HESI PN EXIT EXAM QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS | 100%
CORRECT | GRADE A+
CORE DOMAINS
• Fundamentals of Nursing and Safety
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Pharmacology and Medication Safety
• Maternal-Newborn Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Leadership, Delegation, and Prioritization
• Ethical and Legal Nursing Practice
• NGN Unfolding Case Studies: Clinical Judgment
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive examination is designed for practical nursing students
preparing for the HESI PN Exit Exam. It contains verified questions with
correct answers and detailed rationales covering the core domains of
practical nursing practice. The examination mirrors the actual HESI PN Exit
Exam format, including Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) style unfolding
case studies that assess clinical judgment. Emphasis is placed on critical
thinking, prioritization, delegation, and the application of the nursing
process to real-world clinical scenarios. Each question is accompanied by a
detailed rationale to support learning and exam readiness.
SECTION ONE: FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING AND SAFETY
(QUESTIONS 1–25)
1. The practical nurse enters a male client's room to administer
routine morning medications, but the client is on the phone. Which
action is best for the PN to take?
,A. Ask another nurse to go back with the medication when the client's
phone call ends
B. Wait for the client to excuse himself from the telephone conversation and
observe the client taking the medication
C. Return the medication to the client's drawer on the medication cart and
document the client refused the dose
D. Leave the medication at the bedside with a glass of water and ask the
client to take it when finished
B. Wait for the client to excuse himself from the telephone conversation
and observe the client taking the medication
RATIONALE: The nurse must witness the client taking the medication
to ensure it was taken as prescribed. Leaving medication unattended or
relying on another nurse compromises patient safety and proper
documentation.
2. A disoriented resident in a long-term care facility has no
identification band or picture. What is the best action for the PN to
take before administering medications?
A. Ask a regular staff member to confirm the resident's identity
B. Hold the medication until a family member arrives
C. Reorient the resident to name, place, and situation
D. Confirm the room and bed numbers match the medication record
D. Confirm the room and bed numbers match the medication record
RATIONALE: Confirming multiple identifiers, including room and bed
number per facility policy, is essential to ensure patient safety before
medication administration. Reliance solely on staff or family confirmation
risks error.
3. A nurse is preparing to interview a new client in the clinic. Which
action demonstrates the most effective communication technique?
A. Standing while the client is seated
B. Sitting at the client's eye level
,C. Asking closed-ended questions
D. Using medical terminology
B. Sitting at the client's eye level
RATIONALE: Sitting at the client's eye level reduces anxiety and
demonstrates respect, creating a more comfortable environment for
effective communication.
4. What is the first step in a general survey during a health
assessment?
A. Measure vital signs
B. Observe overall appearance
C. Palpate lymph nodes
D. Auscultate lungs
B. Observe overall appearance
RATIONALE: The general survey begins with observing the patient's
appearance, behavior, and mobility.
5. Which vital sign is most indicative of acute hypoxia?
A. Blood pressure
B. Pulse oximetry
C. Temperature
D. Respiratory rate
B. Pulse oximetry
RATIONALE: Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation, directly
reflecting hypoxia.
6. What is the normal range for adult oral temperature in Fahrenheit?
A. 95.0-97.0°F
B. 97.0-99.0°F
C. 99.0-101.0°F
D. 101.0-103.0°F
, B. 97.0-99.0°F
RATIONALE: Normal adult oral temperature is typically 97.0-99.0°F.
7. A patient's blood pressure is 160/90 mmHg. This indicates:
A. Normal blood pressure
B. Stage 2 hypertension
C. Hypotension
D. Prehypertension
B. Stage 2 hypertension
RATIONALE: Stage 2 hypertension is defined as BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg.
8. Which pulse site is most reliable in an emergency?
A. Radial
B. Carotid
C. Pedal
D. Brachial
B. Carotid
RATIONALE: The carotid pulse is central and reliable during
emergencies.
9. A patient appears diaphoretic and pale. This suggests:
A. Shock or acute distress
B. Normal hydration
C. Chronic anemia
D. Stable condition
A. Shock or acute distress
RATIONALE: Diaphoresis and pallor indicate acute distress, often
shock.
