HESI PN Exit Exam – Version 1 and 2 FILES |
Complete PACKAGE DEAL | NGN Questions
and Correct Answers | 2025 Edition
Section 1: Fundamentals of Nursing (Q1–Q25)
1. A practical nurse (PN) is preparing to transfer a patient from the bed to a
wheelchair. Which action demonstrates correct use of proper body mechanics?
A. Bend at the waist with knees straight to lower the patient
B. Keep the load close to the body and bend at the knees and hips
C. Twist the torso while lifting to position the patient in the chair
D. Stand with feet close together for a narrow base of support
Answer: B
Rationale: Keeping the load close to the body and bending at the knees and hips
uses the large muscles of the legs and reduces strain on the lower back. Bending
at the waist shifts strain to the lumbar spine, and twisting while lifting is the most
common cause of back injury in healthcare.
2. A PN is caring for a client who is on fall precautions. Which action is most
important to prevent falls?
A. Keep the call light within reach
B. Raise all four side rails
C. Place the bed in the lowest position
D. Apply wrist restraints
Answer: C
Rationale: Placing the bed in the lowest position reduces the risk of injury from
falling out of bed. Raising all four side rails is considered a restraint and requires a
provider order.
3. A client refuses to take a prescribed medication. Which action should the PN
take first?
A. Administer the medication by another route
B. Document the refusal and notify the charge nurse
,C. Crush the medication and mix it with applesauce
D. Explain the consequences of refusing the medication
Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should first explain the consequences of refusal to ensure
the client is making an informed decision. If the client still refuses, the refusal is
documented and the provider is notified.
4. A client is receiving continuous NG tube suction. Which electrolyte imbalance
is the client at highest risk for developing?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Continuous NG suction removes gastric secretions containing
potassium, placing the client at risk for hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can cause
muscle weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias.
5. A PN is preparing to delegate morning care for four assigned clients. Which
client should the PN retain rather than assign to the unlicensed assistive
personnel (UAP)?
A. A 72-year-old client with a stage II pressure injury requiring dressing
reinforcement
B. A client who is 2 days post-op with a PCA pump and last rated pain at 3/10
C. A stable client on contact precautions for Clostridioides difficile requiring a linen
change
D. A client with a new onset of confusion and an unwitnessed fall during the night
Answer: D
Rationale: The PN must retain care for the client with new-onset confusion and
an unwitnessed fall because this client requires ongoing neurological assessment,
fall reassessment, and possible escalation to the RN—tasks outside UAP scope.
Delegation decisions hinge on client stability, predictability, and required clinical
judgment.
,6. A client scheduled for an elective cholecystectomy refuses to sign the
operative consent after the surgeon has explained the risks. The client states, "I
want to think about it more." What is the PN's most appropriate action?
A. Remind the client that the surgery is scheduled and encourage signing to avoid
delays
B. Notify the surgeon and document the client's verbal refusal and stated reason
C. Explain the risks again using simpler language to ensure the client understands
D. Sign the consent as a witness to acknowledge the client's decision-making
capacity
Answer: B
Rationale: Informed consent is the surgeon's legal responsibility, and the client
has the absolute right to refuse. The PN must notify the surgeon of the refusal
and document the client's verbal refusal and stated reason. Explaining risks
exceeds the PN scope, and signing as a witness does not address the refusal.
7. What is the priority nursing action when a client requires hand hygiene and
infection control?
A. Implement the evidence-based nursing intervention and monitor the client's
response
B. Delay the action until the end of the shift to complete other tasks first
C. Ask an unlicensed assistant to perform the skilled assessment independently
D. Document the finding without taking further action at this time
Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action follows the nursing process and prioritizes client
safety using evidence-based practice. Delaying necessary care, violating scope of
practice, or failing to address the clinical need are incorrect.
8. During morning assessment, a PN notes findings related to vital signs
interpretation. The client is stable but requires timely intervention. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Increase the frequency of vital signs without addressing the underlying issue
B. Notify the registered nurse and implement appropriate safety measures
immediately
C. Continue with the current plan and reassess only if the client complains
D. Instruct the family to manage the situation without nursing involvement
, Answer: B
Rationale: Priority is given to interventions that protect the client from immediate
harm. Other choices postpone action, ignore assessment findings, or
inappropriately shift responsibility.
9. A client on the unit needs assistance with pain assessment using a numeric
scale. What is the most appropriate next step?
A. Allow the client to refuse all assessment without documenting the refusal
B. Perform the procedure without explaining it to the client
C. Follow facility protocol and use standard precautions while performing the skill
D. Skip the verification steps to save time during a busy shift
Answer: C
Rationale: Safe nursing practice requires verification, proper technique, and
communication. Skipping steps or failing to involve the client increases the risk of
error and adverse outcomes.
10. The charge nurse assigns a PN to manage intake and output measurement
for an assigned client. Which intervention is correct?
A. Complete all documentation before providing any direct client care
B. Focus only on psychosocial support and ignore physical findings
C. Delegate the entire assessment to a newly hired nursing assistant
D. Prioritize airway, breathing, and circulation before other interventions
Answer: D
Rationale: Airway, breathing, and circulation take precedence in any clinical
situation. Focusing solely on documentation or psychosocial issues while ignoring
physical findings is unsafe.
