HESI RN Case Study: HIV/TB , HESI RN: Gerontology & HESI RN EXIT EXAM
C0MBINATION EXAMINATION 2025 – 2026 WITH QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS VERIFIED 100% GRADED A+
HESI RN: Gerontology
A frail, elderly client is admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of pneumonia.
Which finding is most important for the registered nurse (RN) to report to the
healthcare provider?
A. Fever and chills
B. Confusion and dehydration
C. Crackles in the lung fields
D. Nausea and vomiting
B. Confusion and dehydration
Rationale: Confusion and dehydration (B) are findings of inadequate oxygenation
and perfusion in this frail elderly client. (A), (C) and (D) are all common with
pneumonia, but the most important finding is confusion and evidence of dehydration,
which require treatment for this frail elderly client.
A frail elderly couple asks the registered nurse (RN) if they have to watch their
salt intake because food does not taste as good as it used to so they have to
season most foods. What information should the RN offer the couple?
A. Boredom may influence how the taste of food is perceived, and different
seasonings can stimulate taste.
B. With age, an increase in sodium intake is needed to compensate for a
decrease in renal function.
C. Short-term memory loss and confusion may be the reason they want to
over-season their food.
D. Taste buds often are dull due to atrophy so older clients should use other
seasonings instead of salt.
D. Taste buds are often dull due to atrophy so older clients should use other
seasonings instead of salt.
Rationale: Taste buds atrophy with normal aging, which influences an older client's
sensitivity to taste and is often compensated for the use of stronger tasting
seasonings. (A), (B), and (C) are not normal aging processes related to taste.
After taking a 10-day course of an antibiotic that was ineffective, a frail, elderly
client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted for
pneumonia. The client has a long history of
smoking and still smokes a pack of cigarettes a day. Which finding should the
registered nurse (RN) report to the healthcare provider?
A. Barrel chest with increased chest diameter
,B. Crackles and pulse oximetry level of 88%
C. Low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
D. Arterial blood gases indicating respiratory acidosis
B. Crackles and pulse oximetry level of 88%
Rationale: With pneumonia, crackles in the lungs and low O2 saturation (B) can
impact adequate oxygenation, which should be reported to the HCP. (A) occurs due
to chronic hyperinflation of the lungs and is common in clients with COPD. Anemia
(C) is frequently identified in clients with COPD, and respiratory acidosis (D) due to
CO2 retention contributes to a lower blood pH.
An older female client recently moved to an assisted living facility. The family
explains to the registered nurse (RN) that the client is unmanageable and
always confused, disoriented and depressed. The client asks the RN
repeatedly, "Where am I?". How should the RN respond?
A. Explain that she is in a new home called an assisted living community
B. Question the client about her perception of where she might be now.
C. Distract the client with a scenario that she is on an outing with her family.
D. Reassure the client not to worry because she will meet new friends.
A. Explain that she is in a new home called an assisted living community.
Rationale: Reality re-orientation (A) is the best response for a client who is confused
because the response is consistent and true. (B, C, and D) do not provide the client
with feedback that is reality based.
A new resident in an assisted living facility is an older client who is
experiencing short-term memory loss and confusion. Which activity should
the registered nurse (RN) schedule the client to do during the day?
A. Arts and crafts
B. Current events discussion group
C. Group sing-along
D. Daily exercise group
D. Daily exercise group
Rationale: A daily exercise group (D) allows the client to mirror the leader and
minimizes the client's stress to remember. (A), (C), and a current events discussion
group (B) are thought-provoking activities that require attention to detail and short-
term memory to participate in the group activity which may be stressful and
frustrating to the resident who has difficulty remembering sequence of the details.
The hospice nurse is completing a focused assessment of an older female
client with end stage Alzheimer's disease, who recently fractured her hip. What
technique should the registered nurse (RN) use to determine the client's pain?
A. Use the FACE pain scale
B. Ask the client to rate pain on a scale of 1 to 10
C. Observe for facial grimacing
D. Review documentation of recent eating habits
C. Observe for facial grimacing
Rationale: Observing for facial grimacing (C) is the best method for evaluating pain
for a client who cannot communicate due to Alzheimer disease. (A) and (B) may not
,be understood by a client with end-stage Alzheimer's disease. (D) is not a helpful
tool for pain assessment.
