Herzing HESI Study Guide

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Sample questions from Herzing HESI Study Guide

This material has 24 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.The RN receives handoff on four medical-surgical clients. Which client should the RN assess first?

   • A.A client 1 day after surgery who reports incisional pain rated 6 out of 10
   • B.A client with pneumonia who is newly confused and has a blood pressure of 86/48 mm Hg
   • C.A client with chronic heart failure who has unchanged bilateral ankle edema
   • D.A client awaiting discharge who requests teaching about a low-sodium diet

   Rationale: A is correct because new confusion and hypotension suggest impaired perfusion and possible sepsis-associated organ dysfunction. B describes a stable chronic finding without evidence of acute deterioration. C is an important but nonurgent teaching need. D requires pain assessment and treatment, but the available findings do not indicate a threat more urgent than shock.

2. 2.A client who received IV morphine is difficult to arouse, has shallow respirations at 6/min, and has a pulse. Which action should the nurse take first?

   • A.Support the airway and assist ventilation while summoning help
   • B.Encourage the client to drink caffeinated fluids
   • C.Document the findings and reassess in 30 minutes
   • D.Obtain a detailed history of previous opioid exposure

   Rationale: B is correct because severe hypoventilation requires immediate airway and ventilation support, followed by prescribed naloxone and continued monitoring. A delays rescue even though the emergency is established. C is unsafe because the client cannot reliably protect the airway and caffeine does not reverse opioid toxicity. D delays lifesaving treatment.

3. 3.A conscious client with diabetes is diaphoretic and shaky. Capillary glucose is 54 mg/dL, and swallowing is intact. Which intervention is most appropriate?

   • A.Keep the client NPO until the next scheduled glucose check
   • B.Administer the scheduled rapid-acting insulin
   • C.Give approximately 15 g of rapid-acting carbohydrate and recheck glucose in 15 minutes
   • D.Give a high-fat snack and recheck glucose in 2 hours

   Rationale: C is correct because this alert client can safely receive oral rapid carbohydrate, followed by prompt reassessment. A would worsen hypoglycemia. B delays absorption and reassessment; high-fat foods are not preferred for initial correction. D withholds necessary treatment and increases the risk of seizure or loss of consciousness.

4. 4.A client receiving treatment for DKA has a glucose of 486 mg/dL and a potassium of 3.1 mEq/L. An IV insulin infusion is scheduled to begin. Which action should the nurse take?

   • A.Restrict all fluids until the glucose falls below 250 mg/dL
   • B.Give the prescribed potassium by IV push before starting insulin
   • C.Begin insulin because the elevated glucose overrides the potassium concern
   • D.Clarify the insulin start and implement prescribed potassium replacement before insulin

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.A client reports sudden unilateral arm weakness and difficulty speaking. Symptoms were first noticed on awakening. Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain immediately?

   • A.The number of relatives with hypertension
   • B.The time the client was last known to be without symptoms
   • C.The client's usual bedtime snack
   • D.The client's preferred rehabilitation facility

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.