HESI PN Fundamentals Practice Exam |
Complete Exam Questions with Verified
Correct Answers and Detailed Rationales -
Already Graded A+
Question 1
The nurse is assessing a client with dark skin who is in Respiratory Distress. Which
client response should the nurse evaluate to determine cyanosis in this particular client?
A. Cyanosis in a client with dark skin is seen in the sclera
B. Abnormal skin color changes in a client with dark skin cannot be determined
C. The lips and mucus membranes of a client with dark skin are dusky in color
D. Blanching the soles of the feet in a client with dark skin reveals cyanosis
Answer: C
Rationale: Cyanosis is best observed in tissues with superficial capillary supply, such
as mucous membranes, lips, and conjunctiva, which are readily visible in dark skin.
Question 2
Which technique should the PN use to most accurately assess a client's baseline BP
during a routine health exam?
A. Measure the pressure in each arm while the client sits with both arms supported at
heart level
B. Calculate avg BP using readings obtained in both arms
C. Obtain BP first with client lying supine and then when standing
D. Take additional measurements for readings with a 10 mm Hg difference
Answer: A
Rationale: BP should be taken initially in both arms while the client is seated or supine
with the arm bared, supported, and positioned at heart level.
Question 3
A client with gastroenteritis, nausea, and vomiting is currently on Nothing by mouth
(NPO) status. The healthcare provider prescribes oral intake to be advanced as
tolerated. Which fluid should the practical nurse offer first?
pg. 1
,A. Tea
B. Broth
C. Water
D. Soda
Answer: C
Rationale: Water or ice chips are the first choices of clear fluids for rehydration by
mouth.
Question 4
An older client who is admitted to the hospital with dehydration and electrolyte
imbalance is confused and incontinent of urine. Which action provides the best strategy
for the practical nurse (PN) to implement for the client's incontinence?
A. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter
B. Apply absorbent incontinence pads
C. Restrict fluids after the evening meal
D. Establish a 2-hour voiding schedule
Answer: D
Rationale: A 2-hour voiding schedule provides the confused client an opportunity to
empty the bladder, minimizing incontinence due to overfilling.
Question 5
Which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement to reduce the incidence
of urinary tract infections in a client with an indwelling catheter?
A. Irrigate cath with sterile distilled water
B. Dilute an antiseptic solution in the perineal wash
C. Cleanse perineal area with soap and water BID and PRN
D. Apply an antibiotic ointment around urinary meatus BID
Answer: C
Rationale: Daily perineal care BID and PRN should include cleansing of the meatus
and catheter junction with soap and water.
Question 6
A male client is upset with the healthcare provider's recommendation that he should
consent to an above-knee amputation. He tells the practical nurse (PN), "If they want to
cut off my leg, they should just shoot me instead." How should the PN respond?
pg. 2
, A. Ask the client how the surgery might affect his lifestyle
B. Offer to stay with the client while he makes his decision
C. Express sympathy that there is no other choice possible
D. Explain how many others function well with a prosthesis
Answer: A
Rationale: Limb amputation alters body image and changes ADLs, work, and
recreational activities. Determining the client's perception of the impact is therapeutic
and allows exploration of feelings.
Question 7
A client with cancer who has been taking opioid analgesics for two years now requires
increased doses to obtain pain relief. The client expresses fear about becoming addicted
to these drugs. What information should the practical nurse (PN) provide?
A. Opioid use with cancer does not cause addiction
B. Addiction is easily reversed if it occurs during pain management
C. Prescribed opiates for cancer pain relief improves quality of life
D. Opiate dosages can be tapered if a client fears addiction
Answer: C
Rationale: The goal of pain management for clients with cancer using opiates is to
minimize pain and improve quality of life, making pain relief the primary goal.
Question 8
Which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement to help a client cope
effectively with chronic pain?
A. Administer around the clock opiate drugs
B. Give scheduled doses of benzodiazepines
C. Recommend avoiding painful activities
D. Encourage using relaxation techniques
Answer: D
Rationale: Relaxation techniques can be an effective long-term strategy to help the
client control tension, anxiety, and cope with chronic pain.
