1
PN HESI EXIT EXAMINATION VERSION
3 Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Practical Nursing
with NGN Questions | Questions and Verified
Answers | Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Fundamentals of Nursing
Questions 1-25
Question 1 (Version 3) A practical nurse (PN) is assigned to care for four clients. Which client
should the PN assess first?
A. A client who needs assistance with ambulation
B. A client with a new order for a regular diet
C. A client who reports chest pain and shortness of breath [CORRECT]
D. A client requesting pain medication for a headache
Correct Answer: C Rationale: Chest pain and shortness of breath may indicate a life-
threatening condition (MI, PE) and require immediate assessment. Ambulation (A) can be
delegated. Diet order (B) is routine. Headache (D) requires attention but is not life-threatening.
Question 2 (Version 3) The PN observes a UAP taking a client's blood pressure with a cuff that
is too small. The reading is 140/90. What should the PN do?
A. Document the reading
B. Tell the UAP to use a larger cuff next time
C. Reassess the blood pressure with a correct size cuff [CORRECT]
D. Ignore it since the reading is normal
Correct Answer: C Rationale: A too-small cuff can give falsely high readings. The PN should
reassess with a correct size cuff to ensure accuracy.
,2
Question 3 (Version 3) A client with a nasogastric tube connected to suction reports nausea. The
PN notes the suction container is full. What is the priority action?
A. Empty the suction container [CORRECT]
B. Irrigate the NG tube
C. Reposition the client
D. Document the nausea
Correct Answer: A Rationale: A full suction container prevents proper drainage and can cause
nausea. Emptying it restores suction function. Irrigation (B) is not indicated without checking
patency first.
Question 4 (Version 3) The PN is caring for a client with a stage 2 pressure injury on the
coccyx. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Massage the reddened area
B. Apply a hydrocolloid dressing [CORRECT]
C. Use a heat lamp on the area
D. Place the client in a supine position
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Hydrocolloid dressings maintain moist wound healing for stage
2 pressure injuries. Massage (A) and heat lamps (C) can cause further tissue damage. Supine
position (D) increases pressure on the coccyx.
Question 5 (Version 3) A client is receiving oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula. The PN notes
the client has dry nasal mucosa. What is the best intervention?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate
B. Apply water-soluble lubricant to the nares [CORRECT]
C. Switch to a simple face mask
D. Decrease the oxygen flow rate
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Dry nasal mucosa is a common side effect of nasal cannula
oxygen. Water-soluble lubricant provides moisture without petroleum-based risks. Increasing
flow (A) worsens dryness. Switching to mask (C) doesn't address the dryness.
Question 6 (Version 3) The PN is preparing to administer a cleansing enema. Which position is
most appropriate?
A. Supine with knees flexed
B. Left lateral Sims' position [CORRECT]
,3
C. Prone with hips elevated
D. Right lateral position
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Left lateral Sims' position allows the enema solution to flow by
gravity along the natural curve of the descending colon. Supine (A) and prone (C) positions are
inappropriate. Right lateral (D) directs flow to the ascending colon.
Question 7 (Version 3) A client with diabetes has a blood glucose of 45 mg/dL. Which symptom
would the PN expect to find?
A. Flushed skin and rapid respirations
B. Shakiness and diaphoresis [CORRECT]
C. Kussmaul respirations and fruity breath
D. Polyuria and polydipsia
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Shakiness and diaphoresis are classic signs of hypoglycemia.
Flushed skin (A) and Kussmaul respirations (C) indicate hyperglycemia/DKA. Polyuria and
polydipsia (D) are chronic hyperglycemia symptoms.
Question 8 (Version 3) The PN is caring for a client with a Foley catheter. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Urine output of 30 mL/hour
B. Cloudy urine with sediment
C. Kinked catheter tubing [CORRECT]
D. Yellow-colored urine
Correct Answer: C Rationale: Kinked tubing obstructs urine flow and can cause bladder
distention or backflow. Cloudy urine (B) may indicate infection but isn't emergent. 30 mL/hour
(A) is adequate output. Yellow urine (D) is normal.
Question 9 (Version 3) A client is scheduled for a stool guaiac test. Which instruction is correct?