An older male client arrives at the clinic for an annual physical examination.
While the nurse assesses the client, the client states that he is having intimacy
problems with his wife. Which information should the nurse provide to elicit
more information from the client?
A. Query client to clarify the client's idea of an intimacy problem.
B. Discuss benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and ejaculation.
C. Explore the frequency that he experiences erectile dysfunction (ED)
D. Determine if the client's wife is young enough to get pregnant
A. Query client to clarify the client's idea of an intimacy problem.
Rationale: Clarification of the client's concern is needed to appropriately address the
specific concern about intimacy issues (A). (B), (C), and (D) are details that the client
should present, not the RN.
The registered nurse (RN) is caring for an older female client with a 20 year
history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who is admitted for carpel tunnel release.
Which finding associated with RA should the RN document?
A. Asymmetrical joint deformity
B. Small joint involvement in fingers
C. Crepitation or grating sensation in joints
D. Weight bearing joint involvement
B. Small joint involvement in fingers.
Rationale: Small joint involvement (B) is common in rheumatoid arthritis. (A), (C) and
(D) are findings that different OA from RA.
The registered nurse (RN) is re-enforcing discharge instructions with the
family of an older client who was recently admitted for an intestinal
obstruction. Which statement indicates that the family understands the
instructions?
A. Increase protein and carbohydrates in the daily diet
B. Limit activity to bed rest for the first week and increase mobility
incrementally each week
C. Report abdominal distention, constipation or any other nausea and
vomiting to the healthcare provider
D. Drink liquids 2 hours after meals instead of during meals
C. Report abdominal distention, constipation, or any nausea and vomiting to the
healthcare provider.
Rationale: (C) are symptoms that occur with intestinal obstruction and should be
addressed immediately. (A, B, and D) are not indicated for a client who has been
discharged for intestinal obstruction.
An older client is transferred to a telemetry unit after placement of a
pacemaker. What action should the registered nurse (RN) take first?
A. View incision site
B. Obtain a blood pressure
, C. Establish telemetry monitoring
D. Evaluate client for pain
C. Establish telemetry monitoring.
Rationale: The first action is to establish continuous telemetry monitoring (C) to
ensure the pacemaker is functioning properly. (A, B and D) should be implemented
after the client's heart rate and rhythm are successfully being monitored.
Older clients are at highest risk for abuse and neglect due to which factors?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Needs are greater than the caretaker's abilities
B. Client's declining strength
C. Fixed income
D. Longer life expectancy
E. Lack of exposure to technology and trends
A. Needs are greater than the caretaker's abilities
B. Client's declining strength
Rationale: When needs are not being met due to lack of ability of the caretaker (A),
stress and feelings of failure may be expressed through neglect and abuse. Decline
in strength (B) increases the older client's vulnerability to resist or respond to elder
abuse. (C, D, E) do not increase the risk for neglect and abuse.
An older female client who has been taking hydrocodone/acetaminophen
(Lortab) q4 hours for chronic back pain for the past 5 years tells the registered
nurse (RN) that she cannot live without her pain pills. When asked if she is
addicted, the client states that she is not an addict because the healthcare
provider prescribed the pain pills. Which coping mechanism should the RN
determine the client is using about her addiction?
A. Lack of knowledge about narcotic medications
B. Rationalization to support narcotic use
C. Transfer of blame to healthcare provider
D. Justification of narcotic use due to chronic pain
B. Rationalization to support narcotic use.
Rationale: The client is using rationalization to maintain self-esteem when she is
questioned by stating that she is not addicted because she is taking medication
prescribed by a healthcare provider. (A) may
be possible, but the client is being specifically asked about possible addiction. (C)
and (D) underlie the complexity of denial in addiction, but the client is trying to
maintain self-esteem through rationalization.
A family member brings their aging father to the clinic because he has been
alert and oriented during the day but agitated and disoriented in the evening.
The registered nurse (RN) reviews the client's list of current medications with
the client and family. Which action taken by the RN is most important?
