HESI Exit Exam Test Bank NEWEST 2024/2025
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) |ALREADY GRADED A+
1. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion of
sodium chloride. The nurse notes that the client’s right arm is swollen, red,
and painful at the IV insertion site. The nurse suspects which of the
following complications?
A) Hematoma
B) Phlebitis
C) Air embolism
D) Infiltration
Answer: B) Phlebitis
Rationale:
Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein and often results in swelling, redness,
and pain at the IV site. It is caused by mechanical irritation or infection.
Hematoma involves blood leakage into tissues, but it does not typically
cause redness or swelling with pain like phlebitis.
Air embolism and infiltration are serious but less likely to present with the
described symptoms at the IV site.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to an
adult. Which of the following sites is most appropriate for the nurse to use?
A) Dorsogluteal
B) Vastus lateralis
C) Deltoid
D) Upper outer quadrant of the buttocks
Answer: B) Vastus lateralis
,Rationale:
The vastus lateralis muscle, located in the thigh, is the most appropriate site
for an IM injection in an adult, particularly when the muscle mass in other
sites, such as the deltoid or dorsogluteal, is insufficient.
Dorsogluteal and deltoid sites can be used, but vastus lateralis is preferred
for large volumes and in adults who may have less muscle mass in other
areas.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD). The nurse should educate the client to avoid which of the
following foods?
A) Whole wheat bread
B) Bananas
C) Citrus fruits
D) Low-fat yogurt
Answer: C) Citrus fruits
Rationale:
Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are acidic and can irritate the
esophagus, exacerbating GERD symptoms.
Whole wheat bread, bananas, and low-fat yogurt are generally well-
tolerated by people with GERD and are part of a healthy diet.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid)
for hypothyroidism. Which of the following instructions should the nurse
include in the client’s teaching plan?
A) Take the medication with food
B) Take the medication in the evening
C) Take the medication with an antacid
D) Take the medication on an empty stomach
Answer: D) Take the medication on an empty stomach
,Rationale:
Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, usually in the
morning, at least 30 minutes before food, to enhance absorption.
Taking it with food, an antacid, or in the evening can decrease the
absorption and effectiveness of the medication.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) who is receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula. The nurse
should recognize that which of the following is an early sign of hypoxia?
A) Increased respiratory rate
B) Cyanosis
C) Bradypnea
D) Decreased blood pressure
Answer: A) Increased respiratory rate
Rationale:
An early sign of hypoxia is an increased respiratory rate as the body
attempts to compensate for low oxygen levels.
Cyanosis (bluish skin) and bradypnea (slow respiratory rate) are later signs
of severe hypoxia, and decreased blood pressure is a late sign.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin)
for atrial fibrillation. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which of
the following foods?
A) Leafy green vegetables
B) Whole grains
C) Citrus fruits
D) Low-fat dairy products
Answer: A) Leafy green vegetables
Rationale:
, Leafy green vegetables (such as spinach and kale) are high in vitamin K,
which can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin because vitamin K
promotes blood clotting. The client should maintain a consistent intake of
these foods.
Whole grains, citrus fruits, and low-fat dairy products do not
significantly affect warfarin therapy.
7. A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which
of the following laboratory results is most consistent with this diagnosis?
A) Decreased blood glucose level
B) Decreased pH level
C) Increased bicarbonate level
D) Increased oxygen saturation
Answer: B) Decreased pH level
Rationale:
In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the client develops acidosis, leading to a
decreased pH level in the blood due to the accumulation of ketones.
Increased blood glucose, decreased bicarbonate, and increased oxygen
saturation are not typically seen in DKA.
8. A nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis of the liver who is prescribed
lactulose. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following
potential side effects?
A) Diarrhea
B) Constipation
C) Hyperkalemia
D) Hypoglycemia
Answer: A) Diarrhea
Rationale:
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) |ALREADY GRADED A+
1. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion of
sodium chloride. The nurse notes that the client’s right arm is swollen, red,
and painful at the IV insertion site. The nurse suspects which of the
following complications?
A) Hematoma
B) Phlebitis
C) Air embolism
D) Infiltration
Answer: B) Phlebitis
Rationale:
Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein and often results in swelling, redness,
and pain at the IV site. It is caused by mechanical irritation or infection.
Hematoma involves blood leakage into tissues, but it does not typically
cause redness or swelling with pain like phlebitis.
Air embolism and infiltration are serious but less likely to present with the
described symptoms at the IV site.
2. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to an
adult. Which of the following sites is most appropriate for the nurse to use?
A) Dorsogluteal
B) Vastus lateralis
C) Deltoid
D) Upper outer quadrant of the buttocks
Answer: B) Vastus lateralis
,Rationale:
The vastus lateralis muscle, located in the thigh, is the most appropriate site
for an IM injection in an adult, particularly when the muscle mass in other
sites, such as the deltoid or dorsogluteal, is insufficient.
Dorsogluteal and deltoid sites can be used, but vastus lateralis is preferred
for large volumes and in adults who may have less muscle mass in other
areas.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD). The nurse should educate the client to avoid which of the
following foods?
A) Whole wheat bread
B) Bananas
C) Citrus fruits
D) Low-fat yogurt
Answer: C) Citrus fruits
Rationale:
Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are acidic and can irritate the
esophagus, exacerbating GERD symptoms.
Whole wheat bread, bananas, and low-fat yogurt are generally well-
tolerated by people with GERD and are part of a healthy diet.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid)
for hypothyroidism. Which of the following instructions should the nurse
include in the client’s teaching plan?
A) Take the medication with food
B) Take the medication in the evening
C) Take the medication with an antacid
D) Take the medication on an empty stomach
Answer: D) Take the medication on an empty stomach
,Rationale:
Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, usually in the
morning, at least 30 minutes before food, to enhance absorption.
Taking it with food, an antacid, or in the evening can decrease the
absorption and effectiveness of the medication.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) who is receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula. The nurse
should recognize that which of the following is an early sign of hypoxia?
A) Increased respiratory rate
B) Cyanosis
C) Bradypnea
D) Decreased blood pressure
Answer: A) Increased respiratory rate
Rationale:
An early sign of hypoxia is an increased respiratory rate as the body
attempts to compensate for low oxygen levels.
Cyanosis (bluish skin) and bradypnea (slow respiratory rate) are later signs
of severe hypoxia, and decreased blood pressure is a late sign.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin)
for atrial fibrillation. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which of
the following foods?
A) Leafy green vegetables
B) Whole grains
C) Citrus fruits
D) Low-fat dairy products
Answer: A) Leafy green vegetables
Rationale:
, Leafy green vegetables (such as spinach and kale) are high in vitamin K,
which can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin because vitamin K
promotes blood clotting. The client should maintain a consistent intake of
these foods.
Whole grains, citrus fruits, and low-fat dairy products do not
significantly affect warfarin therapy.
7. A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which
of the following laboratory results is most consistent with this diagnosis?
A) Decreased blood glucose level
B) Decreased pH level
C) Increased bicarbonate level
D) Increased oxygen saturation
Answer: B) Decreased pH level
Rationale:
In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the client develops acidosis, leading to a
decreased pH level in the blood due to the accumulation of ketones.
Increased blood glucose, decreased bicarbonate, and increased oxygen
saturation are not typically seen in DKA.
8. A nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis of the liver who is prescribed
lactulose. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following
potential side effects?
A) Diarrhea
B) Constipation
C) Hyperkalemia
D) Hypoglycemia
Answer: A) Diarrhea
Rationale:
