HESI RN EXIT Exam Questions and Answers(2022/2023)

In planning care for a 6 month-old infant, what must the nurse provide to assist in the development of trust? A) Food B) Warmth C) Security D) Comfort - ANSWER C) Security A nurse has just received a medication order which is not legible. Which statement best reflects assertive communication? A) "I cannot give this medication as it is written. I have no idea of what you mean." B) "Would you please clarify what you have written so I am sure I am reading it correctly?" C) "I am having difficulty reading your handwriting. It would save me time if you would be more careful." D) "Please print in the future so I do not have to spend extra time attempting to read your writing." - ANSWER B) "Would you please clarify what you have written so I am sure I am reading it correctly?" What is the most important consideration when teaching parents how to reduce risks in the home? A) Age and knowledge level of the parents B) Proximity to emergency services C) Number of children in the home D) Age of children in the home - ANSWER D) Age of children in the home A 35 year-old client with sickle cell crisis is talking on the telephone but stops as the nurse enters the room to request something for pain. The nurse should A) Administer a placebo B) Encourage increased fluid intake C) Administer the prescribed analgesia D) Recommend relaxation exercises for pain control - ANSWER C) Administer the prescribed analgesia While caring for a toddler with croup, which initial sign of croup requires the nurse's immediate attention? A) Respiratory rate of 42 B) Lethargy for the past hour C) Apical pulse of 54 D) Coughing up copious secretions - ANSWER A) Respiratory rate of 42 A client is admitted with low T3 and T4 levels and an elevated TSH level. On initial assessment, the nurse would anticipate which of the following assessment findings? A) Lethargy B) Heat intolerance C) Diarrhea D) Skin eruptions - ANSWER A) Lethargy The emergency room nurse admits a child who experienced a seizure at school. The father comments that this is the first occurrence, and denies any family history of epilepsy. What is the best response by the nurse? A) "Do not worry. Epilepsy can be treated with medications." B) "The seizure may or may not mean your child has epilepsy." C) "Since this was the first convulsion, it may not happen again." D) "Long term treatment will prevent future seizures." - ANSWER B) "The seizure may or may not mean your child has epilepsy." Alcohol and drug abuse impairs judgment and increases risk taking behavior. What nursing diagnosis best applies? A) Risk for injury B) Risk for knowledge deficit C) Altered thought process D) Disturbance in self-esteem - ANSWER A) Risk for injury Which these findings would the nurse more closely associate with anemia in a 10 month-old infant? A) Hemoglobin level of 12 g/dI B) Pale mucosa of the eyelids and lips C) Hypoactivity D) A heart rate between 140 to 160 - ANSWER B) Pale mucosa of the eyelids and lips The nurse is caring for a client in hypertensive crisis in an intensive care unit. The priority assessment in the first hour of care is A) Heart rate B) Pedal pulses C) Lung sounds D) Pupil responses - ANSWER D) Pupil responses Which of these clients who are all in the terminal stage of cancer is least appropriate to suggest the use of patient controlled analgesia (PCA) with a pump? A) A young adult with a history of Down's syndrome B) A teenager who reads at a 4th grade level C) An elderly client with numerous arthritic nodules on the hands D) A preschooler with intermittent episodes of alertness - ANSWER D) A preschooler with intermittent episodes of alertness The nurse is about to assess a 6 month-old child with nonorganic failure-to thrive (NOFTT). Upon entering the room, the nurse would expect the baby to be A) Irritable and "colicky" with no attempts to pull to standing B) Alert, laughing and playing with a rattle, sitting with support C) Skin color dusky with poor skin turgor over abdomen D) Pale, thin arms and legs, uninterested in surroundings - ANSWER D) Pale, thin arms and legs, uninterested in surroundings As the nurse is speaking with a group of teens which of these side effects of chemotherapy for cancer would the nurse expect this group to be more interested in during the discussion? A) Mouth sores B) Fatigue C) Diarrhea D) Hair loss - ANSWER D) Hair loss While