HESI PN EXIT EXAM PRACTICE TEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client. Which of the following findings
should the nurse report to the provider before giving the medication?
A. Potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
B. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
C. Heart rate of 72 beats per minute
D. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium below 3.5 mEq/L) increases the risk of
digoxin toxicity. The nurse must check potassium levels before administration.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with a history of heart failure. Which clinical manifestation is
most indicative of left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular venous distention
C. Crackles in the lungs
D. Abdominal bloating
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Left-sided heart failure causes pulmonary congestion, leading to
crackles, dyspnea, and orthopnea. The other options are signs of right-sided heart failure.
3. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first when a client reports chest pain?
A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
B. Assess the client’s vital signs
C. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
D. Notify the healthcare provider
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process. Obtaining
vital signs helps determine the client’s stability before interventions.
4. A client is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The nurse should instruct the client that
which of the following is a sign of hypoglycemia?
A. Extreme thirst
B. Shakiness and diaphoresis
C. Fruity breath odor
D. Abdominal pain
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) typically manifests as
shakiness, sweating (diaphoresis), palpitations, and hunger.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative. Which of the following is the most
effective way to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A. Massaging the legs daily
B. Encouraging early ambulation
C. Limiting fluid intake
D. Keeping the knees flexed with a pillow
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Early ambulation is the most effective non-pharmacological
method to prevent venous stasis and DVT in postoperative clients.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is a client with chronic kidney disease most at risk for
developing?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: C
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client. Which of the following findings
should the nurse report to the provider before giving the medication?
A. Potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
B. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
C. Heart rate of 72 beats per minute
D. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium below 3.5 mEq/L) increases the risk of
digoxin toxicity. The nurse must check potassium levels before administration.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with a history of heart failure. Which clinical manifestation is
most indicative of left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular venous distention
C. Crackles in the lungs
D. Abdominal bloating
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Left-sided heart failure causes pulmonary congestion, leading to
crackles, dyspnea, and orthopnea. The other options are signs of right-sided heart failure.
3. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first when a client reports chest pain?
A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
B. Assess the client’s vital signs
C. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
D. Notify the healthcare provider
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process. Obtaining
vital signs helps determine the client’s stability before interventions.
4. A client is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The nurse should instruct the client that
which of the following is a sign of hypoglycemia?
A. Extreme thirst
B. Shakiness and diaphoresis
C. Fruity breath odor
D. Abdominal pain
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) typically manifests as
shakiness, sweating (diaphoresis), palpitations, and hunger.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative. Which of the following is the most
effective way to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A. Massaging the legs daily
B. Encouraging early ambulation
C. Limiting fluid intake
D. Keeping the knees flexed with a pillow
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Early ambulation is the most effective non-pharmacological
method to prevent venous stasis and DVT in postoperative clients.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is a client with chronic kidney disease most at risk for
developing?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: C
