EXIT HESI PN Exam A Practice
Questions | Practical Nursing
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Answers | GRADED A+
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Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
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,A nurse who has recently completed orientation is D
beginning work in the labor and delivery unit for the first The new nurse should be assigned the least complicated client to gain experience
time. When making assignments, which client should the and confidence, as well as protect client safety. Of the clients available for
charge nurse assign to this new nurse? assignment, (D) is progressing well and is the least complicated. (A, B and C) have
actual or potential complications and should be assigned to a more experienced
A.A primigravida who is 8 cm dilated after 14 hours of labor nurse.
B.A client scheduled for a repeat cesarean birth at 38
weeks' gestation
C.A client being induced for fetal demise at 20 weeks'
gestation
D.A multiparous client who is dilated 5 cm and 50%
effaced
A client with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection A
has white lesions in the oral cavity that resemble milk HIV infection causes depression of cell-mediated immunity that allows an
curds. Nystatin (Mycostatin) preparation is prescribed as a overgrowth of Candida albicans (oral moniliasis), which appears as white, cheesy
swish and swallow. Which information is most important for plaque or lesions that resemble milk curds. To ensure effective contact of the
the nurse to provide the client? medication with the oral lesions, oral liquids should be consumed and oral hygiene
performed before swishing the liquid Mycostatin (A). (B and C) provide the client
A.Oral hygiene should be performed before the with additional information about the pathogenesis and treatment of opportunistic
medication. B.Antifungal medications are available in infections, but (A) allows the client to participate in self-care of the oral infection.
tablet, suppository, and liquid forms. Dietary restriction of spicy foods reduces discomfort associated with stomatitis, but
C.Candida albicans is the organism that causes the white restriction of dairy products is not indicated (D).
lesions in the mouth.
D.The dietary intake of dairy and spicy foods should be
limited.
A client who is admitted with emphysema is having D
difficulty breathing. In which position should the nurse Adequate lung expansion is dependent on deep breaths that allow the respiratory
place the client? muscles to increase the longitudinal and anterior-posterior size of the thoracic cage.
Sitting upright and leaning forward with the arms supported on an over the bed
A.High Fowler's position without a pillow behind the head table (D) allows the thoracic cage to expand in all four directions and reduces
B.Semi-Fowler's position with a single pillow behind the dyspnea. A high Fowler's position does not allow maximum expansion of the
head posterior lobes of the lungs (A). A semi-Fowler's position restricts expansion of the
C.Right side-lying position with the head of the bed anterior-posterior diameter of the thoracic cage (B). Positioning a client on the right
elevated 45 degrees side with the head of the bed elevated (C) does not facilitate lung expansion.
D.Sitting upright and forward with both arms supported on
an over the bed table
A client with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is taking 25 C
mg of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) PO and 40 mg of The client has a normalized potassium level despite diuretic use (C). The kidney
furosemide (Lasix) PO daily. Today, at a routine clinic visit, automatically secretes 90% of potassium consumed, but in chronic renal
the client's serum potassium level is 4 mEq/L. What is the insufficiency (CRI), less potassium is excreted than normal. Therefore, the two
most likely cause of this client's potassium level? potassium-wasting drugs, a thiazide diuretic and loop diuretic, are not likely to affect
potassium levels. The normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L, and with a
A.The client is noncompliant with his medications. potassium level of 4 mEq/L, there is no reason to believe that the client is
B.The client recently consumed large quantities of pears or noncompliant with his treatment (A). Pears and nuts do not affect the serum
nuts. potassium level (B). There is no need for a potassium supplement (D) because the
C.The client's renal function has affected his potassium client's potassium level is within the normal range.
level.
D.The client needs to be started on a potassium
supplement.
A registered nurse (RN) delivers telehealth services to C
clients via electronic communication. Which nursing action Sending medical records over the Internet, even with the latest security protection,
creates the greatest risk for professional liability and has creates the greatest risk for liability because of the high potential of breaching client
the potential for a malpractice lawsuit? confidentiality and the amount of information being transferred (C). Client
confidentiality is protected by federal wiretapping laws making telephone
A.Participating in telephone consultations with clients consultation (A) a private and protected form of communication. By stating one's
B.Identifying oneself by name and title to clients in name and credentials in telehealth communication (B), one is taking responsibility
telehealth communications for the encounter. E-mail initiated by the client (D) poses less risk than sending
C.Sending medical records to health care providers via the records via the Internet.
Internet
D.Answering a client-initiated health question via electronic
mail
, Which pathophysiologic response supports the D
contraindication for opioids, such as morphine, in clients The greatest risk associated with opioids such as morphine (D) is respiratory
with increased intracranial pressure (ICP)? depression that causes an increase in Pco2, which increases ICP and masks the
early signs of intracranial bleeding in head injury. (A, B, and C) do not support the
A.Sedation produced by opioids is a result of a prolonged risks associated with opioid use in a client with increased ICP.
half-life when the ICP is elevated.
B.Higher doses of opioids are required when cerebral
blood flow is reduced by an elevated ICP.
C.Dysphoria from opioids contributes to altered levels of
consciousness with an elevated ICP.
D.Opioids suppress respirations, which increases Pco2
and contributes to an elevated ICP.
