HESI RN Exit Exam Questions and

1

HESI RN Exit Exam Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

A nurse is caring for a client with new-onset heart failure who reports shortness of breath when lying flat. What is the best nursing action?

• Encourage the client to lie flat for at least 30 minutes
• Administer a diuretic immediately without assessment

✔✔C. Elevate the head of the bed and assess respiratory status

• Restrict fluids completely

A client with diabetes presents with nausea, vomiting, and rapid deep breathing. Which action should the nurse take first?

• Administer insulin as prescribed without further assessment

✔✔B. Assess blood glucose and ketone levels

• Encourage oral intake
• Notify dietary staff

A postoperative client has a sudden drop in blood pressure and tachycardia. What is the priority nursing intervention? 1 / 4

2

• Place the client in semi-Fowler’s position

✔✔B. Assess for signs of bleeding and maintain IV access

• Give oral fluids
• Encourage deep breathing

A nurse is planning care for a client with chronic kidney disease who is hyperkalemic. Which intervention is most important?

• Encourage increased potassium intake

✔✔B. Administer prescribed medications to lower potassium

• Restrict fluid intake completely
• Delay laboratory testing

A client with pneumonia develops confusion and hypotension. Which action is most appropriate?

• Encourage rest in bed

✔✔B. Assess vital signs and oxygen saturation immediately

• Administer antibiotics without assessment
• Notify dietary staff
• / 4

3

A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV antibiotics who develops a rash and facial swelling.What should the nurse do first?

• Document the reaction and continue infusion

✔✔B. Stop the infusion and notify the provider immediately

• Apply topical cream to the rash
• Wait to see if symptoms resolve

A client with a history of COPD is experiencing increased shortness of breath. Which intervention has the highest priority?

• Encourage ambulation

✔✔B. Assess respiratory status and apply oxygen as prescribed

• Offer fluids
• Notify dietary staff

A nurse is delegating tasks on the unit. Which task is appropriate to assign to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

• Administer oral medications
• Perform initial client assessment

✔✔C. Assist a stable client with bathing and grooming 3 / 4

4

• Teach a client how to use an incentive spirometer

A client with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes asks about preventing hypoglycemia. What is the nurse’s best response?

• “Only check your blood sugar if you feel shaky.”

✔✔B. “Monitor blood glucose regularly and have a source of fast-acting carbohydrate available.”

• “You don’t need insulin if you eat less sugar.”
• “Hypoglycemia is not a concern in the first month.”

A nurse is assessing a client post-cataract surgery who reports sudden pain and decreased vision.What is the priority action?

• Reassure the client and document findings

✔✔B. Notify the provider immediately

• Administer prescribed eye drops
• Encourage the client to rest

A client with a nasogastric tube has abdominal distention and nausea. What is the nurse’s first action?

• / 4