HESI PN EXIT EXAM COMPREHENSIVE
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
1. A client with chronic heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which assessment finding should
the practical nurse (PN) report immediately as a potential sign of toxicity?
A. Visual disturbances such as seeing yellow halos
B. Weight gain of 1 lb in 24 hours
C. Heart rate of 82 beats per minute
D. Increased urinary output
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Visual disturbances, such as yellow-green halos or blurred
vision, are classic signs of digoxin toxicity and require immediate intervention.
2. The PN is caring for a client with a history of seizures who is taking phenytoin. The PN
should monitor for which common side effect of this medication?
A. Increased appetite
B. Tinnitus
C. Urinary frequency
D. Gingival hyperplasia
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of gum tissue) is a well-known
side effect of long-term phenytoin therapy.
3. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of Addisonian crisis. Which laboratory result should
the PN expect to find?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Addisonian crisis involves a deficiency in adrenal hormones,
leading to hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and hypoglycemia.
4. When providing care for a client with a chest tube, the PN notices continuous bubbling in
the water seal chamber. What does this indicate?
A. The system is functioning normally
B. There is an air leak in the system
C. The lung has fully re-expanded
D. The suction pressure is too high
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber typically
indicates an air leak, whereas intermittent bubbling is normal during expiration or
coughing.
5. A client post-thyroidectomy develops tingling in the fingers and around the mouth. Which
action should the PN take first?
A. Check the client’s blood pressure
B. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe
C. Administer a PRN dose of potassium
D. Notify the RN and check for Chvostek’s sign
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Tingling indicates hypocalcemia, a risk after thyroidectomy due
to potential parathyroid damage. Chvostek’s sign is an assessment for neuromuscular
irritability.
6. Which diet should the PN reinforce for a client diagnosed with chronic renal failure?
A. Low protein, low potassium, low sodium
B. High protein, low sodium
C. High potassium, high protein
D. Low carbohydrate, high fat
Answer: A
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
1. A client with chronic heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which assessment finding should
the practical nurse (PN) report immediately as a potential sign of toxicity?
A. Visual disturbances such as seeing yellow halos
B. Weight gain of 1 lb in 24 hours
C. Heart rate of 82 beats per minute
D. Increased urinary output
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Visual disturbances, such as yellow-green halos or blurred
vision, are classic signs of digoxin toxicity and require immediate intervention.
2. The PN is caring for a client with a history of seizures who is taking phenytoin. The PN
should monitor for which common side effect of this medication?
A. Increased appetite
B. Tinnitus
C. Urinary frequency
D. Gingival hyperplasia
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of gum tissue) is a well-known
side effect of long-term phenytoin therapy.
3. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of Addisonian crisis. Which laboratory result should
the PN expect to find?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Addisonian crisis involves a deficiency in adrenal hormones,
leading to hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and hypoglycemia.
4. When providing care for a client with a chest tube, the PN notices continuous bubbling in
the water seal chamber. What does this indicate?
A. The system is functioning normally
B. There is an air leak in the system
C. The lung has fully re-expanded
D. The suction pressure is too high
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber typically
indicates an air leak, whereas intermittent bubbling is normal during expiration or
coughing.
5. A client post-thyroidectomy develops tingling in the fingers and around the mouth. Which
action should the PN take first?
A. Check the client’s blood pressure
B. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe
C. Administer a PRN dose of potassium
D. Notify the RN and check for Chvostek’s sign
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Tingling indicates hypocalcemia, a risk after thyroidectomy due
to potential parathyroid damage. Chvostek’s sign is an assessment for neuromuscular
irritability.
6. Which diet should the PN reinforce for a client diagnosed with chronic renal failure?
A. Low protein, low potassium, low sodium
B. High protein, low sodium
C. High potassium, high protein
D. Low carbohydrate, high fat
Answer: A