A. Medication review with family caregivers is the RN's responsibility
B. Multiple medications can contribute to sundowner-like symptoms
C. Medication recall is the best way to evaluate the client's memory
D. Reviewing medication actions is a component of effective client care
C0MBINATION EXAMINATION 2025 – 2026 WITH QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS VERIFIED 100% GRADED A+
HESI RN: Gerontology
A frail, elderly client is admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of pneumonia.
Which finding is most important for the registered nurse (RN) to report to the
healthcare provider?
A. Fever and chills
B. Confusion and dehydration
C. Crackles in the lung fields
D. Nausea and vomiting
B. Confusion and dehydration
Rationale: Confusion and dehydration (B) are findings of inadequate oxygenation
and perfusion in this frail elderly client. (A), (C) and (D) are all common with
pneumonia, but the most important finding is confusion and evidence of dehydration,
which require treatment for this frail elderly client.
A frail elderly couple asks the registered nurse (RN) if they have to watch their
salt intake because food does not taste as good as it used to so they have to
season most foods. What information should the RN offer the couple?
A. Boredom may influence how the taste of food is perceived, and different
seasonings can stimulate taste.
B. With age, an increase in sodium intake is needed to compensate for a
decrease in renal function.
C. Short-term memory loss and confusion may be the reason they want to
over-season their food.
D. Taste buds often are dull due to atrophy so older clients should use other
seasonings instead of salt.
D. Taste buds are often dull due to atrophy so older clients should use other
seasonings instead of salt.
Rationale: Taste buds atrophy with normal aging, which influences an older client's
sensitivity to taste and is often compensated for the use of stronger tasting
seasonings. (A), (B), and (C) are not normal aging processes related to taste.
After taking a 10-day course of an antibiotic that was ineffective, a frail, elderly
client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted for
pneumonia. The client has a long history of
smoking and still smokes a pack of cigarettes a day. Which finding should the
registered nurse (RN) report to the healthcare provider?
A. Barrel chest with increased chest diameter
,B. Crackles and pulse oximetry level of 88%
C. Low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
D. Arterial blood gases indicating respiratory acidosis
B. Crackles and pulse oximetry level of 88%
Rationale: With pneumonia, crackles in the lungs and low O2 saturation (B) can
impact adequate oxygenation, which should be reported to the HCP. (A) occurs due
to chronic hyperinflation of the lungs and is common in clients with COPD. Anemia
(C) is frequently identified in clients with COPD, and respiratory acidosis (D) due to
CO2 retention contributes to a lower blood pH.
An older female client recently moved to an assisted living facility. The family
explains to the registered nurse (RN) that the client is unmanageable and
always confused, disoriented and depressed. The client asks the RN
repeatedly, "Where am I?". How should the RN respond?
A. Explain that she is in a new home called an assisted living community
B. Question the client about her perception of where she might be now.
C. Distract the client with a scenario that she is on an outing with her family.
D. Reassure the client not to worry because she will meet new friends.
A. Explain that she is in a new home called an assisted living community.
Rationale: Reality re-orientation (A) is the best response for a client who is confused
because the response is consistent and true. (B, C, and D) do not provide the client
with feedback that is reality based.
A new resident in an assisted living facility is an older client who is
experiencing short-term memory loss and confusion. Which activity should
the registered nurse (RN) schedule the client to do during the day?
A. Arts and crafts
B. Current events discussion group
C. Group sing-along
D. Daily exercise group
D. Daily exercise group
Rationale: A daily exercise group (D) allows the client to mirror the leader and
minimizes the client's stress to remember. (A), (C), and a current events discussion
group (B) are thought-provoking activities that require attention to detail and short-
term memory to participate in the group activity which may be stressful and
frustrating to the resident who has difficulty remembering sequence of the details.
The hospice nurse is completing a focused assessment of an older female
client with end stage Alzheimer's disease, who recently fractured her hip. What
technique should the registered nurse (RN) use to determine the client's pain?
A. Use the FACE pain scale
B. Ask the client to rate pain on a scale of 1 to 10
C. Observe for facial grimacing
D. Review documentation of recent eating habits
C. Observe for facial grimacing
Rationale: Observing for facial grimacing (C) is the best method for evaluating pain
for a client who cannot communicate due to Alzheimer disease. (A) and (B) may not
,be understood by a client with end-stage Alzheimer's disease. (D) is not a helpful
tool for pain assessment.
