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2025 HESI PN Exit Exam: 160 NGN
Practice Questions with Answers,
Graded A+
Question 1
The practical nurse (PN) is assisting a client with diabetes mellitus who is experiencing
hypoglycemia. Which action should the PN take first?
A. Administer insulin as prescribed
B. Provide 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate
C. Check the client’s blood glucose level
D. Offer a high-protein snack
Correct Answer: C. Check the client’s blood glucose level
Rationale: Verifying the blood glucose level is the priority to confirm hypoglycemia before
intervening. Administering insulin would worsen hypoglycemia, and providing carbohydrates or
a snack is appropriate only after confirmation.
Question 2
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed albuterol via a
metered-dose inhaler. Which instruction should the PN provide?
A. Inhale quickly and shallowly during administration
B. Hold breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication
C. Rinse the inhaler with water after each use
D. Use the inhaler only when symptoms worsen
Correct Answer: B. Hold breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication
Rationale: Holding the breath allows the medication to reach deep into the lungs for optimal
effect. Quick, shallow breaths reduce efficacy, rinsing the inhaler is unnecessary, and albuterol
may be used prophylactically, not just symptomatically.
Question 3
, 2
The PN is caring for a client with a new colostomy. Which statement by the client indicates a
need for further teaching?
A. “I will change the pouch every 5 to 7 days.”
B. “I can eat a low-fiber diet for the first few weeks.”
C. “I should drink less water to reduce output.”
D. “I will check the skin around the stoma regularly.”
Correct Answer: C. “I should drink less water to reduce output.”
Rationale: Adequate hydration is essential to prevent dehydration and maintain healthy stoma
output. The other statements reflect correct colostomy care practices.
Question 4
A client is receiving heparin therapy for a deep vein thrombosis. Which laboratory value should
the PN monitor?
A. International normalized ratio (INR)
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. Platelet count
D. Prothrombin time (PT)
Correct Answer: B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
Rationale: Heparin’s therapeutic effect is monitored using aPTT to ensure proper
anticoagulation. INR and PT are used for warfarin, while platelet count monitors for heparin-
induced thrombocytopenia but is not the primary measure.
Question 5
The PN is teaching a client about fall prevention. Which intervention is most effective?
A. Keep the bed in the highest position
B. Ensure adequate lighting in the room
C. Place all furniture against the walls
D. Encourage wearing socks without shoes
Correct Answer: B. Ensure adequate lighting in the room
Rationale: Adequate lighting reduces the risk of falls by improving visibility. High bed
positions, furniture placement, and socks without shoes increase fall risk.
, 3
Question 6
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide 40 mg daily. Which finding indicates the
medication is effective?
A. Weight gain of 1 kg overnight
B. Decreased peripheral edema
C. Increased blood pressure
D. Elevated potassium levels
Correct Answer: B. Decreased peripheral edema
Rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, reduces fluid overload, decreasing edema in heart
failure. Weight gain, increased blood pressure, or elevated potassium indicate ineffective
treatment or side effects.
Question 7
The PN observes a client with a tracheostomy coughing excessively. What is the priority action?
A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min
B. Suction the tracheostomy tube
C. Change the tracheostomy dressing
D. Notify the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: B. Suction the tracheostomy tube
Rationale: Excessive coughing may indicate mucus obstruction, requiring suctioning to
maintain a patent airway. Oxygen, dressing changes, or notification are secondary actions.
Question 8
A client asks the PN about the purpose of a low-sodium diet for hypertension. What is the best
response?
A. “It reduces blood sugar levels.”
B. “It helps lower blood pressure.”
C. “It prevents weight gain.”
D. “It improves kidney function.”
Correct Answer: B. “It helps lower blood pressure.”
Rationale: A low-sodium diet reduces fluid retention and vascular resistance, lowering blood
pressure. It does not directly affect blood sugar, weight, or kidney function.
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Question 9
The PN is preparing to administer digoxin to a client. Which action is essential before
administration?
A. Check the client’s respiratory rate
B. Measure the client’s blood pressure
C. Assess the client’s apical pulse
D. Monitor the client’s temperature
Correct Answer: C. Assess the client’s apical pulse
Rationale: Digoxin can cause bradycardia, so checking the apical pulse (holding the dose if <60
bpm) is critical to prevent toxicity. Other vital signs are less specific to digoxin.
Question 10
A client with type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin. Which side effect should the PN teach the
client to report?
A. Increased appetite
B. Metallic taste in the mouth
C. Muscle pain and weakness
D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: C. Muscle pain and weakness
Rationale: Muscle pain and weakness may indicate lactic acidosis, a rare but serious side effect
of metformin. Metallic taste is common but not urgent, and metformin typically causes weight
loss, not gain.
