HESI PN Exit Exam 2026/2027
Comprehensive Question Bank
Questions and Detailed Rationales
Medical Surgical, Pharmacology,
HESI PN Exit Exam 2026/2027 Comprehensive Question |
Comprehensive Examination
HESI PN Exit Exam 2026/2027 Comprehensive Question
Bank Questions and Detailed Rationales Medical Surgical,
Pharmacology, Maternity, Pediatrics, Mental Health A+
INTRODUCTION
This document is an important and very helpful preparation
resource for HESI PN Exit Exam 2026/2027 Comprehensive
Question Bank Questions and Detailed Rationales Medical
Surgical, Pharmacology, Maternity, Pediatrics, Mental Health
A+ Graded Elsevier. Every item uses a focused exam stem, four
response options, a keyed response, and a clear rationale,
making it easier to understand the subject, spot distractors, and
build real exam confidence.
Page 1
, Question 1
Which action best reflects the nurse's understanding of the ethical principle of
veracity when a client asks about a terminal diagnosis?
A. Withhold the diagnosis to prevent psychological harm.
B. Provide truthful information within the scope of practice and client's
right to know.
C. Delegate the discussion to the family to avoid conflict.
D. Document the client's request and delay disclosure indefinitely.
Correct Answer: B - Provide truthful information within the
scope of practice and client's right to know.
RATIONALE
Veracity requires truthfulness; the nurse should provide honest
information respecting the client's autonomy. Withholding, delegating,
or delaying disclosure violates veracity and may breach patient rights.
Question 2
A client receiving IV heparin has an aPTT of 95 seconds (control 30 seconds).
Which is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose as ordered.
B. Hold the heparin infusion and notify the provider.
C. Increase the infusion rate to maintain therapeutic levels.
D. Document the result and continue monitoring.
Correct Answer: B - Hold the heparin infusion and notify the
provider.
RATIONALE
Therapeutic aPTT is typically 1.5-2.5 times control (45-75 seconds);
95 seconds indicates increased bleeding risk. The nurse must hold the
infusion and notify the provider. Continuing or increasing heparin
would exacerbate risk.
Page 2
, Question 3
Which assessment finding in a client at 36 weeks' gestation most urgently
requires immediate intervention?
A. Blood pressure 138/88 mm Hg
B. 1+ proteinuria
C. Epigastric pain and sudden severe headache
D. Mild ankle edema
Correct Answer: C - Epigastric pain and sudden severe headache
RATIONALE
Epigastric pain and severe headache suggest severe preeclampsia with
possible HELLP syndrome, requiring immediate evaluation. Mild
hypertension, proteinuria, and edema are common but less urgent.
Question 4
A child with acute asthma exacerbation has a peak expiratory flow (PEF) at
50% of personal best. Which classification and action are correct?
A. Mild; administer rescue inhaler and reassess in 1 hour.
B. Moderate; administer systemic corticosteroids and bronchodilators,
and monitor closely.
C. Severe; prepare for intubation immediately.
D. Mild; no intervention needed.
Correct Answer: B - Moderate; administer systemic
corticosteroids and bronchodilators, and monitor closely.
RATIONALE
PEF 50% of personal best indicates moderate exacerbation; treatment
includes systemic corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Mild is >70%,
severe <40% with impending respiratory failure.
Page 3
, Question 5
Which statement by a client prescribed lithium carbonate indicates a need for
further teaching?
A. 'I will maintain a consistent sodium intake.'
B. 'I will take the medication with food to reduce stomach upset.'
C. 'I can stop the medication when I feel better.'
D. 'I will report increased thirst and frequent urination.'
Correct Answer: C - 'I can stop the medication when I feel better.'
RATIONALE
Lithium requires consistent long-term use; abrupt discontinuation can
cause relapse. Consistent sodium intake, taking with food, and
reporting polyuria are correct. Stopping when feeling better is unsafe.
Question 6
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory value
should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum potassium
B. Serum sodium
C. Serum calcium
D. Serum magnesium
Correct Answer: A - Serum potassium
RATIONALE
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium loss, risking
hypokalemia and dysrhythmias. While other electrolytes can be
affected, potassium is the priority.
Question 7
Which finding in a client with a new colostomy requires immediate
notification of the provider?