10. What is the normal adult respiratory rate at rest?
A. 6-10 breaths/min
B. 12-20 breaths/min
CORRECT | GRADE A+
CORE DOMAINS
• Fundamentals of Nursing and Safety
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Pharmacology and Medication Safety
• Maternal-Newborn Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Leadership, Delegation, and Prioritization
• Ethical and Legal Nursing Practice
• NGN Unfolding Case Studies: Clinical Judgment
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive examination is designed for practical nursing students
preparing for the HESI PN Exit Exam. It contains verified questions with
correct answers and detailed rationales covering the core domains of
practical nursing practice. The examination mirrors the actual HESI PN Exit
Exam format, including Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) style unfolding
case studies that assess clinical judgment. Emphasis is placed on critical
thinking, prioritization, delegation, and the application of the nursing
process to real-world clinical scenarios. Each question is accompanied by a
detailed rationale to support learning and exam readiness.
SECTION ONE: FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING AND SAFETY
(QUESTIONS 1–25)
1. The practical nurse enters a male client's room to administer
routine morning medications, but the client is on the phone. Which
action is best for the PN to take?
,A. Ask another nurse to go back with the medication when the client's
phone call ends
B. Wait for the client to excuse himself from the telephone conversation and
observe the client taking the medication
C. Return the medication to the client's drawer on the medication cart and
document the client refused the dose
D. Leave the medication at the bedside with a glass of water and ask the
client to take it when finished
B. Wait for the client to excuse himself from the telephone conversation
and observe the client taking the medication
RATIONALE: The nurse must witness the client taking the medication
to ensure it was taken as prescribed. Leaving medication unattended or
relying on another nurse compromises patient safety and proper
documentation.
2. A disoriented resident in a long-term care facility has no
identification band or picture. What is the best action for the PN to
take before administering medications?
A. Ask a regular staff member to confirm the resident's identity
B. Hold the medication until a family member arrives
C. Reorient the resident to name, place, and situation
D. Confirm the room and bed numbers match the medication record
D. Confirm the room and bed numbers match the medication record
RATIONALE: Confirming multiple identifiers, including room and bed
number per facility policy, is essential to ensure patient safety before
medication administration. Reliance solely on staff or family confirmation
risks error.
3. A nurse is preparing to interview a new client in the clinic. Which
action demonstrates the most effective communication technique?
A. Standing while the client is seated
B. Sitting at the client's eye level
,C. Asking closed-ended questions
D. Using medical terminology
B. Sitting at the client's eye level
RATIONALE: Sitting at the client's eye level reduces anxiety and
demonstrates respect, creating a more comfortable environment for
effective communication.
4. What is the first step in a general survey during a health
assessment?
A. Measure vital signs
B. Observe overall appearance
C. Palpate lymph nodes
D. Auscultate lungs
B. Observe overall appearance
RATIONALE: The general survey begins with observing the patient's
appearance, behavior, and mobility.
5. Which vital sign is most indicative of acute hypoxia?
A. Blood pressure
B. Pulse oximetry
C. Temperature
D. Respiratory rate
B. Pulse oximetry
RATIONALE: Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation, directly
reflecting hypoxia.
6. What is the normal range for adult oral temperature in Fahrenheit?
A. 95.0-97.0°F
B. 97.0-99.0°F
C. 99.0-101.0°F
D. 101.0-103.0°F
, B. 97.0-99.0°F
RATIONALE: Normal adult oral temperature is typically 97.0-99.0°F.
7. A patient's blood pressure is 160/90 mmHg. This indicates:
A. Normal blood pressure
B. Stage 2 hypertension
C. Hypotension
D. Prehypertension
B. Stage 2 hypertension
RATIONALE: Stage 2 hypertension is defined as BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg.
8. Which pulse site is most reliable in an emergency?
A. Radial
B. Carotid
C. Pedal
D. Brachial
B. Carotid
RATIONALE: The carotid pulse is central and reliable during
emergencies.
9. A patient appears diaphoretic and pale. This suggests:
A. Shock or acute distress
B. Normal hydration
C. Chronic anemia
D. Stable condition
A. Shock or acute distress
RATIONALE: Diaphoresis and pallor indicate acute distress, often
shock.
10. What is the normal adult respiratory rate at rest?
A. 6-10 breaths/min
B. 12-20 breaths/min