Question 11
The PN is caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which complication
should the PN monitor for?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hypotension
D. Bradycardia
2025 HESI PN Exit Exam: 160 NGN
Practice Questions with Answers,
Graded A+
Question 1
The practical nurse (PN) is assisting a client with diabetes mellitus who is experiencing
hypoglycemia. Which action should the PN take first?
A. Administer insulin as prescribed
B. Provide 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate
C. Check the client’s blood glucose level
D. Offer a high-protein snack
Correct Answer: C. Check the client’s blood glucose level
Rationale: Verifying the blood glucose level is the priority to confirm hypoglycemia before
intervening. Administering insulin would worsen hypoglycemia, and providing carbohydrates or
a snack is appropriate only after confirmation.
Question 2
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed albuterol via a
metered-dose inhaler. Which instruction should the PN provide?
A. Inhale quickly and shallowly during administration
B. Hold breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication
C. Rinse the inhaler with water after each use
D. Use the inhaler only when symptoms worsen
Correct Answer: B. Hold breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication
Rationale: Holding the breath allows the medication to reach deep into the lungs for optimal
effect. Quick, shallow breaths reduce efficacy, rinsing the inhaler is unnecessary, and albuterol
may be used prophylactically, not just symptomatically.
Question 3
, 2
The PN is caring for a client with a new colostomy. Which statement by the client indicates a
need for further teaching?
A. “I will change the pouch every 5 to 7 days.”
B. “I can eat a low-fiber diet for the first few weeks.”
C. “I should drink less water to reduce output.”
D. “I will check the skin around the stoma regularly.”
Correct Answer: C. “I should drink less water to reduce output.”
Rationale: Adequate hydration is essential to prevent dehydration and maintain healthy stoma
output. The other statements reflect correct colostomy care practices.
Question 4
A client is receiving heparin therapy for a deep vein thrombosis. Which laboratory value should
the PN monitor?
A. International normalized ratio (INR)
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. Platelet count
D. Prothrombin time (PT)
Correct Answer: B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
Rationale: Heparin’s therapeutic effect is monitored using aPTT to ensure proper
anticoagulation. INR and PT are used for warfarin, while platelet count monitors for heparin-
induced thrombocytopenia but is not the primary measure.
Question 5
The PN is teaching a client about fall prevention. Which intervention is most effective?
A. Keep the bed in the highest position
B. Ensure adequate lighting in the room
C. Place all furniture against the walls
D. Encourage wearing socks without shoes
Correct Answer: B. Ensure adequate lighting in the room
Rationale: Adequate lighting reduces the risk of falls by improving visibility. High bed
positions, furniture placement, and socks without shoes increase fall risk.
, 3
Question 6
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide 40 mg daily. Which finding indicates the
medication is effective?
A. Weight gain of 1 kg overnight
B. Decreased peripheral edema
C. Increased blood pressure
D. Elevated potassium levels
Correct Answer: B. Decreased peripheral edema
Rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, reduces fluid overload, decreasing edema in heart
failure. Weight gain, increased blood pressure, or elevated potassium indicate ineffective
treatment or side effects.
Question 7
The PN observes a client with a tracheostomy coughing excessively. What is the priority action?
A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min
B. Suction the tracheostomy tube
C. Change the tracheostomy dressing
D. Notify the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: B. Suction the tracheostomy tube
Rationale: Excessive coughing may indicate mucus obstruction, requiring suctioning to
maintain a patent airway. Oxygen, dressing changes, or notification are secondary actions.
Question 8
A client asks the PN about the purpose of a low-sodium diet for hypertension. What is the best
response?
A. “It reduces blood sugar levels.”
B. “It helps lower blood pressure.”
C. “It prevents weight gain.”
D. “It improves kidney function.”
Correct Answer: B. “It helps lower blood pressure.”
Rationale: A low-sodium diet reduces fluid retention and vascular resistance, lowering blood
pressure. It does not directly affect blood sugar, weight, or kidney function.
, 4
Question 9
The PN is preparing to administer digoxin to a client. Which action is essential before
administration?
A. Check the client’s respiratory rate
B. Measure the client’s blood pressure
C. Assess the client’s apical pulse
D. Monitor the client’s temperature
Correct Answer: C. Assess the client’s apical pulse
Rationale: Digoxin can cause bradycardia, so checking the apical pulse (holding the dose if <60
bpm) is critical to prevent toxicity. Other vital signs are less specific to digoxin.
Question 10
A client with type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin. Which side effect should the PN teach the
client to report?
A. Increased appetite
B. Metallic taste in the mouth
C. Muscle pain and weakness
D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: C. Muscle pain and weakness
Rationale: Muscle pain and weakness may indicate lactic acidosis, a rare but serious side effect
of metformin. Metallic taste is common but not urgent, and metformin typically causes weight
loss, not gain.
Question 11
The PN is caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which complication
should the PN monitor for?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hypotension
D. Bradycardia
