I passed the HESI and only studied for a week!!!

txgal123 · Apr 21, 2010

Good job on passing the HESI! You just need to go into the test like you know what you are doing. HESI questions are always RANDOM to me, but just think logically and know your basic materials!

sgnemo25 · Jul 10, 2010

Ok, this is in regards to the HESI exit exam. I am not sure what the HESI entrance exam is exactly comprised of.
Also, I did do the HESI 1200 questions as well as evolve questions.
These are the test taking tips that I came up with while doing the HESI 1200 questions and evolve questions and after reading the rationales.
First and foremost you will be presented with a question and in the question you want to identify the patient or client, the problem, and what can be done to sovle the problem.
So here are some helpful tips:
1. When asked for PRIORITY nursing diagnosis, if unfamiliar with the disease process choose the most critical (Think in regards to the ABCs).
2. Remember ABCs
3. When an assessment is abnormal in comparison to what is usually considered normal, it is essential to compare to the patient's specific history because it may be normal for that patient.
4. Read each question thorougly and take for value
A. Don't add things that are NOT there
B. Don't make assumptions.
5. When asked what should the nurse do, even if priortiy is not listed in the question, choose what is the priority decision based on the patient and/or problem presented.
6. Do not second guess yourself, go with your first instinct.
7. Act first in some instances prior to calling the doctor. You have to basically think in the mind frame that you are actually the nurse. So in some instances you may have to perform an assessment first or provide some type of intervention prior to calling the doctor because the doctor may ask have you done this, or have you done that.
8. Correlate the answer to the question. If the answer does not relate to the question ELIMINATE
9. Some things are based on protocol, so do not do anything that you would need permission to do w/o prior instruction. Such as giving a specific medicaiton that is not on the patient's MAR. If it is a PRN medication that is than that is different, of an emergency medication. However, if it does not fit that description usually it shouldn't be done. Therefore, do not give medications that have not been prescribed unless it is an antidote for another medication, a PRN, or emergency medication in the case of an emergency.
10. When should the nurse report to the physician. If it is something that is NOT EXPECTED of a particular disease process. If it is a normal symptom of a disease process it is not necessary to call the doctor because it is expected. Such as with diabetes if a patient has a BG of 130 and he is diabetic then the doctor does not need to be called, or if the patient suffers from heart failure and has pedal edema that too is specific to that disease process. However if it is something critical such as the patient with heart failure having an O2 saturation of 80% that should be reported. Or the patient with diabetes having a Cr level of 2.7 would be a problem and should be reported.
11. When asked about side effects of drugs and you are not familiar with the side effects of that specific drug think of drug action....what does the drug do.
12. Eliminate like answers.
13. If asked about things to report about drugs, report things that are atypical. It is not necessary to report the normal side effects. You would want to more so report the severe adverse reactions.
Read the question thoroughly before looking at the answers and read carefully.
**Know the normal ranges for lab values
**Remember the ABCs
I hope someone will find these tips helpful. These are just a few that I used. I would continue to do questions, to become familiar with the style of questions that are on the test. I'm not saying just reading these tips alone will help you pass the test, because everyone is different. And I'm not suggesting that you risk studying for only a week like I did. You may want to purchase some test taking books or if your school provides a test taking skills class register.
Thanks!

Hello SoSimplyMe, just wondering if you could point me in the right direction as far as where I can obtain the HESI 1200 questions? I ask b/c some classmates told me about it and emailed me word documents rather than actual practice questions, which I thought the HESI 1200 was. Basically if you know of HESI practice questions (like the NCLEX that has 3500, or 4000) besides the ones that come w/the book, could you let me know where I can obtain them? I would really appreciate it. Thanks! :)

SoSimplyMe · Jul 17, 2010

Hello SoSimplyMe, just wondering if you could point me in the right direction as far as where I can obtain the HESI 1200 questions? I ask b/c some classmates told me about it and emailed me word documents rather than actual practice questions, which I thought the HESI 1200 was. Basically if you know of HESI practice questions (like the NCLEX that has 3500, or 4000) besides the ones that come w/the book, could you let me know where I can obtain them? I would really appreciate it. Thanks! :)

Unfortunately, I had the word documents as well. It is really helpful though if you read all the rationales. It will help you understand how to answer the questions.

sgnemo25 · Jul 19, 2010

Unfortunately, I had the word documents as well. It is really helpful though if you read all the rationales. It will help you understand how to answer the questions.

Ok, thanks.

mrs. diopa · Jan 26, 2011

i am preparing to apply to a nursing program and i will be taking the HESI. I was wondering if u still have the ur study guide????? if so would u be will to provide me with them

thanks,

kamara

vanillalace · Jan 15, 2012

Hi! SoSimplyMe!

I got your message but allnurses sadly won't allow me to reply due to changes. Thank you again and I'm hoping to pass HESI on the first try! My email is [email protected] .