2026 HESI PN EXIT PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the
following should the nurse prioritize during initial education?
A. The importance of daily exercise routines
B. Selection of low-carb snack options
C. How to self-administer insulin injections
D. The long-term effects of neuropathy
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Safety and physiological stability are top priorities; being able to
administer insulin is essential for survival in Type 1 diabetes.
2. A client is prescribed Warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory value should the
practical nurse monitor to evaluate effectiveness?
A. Platelet count
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
D. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: INR is the standard measurement used to monitor the
effectiveness of Warfarin therapy.
3. An older adult client is at risk for falls. Which intervention should the nurse implement
first?
A. Apply bilateral wrist restraints
B. Keep all four side rails in the up position
C. Administer a mild sedative at bedtime
D. Place the bed in the lowest position
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Keeping the bed in the lowest position is a standard safety
intervention that does not require a prescription and is non-restrictive.
4. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen. Which flow
rate is typically most appropriate for this client?
A. Oxygen is contraindicated for COPD clients
B. 6 to 10 L/min via simple face mask
C. 15 L/min via non-rebreather mask
D. 1 to 2 L/min via nasal cannula
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: High concentrations of oxygen can suppress the hypoxic drive in
some COPD clients, making low-flow oxygen (1-2 L/min) the safer choice.
5. The nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client. Which vital sign must be assessed
before administration?
A. Blood pressure
B. Respiratory rate
C. Apical pulse for 1 full minute
D. Temperature
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin should be held if the apical pulse is below 60 beats per
minute in an adult, as it slows the heart rate.
6. A client is 2 hours post-operative from an abdominal surgery. Which finding requires
immediate notification of the provider?
A. Pain rated as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10
B. Absent bowel sounds in all quadrants
C. Sanguineous drainage on the dressing measuring 2 cm
D. A blood pressure drop from 120/80 to 90/50 mmHg
Answer: D
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the
following should the nurse prioritize during initial education?
A. The importance of daily exercise routines
B. Selection of low-carb snack options
C. How to self-administer insulin injections
D. The long-term effects of neuropathy
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Safety and physiological stability are top priorities; being able to
administer insulin is essential for survival in Type 1 diabetes.
2. A client is prescribed Warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory value should the
practical nurse monitor to evaluate effectiveness?
A. Platelet count
B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
D. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: INR is the standard measurement used to monitor the
effectiveness of Warfarin therapy.
3. An older adult client is at risk for falls. Which intervention should the nurse implement
first?
A. Apply bilateral wrist restraints
B. Keep all four side rails in the up position
C. Administer a mild sedative at bedtime
D. Place the bed in the lowest position
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Keeping the bed in the lowest position is a standard safety
intervention that does not require a prescription and is non-restrictive.
4. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen. Which flow
rate is typically most appropriate for this client?
A. Oxygen is contraindicated for COPD clients
B. 6 to 10 L/min via simple face mask
C. 15 L/min via non-rebreather mask
D. 1 to 2 L/min via nasal cannula
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: High concentrations of oxygen can suppress the hypoxic drive in
some COPD clients, making low-flow oxygen (1-2 L/min) the safer choice.
5. The nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client. Which vital sign must be assessed
before administration?
A. Blood pressure
B. Respiratory rate
C. Apical pulse for 1 full minute
D. Temperature
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin should be held if the apical pulse is below 60 beats per
minute in an adult, as it slows the heart rate.
6. A client is 2 hours post-operative from an abdominal surgery. Which finding requires
immediate notification of the provider?
A. Pain rated as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10
B. Absent bowel sounds in all quadrants
C. Sanguineous drainage on the dressing measuring 2 cm
D. A blood pressure drop from 120/80 to 90/50 mmHg
Answer: D