caring for a client who was admitted with myocardial infarction (MI) 2 days ago, the nurse notes today's temperature is 101.1 degrees Fahrenheit (38.5 degreesCelsius). The appropriate nursing intervention is to A) Call the health care provider immediately B) Administer acetaminophen as ordered as this is normal at this time C) Send blood, urine and sputum for culture D) Increase the client's fluid intake - ANSWER B) Administer acetaminophen as ordered as this is normal at this time A client is admitted for first and second degree burns on the face, neck, anterior chest and hands. The nurse's priority should be A) Cover the areas with dry sterile dressings B) Assess for dyspnea or stridor C) Initiate intravenous therapy D) Administer pain medication - ANSWER B) Assess for dyspnea or stridor Which of these clients who call the community health clinic would the nurse ask to come in that day to be seen by the health care provider? A) I started my period and now my urine has turned bright red. B) I am an diabetic and today I have been going to the bathroom every hour. C) I was started on medicine yesterday for a urine infection. Now my lower belly hurts when I go to the bathroom. D) I went to the bathroom and my urine looked very red and it didn't hurt when I went. - ANSWER D) I went to the bathroom and my urine looked very red and it didn't hurt when I went. Which of these parents' comment for a newborn would most likely reveal an initial finding of a suspected pyloric stenosis? A) I noticed a little lump a little above the belly button. B) The baby seems hungry all the time. C) Mild vomiting that progressed to vomiting shooting across the room. D) Irritation and spitting up immediately after feedings. - ANSWER C) Mild vomiting that progressed to vomiting shooting across the room. The nurse is assessing a child for clinical manifestations of iron deficiency anemia. Which factor would the nurse recognize as cause for the findings? A) Decreased cardiac output B) Tissue hypoxia C) Cerebral edema D) Reduced oxygen saturation - ANSWER B) Tissue hypoxia The nurse would expect the cystic fibrosis client to receive supplemental pancreatic enzymes along with a diet A) High in carbohydrates and proteins B) Low in carbohydrates and proteins C) High in carbohydrates, low in proteins D) Low in carbohydrates, high in proteins - ANSWER A) High in carbohydrates and proteins In evaluating the growth of a 12 month-old child, which of these findings would the nurse expect to be present in the infant? A) Increased 10% in height B) 2 deciduous teeth C) Tripled the birth weight D) Head chest circumference - ANSWER C) Tripled the birth weight A Hispanic client in the postpartum period refuses the hospital food because it is "cold." The best initial action by the nurse is to A) 1Have the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) reheat the food if the client wishes B) Ask the client what foods are acceptable or bad C) Encourage her to eat for healing and strength D) Schedule the dietitian to meet with the client as soon as possible - ANSWER B) Ask the client what foods are acceptable or bad The father of an 8 month-old infant asks the nurse if his infant's vocalizations are normal for his age. Which of the following would the nurse expect at this age? A) Cooing B) Imitation of sounds C) Throaty sounds D) Laughter - ANSWER B) Imitation of sounds The nurse should recognize that physical dependence is accompanied by what findings when alcohol consumption is first reduced or ended? A) Seizures B) Withdrawal C) Craving D) Marked tolerance - ANSWER B) Withdrawal Immediately following an acute battering incident in a violent relationship, the batterer may respond to the partner's injuries by A) Seeking medical help for the victim's injuries B) Minimizing the episode and underestimating the victim's injuries C) Contacting a close friend and asking for help D) Being very remorseful and assisting the victim with medical care - ANSWER B) Minimizing the episode and underestimating the victim's injuries A client with pneumococcal pneumonia had been started on antibiotics 16 hours ago.During the nurse's initial evening rounds the nurse notices a foul smell in the room. The client makes all of these statements during their conversation. Which statement would alert the nurse to a complication? A) "I have a sharp pain in my chest when I take a breath. "B) "I have been coughing