in the emergency department says to the nurse,
"I'm really worried that I've got HIV now." What is the most appropriate
response by the nurse?
"HIV is rarely an issue in rape victims."
"Every rape victim is concerned about HIV."
"You're more likely to get pregnant than to contract HIV."
"Let's talk about the information that you need to determine your risk of
contracting HIV."
"Let's talk about the information that you need to determine your risk of contracting
HIV."
Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse is the one that encourages
the client to talk about her condition. HIV is a concern of rape victims. Such concern
should always be addressed, and the victim should be given the information needed
to evaluate his or her risk. Pregnancy may occur as a result of rape, and pregnancy
prophylaxis can be offered in the emergency department or during follow-up, once
the results of a pregnancy test have been obtained. However, stating, "You're more
likely to get pregnant than to contract HIV" avoids the client's concern. Similarly, "HIV
is rarely an issue in rape victims" and "Every rape victim is concerned about HIV" are
generalized responses that avoid the client's concern.
A client is taking prescribed ibuprofen 200 mg orally four times daily, to relieve
joint pain resulting from rheumatoid arthritis. The client tells the nurse that the
medication is causing nausea and indigestion. What should the nurse tell the
client?
"I will contact your primary health care provider."
"Stop taking the medication."
"Take the medication with food."
"Take the medication twice a day instead of four times a day."
"Take the medication with food."
, Page 2 of 99
Rationale: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication. Side effects
include nausea (with or without vomiting) and dyspepsia (heartburn, indigestion, or
epigastric pain). If gastrointestinal distress occurs, the client should be instructed to
take the medication with milk or food. The nurse would not instruct the client to stop
the medication or instruct the client to adjust the dosage of a prescribed medication;
these actions are not within the legal scope of the role of the nurse. Contacting the
primary health care provider is premature, because the client's complaints are side
effects that occasionally occur and can be relieved by taking the medication with milk
or food.
The night nurse is caring for a client who just had a craniotomy. The nurse is
monitoring the client's Jackson-Pratt drain that is being maintained on
suction. The nurse notes that a total of 200 mL of red drainage has drained
from the Jackson-Pratt (J-P) tube in the last 8 hours. What action should the
nurse take?
Document the amount in the client's record.
Discontinue the Jackson-Pratt drain from suction.
Continue to monitor the amount and color of the drainage.
Notify the primary health care provider immediately of the amount of drainage.
Notify the primary health care provider immediately of the amount of drainage.
Rationale: The nurse must immediately notify the primary health care provider of this
excessive amount of drainage. The primary health care provider must also be
immediately notified of any saturated head dressings. The normal amount of
drainage from a Jackson-Pratt drain is 30 to 50 mL per shift. Discontinuing the
suction from the J-P drain is not an option and is not done. Also, just documenting
the amount in the client's record is not correct even though the nurse would
document that the primary health care provider was notified of the total drain
amount. Just continuing to monitor the amount of drainage is also not an option.
Lorazepam 1 mg by way of intravenous (IV) injection (IV push) is prescribed
for a client for the management of anxiety. The nurse prepares the medication
as prescribed. Over what period of time should the nurse administer this
medication?
3 minutes
10 seconds
15 seconds
30 minutes
3 minutes
Rationale: Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine. When administered by IV injection, each
2 mg or fraction thereof is administered over a period of 1 to 5 minutes. Ten seconds
and 30 seconds are brief periods. Thirty minutes is a lengthy period.
A nurse, conducting an assessment of a client being seen in the clinic for
signs/symptoms of a sinus infection, asks the client about medications that he
is taking. The client tells the nurse that he is taking nefazodone hydrochloride.
On the basis of this information, the nurse determines that the client most
likely has a history of what problem?
Depression
, Page 3 of 99
Diabetes mellitus
Hyperthyroidism
Coronary artery disease
Depression
Rationale: The client is most likely suffering from depression. Nefazodone
hydrochloride is an antidepressant used as maintenance therapy to prevent relapse
of an acute depression. Diabetes mellitus, hypethyroidism, and coronary artery
disease are not treated with this medication.
Phenelzine sulfate is prescribed for a client with depression. The nurse
provides information to the client about the adverse effects of the medication
and tells the client to contact the primary health care provider immediately if
he/she experiences what sign/symptom?
Dry mouth
Restlessness
Feelings of depression
Neck stiffness or soreness
Neck stiffness or soreness
Rationale: The client is taught to immediately contact the primary health care
provider if the client experiences any occipital headache radiating frontally and neck
stiffness or soreness, which could be the first sign of a hypertensive crisis.
Phenelzine sulfate, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), is an antidepressant and
is used to treat depression. Hypertensive crisis, an adverse effect of this medication,
is characterized by hypertension, frontally radiating occipital headache, neck
stiffness and soreness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, fever and chills, clammy skin,
dilated pupils, and palpitations. Tachycardia, bradycardia, and constricting chest pain
may also be present. Dry mouth and restlessness are common side effects of the
medication.
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).
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.