Page 4
Comprehensive Question Bank
Questions and Detailed Rationales
Medical Surgical, Pharmacology,
HESI PN Exit Exam 2026/2027 Comprehensive Question |
Comprehensive Examination
HESI PN Exit Exam 2026/2027 Comprehensive Question
Bank Questions and Detailed Rationales Medical Surgical,
Pharmacology, Maternity, Pediatrics, Mental Health A+
INTRODUCTION
This document is an important and very helpful preparation
resource for HESI PN Exit Exam 2026/2027 Comprehensive
Question Bank Questions and Detailed Rationales Medical
Surgical, Pharmacology, Maternity, Pediatrics, Mental Health
A+ Graded Elsevier. Every item uses a focused exam stem, four
response options, a keyed response, and a clear rationale,
making it easier to understand the subject, spot distractors, and
build real exam confidence.
Page 1
, Question 1
Which action best reflects the nurse's understanding of the ethical principle of
veracity when a client asks about a terminal diagnosis?
A. Withhold the diagnosis to prevent psychological harm.
B. Provide truthful information within the scope of practice and client's
right to know.
C. Delegate the discussion to the family to avoid conflict.
D. Document the client's request and delay disclosure indefinitely.
Correct Answer: B - Provide truthful information within the
scope of practice and client's right to know.
RATIONALE
Veracity requires truthfulness; the nurse should provide honest
information respecting the client's autonomy. Withholding, delegating,
or delaying disclosure violates veracity and may breach patient rights.
Question 2
A client receiving IV heparin has an aPTT of 95 seconds (control 30 seconds).
Which is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose as ordered.
B. Hold the heparin infusion and notify the provider.
C. Increase the infusion rate to maintain therapeutic levels.
D. Document the result and continue monitoring.
Correct Answer: B - Hold the heparin infusion and notify the
provider.
RATIONALE
Therapeutic aPTT is typically 1.5-2.5 times control (45-75 seconds);
95 seconds indicates increased bleeding risk. The nurse must hold the
infusion and notify the provider. Continuing or increasing heparin
would exacerbate risk.
Page 2
, Question 3
Which assessment finding in a client at 36 weeks' gestation most urgently
requires immediate intervention?
A. Blood pressure 138/88 mm Hg
B. 1+ proteinuria
C. Epigastric pain and sudden severe headache
D. Mild ankle edema
Correct Answer: C - Epigastric pain and sudden severe headache
RATIONALE
Epigastric pain and severe headache suggest severe preeclampsia with
possible HELLP syndrome, requiring immediate evaluation. Mild
hypertension, proteinuria, and edema are common but less urgent.
Question 4
A child with acute asthma exacerbation has a peak expiratory flow (PEF) at
50% of personal best. Which classification and action are correct?
A. Mild; administer rescue inhaler and reassess in 1 hour.
B. Moderate; administer systemic corticosteroids and bronchodilators,
and monitor closely.
C. Severe; prepare for intubation immediately.
D. Mild; no intervention needed.
Correct Answer: B - Moderate; administer systemic
corticosteroids and bronchodilators, and monitor closely.
RATIONALE
PEF 50% of personal best indicates moderate exacerbation; treatment
includes systemic corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Mild is >70%,
severe <40% with impending respiratory failure.
Page 3
, Question 5
Which statement by a client prescribed lithium carbonate indicates a need for
further teaching?
A. 'I will maintain a consistent sodium intake.'
B. 'I will take the medication with food to reduce stomach upset.'
C. 'I can stop the medication when I feel better.'
D. 'I will report increased thirst and frequent urination.'
Correct Answer: C - 'I can stop the medication when I feel better.'
RATIONALE
Lithium requires consistent long-term use; abrupt discontinuation can
cause relapse. Consistent sodium intake, taking with food, and
reporting polyuria are correct. Stopping when feeling better is unsafe.
Question 6
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory value
should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum potassium
B. Serum sodium
C. Serum calcium
D. Serum magnesium
Correct Answer: A - Serum potassium
RATIONALE
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium loss, risking
hypokalemia and dysrhythmias. While other electrolytes can be
affected, potassium is the priority.
Question 7
Which finding in a client with a new colostomy requires immediate
notification of the provider?
Page 4
