1
PN HESI Exit Exam 2024–2025 with
NGN – Complete Actual Exam
Questions and Correct Verified
Answers
Question 1
A practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client with a new colostomy. Which observation indicates a
need for further intervention?
A. The stoma is pink and moist
B. The client reports mild discomfort around the stoma
C. The stoma is pale and dry
D. The pouch is changed every 5 days
Correct Answer: C. The stoma is pale and dry
Rationale: A healthy colostomy stoma should be pink and moist, indicating good blood supply.
A pale, dry stoma suggests ischemia or poor perfusion, requiring immediate intervention. Mild
discomfort and a 5-day pouch change schedule are expected, and a pink, moist stoma is normal.
Question 2
A PN is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a client with diabetes mellitus. When is the best
time to administer this medication?
A. 30 minutes after a meal
B. 10–15 minutes before a meal
C. At bedtime
D. With a snack in the afternoon
Correct Answer: B. 10–15 minutes before a meal
Rationale: Insulin lispro, a rapid-acting insulin, has an onset of 10–15 minutes and is
administered just before meals to control postprandial glucose spikes. Administering after a
meal, at bedtime, or with a snack is not aligned with its pharmacokinetic profile.
Question 3
, 2
A PN is assisting a client with ambulation after hip surgery. Which action ensures client safety?
A. Allow the client to bear full weight on the affected leg
B. Use a walker and ensure the client takes small steps
C. Position the walker 12 inches behind the client
D. Encourage rapid walking to build strength
Correct Answer: B. Use a walker and ensure the client takes small steps
Rationale: A walker provides stability, and small steps reduce the risk of falls post-hip surgery.
Full weight-bearing may not be allowed, the walker should be in front (not behind), and rapid
walking increases fall risk.
Question 4
A PN is teaching a client about warfarin therapy. Which statement by the client indicates a need
for further teaching?
A. "I will have my INR checked regularly."
B. "I will avoid eating large amounts of spinach."
C. "I can take ibuprofen for headaches."
D. "I will report any unusual bleeding."
Correct Answer: C. I can take ibuprofen for headaches.
Rationale: Ibuprofen increases bleeding risk when taken with warfarin, an anticoagulant.
Acetaminophen is preferred for pain. The other statements reflect correct understanding of INR
monitoring, avoiding vitamin K-rich foods, and reporting bleeding.
Question 5
A PN is caring for a client with a urinary catheter. Which action prevents catheter-associated
urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?
A. Empty the drainage bag once daily
B. Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder
C. Irrigate the catheter every 8 hours
D. Secure the catheter to the abdomen
Correct Answer: B. Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder
Rationale: Keeping the drainage bag below bladder level prevents urine reflux, reducing CAUTI
risk. Emptying the bag when full, avoiding routine irrigation, and securing the catheter to the
thigh (not abdomen) are also important but secondary to this action.
Question 6
, 3
A PN is assessing a client’s respiratory status. Which finding requires immediate reporting to the
RN?
A. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
C. Clear breath sounds bilaterally
D. Symmetrical chest expansion
Correct Answer: B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia, requiring immediate intervention.
A respiratory rate of 16, clear breath sounds, and symmetrical chest expansion are normal
findings.
Question 7
A PN is preparing to administer furosemide to a client with heart failure. Which laboratory value
should the PN check before administration?
A. Blood glucose
B. Potassium
C. Hemoglobin
D. Platelet count
Correct Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can cause hypokalemia, which is dangerous in heart
failure due to arrhythmia risk. Blood glucose, hemoglobin, and platelet count are not directly
affected by furosemide.
Question 8
A PN is assisting a client with a new tracheostomy. Which equipment should be kept at the
bedside?
A. Incentive spirometer
B. Spare tracheostomy tube and obturator
C. Blood pressure cuff
D. Extra IV tubing
Correct Answer: B. Spare tracheostomy tube and obturator
Rationale: A spare tracheostomy tube and obturator are essential for emergency reinsertion if
the tube becomes dislodged. Other equipment is useful but not critical for immediate
tracheostomy management.
