HESI PN Exit Exam Practice Questions
2026: Comprehensive Review with
Detailed Rationales
The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client with Graves' disease. The
PN should expect which findings with this client? - answer-
Characteristics of Graves' disease include exophthalmos, heat
intolerance, and soft smooth skin and hair in addition to weight loss,
nervousness, and fine tremors of the hands.
A client has a serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L. Which findings should
the practical nurse report to the charge nurse?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Muscle cramps
B. Diarrhea
C. Altered blood glucose level
D. Increased energy
E. Abnormal heart rhythms
F. Increased anxiety - answer-A. Muscle cramps
E. Abnormal heart rhythms
,Rationale: A normal potassium level ranges from 3.5 to 5 mEq/L
(mmol/L). Signs and symptoms of low potassium include muscle cramps
and dysrhythmias.
A client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus complains of vomiting and
feeling confused to the practical nurse. Which of the following
symptoms are possible signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
(Select all that apply.)
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
Rationale: 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.
, What is the depth of the compression the practical nurse (PN) should
do when performing the manual chest compressions during
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an adult client?
A. 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) to 1 inch (2.54 cm)
B. 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) to 2 inches (5 cm)
C. 2 inches (5 cm) to 2.4 inches (6 cm)
D. 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) to 3 inches (7.6 cm) - answer-C. 2 inches (5 cm) to
2.4 inches (6 cm
Rationale: According to the American Heart Association 2015
guidelines, the depth of compressions on an adult during CPR should be
at least 2 inches (5 cm) to 2.4 inches (6 cm).
A client diagnosed with a skull hematoma and fractured (L) clavicle
status post a six foot fall from a ladder is admitted to the unit. Which
sign should the practical nurse (PN) report immediately?
A. Spontaneously opens eyes
.B. Obeys commands in movement and grip.
C. Answers questions, but is confused.
D. Has abnormal flexion or extension of (L) arm. - answer-C. Answers
questions, but is confused.
2026: Comprehensive Review with
Detailed Rationales
The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client with Graves' disease. The
PN should expect which findings with this client? - answer-
Characteristics of Graves' disease include exophthalmos, heat
intolerance, and soft smooth skin and hair in addition to weight loss,
nervousness, and fine tremors of the hands.
A client has a serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L. Which findings should
the practical nurse report to the charge nurse?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Muscle cramps
B. Diarrhea
C. Altered blood glucose level
D. Increased energy
E. Abnormal heart rhythms
F. Increased anxiety - answer-A. Muscle cramps
E. Abnormal heart rhythms
,Rationale: A normal potassium level ranges from 3.5 to 5 mEq/L
(mmol/L). Signs and symptoms of low potassium include muscle cramps
and dysrhythmias.
A client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus complains of vomiting and
feeling confused to the practical nurse. Which of the following
symptoms are possible signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
(Select all that apply.)
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
Rationale: 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.
, What is the depth of the compression the practical nurse (PN) should
do when performing the manual chest compressions during
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an adult client?
A. 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) to 1 inch (2.54 cm)
B. 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) to 2 inches (5 cm)
C. 2 inches (5 cm) to 2.4 inches (6 cm)
D. 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) to 3 inches (7.6 cm) - answer-C. 2 inches (5 cm) to
2.4 inches (6 cm
Rationale: According to the American Heart Association 2015
guidelines, the depth of compressions on an adult during CPR should be
at least 2 inches (5 cm) to 2.4 inches (6 cm).
A client diagnosed with a skull hematoma and fractured (L) clavicle
status post a six foot fall from a ladder is admitted to the unit. Which
sign should the practical nurse (PN) report immediately?
A. Spontaneously opens eyes
.B. Obeys commands in movement and grip.
C. Answers questions, but is confused.
D. Has abnormal flexion or extension of (L) arm. - answer-C. Answers
questions, but is confused.
