HESI RN EXIT EXAM V1
160+ (Latest 2026 Edition) 100% Verified Q&A + Answer Key Solutions
100% Guarantee Pass
📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 160 Qs
This document, "HESI RN Exit Exam v1," covers various nursing topics, including pediatric assessment,
adult health conditions such as pancreatitis and acute respiratory distress, cardiovascular health, mental
health, and patient education. The document contains 160 questions with correct answers and detailed
explanations, offering a comprehensive review of key concepts for nursing students. Students can utilize
this resource to study and review essential nursing knowledge, gain a deeper understanding of complex
health conditions, and prepare for nursing exams by analyzing the rationale behind each answer.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
The nurse is completing the admission assessment of a 3-year old who is admitted with bacterial
meningitis and hydrocephalus. Which assessment finding is evidence that the child is experiencing
increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Tachycardia and tachypnea
B. Sluggish and unequal pupillary responses
C. Increased head circumference and bulging fontanels
D. Blood pressure fluctuations and syncope
CORRECT ANSWER
B. Sluggish and unequal pupillary responses
RATIONALE: Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in a child with bacterial meningitis and hydrocephalus can lead to
compression of the cranial nerves, causing impaired pupillary responses. Sluggish and unequal pupillary responses are a
reliable indicator of elevated ICP because they can result from compression of the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III),
which controls pupillary constriction.
QUESTION 2
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, A client with acute pancreatitis is admitted with severe, piercing abdominal pain and an elevated
serum amylase. Which additional information is the client most likely to report to the nurse?
A. Abdominal pain decreases when lying supine
B. Pain lasts an hour and leaves the abdomen tender
C. Right upper quadrant pain refers to right scapula
D. Drinks alcohol until intoxicated at least twice weekly.
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Abdominal pain decreases when lying supine
RATIONALE: The client with acute pancreatitis is most likely to report that their abdominal pain decreases when lying
supine because lying supine can help alleviate pressure on the pancreas by reducing the curvature of the pancreas and
the resultant increase in pancreatic secretion, which exacerbates pain. This is in contrast to the other options, which do
not accurately describe typical presentations of acute pancreatitis.
QUESTION 3
A child newly diagnosed with sickle cell anemia (SCA) is being discharged from the hospital. Which
information is most important for the nurse to provide the parents prior to discharge?
A. Instructions about how much fluid the child should drink daily.
B. Signs of addiction to opioid pain medications
C. Information about non-pharmaceutical pain relief measures
D. Referral for social services for the child and family
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Instructions about how much fluid the child should drink daily
RATIONALE: Sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to break down more quickly, leading to a decrease in blood
volume and an increased risk of dehydration. Providing instructions on fluid intake is crucial to prevent dehydration,
which can exacerbate symptoms and lead to vaso-occlusive crises, making it the most important information to provide
to the parents prior to discharge.
QUESTION 4
To auscultate for a carotid bruit, the nurse places the stethoscope at what location. (Select the
location on the image with a red dot).
CORRECT ANSWER
I placed the red dot on the base of the neck on the right side
RATIONALE: Auscultation for a carotid bruit requires listening to the blood flow in the carotid artery, which is located in
the neck. The base of the neck on the right side is the correct location because it allows the nurse to directly access the
carotid artery and hear any abnormal sounds, such as a bruit, with the stethoscope.
QUESTION 5
After receiving report on an inpatient acute care unit, which client should the nurse assess first?
A. The client with an obstruction of the large intestine who is experiencing abdominal distention
B. The client who had surgery yesterday and is experiencing a paralytic ileus with absent bowel
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, sounds
C. The client with a small bowel obstruction who has a nasogastric tube that is draining greenish fluid
D. The client with a bowel obstruction due to a volvulus who is experiencing abdominal rigidity
CORRECT ANSWER
D. The client with a bowel obstruction due to a volvulus who is experiencing abdominal rigidity
RATIONALE: This client requires immediate assessment due to the presence of abdominal rigidity, which is a symptom
of a potential bowel ischemia or infarction, a life-threatening complication of a volvulus. Abdominal rigidity necessitates
prompt evaluation to determine the extent of the issue and prevent further damage, making this client a priority for the
nurse to assess first.
QUESTION 6
A teenager presents to the emergency department with palpitations after vaping at a party. The client
is anxious, fearful, and hyperventilating. The nurse anticipates the client developing which acid base
imbalance?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Metabolic acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
CORRECT ANSWER
D. Respiratory alkalosis
RATIONALE: Hyperventilation, as seen in this client, leads to excessive loss of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a key
component in maintaining acid-base balance. When CO2 levels decrease, the body's pH becomes more alkaline,
resulting in respiratory alkalosis.
QUESTION 7
A client with dyspnea is being admitted to the medical unit. To best prepare for the client's arrival, the
nurse should ensure that the client's bed is in which position?
