2026
HESI RN Exit Exam 2026 Intensive
Preparation Guide: Systems Assessment,
Delegation, and Patient Safety Concepts
Which statement best describes trazodone?
A. A stimulant used to treat ADHD
B. A medication used for treating insomnia that may cause prolonged erections
C. An antipsychotic for schizophrenia
D. A benzodiazepine for anxiety
Correct Answer: B. A medication used for treating insomnia that may cause prolonged
erections
Rationale: Trazodone is commonly prescribed for insomnia and is associated with priapism. The
other options describe different drug classes or uses.
Which description best defines anorexia?
A. Episodes of binge eating followed by purging
B. An eating disorder characterized by intense fear of weight gain and distorted body image
C. Excessive eating without weight concern
D. Loss of appetite due to medical illness
Correct Answer: B. An eating disorder characterized by intense fear of weight gain and
distorted body image
Rationale: Anorexia nervosa involves body image distortion and fear of gaining weight. Option
A describes bulimia, while C and D do not meet diagnostic criteria.
Paranoid thoughts are best described as:
A. Hallucinations involving voices
B. Beliefs that others are plotting against or stalking the individual
C. Normal mistrust of strangers
D. Obsessive worries about health
Correct Answer: B. Beliefs that others are plotting against or stalking the individual
,2026
Rationale: Paranoia involves persecutory beliefs. The other options describe hallucinations,
normal behavior, or anxiety-related concerns.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is best defined as:
A. A mood disorder without a known cause
B. A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event
C. A personality disorder
D. A childhood developmental disorder
Correct Answer: B. A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a
traumatic event
Rationale: PTSD develops after trauma exposure. The remaining options incorrectly classify the
disorder.
Suicidal ideation refers to:
A. Accidental self-injury
B. Thoughts or planning related to suicide
C. Homicidal thoughts
D. Passive depression without thoughts of death
Correct Answer: B. Thoughts or planning related to suicide
Rationale: Suicidal ideation includes thoughts or plans of suicide. Other options do not meet this
definition.
Rapport in the nurse-client relationship is defined as:
A. Professional distance
B. A positive relationship characterized by mutual trust and understanding
C. Authority over the client
D. Casual conversation
Correct Answer: B. A positive relationship characterized by mutual trust and
understanding
Rationale: Rapport promotes therapeutic communication. The other options weaken or
misrepresent therapeutic relationships.
, 2026
A safety contract is best described as:
A. A legal document for involuntary admission
B. An agreement made with a healthcare provider to ensure client safety from self-harm
C. A family consent form
D. A disciplinary agreement
Correct Answer: B. An agreement made with a healthcare provider to ensure client safety
from self-harm
Rationale: Safety contracts focus on suicide prevention. Other options are unrelated.
A child of alcoholic parents is best described as:
A. A child with genetic alcoholism
B. A person who grew up with parents who have alcohol use disorders, often leading to
emotional issues
C. A child who drinks alcohol
D. A child raised in foster care
Correct Answer: B. A person who grew up with parents who have alcohol use disorders,
often leading to emotional issues
Rationale: Children of alcoholics are at risk for emotional and psychological difficulties. The
other options are inaccurate.
An emergency center is defined as:
A. A long-term care facility
B. A medical facility providing immediate care for urgent health issues
C. A psychiatric outpatient clinic
D. A rehabilitation unit
Correct Answer: B. A medical facility providing immediate care for urgent health issues
Rationale: Emergency centers manage acute conditions. Other facilities serve different purposes.
School cafeteria work-study refers to:
A. A volunteer program
B. A program allowing students to work in the cafeteria as part of their education
C. A nutrition class
D. A disciplinary assignment
HESI RN Exit Exam 2026 Intensive
Preparation Guide: Systems Assessment,
Delegation, and Patient Safety Concepts
Which statement best describes trazodone?
A. A stimulant used to treat ADHD
B. A medication used for treating insomnia that may cause prolonged erections
C. An antipsychotic for schizophrenia
D. A benzodiazepine for anxiety
Correct Answer: B. A medication used for treating insomnia that may cause prolonged
erections
Rationale: Trazodone is commonly prescribed for insomnia and is associated with priapism. The
other options describe different drug classes or uses.
Which description best defines anorexia?
A. Episodes of binge eating followed by purging
B. An eating disorder characterized by intense fear of weight gain and distorted body image
C. Excessive eating without weight concern
D. Loss of appetite due to medical illness
Correct Answer: B. An eating disorder characterized by intense fear of weight gain and
distorted body image
Rationale: Anorexia nervosa involves body image distortion and fear of gaining weight. Option
A describes bulimia, while C and D do not meet diagnostic criteria.
Paranoid thoughts are best described as:
A. Hallucinations involving voices
B. Beliefs that others are plotting against or stalking the individual
C. Normal mistrust of strangers
D. Obsessive worries about health
Correct Answer: B. Beliefs that others are plotting against or stalking the individual
,2026
Rationale: Paranoia involves persecutory beliefs. The other options describe hallucinations,
normal behavior, or anxiety-related concerns.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is best defined as:
A. A mood disorder without a known cause
B. A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event
C. A personality disorder
D. A childhood developmental disorder
Correct Answer: B. A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a
traumatic event
Rationale: PTSD develops after trauma exposure. The remaining options incorrectly classify the
disorder.
Suicidal ideation refers to:
A. Accidental self-injury
B. Thoughts or planning related to suicide
C. Homicidal thoughts
D. Passive depression without thoughts of death
Correct Answer: B. Thoughts or planning related to suicide
Rationale: Suicidal ideation includes thoughts or plans of suicide. Other options do not meet this
definition.
Rapport in the nurse-client relationship is defined as:
A. Professional distance
B. A positive relationship characterized by mutual trust and understanding
C. Authority over the client
D. Casual conversation
Correct Answer: B. A positive relationship characterized by mutual trust and
understanding
Rationale: Rapport promotes therapeutic communication. The other options weaken or
misrepresent therapeutic relationships.
, 2026
A safety contract is best described as:
A. A legal document for involuntary admission
B. An agreement made with a healthcare provider to ensure client safety from self-harm
C. A family consent form
D. A disciplinary agreement
Correct Answer: B. An agreement made with a healthcare provider to ensure client safety
from self-harm
Rationale: Safety contracts focus on suicide prevention. Other options are unrelated.
A child of alcoholic parents is best described as:
A. A child with genetic alcoholism
B. A person who grew up with parents who have alcohol use disorders, often leading to
emotional issues
C. A child who drinks alcohol
D. A child raised in foster care
Correct Answer: B. A person who grew up with parents who have alcohol use disorders,
often leading to emotional issues
Rationale: Children of alcoholics are at risk for emotional and psychological difficulties. The
other options are inaccurate.
An emergency center is defined as:
A. A long-term care facility
B. A medical facility providing immediate care for urgent health issues
C. A psychiatric outpatient clinic
D. A rehabilitation unit
Correct Answer: B. A medical facility providing immediate care for urgent health issues
Rationale: Emergency centers manage acute conditions. Other facilities serve different purposes.
School cafeteria work-study refers to:
A. A volunteer program
B. A program allowing students to work in the cafeteria as part of their education
C. A nutrition class
D. A disciplinary assignment
