Ace Your HESI RN Exit Exam with Confidence!
Are you preparing for the HESI RN Exit Exam and want to ensure your success? Look no further! This comprehensive set of HESI RN Exit Exam Practice Questions is designed to boost your confidence and knowledge, helping you to score high on your exam and ...
Question 1:
A 65-year-old female patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath and increased sputum production. What is the
primary goal of nursing care for this patient?
A. Encourage a high-protein diet B. Minimize the patient’s oxygen requirements C. Prevent
secondary infections D. Promote hydration
Answer: B. Minimize the patient’s oxygen requirements
Rationale: The primary goal in managing a patient with COPD is to minimize their oxygen
requirements to reduce the workload on the respiratory system. This can be achieved through
interventions such as administering bronchodilators, providing supplemental oxygen as needed,
and encouraging rest.
Question 2:
A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is learning how to self-administer insulin. Which
injection site should the nurse recommend for the fastest absorption?
A. Thigh B. Buttock C. Abdomen D. Upper arm
Answer: C. Abdomen
Rationale: The abdomen is the preferred site for insulin injections because it has the fastest
absorption rate compared to other sites such as the thigh, buttock, or upper arm. This is
particularly important for rapid-acting insulin.
Question 3:
The nurse is caring for a patient with a new colostomy. Which of the following is the most
appropriate initial action to help the patient adapt to the colostomy?
,A. Encourage the patient to look at the stoma B. Teach the patient how to change the colostomy
bag C. Provide written materials about colostomy care D. Refer the patient to a colostomy
support group
Answer: A. Encourage the patient to look at the stoma
Rationale: Encouraging the patient to look at the stoma is an important initial step in helping
them adapt to the colostomy. It helps the patient begin to accept the change in their body and is a
precursor to further education and self-care practices.
Question 4:
A patient is receiving intravenous (IV) morphine for postoperative pain. Which assessment
finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse?
A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute B. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute C. Blood
pressure of 140/90 mmHg D. Temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F)
Answer: A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute indicates respiratory depression, which is a
serious side effect of morphine and requires immediate intervention. The nurse should consider
administering naloxone and providing supportive care.
Question 5:
A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor closely?
A. Hemoglobin B. Potassium C. Sodium D. Calcium
Answer: B. Potassium
,Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium loss. Monitoring
potassium levels is essential to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac
arrhythmias.
Question 6:
A nurse is caring for a patient with a suspected myocardial infarction (MI). Which diagnostic test
is most specific for confirming an MI?
A. Troponin I B. Creatine kinase (CK) C. Myoglobin D. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Answer: A. Troponin I
Rationale: Troponin I is the most specific and sensitive biomarker for myocardial infarction. It
remains elevated for a longer period compared to other markers and is specific to cardiac muscle
injury.
Question 7:
A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is receiving hemodialysis. Which dietary
modification should the nurse recommend?
A. High protein, low potassium B. Low protein, high potassium C. Low sodium, high
phosphorus D. High calcium, low sodium
Answer: A. High protein, low potassium
Rationale: Patients with CKD often require a diet that is high in protein to compensate for
protein loss during dialysis but low in potassium to prevent hyperkalemia, which can be life-
threatening.
Question 8:
A nurse is assessing a patient who has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Which symptom is
most indicative of this condition?
, A. Bradycardia B. Weight gain C. Heat intolerance D. Constipation
Answer: C. Heat intolerance
Rationale: Heat intolerance is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism due to the increased
metabolic rate. Other symptoms include weight loss, tachycardia, and increased bowel
movements.
Question 9:
A patient is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory value is most indicative of this
condition?
A. Elevated serum amylase B. Elevated serum bilirubin C. Elevated serum creatinine D.
Elevated serum calcium
Answer: A. Elevated serum amylase
Rationale: Elevated serum amylase is a key indicator of acute pancreatitis. It is often
accompanied by elevated serum lipase levels, which are more specific to pancreatic injury.
Question 10:
A nurse is caring for a patient with severe anemia. Which of the following symptoms is least
likely to be associated with anemia?
A. Fatigue B. Pallor C. Jaundice D. Tachycardia
Answer: C. Jaundice
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