PN HESI Exit Exam 2024–2025 with
NGN – Complete Actual Exam
Questions and Correct Verified
Answers
Question 1
A practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client with a new colostomy. Which observation indicates a
need for further intervention?
A. The stoma is pink and moist
B. The client reports mild discomfort around the stoma
C. The stoma is pale and dry
D. The pouch is changed every 5 days
Correct Answer: C. The stoma is pale and dry
Rationale: A healthy colostomy stoma should be pink and moist, indicating good blood supply.
A pale, dry stoma suggests ischemia or poor perfusion, requiring immediate intervention. Mild
discomfort and a 5-day pouch change schedule are expected, and a pink, moist stoma is normal.
Question 2
A PN is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a client with diabetes mellitus. When is the best
time to administer this medication?
A. 30 minutes after a meal
B. 10–15 minutes before a meal
C. At bedtime
D. With a snack in the afternoon
Correct Answer: B. 10–15 minutes before a meal
Rationale: Insulin lispro, a rapid-acting insulin, has an onset of 10–15 minutes and is
administered just before meals to control postprandial glucose spikes. Administering after a
meal, at bedtime, or with a snack is not aligned with its pharmacokinetic profile.
Question 3
, 2
A PN is assisting a client with ambulation after hip surgery. Which action ensures client safety?
A. Allow the client to bear full weight on the affected leg
B. Use a walker and ensure the client takes small steps
C. Position the walker 12 inches behind the client
D. Encourage rapid walking to build strength
Correct Answer: B. Use a walker and ensure the client takes small steps
Rationale: A walker provides stability, and small steps reduce the risk of falls post-hip surgery.
Full weight-bearing may not be allowed, the walker should be in front (not behind), and rapid
walking increases fall risk.
Question 4
A PN is teaching a client about warfarin therapy. Which statement by the client indicates a need
for further teaching?
A. "I will have my INR checked regularly."
B. "I will avoid eating large amounts of spinach."
C. "I can take ibuprofen for headaches."
D. "I will report any unusual bleeding."
Correct Answer: C. I can take ibuprofen for headaches.
Rationale: Ibuprofen increases bleeding risk when taken with warfarin, an anticoagulant.
Acetaminophen is preferred for pain. The other statements reflect correct understanding of INR
monitoring, avoiding vitamin K-rich foods, and reporting bleeding.
Question 5
A PN is caring for a client with a urinary catheter. Which action prevents catheter-associated
urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?
A. Empty the drainage bag once daily
B. Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder
C. Irrigate the catheter every 8 hours
D. Secure the catheter to the abdomen
Correct Answer: B. Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder
Rationale: Keeping the drainage bag below bladder level prevents urine reflux, reducing CAUTI
risk. Emptying the bag when full, avoiding routine irrigation, and securing the catheter to the
thigh (not abdomen) are also important but secondary to this action.
Question 6
, 3
A PN is assessing a client’s respiratory status. Which finding requires immediate reporting to the
RN?
A. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
C. Clear breath sounds bilaterally
D. Symmetrical chest expansion
Correct Answer: B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia, requiring immediate intervention.
A respiratory rate of 16, clear breath sounds, and symmetrical chest expansion are normal
findings.
Question 7
A PN is preparing to administer furosemide to a client with heart failure. Which laboratory value
should the PN check before administration?
A. Blood glucose
B. Potassium
C. Hemoglobin
D. Platelet count
Correct Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can cause hypokalemia, which is dangerous in heart
failure due to arrhythmia risk. Blood glucose, hemoglobin, and platelet count are not directly
affected by furosemide.
Question 8
A PN is assisting a client with a new tracheostomy. Which equipment should be kept at the
bedside?
A. Incentive spirometer
B. Spare tracheostomy tube and obturator
C. Blood pressure cuff
D. Extra IV tubing
Correct Answer: B. Spare tracheostomy tube and obturator
Rationale: A spare tracheostomy tube and obturator are essential for emergency reinsertion if
the tube becomes dislodged. Other equipment is useful but not critical for immediate
tracheostomy management.
