Page 1 of 289
HESI PN Med Surg Exit Exam A&B COMPLETE 500
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026-2027
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
HESI PN Med Surg Exit Exam A
QUESTION: A client diagnosed with prostate cancer is prescribed radioactive seed implantation
(brachytherapy). What is the most important nursing action for the practical nurse (PN) to do?
a. Follow radiation exposure precautions
b. Encourage regular meals
c. Collect all urine in sealed containers
d. Avoid touching the client. - ANSWER-a. Follow radiation exposure precautions.
Clients being treated for prostate cancer with brachytherapy (radioactive seeds implant) should
be placed on radiation exposure precautions. The PN needs to follow the institution's protocols
put in place regarding the amount of time and distance needed to prevent excessive exposure
that would pose a hazard to others.
,Page 2 of 289
QUESTION: A client diagnosed with emphysema that is oxygen-dependent lives alone at home
and manages self-care with no difficulty. Which finding should prompt the home health
practical nurse to consult the registered nurse case manager?
a. A pulse oximetry reading of 91% on oxygen at 2 L/m
b. A weight loss of 5 pounds since the last monthly home visit
c. The client reports feeling as tired as at the last visit by the nurse
d. Upon entering the home, the PN noticed dirty dishes and clothing scattered around the
home. - ANSWER-b. A weight loss of 5 pounds since the last monthly home visit
A weight loss of 5 pounds in 1 month is a concern. Clients with COPD need additional calorie
intake because they are using up a lot from the energy they are using to breath. The practical
nurse needs to consult with the registered nurse case manager for a nutrition consult
QUESTION: The nurse has reinforced instructions to a client with diabetes mellitus on how to
self-monitor for symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse realizes the instructions
have been effective if the client can list which symptoms? (Select all that apply.)
,Page 3 of 289
a. Fruity breath odor
b. Rapid, weak pulse
c. Cold, clammy skin
d. Extreme thirst
e. Urinary frequency
f. Protruding eyeballs - ANSWER-a. Fruity breath odor
b. Rapid, weak pulse
d. Extreme thirst
e. Urinary frequency
Diabetic ketoacidosis is caused by a profound deficiency of insulin. Some common
characteristics include a sweet, fruity breath odor, a rapid weak pulse, extreme thirst, urinary
frequency, and sunken-appearing eyeballs.
QUESTION: A client mentions using garlic daily as an herb to lower cholesterol and triglyceride
levels. Which nursing action is a priority?
, Page 4 of 289
a. Monitor the client for signs of bleeding.
b. Instruct the client that garlic tends to cause hypertension.
c. This may relieve fever in the same way that acetaminophen does.
d. Remind the patient to use tooth brushing and mouthwash to prevent garlic odor. - ANSWER-
a. Monitor the client for signs of bleeding.
Garlic inhibits platelet aggregation in the same way that aspirin works, and the client should be
monitored for bleeding. Garlic can lower the blood pressure, not raise it. It does not relieve
fever. While the client will likely want to avoid garlic odor, it is not a priority.
Q; During a clinic visit, a client reports to the practical nurse (PN) that they felt a solid mass in
their breast during self-examination, but it was not painful. What instruction should the PN
reinforce with the client?
A. Continue to monitor the mass until the next scheduled annual exam.
B. Notify the PCP if the mass becomes soft or painful or starts to drain.
HESI PN Med Surg Exit Exam A&B COMPLETE 500
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026-2027
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
HESI PN Med Surg Exit Exam A
QUESTION: A client diagnosed with prostate cancer is prescribed radioactive seed implantation
(brachytherapy). What is the most important nursing action for the practical nurse (PN) to do?
a. Follow radiation exposure precautions
b. Encourage regular meals
c. Collect all urine in sealed containers
d. Avoid touching the client. - ANSWER-a. Follow radiation exposure precautions.
Clients being treated for prostate cancer with brachytherapy (radioactive seeds implant) should
be placed on radiation exposure precautions. The PN needs to follow the institution's protocols
put in place regarding the amount of time and distance needed to prevent excessive exposure
that would pose a hazard to others.
,Page 2 of 289
QUESTION: A client diagnosed with emphysema that is oxygen-dependent lives alone at home
and manages self-care with no difficulty. Which finding should prompt the home health
practical nurse to consult the registered nurse case manager?
a. A pulse oximetry reading of 91% on oxygen at 2 L/m
b. A weight loss of 5 pounds since the last monthly home visit
c. The client reports feeling as tired as at the last visit by the nurse
d. Upon entering the home, the PN noticed dirty dishes and clothing scattered around the
home. - ANSWER-b. A weight loss of 5 pounds since the last monthly home visit
A weight loss of 5 pounds in 1 month is a concern. Clients with COPD need additional calorie
intake because they are using up a lot from the energy they are using to breath. The practical
nurse needs to consult with the registered nurse case manager for a nutrition consult
QUESTION: The nurse has reinforced instructions to a client with diabetes mellitus on how to
self-monitor for symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse realizes the instructions
have been effective if the client can list which symptoms? (Select all that apply.)
,Page 3 of 289
a. Fruity breath odor
b. Rapid, weak pulse
c. Cold, clammy skin
d. Extreme thirst
e. Urinary frequency
f. Protruding eyeballs - ANSWER-a. Fruity breath odor
b. Rapid, weak pulse
d. Extreme thirst
e. Urinary frequency
Diabetic ketoacidosis is caused by a profound deficiency of insulin. Some common
characteristics include a sweet, fruity breath odor, a rapid weak pulse, extreme thirst, urinary
frequency, and sunken-appearing eyeballs.
QUESTION: A client mentions using garlic daily as an herb to lower cholesterol and triglyceride
levels. Which nursing action is a priority?
, Page 4 of 289
a. Monitor the client for signs of bleeding.
b. Instruct the client that garlic tends to cause hypertension.
c. This may relieve fever in the same way that acetaminophen does.
d. Remind the patient to use tooth brushing and mouthwash to prevent garlic odor. - ANSWER-
a. Monitor the client for signs of bleeding.
Garlic inhibits platelet aggregation in the same way that aspirin works, and the client should be
monitored for bleeding. Garlic can lower the blood pressure, not raise it. It does not relieve
fever. While the client will likely want to avoid garlic odor, it is not a priority.
Q; During a clinic visit, a client reports to the practical nurse (PN) that they felt a solid mass in
their breast during self-examination, but it was not painful. What instruction should the PN
reinforce with the client?
A. Continue to monitor the mass until the next scheduled annual exam.
B. Notify the PCP if the mass becomes soft or painful or starts to drain.
