HESI PN EXIT EXAM PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. A nurse is caring for a client receiving digoxin for heart failure. Which clinical finding should
the nurse identify as an early sign of digoxin toxicity?
A. Tachycardia
B. Hypertension
C. Anorexia
D. Photosensitivity
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are typically the earliest signs of
digoxin toxicity, followed by visual disturbances and arrhythmias.
2. A client with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is found unresponsive and clammy. What is the
priority action for the licensed practical nurse?
A. Administer 10 units of regular insulin
B. Obtain a capillary blood glucose level
C. Provide 4 ounces of orange juice
D. Administer glucagon subcutaneously
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: An unresponsive client cannot safely consume oral fluids.
Administering glucagon or IV dextrose is the priority for suspected severe hypoglycemia in
an unconscious patient.
3. Which laboratory value should the nurse prioritize for a client scheduled for surgery who is
taking warfarin?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
B. Platelet count
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
D. Bleeding time
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: INR is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the
therapeutic effect and safety of warfarin therapy.
4. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for lithium
carbonate. Which instruction is most important to include?
A. Drink 2 to 3 liters of fluid daily
B. Limit sodium intake to 1 gram per day
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach
D. Expect a steady weight loss while on this drug
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt. Maintaining adequate fluid intake (2-3 L/day)
and stable sodium intake is crucial to prevent lithium toxicity.
5. A client is 24 hours postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which finding requires
immediate intervention by the nurse?
A. Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain
B. Small amount of serosanguinous drainage on the dressing
C. Pain level of 5 on a 1-10 scale
D. Redness at the incision site
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain are signs of a
pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication of orthopedic surgery.
6. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect in a client with a suspected hip fracture?
A. External rotation and shortening of the affected leg
B. Lengthening of the affected extremity
C. Internal rotation of the affected leg
D. Ability to bear weight on the affected side
Answer: A
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. A nurse is caring for a client receiving digoxin for heart failure. Which clinical finding should
the nurse identify as an early sign of digoxin toxicity?
A. Tachycardia
B. Hypertension
C. Anorexia
D. Photosensitivity
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are typically the earliest signs of
digoxin toxicity, followed by visual disturbances and arrhythmias.
2. A client with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is found unresponsive and clammy. What is the
priority action for the licensed practical nurse?
A. Administer 10 units of regular insulin
B. Obtain a capillary blood glucose level
C. Provide 4 ounces of orange juice
D. Administer glucagon subcutaneously
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: An unresponsive client cannot safely consume oral fluids.
Administering glucagon or IV dextrose is the priority for suspected severe hypoglycemia in
an unconscious patient.
3. Which laboratory value should the nurse prioritize for a client scheduled for surgery who is
taking warfarin?
A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
B. Platelet count
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
D. Bleeding time
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: INR is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the
therapeutic effect and safety of warfarin therapy.
4. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for lithium
carbonate. Which instruction is most important to include?
A. Drink 2 to 3 liters of fluid daily
B. Limit sodium intake to 1 gram per day
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach
D. Expect a steady weight loss while on this drug
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt. Maintaining adequate fluid intake (2-3 L/day)
and stable sodium intake is crucial to prevent lithium toxicity.
5. A client is 24 hours postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which finding requires
immediate intervention by the nurse?
A. Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain
B. Small amount of serosanguinous drainage on the dressing
C. Pain level of 5 on a 1-10 scale
D. Redness at the incision site
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain are signs of a
pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication of orthopedic surgery.
6. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect in a client with a suspected hip fracture?
A. External rotation and shortening of the affected leg
B. Lengthening of the affected extremity
C. Internal rotation of the affected leg
D. Ability to bear weight on the affected side
Answer: A
