HESI PN EXIT EXAM COMPREHENSIVE
PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient taking Digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled
B. Request a stat Digoxin level and electrolytes
C. Assess the patient’s apical pulse for one full minute
D. Encourage the patient to increase potassium intake
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos are classic signs
of Digoxin toxicity. Obtaining a serum level is the priority diagnostic action.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to trigger Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
,D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) increase the risk of digoxin
toxicity because digoxin and potassium compete for the same binding sites.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of alcohol abuse who is experiencing tremors
and agitation. Which medication is most commonly prescribed for alcohol withdrawal?
A. Chlordiazepoxide
B. Disulfiram
C. Methadone
D. Naloxone
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines like Chlordiazepoxide are the gold standard for
managing acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms and preventing seizures.
4. A client is diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse expect to observe?
A. Weight loss and hypotension
B. Moon face and buffalo hump
C. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
D. Decreased blood glucose levels
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by cortisol excess, leading
to central obesity, a rounded ‘moon face’, and a fat pad on the upper back (buffalo hump).
5. Which client should the nurse see first after receiving the change-of-shift report?
A. A client with a new onset of chest pain and diaphoresis
B. A client who is 2 days post-op with a temperature of 100.2 F
C. A client with COPD and an O2 saturation of 89%
D. A client with diabetes whose morning blood glucose is 150 mg/dL
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: New onset chest pain and diaphoresis indicate a potential
myocardial infarction and require immediate assessment (ABCs).
6. When administering Lithium to a client with bipolar disorder, which dietary instruction is
crucial?
A. Maintain a consistent sodium intake
B. Restrict fluid intake to 1 liter per day
C. Avoid foods high in Tyramine
D. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables
Answer: A
PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient taking Digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled
B. Request a stat Digoxin level and electrolytes
C. Assess the patient’s apical pulse for one full minute
D. Encourage the patient to increase potassium intake
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos are classic signs
of Digoxin toxicity. Obtaining a serum level is the priority diagnostic action.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to trigger Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
,D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) increase the risk of digoxin
toxicity because digoxin and potassium compete for the same binding sites.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of alcohol abuse who is experiencing tremors
and agitation. Which medication is most commonly prescribed for alcohol withdrawal?
A. Chlordiazepoxide
B. Disulfiram
C. Methadone
D. Naloxone
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines like Chlordiazepoxide are the gold standard for
managing acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms and preventing seizures.
4. A client is diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse expect to observe?
A. Weight loss and hypotension
B. Moon face and buffalo hump
C. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
D. Decreased blood glucose levels
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by cortisol excess, leading
to central obesity, a rounded ‘moon face’, and a fat pad on the upper back (buffalo hump).
5. Which client should the nurse see first after receiving the change-of-shift report?
A. A client with a new onset of chest pain and diaphoresis
B. A client who is 2 days post-op with a temperature of 100.2 F
C. A client with COPD and an O2 saturation of 89%
D. A client with diabetes whose morning blood glucose is 150 mg/dL
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: New onset chest pain and diaphoresis indicate a potential
myocardial infarction and require immediate assessment (ABCs).
6. When administering Lithium to a client with bipolar disorder, which dietary instruction is
crucial?
A. Maintain a consistent sodium intake
B. Restrict fluid intake to 1 liter per day
C. Avoid foods high in Tyramine
D. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables
Answer: A