A. "Avoid red meat for 3 days before the test" [CORRECT]
B. "Increase your fiber intake for 1 week prior"
C. "Take your iron supplements as prescribed"
D. "Collect all urine for 24 hours"
Correct Answer: A Rationale: Red meat can cause false-positive guaiac results. Iron
supplements (C) should be avoided. Fiber (B) and urine collection (D) are not relevant to stool
guaiac testing.
, 4
Question 10 (Version 3) The PN is caring for a client with a tracheostomy. Which action
demonstrates correct suctioning technique?
A. Suction for 15-20 seconds continuously
B. Apply suction while inserting the catheter
C. Suction the oropharynx before the tracheostomy
D. Hyperoxygenate before and after suctioning [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D Rationale: Hyperoxygenation prevents hypoxemia during suctioning.
Suctioning should not exceed 10-15 seconds (A). Suction is applied only on withdrawal (B).
Tracheostomy is suctioned before oropharynx (C) to prevent contamination.
Question 11 (Version 3) A client has a temperature of 39.4°C (103°F). Which nursing
intervention is priority?
A. Administer antipyretics as ordered
B. Apply a cooling blanket
C. Increase fluid intake [CORRECT]
D. Obtain blood cultures
Correct Answer: C Rationale: Fever increases fluid loss through insensible losses and
sweating. Increasing fluids prevents dehydration. While antipyretics (A) may be ordered,
hydration is priority for physiological stability.
Question 12 (Version 3) The PN is preparing a client for an electrocardiogram (ECG). Which
action is correct?
A. Place the electrodes over bony prominences
B. Ensure the client has an empty bladder
C. Clean the skin with alcohol before applying electrodes [CORRECT]
D. Have the client hold their breath during the tracing
Correct Answer: C Rationale: Cleaning with alcohol removes oils and improves electrode
contact. Electrodes are placed on fleshy areas, not bone (A). Bladder status (B) doesn't affect
ECG. Normal breathing (D) is required; breath-holding alters heart rate.
Question 13 (Version 3) A client reports pain rated 8/10 in the right lower quadrant. Which
action should the PN take first?
PN HESI EXIT EXAMINATION VERSION
3 Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Practical Nursing
with NGN Questions | Questions and Verified
Answers | Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Fundamentals of Nursing
Questions 1-25
Question 1 (Version 3) A practical nurse (PN) is assigned to care for four clients. Which client
should the PN assess first?
A. A client who needs assistance with ambulation
B. A client with a new order for a regular diet
C. A client who reports chest pain and shortness of breath [CORRECT]
D. A client requesting pain medication for a headache
Correct Answer: C Rationale: Chest pain and shortness of breath may indicate a life-
threatening condition (MI, PE) and require immediate assessment. Ambulation (A) can be
delegated. Diet order (B) is routine. Headache (D) requires attention but is not life-threatening.
Question 2 (Version 3) The PN observes a UAP taking a client's blood pressure with a cuff that
is too small. The reading is 140/90. What should the PN do?
A. Document the reading
B. Tell the UAP to use a larger cuff next time
C. Reassess the blood pressure with a correct size cuff [CORRECT]
D. Ignore it since the reading is normal
Correct Answer: C Rationale: A too-small cuff can give falsely high readings. The PN should
reassess with a correct size cuff to ensure accuracy.
,2
Question 3 (Version 3) A client with a nasogastric tube connected to suction reports nausea. The
PN notes the suction container is full. What is the priority action?
A. Empty the suction container [CORRECT]
B. Irrigate the NG tube
C. Reposition the client
D. Document the nausea
Correct Answer: A Rationale: A full suction container prevents proper drainage and can cause
nausea. Emptying it restores suction function. Irrigation (B) is not indicated without checking
patency first.
Question 4 (Version 3) The PN is caring for a client with a stage 2 pressure injury on the
coccyx. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Massage the reddened area
B. Apply a hydrocolloid dressing [CORRECT]
C. Use a heat lamp on the area
D. Place the client in a supine position
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Hydrocolloid dressings maintain moist wound healing for stage
2 pressure injuries. Massage (A) and heat lamps (C) can cause further tissue damage. Supine
position (D) increases pressure on the coccyx.