A client who has been undergoing long-term therapy with an antipsychotic
medication is admitted to the inpatient mental health unit. Which finding does
the nurse, knowing that long-term use of an antipsychotic medication can
cause tardive dyskinesia, monitor in the client?
, Page 4 of 99
Fever
Diarrhea
Hypertension
Tongue protrusion
Tongue protrusion
Rationale: The clinical manifestations include abnormal movements (dyskinesia) and
involuntary movements of the mouth, tongue ("flycatcher tongue"), and face. Tardive
dyskinesia is a severe reaction associated with long-term use of antipsychotic
medications. In its most severe form, tardive dyskinesia involves the fingers, arms,
trunk, and respiratory muscles. When this occurs, the medication is discontinued.
Fever, diarrhea, and hypertension are not characteristics of tardive dyskinesia.
A nurse is reviewing the record of a client scheduled for electroconvulsive
therapy (ECT). Which diagnosis, if noted on the client's record, would indicate
a need to contact the primary health care provider who is scheduled to
perform the ECT?
Recent stroke
Hypothyroidism
History of glaucoma
Peripheral vascular disease
Recent stroke
Rationale: Several conditions pose risks in the client scheduled for ECT. Among
them are recent myocardial infarction or stroke and cerebrovascular malformations
or intracranial lesions. Hypothyroidism, glaucoma, and peripheral vascular disease
are not contraindications to this treatment.
The nurse is caring for a client who just returned to the surgical unit after
having a suprapubic prostatectomy. What type of medication does the nurse
expect to be ordered?
Phenothiazines
Antispasmodics
Antidyskinetics
Benzodiazepines
Antispasmodics
Rationale: Antispasmodics are prescribed for bladder spasms related to a
suprapubic prostatectomy. This surgery involves removal of the prostate gland by an
abdominal incision with a bladder incision. Phenothiazines are a class of
antipsychotic medications. Antidyskinetics have an anticholinergic action and are
used to treat Parkinson's disease and some of the acute movement disorders that
may be caused by antipsychotic agents. Benzodiazepines are central nervous
system (CNS) depressants and can cause sedation and psychomotor slowing. They
can also intensify depression caused by other drugs. Benzodiazepines have some
potential for abuse and should be used with caution in clients known to abuse
alcohol or other psychoactive medications.
A nurse is preparing a poster for a health fair booth promoting primary
prevention of skin cancer. Which recommendations does the nurse include on
HESI COMPREHENSIVE EXAM AND RATIONALE EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE 2026 QUESTIONS EXAM LATEST
VERSION SOLVED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS VERIFIED
100 %
A rape victim being treated in the emergency department says to the nurse,
"I'm really worried that I've got HIV now." What is the most appropriate
response by the nurse?
"HIV is rarely an issue in rape victims."
"Every rape victim is concerned about HIV."
"You're more likely to get pregnant than to contract HIV."
"Let's talk about the information that you need to determine your risk of
contracting HIV."
"Let's talk about the information that you need to determine your risk of contracting
HIV."
Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse is the one that encourages
the client to talk about her condition. HIV is a concern of rape victims. Such concern
should always be addressed, and the victim should be given the information needed
to evaluate his or her risk. Pregnancy may occur as a result of rape, and pregnancy
prophylaxis can be offered in the emergency department or during follow-up, once
the results of a pregnancy test have been obtained. However, stating, "You're more
likely to get pregnant than to contract HIV" avoids the client's concern. Similarly, "HIV
is rarely an issue in rape victims" and "Every rape victim is concerned about HIV" are
generalized responses that avoid the client's concern.
A client is taking prescribed ibuprofen 200 mg orally four times daily, to relieve
joint pain resulting from rheumatoid arthritis. The client tells the nurse that the
medication is causing nausea and indigestion. What should the nurse tell the
client?
"I will contact your primary health care provider."
"Stop taking the medication."
"Take the medication with food."
"Take the medication twice a day instead of four times a day."
"Take the medication with food."
, Page 2 of 99
Rationale: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication. Side effects
include nausea (with or without vomiting) and dyspepsia (heartburn, indigestion, or
epigastric pain). If gastrointestinal distress occurs, the client should be instructed to
take the medication with milk or food. The nurse would not instruct the client to stop
the medication or instruct the client to adjust the dosage of a prescribed medication;
these actions are not within the legal scope of the role of the nurse. Contacting the
primary health care provider is premature, because the client's complaints are side
effects that occasionally occur and can be relieved by taking the medication with milk
or food.
The night nurse is caring for a client who just had a craniotomy. The nurse is
monitoring the client's Jackson-Pratt drain that is being maintained on
suction. The nurse notes that a total of 200 mL of red drainage has drained
from the Jackson-Pratt (J-P) tube in the last 8 hours. What action should the
nurse take?
Document the amount in the client's record.
Discontinue the Jackson-Pratt drain from suction.
Continue to monitor the amount and color of the drainage.
Notify the primary health care provider immediately of the amount of drainage.