A. Supine
B. supine; feet elevated higher than head
C. supine; head elevated higher than feet
D. Fowlers
CORRECT ANSWER
Fowlers
RATIONALE: "Fowlers" is the correct answer because it refers to a specific bed position where the head and feet are
elevated at a 45-degree angle, which can help alleviate respiratory distress and improve breathing in clients with
dyspnea. This position allows for more effective lung expansion and reduces orthopnea, making it a suitable preparation
for a client with dyspnea.
QUESTION 8
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, The nurse is taking the blood pressure measurement of a client with Parkinson's disease. Which
information in the client's admission assessment is relevant to the nurse's plan for taking the blood
pressure reading? (Select all the apply)
A. Frequent syncope
B. Occasional nocturia
C. Flat affect
D. Blurred vision
E. Frequent drooling
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Frequent syncope
C. Flat affect
D. Blurred vision
RATIONALE: The correct answer is "A. Frequent syncope" because clients with Parkinson's disease often experience
orthostatic hypotension, which can lead to syncope when standing upright, making it crucial for the nurse to take their
blood pressure measurement in a position that minimizes the risk of dizziness. This highlights the importance of
considering the client's autonomic nervous system dysfunction when planning their care, particularly in procedures that
may affect blood pressure.
QUESTION 9
While caring for a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the wound.
Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should review which of the client's
laboratory values?
A. Serum albumin
B. Culture for sensitive organisms
C. Serum blood glucose level
D. Creatinine level
CORRECT ANSWER
B. Culture for sensitive organisms
RATIONALE: The nurse should review the client's culture for sensitive organisms because it will help identify the type of
bacteria causing the infection and the most effective antibiotics to treat it, guiding the healthcare provider's decision on
the best course of action. This information is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment, as the type of bacteria
and antibiotic sensitivity can significantly impact the effectiveness of the treatment and the client's recovery.
QUESTION 10
A preschool-aged boy is admitted to the pediatric unit following successful resuscitation from a near-
drowning incident. While providing care to the child, the nurse begins talking with his preadolescent
brother who rescued the child from the swimming pool and initiated resuscitation. The nurse notices
the older boy becomes withdrawn when asked about what happened. Which action should the nurse
take?
A. Develop a water safety teaching plan for the family
B. Ask the older brother how he felt during the incident
C. Tell the older brother that he seems depressed
D. Commend the older brother for his heroic actions
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 4 of 61
160+ (Latest 2026 Edition) 100% Verified Q&A + Answer Key Solutions
100% Guarantee Pass
📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 160 Qs
This document, "HESI RN Exit Exam v1," covers various nursing topics, including pediatric assessment,
adult health conditions such as pancreatitis and acute respiratory distress, cardiovascular health, mental
health, and patient education. The document contains 160 questions with correct answers and detailed
explanations, offering a comprehensive review of key concepts for nursing students. Students can utilize
this resource to study and review essential nursing knowledge, gain a deeper understanding of complex
health conditions, and prepare for nursing exams by analyzing the rationale behind each answer.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
The nurse is completing the admission assessment of a 3-year old who is admitted with bacterial
meningitis and hydrocephalus. Which assessment finding is evidence that the child is experiencing
increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Tachycardia and tachypnea
B. Sluggish and unequal pupillary responses
C. Increased head circumference and bulging fontanels
D. Blood pressure fluctuations and syncope
CORRECT ANSWER
B. Sluggish and unequal pupillary responses
RATIONALE: Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in a child with bacterial meningitis and hydrocephalus can lead to
compression of the cranial nerves, causing impaired pupillary responses. Sluggish and unequal pupillary responses are a
reliable indicator of elevated ICP because they can result from compression of the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III),
which controls pupillary constriction.
QUESTION 2
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, A client with acute pancreatitis is admitted with severe, piercing abdominal pain and an elevated
serum amylase. Which additional information is the client most likely to report to the nurse?
A. Abdominal pain decreases when lying supine
B. Pain lasts an hour and leaves the abdomen tender
C. Right upper quadrant pain refers to right scapula
D. Drinks alcohol until intoxicated at least twice weekly.
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Abdominal pain decreases when lying supine
RATIONALE: The client with acute pancreatitis is most likely to report that their abdominal pain decreases when lying
supine because lying supine can help alleviate pressure on the pancreas by reducing the curvature of the pancreas and
the resultant increase in pancreatic secretion, which exacerbates pain. This is in contrast to the other options, which do
not accurately describe typical presentations of acute pancreatitis.
QUESTION 3
A child newly diagnosed with sickle cell anemia (SCA) is being discharged from the hospital. Which
information is most important for the nurse to provide the parents prior to discharge?