up foul-tasting, brown, thick sputum. " C) "I have been sweating all day. "D) "I feel hot off and on." - ANSWER "B) "I have been coughing up foul-tasting, brown, thick sputum. The nurse is performing an assessment on a client in congestive heart failure. Auscultation of the heart is most likely to reveal A) S3 ventricular gallop B) Apical click C) Systolic murmur D) Split S2 - ANSWER A) S3 ventricular gallop Which of these observations made by the nurse during an excretory urogram indicate a complicaton? A) The client complains of a salty taste in the mouth when the dye is injected B) The client's entire body turns a bright red color C) The client states "I have a feeling of getting warm." D) The client gags and complains " I am getting sick." - ANSWER B) The client's entire body turns a bright red color A client is diagnosed with a spontaneous pneumothorax necessitating the insertion of a chest tube. What is the best explanation for the nurse to provide this client? A) "The tube will drain fluid from your chest. "B) "The tube will remove excess air from your chest." C) "The tube controls the amount of air that enters your chest. " D) "The tube will seal the hole in your lung." - ANSWER "B) "The tube will remove excess air from your chest." The nurse is reviewing laboratory results on a client with acute renal failure. Which one of the following should be reported immediately? A) Blood urea nitrogen 50 mg/dl B) Hemoglobin of 10.3 mg/dl C) Venous blood pH 7.30 D) Serum potassium 6 mEq/L - ANSWER D) Serum potassium 6 mEq/L The nurse is caring for a client undergoing the placement of a central venous catheter line. Which of the following would require the nurse's immediate attention? A) Pallor B) Increased temperature C) Dyspnea D) Involuntary muscle spasms - ANSWER C) Dyspnea The nurse is performing a physical assessment on a client who just had an endotracheal tube inserted. Which finding would call for immediate action by the nurse? A) Breath sounds can be heard bilaterally B) Mist is visible in the T-Piece C) Pulse oximetry of 88 D) Client is unable to speak - ANSWER C) Pulse oximetry of 88 A nurse checks a client who is on a volume-cycled ventilator. Which finding indicates that the client may need suctioning?A) Drowsiness B) Complaint of nausea C) Pulse rate of 92 D) Restlessness - ANSWER D) Restlessness During the evaluation phase for a client, the nurse should focus on A) All finding of physical and psychosocial stressors of the client and in the family B) The client's status, progress toward goal achievement, and ongoing re-evaluation C) Setting short and long-term goals to insure continuity of care from hospital to home D) Select interventions that are measurable and achievable within selected timeframes - ANSWER B) The client's status, progress toward goal achievement, and ongoing re-evaluation The school nurse suspects that a third grade child might have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Prior to referring the child for further evaluation, the nurse should A) Observe the child's behavior on at least 2 occasions B) Consult with the teacher about how to control impulsivity C) Compile a history of behavior patterns and developmental accomplishments D) Compare the child's behavior with classic signs and symptoms - ANSWER C) Compile a history of behavior patterns and developmental accomplishments Which of the actions suggested to the RN by the PN during a planning conference for a 10 month-old infant admitted 2 hours ago with bacterial meningitis would be acceptable to add to the plan of care? A) Measure head circumference B) Place in airborne isolation C) Provide passive range of motion D) Provide an over-the-crib protective top - ANSWER A) Measure head circumference A client is admitted with a diagnosis of hepatitis B. In reviewing the initial laboratory results, the nurse would expect to find elevation in which of the following values? A) Blood urea nitrogen B) Acid phosphatase C) Bilirubin D) Sedimentation Rate - ANSWER C) Bilirubin The nurse is discussing nutritional requirements with the parents of an 18 month-old child. Which of these statements about milk consumption is correct? A) May drink as much milk as desired B) Can have milk mixed with other foods C) Will benefit from fat-free cow's milk D) Should be limited to 3-4 cups of milk daily - ANSWER D) Should be limited to 3-4 cups of milk daily The nurse is