Question 9
A young woman, who is the primary caregiver for her mother who has Alzheimer's
disease, tells the practical nurse (PN), "Sometimes I hate my mother for living this long
pg. 3
Complete Exam Questions with Verified
Correct Answers and Detailed Rationales -
Already Graded A+
Question 1
The nurse is assessing a client with dark skin who is in Respiratory Distress. Which
client response should the nurse evaluate to determine cyanosis in this particular client?
A. Cyanosis in a client with dark skin is seen in the sclera
B. Abnormal skin color changes in a client with dark skin cannot be determined
C. The lips and mucus membranes of a client with dark skin are dusky in color
D. Blanching the soles of the feet in a client with dark skin reveals cyanosis
Answer: C
Rationale: Cyanosis is best observed in tissues with superficial capillary supply, such
as mucous membranes, lips, and conjunctiva, which are readily visible in dark skin.
Question 2
Which technique should the PN use to most accurately assess a client's baseline BP
during a routine health exam?
A. Measure the pressure in each arm while the client sits with both arms supported at
heart level
B. Calculate avg BP using readings obtained in both arms
C. Obtain BP first with client lying supine and then when standing
D. Take additional measurements for readings with a 10 mm Hg difference
Answer: A
Rationale: BP should be taken initially in both arms while the client is seated or supine
with the arm bared, supported, and positioned at heart level.
Question 3
A client with gastroenteritis, nausea, and vomiting is currently on Nothing by mouth
(NPO) status. The healthcare provider prescribes oral intake to be advanced as
tolerated. Which fluid should the practical nurse offer first?
pg. 1
,A. Tea
B. Broth
C. Water
D. Soda
Answer: C
Rationale: Water or ice chips are the first choices of clear fluids for rehydration by
mouth.
Question 4
An older client who is admitted to the hospital with dehydration and electrolyte
imbalance is confused and incontinent of urine. Which action provides the best strategy
for the practical nurse (PN) to implement for the client's incontinence?
A. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter
B. Apply absorbent incontinence pads
C. Restrict fluids after the evening meal
D. Establish a 2-hour voiding schedule
Answer: D
Rationale: A 2-hour voiding schedule provides the confused client an opportunity to
empty the bladder, minimizing incontinence due to overfilling.
Question 5
Which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement to reduce the incidence
of urinary tract infections in a client with an indwelling catheter?
A. Irrigate cath with sterile distilled water
B. Dilute an antiseptic solution in the perineal wash
C. Cleanse perineal area with soap and water BID and PRN
D. Apply an antibiotic ointment around urinary meatus BID
Answer: C
Rationale: Daily perineal care BID and PRN should include cleansing of the meatus
and catheter junction with soap and water.
Question 6
A male client is upset with the healthcare provider's recommendation that he should
consent to an above-knee amputation. He tells the practical nurse (PN), "If they want to
cut off my leg, they should just shoot me instead." How should the PN respond?
pg. 2
, A. Ask the client how the surgery might affect his lifestyle
B. Offer to stay with the client while he makes his decision
C. Express sympathy that there is no other choice possible
D. Explain how many others function well with a prosthesis
Answer: A
Rationale: Limb amputation alters body image and changes ADLs, work, and
recreational activities. Determining the client's perception of the impact is therapeutic
and allows exploration of feelings.
Question 7
A client with cancer who has been taking opioid analgesics for two years now requires
increased doses to obtain pain relief. The client expresses fear about becoming addicted
to these drugs. What information should the practical nurse (PN) provide?
A. Opioid use with cancer does not cause addiction
B. Addiction is easily reversed if it occurs during pain management
C. Prescribed opiates for cancer pain relief improves quality of life
D. Opiate dosages can be tapered if a client fears addiction
Answer: C
Rationale: The goal of pain management for clients with cancer using opiates is to
minimize pain and improve quality of life, making pain relief the primary goal.
Question 8
Which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement to help a client cope
effectively with chronic pain?
A. Administer around the clock opiate drugs
B. Give scheduled doses of benzodiazepines
C. Recommend avoiding painful activities
D. Encourage using relaxation techniques
Answer: D
Rationale: Relaxation techniques can be an effective long-term strategy to help the
client control tension, anxiety, and cope with chronic pain.
Question 9
A young woman, who is the primary caregiver for her mother who has Alzheimer's
disease, tells the practical nurse (PN), "Sometimes I hate my mother for living this long
pg. 3
