HERZING UNIVERSITY HESI EXIT EXAM VERIFIED FOR 2025160 QUESTIONS &
ACCURATE ANSWERS.
Question 1
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide 40 mg IV push. Which lab
value requires immediate intervention?
A) Potassium 3.1 mEq/L
B) Sodium 135 mEq/L
C) BUN 18 mg/dL
D) Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL
Answer: A – Hypokalemia (K < 3.5) increases risk of digoxin toxicity and
arrhythmias.
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that excretes potassium. Low potassium
can cause life-threatening dysrhythmias.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client with Cushing’s syndrome. Which finding is expected?
A) Hypotension
B) Weight loss
,C) Moon face and buffalo hump
D) Hypoglycemia
Answer: C – Moon face, buffalo hump, truncal obesity, and purple striae are
classic.
Rationale: Excess cortisol causes central obesity, glucose intolerance, and protein
wasting.
Question 3
A client with pneumonia has a temperature of 103°F (39.4°C). Which intervention
should the nurse perform first?
A) Administer acetaminophen as ordered
B) Encourage oral fluids
C) Apply cooling blanket
D) Remove excess blankets
Answer: D – Remove blankets to promote heat loss via conduction/convection.
Rationale: First, reduce external insulation; antipyretics come after if fever
persists.
,Question 4
A postpartum client reports a firm fundus displaced to the right and elevated vital
signs. What is the priority action?
A) Massage the fundus
B) Assist the client to void
C) Notify the provider
D) Administer oxytocin
Answer: B – A displaced firm fundus suggests a full bladder.
Rationale: Emptying the bladder allows the uterus to contract midline and
prevents hemorrhage.
Question 5
A client on warfarin has an INR of 4.5. Which medication should the nurse prepare
to administer?
A) Vitamin K
B) Protamine sulfate
C) Aminocaproic acid
D) Desmopressin
, Answer: A – Vitamin K reverses warfarin.
Rationale: INR goal for most indications is 2-3; >4.5 with no bleeding requires oral
vitamin K.
Question 6
A child with suspected appendicitis reports sudden relief of pain followed by
abdominal distension. What does the nurse suspect?
A) Ruptured appendix
B) Passing of a fecalith
C) Gastroenteritis
D) Constipation relief
Answer: A – Sudden pain relief + distension = perforation.
Rationale: Perforation leads to peritonitis, distension, and temporary pain relief
before generalized pain returns.
Question 7
A client with major depressive disorder begins taking phenelzine. Which food
should be avoided?
A) Aged cheese
ACCURATE ANSWERS.
Question 1
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide 40 mg IV push. Which lab
value requires immediate intervention?
A) Potassium 3.1 mEq/L
B) Sodium 135 mEq/L
C) BUN 18 mg/dL
D) Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL
Answer: A – Hypokalemia (K < 3.5) increases risk of digoxin toxicity and
arrhythmias.
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that excretes potassium. Low potassium
can cause life-threatening dysrhythmias.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client with Cushing’s syndrome. Which finding is expected?
A) Hypotension
B) Weight loss
,C) Moon face and buffalo hump
D) Hypoglycemia
Answer: C – Moon face, buffalo hump, truncal obesity, and purple striae are
classic.
Rationale: Excess cortisol causes central obesity, glucose intolerance, and protein
wasting.
Question 3
A client with pneumonia has a temperature of 103°F (39.4°C). Which intervention
should the nurse perform first?
A) Administer acetaminophen as ordered
B) Encourage oral fluids
C) Apply cooling blanket
D) Remove excess blankets
Answer: D – Remove blankets to promote heat loss via conduction/convection.
Rationale: First, reduce external insulation; antipyretics come after if fever
persists.
,Question 4
A postpartum client reports a firm fundus displaced to the right and elevated vital
signs. What is the priority action?
A) Massage the fundus
B) Assist the client to void
C) Notify the provider
D) Administer oxytocin
Answer: B – A displaced firm fundus suggests a full bladder.
Rationale: Emptying the bladder allows the uterus to contract midline and
prevents hemorrhage.
Question 5
A client on warfarin has an INR of 4.5. Which medication should the nurse prepare
to administer?
A) Vitamin K
B) Protamine sulfate
C) Aminocaproic acid
D) Desmopressin
, Answer: A – Vitamin K reverses warfarin.
Rationale: INR goal for most indications is 2-3; >4.5 with no bleeding requires oral
vitamin K.
Question 6
A child with suspected appendicitis reports sudden relief of pain followed by
abdominal distension. What does the nurse suspect?
A) Ruptured appendix
B) Passing of a fecalith
C) Gastroenteritis
D) Constipation relief
Answer: A – Sudden pain relief + distension = perforation.
Rationale: Perforation leads to peritonitis, distension, and temporary pain relief
before generalized pain returns.
Question 7
A client with major depressive disorder begins taking phenelzine. Which food
should be avoided?
A) Aged cheese
