1
HESI Exit Exam Prep: Patient
Education & Discharge Planning
for Nurses
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Discharge Planning for Common Medical-Surgical Conditions......2
Subtopic 2: Discharge Teaching for Chronic Illness Self-Management...........10
Subtopic 3: Post-Surgical Discharge Instructions & Self-Care........................19
Subtopic 4: Medication Adherence and Discharge Pharmacologic Teaching..28
Subtopic 5: Discharge Planning for Special Populations (Elderly, Pediatric,
Postpartum)...................................................................................................36
Subtopic 6: Discharge Instructions for Infection Control & Prevention at Home
.......................................................................................................................45
Subtopic 7: Medication Education & Discharge Safety..................................54
Subtopic 8: Pediatric & Family Discharge Instructions...................................62
Subtopic 9: Chronic Illness Discharge Management & Coordination..............71
Subtopic 10: Transitional Care, Follow-Up & Referrals...................................80
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Subtopic 1: Discharge Planning for
Common Medical-Surgical Conditions
Question 1
A nurse is discharging a client following a new diagnosis of heart failure.
Which instruction should the nurse prioritize to prevent fluid overload?
A. Increase fluid intake to promote hydration
B. Weigh yourself once per week
C. Report a weight gain of more than 2 pounds in a day
D. Take furosemide only when experiencing shortness of breath
Rationale: A weight gain of more than 2 pounds in 24 hours may indicate
fluid retention, a sign of worsening heart failure. Daily weight monitoring
helps with early detection.
Question 2
A nurse is providing discharge education to a client with chronic kidney
disease. Which statement indicates the client understands dietary
restrictions?
A. “I can eat bananas and oranges as healthy snacks.”
B. “I will limit foods high in potassium like spinach and potatoes.”
C. “I should drink 3 liters of water daily.”
D. “I can use salt substitutes instead of table salt.”
Rationale: High-potassium foods should be limited in CKD. Salt substitutes
often contain potassium and should be avoided.
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Question 3
A nurse is preparing discharge instructions for a client who had a total hip
arthroplasty. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. “You can bend forward to tie your shoes.”
B. “It’s safe to cross your legs when sitting.”
C. “Use a raised toilet seat to avoid hip flexion.”
D. “Sleep on the side of the surgery for comfort.”
Rationale: A raised toilet seat prevents excessive hip flexion, reducing
dislocation risk post-arthroplasty.
Question 4
A client with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes is being discharged. Which
instruction should the nurse give regarding foot care?
A. “Inspect your feet daily for cuts or sores.”
B. “Soak your feet daily to keep them soft.”
C. “Use a heating pad for cold feet.”
D. “Cut your toenails close to the skin.”
Rationale: Daily foot inspection helps identify early signs of infection or
injury, which can be serious in diabetic clients.
Question 5
A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client with COPD prior to discharge.
Which statement should the nurse include?
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A. “Increase your activity during times of shortness of breath.”
B. “Practice pursed-lip breathing during dyspnea episodes.”
C. “Drink 1 liter of water daily to thin secretions.”
D. “Limit all physical activity to avoid overexertion.”
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing improves oxygenation and promotes
controlled exhalation during dyspnea.
Question 6
A nurse is discharging a client following a myocardial infarction. Which
statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching?
A. “I will attend a cardiac rehab program.”
B. “I can resume sexual activity as soon as I feel ready.”
C. “I’ll monitor my blood pressure at home.”
D. “I’ll take my prescribed medications even if I feel fine.”
Rationale: Sexual activity should be resumed cautiously and usually after
medical clearance, as it increases cardiac workload.
Question 7
A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client prescribed warfarin.
Which dietary instruction should the nurse include?
