HESI PN EXIT EXAM COMPREHENSIVE
PRACTICE 2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is monitoring a client who is taking digoxin. Which of the following findings should
the nurse identify as a sign of digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased appetite
B. Blurred or yellow vision
C. Heart rate of 80 bpm
D. Muscle cramps
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Blurred, yellow, or halo vision are classic signs of digoxin
toxicity along with nausea and bradycardia.
2. A nurse is caring for a client with a prescription for lithium carbonate. Which laboratory
value is the priority for the nurse to monitor?
A. Serum glucose
B. Serum lithium levels
,C. Platelet count
D. Hemoglobin levels
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range (0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L);
toxicity can occur easily, requiring frequent monitoring.
3. Which position is most appropriate for a client immediately following a total hip
arthroplasty?
A. Prone
B. High-Fowler’s
C. Supine with an abductor pillow
D. Side-lying on the operative side
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: An abductor pillow prevents adduction and internal rotation,
which can lead to hip dislocation post-surgery.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with preeclampsia. Which finding is the most significant
indicator of worsening condition?
A. Proteinuria of 3+
B. 1+ pitting edema
C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
, D. Increased urine output
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Significant proteinuria (3+ or 4+) and rising blood pressure
indicate worsening preeclampsia and potential progression to eclampsia.
5. When drawing up regular and NPH insulin in the same syringe, what is the correct
sequence?
A. Draw NPH first, then regular
B. Draw regular first, then NPH
C. Draw them in separate syringes only
D. The order does not matter
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Clear (Regular) before Cloudy (NPH) prevents contaminating
the regular insulin vial with the long-acting protein.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with Cushing’s syndrome. What physical finding should the
nurse expect?
A. Weight loss
B. Thin, brittle hair
C. Hypotension
D. Trunkal obesity
PRACTICE 2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is monitoring a client who is taking digoxin. Which of the following findings should
the nurse identify as a sign of digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased appetite
B. Blurred or yellow vision
C. Heart rate of 80 bpm
D. Muscle cramps
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Blurred, yellow, or halo vision are classic signs of digoxin
toxicity along with nausea and bradycardia.
2. A nurse is caring for a client with a prescription for lithium carbonate. Which laboratory
value is the priority for the nurse to monitor?
A. Serum glucose
B. Serum lithium levels
,C. Platelet count
D. Hemoglobin levels
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range (0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L);
toxicity can occur easily, requiring frequent monitoring.
3. Which position is most appropriate for a client immediately following a total hip
arthroplasty?
A. Prone
B. High-Fowler’s
C. Supine with an abductor pillow
D. Side-lying on the operative side
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: An abductor pillow prevents adduction and internal rotation,
which can lead to hip dislocation post-surgery.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with preeclampsia. Which finding is the most significant
indicator of worsening condition?
A. Proteinuria of 3+
B. 1+ pitting edema
C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
, D. Increased urine output
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Significant proteinuria (3+ or 4+) and rising blood pressure
indicate worsening preeclampsia and potential progression to eclampsia.
5. When drawing up regular and NPH insulin in the same syringe, what is the correct
sequence?
A. Draw NPH first, then regular
B. Draw regular first, then NPH
C. Draw them in separate syringes only
D. The order does not matter
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Clear (Regular) before Cloudy (NPH) prevents contaminating
the regular insulin vial with the long-acting protein.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with Cushing’s syndrome. What physical finding should the
nurse expect?
A. Weight loss
B. Thin, brittle hair
C. Hypotension
D. Trunkal obesity