Notify the primary health care provider immediately of the amount of drainage.
Rationale: The nurse must immediately notify the primary health care provider of this
excessive amount of drainage. The primary health care provider must also be
immediately notified of any saturated head dressings. The normal amount of
drainage from a Jackson-Pratt drain is 30 to 50 mL per shift. Discontinuing the
suction from the J-P drain is not an option and is not done. Also, just documenting
the amount in the client's record is not correct even though the nurse would
document that the primary health care provider was notified of the total drain
amount. Just continuing to monitor the amount of drainage is also not an option.
Lorazepam 1 mg by way of intravenous (IV) injection (IV push) is prescribed
for a client for the management of anxiety. The nurse prepares the medication
as prescribed. Over what period of time should the nurse administer this
medication?
3 minutes
10 seconds
15 seconds
30 minutes
3 minutes
Rationale: Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine. When administered by IV injection, each
2 mg or fraction thereof is administered over a period of 1 to 5 minutes. Ten seconds
and 30 seconds are brief periods. Thirty minutes is a lengthy period.
A nurse, conducting an assessment of a client being seen in the clinic for
signs/symptoms of a sinus infection, asks the client about medications that he
is taking. The client tells the nurse that he is taking nefazodone hydrochloride.
On the basis of this information, the nurse determines that the client most
likely has a history of what problem?
Depression
, Page 3 of 99
Diabetes mellitus
Hyperthyroidism
Coronary artery disease
Depression
Rationale: The client is most likely suffering from depression. Nefazodone
hydrochloride is an antidepressant used as maintenance therapy to prevent relapse
of an acute depression. Diabetes mellitus, hypethyroidism, and coronary artery
disease are not treated with this medication.
Phenelzine sulfate is prescribed for a client with depression. The nurse
provides information to the client about the adverse effects of the medication
and tells the client to contact the primary health care provider immediately if
he/she experiences what sign/symptom?
Dry mouth
Restlessness
Feelings of depression
Neck stiffness or soreness
Neck stiffness or soreness
Rationale: The client is taught to immediately contact the primary health care
provider if the client experiences any occipital headache radiating frontally and neck
stiffness or soreness, which could be the first sign of a hypertensive crisis.
Phenelzine sulfate, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), is an antidepressant and
is used to treat depression. Hypertensive crisis, an adverse effect of this medication,
is characterized by hypertension, frontally radiating occipital headache, neck
stiffness and soreness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, fever and chills, clammy skin,
dilated pupils, and palpitations. Tachycardia, bradycardia, and constricting chest pain
may also be present. Dry mouth and restlessness are common side effects of the
medication.
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).
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.
A client who has been undergoing long-term therapy with an antipsychotic
medication is admitted to the inpatient mental health unit. Which finding does
the nurse, knowing that long-term use of an antipsychotic medication can
cause tardive dyskinesia, monitor in the client?
, Page 4 of 99
Fever
Diarrhea
Hypertension
Tongue protrusion
Tongue protrusion
Rationale: The clinical manifestations include abnormal movements (dyskinesia) and
involuntary movements of the mouth, tongue ("flycatcher tongue"), and face. Tardive
dyskinesia is a severe reaction associated with long-term use of antipsychotic
medications. In its most severe form, tardive dyskinesia involves the fingers, arms,
trunk, and respiratory muscles. When this occurs, the medication is discontinued.
Fever, diarrhea, and hypertension are not characteristics of tardive dyskinesia.
A nurse is reviewing the record of a client scheduled for electroconvulsive
therapy (ECT). Which diagnosis, if noted on the client's record, would indicate
a need to contact the primary health care provider who is scheduled to
perform the ECT?
Recent stroke
Hypothyroidism
History of glaucoma
Peripheral vascular disease
Recent stroke
Rationale: Several conditions pose risks in the client scheduled for ECT. Among
them are recent myocardial infarction or stroke and cerebrovascular malformations
or intracranial lesions. Hypothyroidism, glaucoma, and peripheral vascular disease
are not contraindications to this treatment.
The nurse is caring for a client who just returned to the surgical unit after
having a suprapubic prostatectomy. What type of medication does the nurse
expect to be ordered?
Phenothiazines
Antispasmodics
Antidyskinetics
Benzodiazepines
Antispasmodics
Rationale: Antispasmodics are prescribed for bladder spasms related to a
suprapubic prostatectomy. This surgery involves removal of the prostate gland by an
abdominal incision with a bladder incision. Phenothiazines are a class of
antipsychotic medications. Antidyskinetics have an anticholinergic action and are
used to treat Parkinson's disease and some of the acute movement disorders that
may be caused by antipsychotic agents. Benzodiazepines are central nervous
system (CNS) depressants and can cause sedation and psychomotor slowing. They
can also intensify depression caused by other drugs. Benzodiazepines have some
potential for abuse and should be used with caution in clients known to abuse
alcohol or other psychoactive medications.
A nurse is preparing a poster for a health fair booth promoting primary
prevention of skin cancer. Which recommendations does the nurse include on