An older male client arrives at the clinic for an annual physical examination.
While the nurse assesses the client, the client states that he is having intimacy
problems with his wife. Which information should the nurse provide to elicit
more information from the client?
A. Query client to clarify the client's idea of an intimacy problem.
B. Discuss benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and ejaculation.
C. Explore the frequency that he experiences erectile dysfunction (ED)
D. Determine if the client's wife is young enough to get pregnant
A. Query client to clarify the client's idea of an intimacy problem.
Rationale: Clarification of the client's concern is needed to appropriately address the
specific concern about intimacy issues (A). (B), (C), and (D) are details that the client
should present, not the RN.
The registered nurse (RN) is caring for an older female client with a 20 year
history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who is admitted for carpel tunnel release.
Which finding associated with RA should the RN document?
A. Asymmetrical joint deformity
B. Small joint involvement in fingers
C. Crepitation or grating sensation in joints
D. Weight bearing joint involvement
B. Small joint involvement in fingers.
Rationale: Small joint involvement (B) is common in rheumatoid arthritis. (A), (C) and
(D) are findings that different OA from RA.
The registered nurse (RN) is re-enforcing discharge instructions with the
family of an older client who was recently admitted for an intestinal
obstruction. Which statement indicates that the family understands the
instructions?
A. Increase protein and carbohydrates in the daily diet
B. Limit activity to bed rest for the first week and increase mobility
incrementally each week
C. Report abdominal distention, constipation or any other nausea and
vomiting to the healthcare provider
D. Drink liquids 2 hours after meals instead of during meals
C. Report abdominal distention, constipation, or any nausea and vomiting to the
healthcare provider.
Rationale: (C) are symptoms that occur with intestinal obstruction and should be
addressed immediately. (A, B, and D) are not indicated for a client who has been
discharged for intestinal obstruction.
An older client is transferred to a telemetry unit after placement of a
pacemaker. What action should the registered nurse (RN) take first?
A. View incision site
B. Obtain a blood pressure
, C. Establish telemetry monitoring
D. Evaluate client for pain
C. Establish telemetry monitoring.
Rationale: The first action is to establish continuous telemetry monitoring (C) to
ensure the pacemaker is functioning properly. (A, B and D) should be implemented
after the client's heart rate and rhythm are successfully being monitored.
Older clients are at highest risk for abuse and neglect due to which factors?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Needs are greater than the caretaker's abilities
B. Client's declining strength
C. Fixed income
D. Longer life expectancy
E. Lack of exposure to technology and trends
A. Needs are greater than the caretaker's abilities
B. Client's declining strength
Rationale: When needs are not being met due to lack of ability of the caretaker (A),
stress and feelings of failure may be expressed through neglect and abuse. Decline
in strength (B) increases the older client's vulnerability to resist or respond to elder
abuse. (C, D, E) do not increase the risk for neglect and abuse.
An older female client who has been taking hydrocodone/acetaminophen
(Lortab) q4 hours for chronic back pain for the past 5 years tells the registered
nurse (RN) that she cannot live without her pain pills. When asked if she is
addicted, the client states that she is not an addict because the healthcare
provider prescribed the pain pills. Which coping mechanism should the RN
determine the client is using about her addiction?
A. Lack of knowledge about narcotic medications
B. Rationalization to support narcotic use
C. Transfer of blame to healthcare provider
D. Justification of narcotic use due to chronic pain
B. Rationalization to support narcotic use.
Rationale: The client is using rationalization to maintain self-esteem when she is
questioned by stating that she is not addicted because she is taking medication
prescribed by a healthcare provider. (A) may
be possible, but the client is being specifically asked about possible addiction. (C)
and (D) underlie the complexity of denial in addiction, but the client is trying to
maintain self-esteem through rationalization.
A family member brings their aging father to the clinic because he has been
alert and oriented during the day but agitated and disoriented in the evening.
The registered nurse (RN) reviews the client's list of current medications with
the client and family. Which action taken by the RN is most important?
A. Medication review with family caregivers is the RN's responsibility
B. Multiple medications can contribute to sundowner-like symptoms
C. Medication recall is the best way to evaluate the client's memory
D. Reviewing medication actions is a component of effective client care
