HESI PN EXIT EXAM 2026
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A client is receiving digoxin 0.25 mg daily for heart failure. Which assessment finding
should the practical nurse (PN) report immediately as a potential sign of digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased urinary output
B. Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg
C. Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos
D. Heart rate of 78 beats per minute
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Visual disturbances, including yellow-green halos or blurred
vision, are classic signs of digoxin toxicity. Other signs include nausea, vomiting, and
bradycardia.
2. Which action should the PN take first for a client exhibiting signs of autonomic dysreflexia
following a spinal cord injury at T6?
A. Administer an antihypertensive medication
B. Assess the client for a distended bladder
,C. Elevate the head of the bed to a high-Fowler’s position
D. Check the client’s skin for pressure areas
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The immediate priority in autonomic dysreflexia is to lower
blood pressure by sitting the client upright. Then, the nurse should investigate the cause,
such as bladder distention or fecal impaction.
3. A PN is caring for a client with a history of alcohol abuse who is experiencing tremors and
agitation 24 hours after their last drink. Which complication should the PN prioritize for
monitoring?
A. Korsakoff’s syndrome
B. Wernicke encephalopathy
C. Delirium tremens
D. Hepatic encephalopathy
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal
that occurs 48-72 hours after cessation, characterized by confusion, hallucinations, and
autonomic hyperactivity.
, 4. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is found unconscious and clammy. What is the
priority intervention for the PN?
A. Administer 15g of oral glucose paste
B. Administer glucagon intramuscularly
C. Check the client’s blood glucose level
D. Wait for the charge nurse to assess the client
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: If a diabetic client is unconscious and hypoglycemia is
suspected, glucagon IM or IV glucose is indicated because the client cannot safely swallow
oral glucose.
5. Which laboratory value is most important for the PN to monitor in a client receiving
heparin therapy via continuous IV infusion?
A. Prothrombin time (PT)
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
D. Platelet count only
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: aPTT is used to monitor the therapeutic effect of heparin.
PT/INR is used to monitor warfarin therapy.
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A client is receiving digoxin 0.25 mg daily for heart failure. Which assessment finding
should the practical nurse (PN) report immediately as a potential sign of digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased urinary output
B. Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg
C. Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos
D. Heart rate of 78 beats per minute
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Visual disturbances, including yellow-green halos or blurred
vision, are classic signs of digoxin toxicity. Other signs include nausea, vomiting, and
bradycardia.
2. Which action should the PN take first for a client exhibiting signs of autonomic dysreflexia
following a spinal cord injury at T6?
A. Administer an antihypertensive medication
B. Assess the client for a distended bladder
,C. Elevate the head of the bed to a high-Fowler’s position
D. Check the client’s skin for pressure areas
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The immediate priority in autonomic dysreflexia is to lower
blood pressure by sitting the client upright. Then, the nurse should investigate the cause,
such as bladder distention or fecal impaction.
3. A PN is caring for a client with a history of alcohol abuse who is experiencing tremors and
agitation 24 hours after their last drink. Which complication should the PN prioritize for
monitoring?
A. Korsakoff’s syndrome
B. Wernicke encephalopathy
C. Delirium tremens
D. Hepatic encephalopathy
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal
that occurs 48-72 hours after cessation, characterized by confusion, hallucinations, and
autonomic hyperactivity.
, 4. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is found unconscious and clammy. What is the
priority intervention for the PN?
A. Administer 15g of oral glucose paste
B. Administer glucagon intramuscularly
C. Check the client’s blood glucose level
D. Wait for the charge nurse to assess the client
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: If a diabetic client is unconscious and hypoglycemia is
suspected, glucagon IM or IV glucose is indicated because the client cannot safely swallow
oral glucose.
5. Which laboratory value is most important for the PN to monitor in a client receiving
heparin therapy via continuous IV infusion?
A. Prothrombin time (PT)
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
D. Platelet count only
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: aPTT is used to monitor the therapeutic effect of heparin.
PT/INR is used to monitor warfarin therapy.
