HESI PN MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING ACCURATE
PRACTICE EXAM WITH ALL POSSIBLE APPROVED
WELL ELABORATED PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
100% CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES PLUS EXPERT ANSWER
KEY (100% CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS) 2026-
2027 CURRENTLY UPDATED VERSION Q&A
GUARANTEED PASS A+ INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who
has a new diagnosis of hypertension. Which of
the following statements by the client indicates
an understanding of the dietary modifications
needed?
a. "I should limit my intake of dairy products to
reduce saturated fat."
b. "I can continue to use regular table salt as
, long as I don't add extra salt to my food."
c. "I should eat more processed foods because
they are lower in sodium."
d. "I need to limit my sodium intake to help
control my blood pressure."
Correct Answer: d
Rationale: The DASH diet, which is
recommended for hypertension, emphasizes
limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg
per day, and ideally 1,500 mg per day. This is a
cornerstone of non-pharmacological
management for hypertension. The other
options are incorrect: processed foods are
typically high in sodium, limiting all dairy is not
specifically indicated, and replacing regular
salt with other seasonings is recommended.
2. A client with heart failure is prescribed
furosemide. Which of the following findings
should the practical nurse (PN) report to the
registered nurse (RN) as an adverse effect of this
medication?
a. Weight gain of 1 kg in 24 hours
, b. Serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
c. Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L
d. Increased urine output of 1500 mL in 24 hours
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that
can cause hypokalemia (low potassium) as a
significant adverse effect. A potassium level of
3.2 mEq/L is below the normal range (3.5-5.0
mEq/L) and should be reported. Weight gain
would indicate fluid retention, which the
medication is supposed to prevent. A sodium
level of 140 mEq/L is normal. Increased urine
output is a desired effect.
3. The PN is assisting in the care of a client who is
4 hours’ post-operative following a total hip
arthroplasty. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of
the new joint?
a. Place a pillow between the client's legs when
turning.
b. Maintain the client's affected leg in an
adducted position.
, c. Encourage the client to cross their legs at the
ankles.
d. Position the client with the hip flexed at 90
degrees.
Correct Answer: a
Rationale: Following a total hip arthroplasty,
the hip is at risk for dislocation. The nurse
should maintain the hip in a position of
abduction (not adduction) and avoid flexion
beyond 90 degrees. Placing an abductor pillow
between the client's legs when turning helps
maintain proper alignment and prevents
adduction. The client should be taught to avoid
crossing their legs and to keep the hip in a
neutral position.
4. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is
experiencing diaphoresis, tachycardia, and
confusion. Which of the following actions should
the PN take first?
a. Administer 50% dextrose IV push.
b. Give the client 4 ounces of orange juice.
c. Check the client's blood glucose level.
PRACTICE EXAM WITH ALL POSSIBLE APPROVED
WELL ELABORATED PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
100% CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES PLUS EXPERT ANSWER
KEY (100% CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS) 2026-
2027 CURRENTLY UPDATED VERSION Q&A
GUARANTEED PASS A+ INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who
has a new diagnosis of hypertension. Which of
the following statements by the client indicates
an understanding of the dietary modifications
needed?
a. "I should limit my intake of dairy products to
reduce saturated fat."
b. "I can continue to use regular table salt as
, long as I don't add extra salt to my food."
c. "I should eat more processed foods because
they are lower in sodium."
d. "I need to limit my sodium intake to help
control my blood pressure."
Correct Answer: d
Rationale: The DASH diet, which is
recommended for hypertension, emphasizes
limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg
per day, and ideally 1,500 mg per day. This is a
cornerstone of non-pharmacological
management for hypertension. The other
options are incorrect: processed foods are
typically high in sodium, limiting all dairy is not
specifically indicated, and replacing regular
salt with other seasonings is recommended.
2. A client with heart failure is prescribed
furosemide. Which of the following findings
should the practical nurse (PN) report to the
registered nurse (RN) as an adverse effect of this
medication?
a. Weight gain of 1 kg in 24 hours
, b. Serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
c. Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L
d. Increased urine output of 1500 mL in 24 hours
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that
can cause hypokalemia (low potassium) as a
significant adverse effect. A potassium level of
3.2 mEq/L is below the normal range (3.5-5.0
mEq/L) and should be reported. Weight gain
would indicate fluid retention, which the
medication is supposed to prevent. A sodium
level of 140 mEq/L is normal. Increased urine
output is a desired effect.
3. The PN is assisting in the care of a client who is
4 hours’ post-operative following a total hip
arthroplasty. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of
the new joint?
a. Place a pillow between the client's legs when
turning.
b. Maintain the client's affected leg in an
adducted position.
, c. Encourage the client to cross their legs at the
ankles.
d. Position the client with the hip flexed at 90
degrees.
Correct Answer: a
Rationale: Following a total hip arthroplasty,
the hip is at risk for dislocation. The nurse
should maintain the hip in a position of
abduction (not adduction) and avoid flexion
beyond 90 degrees. Placing an abductor pillow
between the client's legs when turning helps
maintain proper alignment and prevents
adduction. The client should be taught to avoid
crossing their legs and to keep the hip in a
neutral position.
4. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is
experiencing diaphoresis, tachycardia, and
confusion. Which of the following actions should
the PN take first?
a. Administer 50% dextrose IV push.
b. Give the client 4 ounces of orange juice.
c. Check the client's blood glucose level.