11. A client with dehydration is admitted. Which assessment finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Blood pressure 86/52 mm Hg
C. Urine output 30 mL/hr
D. Heart rate 92 bpm
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypotension indicates hemodynamic instability and requires
Complete PACKAGE DEAL | NGN Questions
and Correct Answers | 2025 Edition
Section 1: Fundamentals of Nursing (Q1–Q25)
1. A practical nurse (PN) is preparing to transfer a patient from the bed to a
wheelchair. Which action demonstrates correct use of proper body mechanics?
A. Bend at the waist with knees straight to lower the patient
B. Keep the load close to the body and bend at the knees and hips
C. Twist the torso while lifting to position the patient in the chair
D. Stand with feet close together for a narrow base of support
Answer: B
Rationale: Keeping the load close to the body and bending at the knees and hips
uses the large muscles of the legs and reduces strain on the lower back. Bending
at the waist shifts strain to the lumbar spine, and twisting while lifting is the most
common cause of back injury in healthcare.
2. A PN is caring for a client who is on fall precautions. Which action is most
important to prevent falls?
A. Keep the call light within reach
B. Raise all four side rails
C. Place the bed in the lowest position
D. Apply wrist restraints
Answer: C
Rationale: Placing the bed in the lowest position reduces the risk of injury from
falling out of bed. Raising all four side rails is considered a restraint and requires a
provider order.
3. A client refuses to take a prescribed medication. Which action should the PN
take first?
A. Administer the medication by another route
B. Document the refusal and notify the charge nurse
,C. Crush the medication and mix it with applesauce
D. Explain the consequences of refusing the medication
Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should first explain the consequences of refusal to ensure
the client is making an informed decision. If the client still refuses, the refusal is
documented and the provider is notified.
4. A client is receiving continuous NG tube suction. Which electrolyte imbalance
is the client at highest risk for developing?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Continuous NG suction removes gastric secretions containing
potassium, placing the client at risk for hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can cause
muscle weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias.
5. A PN is preparing to delegate morning care for four assigned clients. Which
client should the PN retain rather than assign to the unlicensed assistive
personnel (UAP)?
A. A 72-year-old client with a stage II pressure injury requiring dressing
reinforcement
B. A client who is 2 days post-op with a PCA pump and last rated pain at 3/10
C. A stable client on contact precautions for Clostridioides difficile requiring a linen
change
D. A client with a new onset of confusion and an unwitnessed fall during the night
Answer: D
Rationale: The PN must retain care for the client with new-onset confusion and
an unwitnessed fall because this client requires ongoing neurological assessment,
fall reassessment, and possible escalation to the RN—tasks outside UAP scope.
Delegation decisions hinge on client stability, predictability, and required clinical
judgment.
,6. A client scheduled for an elective cholecystectomy refuses to sign the
operative consent after the surgeon has explained the risks. The client states, "I
want to think about it more." What is the PN's most appropriate action?
A. Remind the client that the surgery is scheduled and encourage signing to avoid
delays
B. Notify the surgeon and document the client's verbal refusal and stated reason
C. Explain the risks again using simpler language to ensure the client understands
D. Sign the consent as a witness to acknowledge the client's decision-making
capacity
Answer: B
Rationale: Informed consent is the surgeon's legal responsibility, and the client
has the absolute right to refuse. The PN must notify the surgeon of the refusal
and document the client's verbal refusal and stated reason. Explaining risks
exceeds the PN scope, and signing as a witness does not address the refusal.
7. What is the priority nursing action when a client requires hand hygiene and
infection control?
A. Implement the evidence-based nursing intervention and monitor the client's
response
B. Delay the action until the end of the shift to complete other tasks first
C. Ask an unlicensed assistant to perform the skilled assessment independently
D. Document the finding without taking further action at this time
Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action follows the nursing process and prioritizes client
safety using evidence-based practice. Delaying necessary care, violating scope of
practice, or failing to address the clinical need are incorrect.
8. During morning assessment, a PN notes findings related to vital signs
interpretation. The client is stable but requires timely intervention. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Increase the frequency of vital signs without addressing the underlying issue
B. Notify the registered nurse and implement appropriate safety measures
immediately
C. Continue with the current plan and reassess only if the client complains
D. Instruct the family to manage the situation without nursing involvement
, Answer: B
Rationale: Priority is given to interventions that protect the client from immediate
harm. Other choices postpone action, ignore assessment findings, or
inappropriately shift responsibility.
9. A client on the unit needs assistance with pain assessment using a numeric
scale. What is the most appropriate next step?
A. Allow the client to refuse all assessment without documenting the refusal
B. Perform the procedure without explaining it to the client
C. Follow facility protocol and use standard precautions while performing the skill
D. Skip the verification steps to save time during a busy shift
Answer: C
Rationale: Safe nursing practice requires verification, proper technique, and
communication. Skipping steps or failing to involve the client increases the risk of
error and adverse outcomes.
10. The charge nurse assigns a PN to manage intake and output measurement
for an assigned client. Which intervention is correct?
A. Complete all documentation before providing any direct client care
B. Focus only on psychosocial support and ignore physical findings
C. Delegate the entire assessment to a newly hired nursing assistant
D. Prioritize airway, breathing, and circulation before other interventions
Answer: D
Rationale: Airway, breathing, and circulation take precedence in any clinical
situation. Focusing solely on documentation or psychosocial issues while ignoring
physical findings is unsafe.
11. A client with dehydration is admitted. Which assessment finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Blood pressure 86/52 mm Hg
C. Urine output 30 mL/hr
D. Heart rate 92 bpm
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypotension indicates hemodynamic instability and requires