A. “Increase your intake of leafy greens to aid healing.”
B. “Avoid all foods with vitamin C.”
C. “Maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-rich foods.”
D. “Double your dose if you miss a dose.”
HESI Exit Exam Prep: Patient
Education & Discharge Planning
for Nurses
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Discharge Planning for Common Medical-Surgical Conditions......2
Subtopic 2: Discharge Teaching for Chronic Illness Self-Management...........10
Subtopic 3: Post-Surgical Discharge Instructions & Self-Care........................19
Subtopic 4: Medication Adherence and Discharge Pharmacologic Teaching..28
Subtopic 5: Discharge Planning for Special Populations (Elderly, Pediatric,
Postpartum)...................................................................................................36
Subtopic 6: Discharge Instructions for Infection Control & Prevention at Home
.......................................................................................................................45
Subtopic 7: Medication Education & Discharge Safety..................................54
Subtopic 8: Pediatric & Family Discharge Instructions...................................62
Subtopic 9: Chronic Illness Discharge Management & Coordination..............71
Subtopic 10: Transitional Care, Follow-Up & Referrals...................................80
, 2
Subtopic 1: Discharge Planning for
Common Medical-Surgical Conditions
Question 1
A nurse is discharging a client following a new diagnosis of heart failure.
Which instruction should the nurse prioritize to prevent fluid overload?
A. Increase fluid intake to promote hydration
B. Weigh yourself once per week
C. Report a weight gain of more than 2 pounds in a day
D. Take furosemide only when experiencing shortness of breath
Rationale: A weight gain of more than 2 pounds in 24 hours may indicate
fluid retention, a sign of worsening heart failure. Daily weight monitoring
helps with early detection.
Question 2
A nurse is providing discharge education to a client with chronic kidney
disease. Which statement indicates the client understands dietary
restrictions?
A. “I can eat bananas and oranges as healthy snacks.”
B. “I will limit foods high in potassium like spinach and potatoes.”
C. “I should drink 3 liters of water daily.”
D. “I can use salt substitutes instead of table salt.”
Rationale: High-potassium foods should be limited in CKD. Salt substitutes
often contain potassium and should be avoided.
, 3
Question 3
A nurse is preparing discharge instructions for a client who had a total hip
arthroplasty. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. “You can bend forward to tie your shoes.”
B. “It’s safe to cross your legs when sitting.”
C. “Use a raised toilet seat to avoid hip flexion.”
D. “Sleep on the side of the surgery for comfort.”
Rationale: A raised toilet seat prevents excessive hip flexion, reducing
dislocation risk post-arthroplasty.
Question 4
A client with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes is being discharged. Which
instruction should the nurse give regarding foot care?
A. “Inspect your feet daily for cuts or sores.”
B. “Soak your feet daily to keep them soft.”
C. “Use a heating pad for cold feet.”
D. “Cut your toenails close to the skin.”
Rationale: Daily foot inspection helps identify early signs of infection or
injury, which can be serious in diabetic clients.
Question 5
A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client with COPD prior to discharge.
Which statement should the nurse include?
, 4
A. “Increase your activity during times of shortness of breath.”
B. “Practice pursed-lip breathing during dyspnea episodes.”
C. “Drink 1 liter of water daily to thin secretions.”
D. “Limit all physical activity to avoid overexertion.”
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing improves oxygenation and promotes
controlled exhalation during dyspnea.
Question 6
A nurse is discharging a client following a myocardial infarction. Which
statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching?
A. “I will attend a cardiac rehab program.”
B. “I can resume sexual activity as soon as I feel ready.”
C. “I’ll monitor my blood pressure at home.”
D. “I’ll take my prescribed medications even if I feel fine.”
Rationale: Sexual activity should be resumed cautiously and usually after
medical clearance, as it increases cardiac workload.
Question 7
A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client prescribed warfarin.
Which dietary instruction should the nurse include?
A. “Increase your intake of leafy greens to aid healing.”
B. “Avoid all foods with vitamin C.”
C. “Maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-rich foods.”
D. “Double your dose if you miss a dose.”