Question 5 (Version 3) A client is receiving oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula. The PN notes
the client has dry nasal mucosa. What is the best intervention?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate
B. Apply water-soluble lubricant to the nares [CORRECT]
C. Switch to a simple face mask
D. Decrease the oxygen flow rate
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Dry nasal mucosa is a common side effect of nasal cannula
oxygen. Water-soluble lubricant provides moisture without petroleum-based risks. Increasing
flow (A) worsens dryness. Switching to mask (C) doesn't address the dryness.
Question 6 (Version 3) The PN is preparing to administer a cleansing enema. Which position is
most appropriate?
A. Supine with knees flexed
B. Left lateral Sims' position [CORRECT]
,3
C. Prone with hips elevated
D. Right lateral position
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Left lateral Sims' position allows the enema solution to flow by
gravity along the natural curve of the descending colon. Supine (A) and prone (C) positions are
inappropriate. Right lateral (D) directs flow to the ascending colon.
Question 7 (Version 3) A client with diabetes has a blood glucose of 45 mg/dL. Which symptom
would the PN expect to find?
A. Flushed skin and rapid respirations
B. Shakiness and diaphoresis [CORRECT]
C. Kussmaul respirations and fruity breath
D. Polyuria and polydipsia
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Shakiness and diaphoresis are classic signs of hypoglycemia.
Flushed skin (A) and Kussmaul respirations (C) indicate hyperglycemia/DKA. Polyuria and
polydipsia (D) are chronic hyperglycemia symptoms.
Question 8 (Version 3) The PN is caring for a client with a Foley catheter. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Urine output of 30 mL/hour
B. Cloudy urine with sediment
C. Kinked catheter tubing [CORRECT]
D. Yellow-colored urine
Correct Answer: C Rationale: Kinked tubing obstructs urine flow and can cause bladder
distention or backflow. Cloudy urine (B) may indicate infection but isn't emergent. 30 mL/hour
(A) is adequate output. Yellow urine (D) is normal.
Question 9 (Version 3) A client is scheduled for a stool guaiac test. Which instruction is correct?
A. "Avoid red meat for 3 days before the test" [CORRECT]
B. "Increase your fiber intake for 1 week prior"
C. "Take your iron supplements as prescribed"
D. "Collect all urine for 24 hours"
Correct Answer: A Rationale: Red meat can cause false-positive guaiac results. Iron
supplements (C) should be avoided. Fiber (B) and urine collection (D) are not relevant to stool
guaiac testing.
, 4
Question 10 (Version 3) The PN is caring for a client with a tracheostomy. Which action
demonstrates correct suctioning technique?
A. Suction for 15-20 seconds continuously
B. Apply suction while inserting the catheter
C. Suction the oropharynx before the tracheostomy
D. Hyperoxygenate before and after suctioning [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D Rationale: Hyperoxygenation prevents hypoxemia during suctioning.
Suctioning should not exceed 10-15 seconds (A). Suction is applied only on withdrawal (B).
Tracheostomy is suctioned before oropharynx (C) to prevent contamination.
Question 11 (Version 3) A client has a temperature of 39.4°C (103°F). Which nursing
intervention is priority?
A. Administer antipyretics as ordered
B. Apply a cooling blanket
C. Increase fluid intake [CORRECT]
D. Obtain blood cultures
Correct Answer: C Rationale: Fever increases fluid loss through insensible losses and
sweating. Increasing fluids prevents dehydration. While antipyretics (A) may be ordered,
hydration is priority for physiological stability.
Question 12 (Version 3) The PN is preparing a client for an electrocardiogram (ECG). Which
action is correct?
A. Place the electrodes over bony prominences
B. Ensure the client has an empty bladder
C. Clean the skin with alcohol before applying electrodes [CORRECT]
D. Have the client hold their breath during the tracing
Correct Answer: C Rationale: Cleaning with alcohol removes oils and improves electrode
contact. Electrodes are placed on fleshy areas, not bone (A). Bladder status (B) doesn't affect
ECG. Normal breathing (D) is required; breath-holding alters heart rate.
Question 13 (Version 3) A client reports pain rated 8/10 in the right lower quadrant. Which
action should the PN take first?