talking with a client. The client abruptly says to the nurse, "The moon is full. Astronauts walk on the moon. Walking is a good health habit." The client's behavior most likely indicates A) Neologisms B) Dissociation C) Flight of ideas D) Word salad - ANSWER C) Flight of ideas A mother asks about expected motor skills for a 3 year-old child. Which of the following would the nurse emphasize as normal at this age? A) Jumping rope B) Tying shoelaces C) Riding a tricycle D) Playing hopscotch - ANSWER C) Riding a tricycle A home health nurse is caring for a client with a pressure sore that is red, with serous drainage, is 2 inches in diameter with loss of subcutaneous tissue. The appropriate dressing for this wound is A) A transparent film dressing B) Wet dressing with debridement granules C) Wet to dry with hydrogen peroxide D) Moist saline dressing - ANSWER D) Moist saline dressing The nurse enters a 2 year-old child's hospital room in order to administer an oral medication. When the child is asked if he is ready to take his medicine, he immediately says, "No!" What would be the most appropriate next action? A) Leave the room and return five minutes later and give the medicine B) Explain to the child that the medicine must be taken now C) Give the medication to the father and ask him to give it D) Mix the medication with ice cream or applesauce - ANSWER A) Leave the room and return five minutes later and give the medicine A nurse is doing pre conceptual counseling with a woman who is planning a pregnancy. Which of the following statements suggests that the client understands the connection between alcohol consumption and fetal alcohol syndrome? A) "I understand that a glass of wine with dinner is healthy. "B) "Beer is not really hard alcohol, so I guess I can drink some. "C) "If I drink, my baby may be harmed before I know I am pregnant. " D) "Drinking with meals reduces the effects of alcohol." - ANSWER "C) "If I drink, my baby may be harmed before I know I am pregnant. A client has returned from a cardiac catheterization. Which one of the following assessments would indicate the client is experiencing a complication from the procedure? A) Increased blood pressure B) Increased heart rate C) Loss of pulse in the extremity D) Decreased urine output - ANSWER C) Loss of pulse in the extremity A 60 year-old male client had a hernia repair in an outpatient surgery clinic. He is awake and alert, but has not been able to void since he returned from surgery 6 hours ago.He received 1000 mL of IV fluid. Which action would be most likely to help him void? A) Have him drink several glasses of water B) Crede' the bladder from the bottom to the top C) Assist him to stand by the side of the bed to void D) Wait 2 hours and have him try to void again - ANSWER C) Assist him to stand by the side of the bed to void The nurse is caring for a client who requires a mechanical ventilator for breathing.The high pressure alarm goes off on the ventilator. What is the first action the nurse should perform? A) Disconnect the client from the ventilator and use a manual resuscitation bag B) Perform a quick assessment of the client's condition C) Call the respiratory therapist for help D) Press the alarm re-set button on the ventilator - ANSWER B) Perform a quick assessment of the client's condition The nurse is preparing a client who will undergo a myelogram. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a contraindication for this test? A) "I can't lie in 1 position for more than thirty minutes. "B) "I am allergic to shrimp." C) "I suffer from claustrophobia. "D) "I developed a severe headache after a spinal tap." - ANSWER "B) "I am allergic to shrimp." The health care provider order reads "aspirate nasogastric feeding (NG) tuber every 4 hours and check pH of aspirate." The pH of the aspirate is 10. Which action should the nurse take? A) Hold the tube feeding and notify the provider B) Administer the tube feeding as scheduled C) Irrigate the tube with diet cola soda D) Apply intermittent suction to the feeding tube - ANSWER A) Hold the tube feeding and notify the provider To prevent unnecessary hypoxia during suctioning of a tracheostomy, the nurse must A) Apply suction for no more than 10 seconds B) Maintain sterile technique C) Lubricate 3 to 4 inches of the catheter tip D) Withdraw catheter in a circular motion - ANSWER A) Apply suction for no more than 10 seconds