HESI PN EXIT EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS. VERIFIED.
1. A client with heart failure is receiving furosemide. Which laboratory value should the
practical nurse (PN) monitor most closely?
A. Serum sodium level
B. Blood urea nitrogen
C. Serum calcium level
D. Serum potassium level
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of
potassium, which can lead to hypokalemia, a common and potentially dangerous side
effect.
2. Which action should the PN implement first for a client who is experiencing a tonic-clonic
seizure?
A. Insert an oral airway
B. Restrain the client’s limbs
C. Administer prescribed diazepam
,D. Protect the client’s head from injury
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Safety is the priority during a seizure; protecting the head from
trauma is the immediate action to take. Never insert objects into the mouth or restrain the
client.
3. A client with a history of COPD is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which
finding should the PN report to the nurse immediately?
A. Barrel-shaped chest
B. Respiratory rate of 14 breaths/min
C. Oxygen saturation of 85%
D. Restlessness and confusion
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Restlessness and confusion are early signs of hypoxia or
hypercapnia and indicate a worsening respiratory status requiring immediate intervention.
4. When administering a sublingual medication, which instruction should the PN provide to
the client?
A. Hold the tablet under the tongue until dissolved
B. Place the tablet between the cheek and gum
C. Swallow the medication with a full glass of water
, D. Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Sublingual medications must be placed under the tongue to be
absorbed through the mucous membranes into the systemic circulation.
5. A client is scheduled for a hip arthroplasty. Which post-operative position should the PN
use to prevent dislocation?
A. Adduction of the affected leg
B. Flexion of the hip greater than 90 degrees
C. Abduction of the affected leg
D. Internal rotation of the foot
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Abduction (keeping the legs apart) is necessary to keep the
prosthetic femoral head securely in the acetabulum after hip surgery.
6. The PN is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube (NGT) to low intermittent suction.
Which assessment finding indicates a potential complication?
A. Greenish-yellow aspirate
B. Abdominal distention
C. Hypoactive bowel sounds
D. pH of gastric contents is 3
AND ANSWERS. VERIFIED.
1. A client with heart failure is receiving furosemide. Which laboratory value should the
practical nurse (PN) monitor most closely?
A. Serum sodium level
B. Blood urea nitrogen
C. Serum calcium level
D. Serum potassium level
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of
potassium, which can lead to hypokalemia, a common and potentially dangerous side
effect.
2. Which action should the PN implement first for a client who is experiencing a tonic-clonic
seizure?
A. Insert an oral airway
B. Restrain the client’s limbs
C. Administer prescribed diazepam
,D. Protect the client’s head from injury
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Safety is the priority during a seizure; protecting the head from
trauma is the immediate action to take. Never insert objects into the mouth or restrain the
client.
3. A client with a history of COPD is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which
finding should the PN report to the nurse immediately?
A. Barrel-shaped chest
B. Respiratory rate of 14 breaths/min
C. Oxygen saturation of 85%
D. Restlessness and confusion
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Restlessness and confusion are early signs of hypoxia or
hypercapnia and indicate a worsening respiratory status requiring immediate intervention.
4. When administering a sublingual medication, which instruction should the PN provide to
the client?
A. Hold the tablet under the tongue until dissolved
B. Place the tablet between the cheek and gum
C. Swallow the medication with a full glass of water
, D. Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Sublingual medications must be placed under the tongue to be
absorbed through the mucous membranes into the systemic circulation.
5. A client is scheduled for a hip arthroplasty. Which post-operative position should the PN
use to prevent dislocation?
A. Adduction of the affected leg
B. Flexion of the hip greater than 90 degrees
C. Abduction of the affected leg
D. Internal rotation of the foot
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Abduction (keeping the legs apart) is necessary to keep the
prosthetic femoral head securely in the acetabulum after hip surgery.
6. The PN is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube (NGT) to low intermittent suction.
Which assessment finding indicates a potential complication?
A. Greenish-yellow aspirate
B. Abdominal distention
C. Hypoactive bowel sounds
D. pH of gastric contents is 3
