HESI PN EXIT EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
*- Cardiac Care and Monitoring*
*- Respiratory and Pulmonary Management*
*- Postoperative Care*
*- Postpartum and Maternal Care*
*- Medication Administration and Safety*
*- Patient Assessment and Diagnostic Testing*
*- Emergency Nursing Interventions*
*- Infection Control and Safety*
*- Ethics and Legal Compliance*
*- Nutrition and Fluid Management*
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed to evaluate the knowledge and clinical decision-making skills
essential for practical nursing professionals. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, including
scenario-based items that test real-world application of nursing principles. Candidates will assess patient
conditions, prioritize interventions, administer medications safely, and respond to emergency situations. The
questions emphasize critical thinking, clinical judgment, and adherence to professional standards. Success on
this exam demonstrates readiness for entry-level practical nursing practice and competency in delivering
safe, effective patient care across diverse healthcare settings.
Section One: Questions 1–100
,Question 1
The LPN/LVN is monitoring a client with chest pain. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Blood pressure 118/72 mmHg
B. Heart rate 88 beats/minute
C. Oxygen saturation 91%
D. Respiratory rate 18 breaths/minute
🟢 C. Oxygen saturation 91%
🔴 RATIONALE: Oxygen saturation below 92% indicates hypoxemia and requires immediate intervention in a
client with chest pain. The other values are within acceptable ranges and do not require urgent action.
Question 2
A postpartum client is experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding. What is the nurse's first action?
A. Administer oxytocin as prescribed
B. Massage the uterine fundus
C. Insert a large-bore IV catheter
D. Assess vital signs
🟢 B. Massage the uterine fundus
🔴 RATIONALE: Uterine massage is the immediate first action for postpartum hemorrhage to stimulate
uterine contraction and reduce bleeding. Other interventions follow after initiating fundal massage.
,Question 3
Which medication should the nurse avoid administering to a client with a history of bronchospasm?
A. Acebutolol
B. Albuterol
C. Lisinopril
D. Metformin
🟢 A. Acebutolol
🔴 RATIONALE: Acebutolol is a beta-blocker that can precipitate bronchospasm in clients with reactive airway
disease. Beta-blockers are contraindicated in clients with bronchospastic conditions.
Question 4
A client postoperative day 1 after abdominal surgery reports sudden sharp pain. What should the nurse assess
first?
A. Bowel sounds
B. Wound appearance
C. Pain level using scale
D. Temperature
🟢 B. Wound appearance
🔴 RATIONALE: Sudden sharp pain postoperatively may indicate wound dehiscence or evisceration. The nurse
must immediately assess the wound for these complications before other assessments.
, Question 5
Which laboratory value indicates worsening kidney function in a client with diabetes?
A. Glucose 180 mg/dL
B. BUN 35 mg/dL
C. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
D. Creatinine 1.8 mg/dL
🟢 D. Creatinine 1.8 mg/dL
🔴 RATIONALE: Elevated creatinine (normal 0.6-1.2 mg/dL) indicates impaired kidney function. This is more
specific for kidney dysfunction than BUN, which can be elevated due to other factors.
Question 6
The nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection. What is the appropriate needle angle?
A. 15 degrees
B. 45 degrees
C. 90 degrees
D. 30 degrees
🟢 B. 45 degrees
🔴 RATIONALE: Subcutaneous injections are administered at a 45-degree angle for average-sized adults. A 90-
degree angle may be used for obese clients with adequate subcutaneous tissue.
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
*- Cardiac Care and Monitoring*
*- Respiratory and Pulmonary Management*
*- Postoperative Care*
*- Postpartum and Maternal Care*
*- Medication Administration and Safety*
*- Patient Assessment and Diagnostic Testing*
*- Emergency Nursing Interventions*
*- Infection Control and Safety*
*- Ethics and Legal Compliance*
*- Nutrition and Fluid Management*
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed to evaluate the knowledge and clinical decision-making skills
essential for practical nursing professionals. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, including
scenario-based items that test real-world application of nursing principles. Candidates will assess patient
conditions, prioritize interventions, administer medications safely, and respond to emergency situations. The
questions emphasize critical thinking, clinical judgment, and adherence to professional standards. Success on
this exam demonstrates readiness for entry-level practical nursing practice and competency in delivering
safe, effective patient care across diverse healthcare settings.
Section One: Questions 1–100
,Question 1
The LPN/LVN is monitoring a client with chest pain. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Blood pressure 118/72 mmHg
B. Heart rate 88 beats/minute
C. Oxygen saturation 91%
D. Respiratory rate 18 breaths/minute
🟢 C. Oxygen saturation 91%
🔴 RATIONALE: Oxygen saturation below 92% indicates hypoxemia and requires immediate intervention in a
client with chest pain. The other values are within acceptable ranges and do not require urgent action.
Question 2
A postpartum client is experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding. What is the nurse's first action?
A. Administer oxytocin as prescribed
B. Massage the uterine fundus
C. Insert a large-bore IV catheter
D. Assess vital signs
🟢 B. Massage the uterine fundus
🔴 RATIONALE: Uterine massage is the immediate first action for postpartum hemorrhage to stimulate
uterine contraction and reduce bleeding. Other interventions follow after initiating fundal massage.
,Question 3
Which medication should the nurse avoid administering to a client with a history of bronchospasm?
A. Acebutolol
B. Albuterol
C. Lisinopril
D. Metformin
🟢 A. Acebutolol
🔴 RATIONALE: Acebutolol is a beta-blocker that can precipitate bronchospasm in clients with reactive airway
disease. Beta-blockers are contraindicated in clients with bronchospastic conditions.
Question 4
A client postoperative day 1 after abdominal surgery reports sudden sharp pain. What should the nurse assess
first?
A. Bowel sounds
B. Wound appearance
C. Pain level using scale
D. Temperature
🟢 B. Wound appearance
🔴 RATIONALE: Sudden sharp pain postoperatively may indicate wound dehiscence or evisceration. The nurse
must immediately assess the wound for these complications before other assessments.
, Question 5
Which laboratory value indicates worsening kidney function in a client with diabetes?
A. Glucose 180 mg/dL
B. BUN 35 mg/dL
C. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
D. Creatinine 1.8 mg/dL
🟢 D. Creatinine 1.8 mg/dL
🔴 RATIONALE: Elevated creatinine (normal 0.6-1.2 mg/dL) indicates impaired kidney function. This is more
specific for kidney dysfunction than BUN, which can be elevated due to other factors.
Question 6
The nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection. What is the appropriate needle angle?
A. 15 degrees
B. 45 degrees
C. 90 degrees
D. 30 degrees
🟢 B. 45 degrees
🔴 RATIONALE: Subcutaneous injections are administered at a 45-degree angle for average-sized adults. A 90-
degree angle may be used for obese clients with adequate subcutaneous tissue.