A. Instructions about how much fluid the child should drink daily.
B. Signs of addiction to opioid pain medications
C. Information about non-pharmaceutical pain relief measures
D. Referral for social services for the child and family
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Instructions about how much fluid the child should drink daily
RATIONALE: Sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to break down more quickly, leading to a decrease in blood
volume and an increased risk of dehydration. Providing instructions on fluid intake is crucial to prevent dehydration,
which can exacerbate symptoms and lead to vaso-occlusive crises, making it the most important information to provide
to the parents prior to discharge.
QUESTION 4
To auscultate for a carotid bruit, the nurse places the stethoscope at what location. (Select the
location on the image with a red dot).
CORRECT ANSWER
I placed the red dot on the base of the neck on the right side
RATIONALE: Auscultation for a carotid bruit requires listening to the blood flow in the carotid artery, which is located in
the neck. The base of the neck on the right side is the correct location because it allows the nurse to directly access the
carotid artery and hear any abnormal sounds, such as a bruit, with the stethoscope.
QUESTION 5
After receiving report on an inpatient acute care unit, which client should the nurse assess first?
A. The client with an obstruction of the large intestine who is experiencing abdominal distention
B. The client who had surgery yesterday and is experiencing a paralytic ileus with absent bowel
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 2 of 61
, sounds
C. The client with a small bowel obstruction who has a nasogastric tube that is draining greenish fluid
D. The client with a bowel obstruction due to a volvulus who is experiencing abdominal rigidity
CORRECT ANSWER
D. The client with a bowel obstruction due to a volvulus who is experiencing abdominal rigidity
RATIONALE: This client requires immediate assessment due to the presence of abdominal rigidity, which is a symptom
of a potential bowel ischemia or infarction, a life-threatening complication of a volvulus. Abdominal rigidity necessitates
prompt evaluation to determine the extent of the issue and prevent further damage, making this client a priority for the
nurse to assess first.
QUESTION 6
A teenager presents to the emergency department with palpitations after vaping at a party. The client
is anxious, fearful, and hyperventilating. The nurse anticipates the client developing which acid base
imbalance?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Metabolic acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
CORRECT ANSWER
D. Respiratory alkalosis
RATIONALE: Hyperventilation, as seen in this client, leads to excessive loss of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a key
component in maintaining acid-base balance. When CO2 levels decrease, the body's pH becomes more alkaline,
resulting in respiratory alkalosis.
QUESTION 7
A client with dyspnea is being admitted to the medical unit. To best prepare for the client's arrival, the
nurse should ensure that the client's bed is in which position?
A. Supine
B. supine; feet elevated higher than head
C. supine; head elevated higher than feet
D. Fowlers
CORRECT ANSWER
Fowlers
RATIONALE: "Fowlers" is the correct answer because it refers to a specific bed position where the head and feet are
elevated at a 45-degree angle, which can help alleviate respiratory distress and improve breathing in clients with
dyspnea. This position allows for more effective lung expansion and reduces orthopnea, making it a suitable preparation
for a client with dyspnea.
QUESTION 8
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, The nurse is taking the blood pressure measurement of a client with Parkinson's disease. Which
information in the client's admission assessment is relevant to the nurse's plan for taking the blood
pressure reading? (Select all the apply)
A. Frequent syncope
B. Occasional nocturia
C. Flat affect
D. Blurred vision
E. Frequent drooling
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Frequent syncope
C. Flat affect
D. Blurred vision
RATIONALE: The correct answer is "A. Frequent syncope" because clients with Parkinson's disease often experience
orthostatic hypotension, which can lead to syncope when standing upright, making it crucial for the nurse to take their
blood pressure measurement in a position that minimizes the risk of dizziness. This highlights the importance of
considering the client's autonomic nervous system dysfunction when planning their care, particularly in procedures that
may affect blood pressure.
QUESTION 9
While caring for a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the wound.
Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should review which of the client's
laboratory values?
A. Serum albumin
B. Culture for sensitive organisms
C. Serum blood glucose level
D. Creatinine level
CORRECT ANSWER
B. Culture for sensitive organisms
RATIONALE: The nurse should review the client's culture for sensitive organisms because it will help identify the type of
bacteria causing the infection and the most effective antibiotics to treat it, guiding the healthcare provider's decision on
the best course of action. This information is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment, as the type of bacteria
and antibiotic sensitivity can significantly impact the effectiveness of the treatment and the client's recovery.
QUESTION 10
A preschool-aged boy is admitted to the pediatric unit following successful resuscitation from a near-
drowning incident. While providing care to the child, the nurse begins talking with his preadolescent
brother who rescued the child from the swimming pool and initiated resuscitation. The nurse notices
the older boy becomes withdrawn when asked about what happened. Which action should the nurse
take?
A. Develop a water safety teaching plan for the family
B. Ask the older brother how he felt during the incident
C. Tell the older brother that he seems depressed
D. Commend the older brother for his heroic actions
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