The charge nurse of a medical surgical unit is alerted to an D
impending disaster requiring implementation of the When faced with an impending disaster, hospital personnel may be alerted but
hospital's disaster plan. Specific facts about the nature of should continue with current client care assignments until further instructions are
this disaster are not yet known. Which instruction should received (D). Evacuation is typically a response of last resort that begins with clients
the charge nurse give to the other staff members at this who are most able to ambulate (A). (B) is premature and is likely to increase the
time? chaos if incoming casualties are anticipated. (C) is poor utilization of personnel.
A.Prepare to evacuate the unit, starting with the bedridden
clients.
B.UAPs should report to the emergency center to handle
transports.
C.The licensed staff should begin counting wheelchairs
and IV poles on the unit.
D.Continue with current assignments until more
instructions are received.
The nurse assesses a client while the UAP measures the D
client's vital signs. The client's vital signs change suddenly, Because the client's condition is worsening, the nurse should remain with the client
and the nurse determines that the client's condition is and continue the assessment while calling for help from the charge nurse to
worsening. The nurse is unsure of the client's resuscitative determine the client's resuscitative status (D). (A and B) are tasks that must be
status and needs to check the client's medical record for completed by a nurse and cannot be delegated to the UAP. (C) is contraindicated.
any advanced directives. Which action should the nurse
implement?
A.Ask the UAP to check for the advanced directive while
the nurse completes the assessment.
B.Assign the UAP to complete the assessment while the
nurse checks for the advanced directive.
C.Check the medical record for the advanced directive and
then complete the client assessment.
D.Call for the charge nurse to check the advanced
directive while continuing to assess the client.
The nurse is preparing a client for surgery scheduled in 2 D
hours. A UAP is helping the nurse. Which task is important By using therapeutic techniques to offer support (D), the nurse can determine any
for the nurse to perform, rather than the UAP? client concerns that need to be addressed. (A, B, and C) are all actions that can be
performed by the UAP under the supervision of the nurse.
A.Remove the client's nail polish and dentures.
B.Assist the client to the restroom to void.
C.Obtain the client's height and weight.
D.Offer the client emotional support.
Until the census on the obstetrics (OB) unit increases, an C
unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who usually works in The charge nurse will be responsible for providing a report to the home care unit if
labor and delivery and the newborn nursery is assigned to the transfer occurs (A). The client is infected and an employee who works on an OB
work on the postoperative unit. Which client would be best unit should be assigned to clean cases in case the employee is required to return to
for the charge nurse to assign to this UAP? the OB unit (B). This requires the skills of a registered nurse (RN) to do discharge
teaching and provide emotional support (D). This may require skills beyond the level
A.An adolescent who was readmitted to the hospital of this UAP.
because of a postoperative infection
B.A woman with a new colostomy who requires discharge
teaching
C.A woman who had a hip replacement and may be
transferred to the home care unit
D.A man who had a cholecystectomy and currently has a
nasogastric tube set to intermittent suction
Questions | Practical Nursing
Exit Exam Study Guide with
Answers | GRADED A+
ASSURED SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive Rationales
Included
,A nurse who has recently completed orientation is D
beginning work in the labor and delivery unit for the first The new nurse should be assigned the least complicated client to gain experience
time. When making assignments, which client should the and confidence, as well as protect client safety. Of the clients available for
charge nurse assign to this new nurse? assignment, (D) is progressing well and is the least complicated. (A, B and C) have
actual or potential complications and should be assigned to a more experienced
A.A primigravida who is 8 cm dilated after 14 hours of labor nurse.
B.A client scheduled for a repeat cesarean birth at 38
weeks' gestation
C.A client being induced for fetal demise at 20 weeks'
gestation
D.A multiparous client who is dilated 5 cm and 50%
effaced
A client with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection A
has white lesions in the oral cavity that resemble milk HIV infection causes depression of cell-mediated immunity that allows an
curds. Nystatin (Mycostatin) preparation is prescribed as a overgrowth of Candida albicans (oral moniliasis), which appears as white, cheesy
swish and swallow. Which information is most important for plaque or lesions that resemble milk curds. To ensure effective contact of the
the nurse to provide the client? medication with the oral lesions, oral liquids should be consumed and oral hygiene
performed before swishing the liquid Mycostatin (A). (B and C) provide the client
A.Oral hygiene should be performed before the with additional information about the pathogenesis and treatment of opportunistic
medication. B.Antifungal medications are available in infections, but (A) allows the client to participate in self-care of the oral infection.
tablet, suppository, and liquid forms. Dietary restriction of spicy foods reduces discomfort associated with stomatitis, but
C.Candida albicans is the organism that causes the white restriction of dairy products is not indicated (D).
lesions in the mouth.
D.The dietary intake of dairy and spicy foods should be
limited.
A client who is admitted with emphysema is having D
difficulty breathing. In which position should the nurse Adequate lung expansion is dependent on deep breaths that allow the respiratory
place the client? muscles to increase the longitudinal and anterior-posterior size of the thoracic cage.
Sitting upright and leaning forward with the arms supported on an over the bed
A.High Fowler's position without a pillow behind the head table (D) allows the thoracic cage to expand in all four directions and reduces
B.Semi-Fowler's position with a single pillow behind the dyspnea. A high Fowler's position does not allow maximum expansion of the
head posterior lobes of the lungs (A). A semi-Fowler's position restricts expansion of the
C.Right side-lying position with the head of the bed anterior-posterior diameter of the thoracic cage (B). Positioning a client on the right
elevated 45 degrees side with the head of the bed elevated (C) does not facilitate lung expansion.
D.Sitting upright and forward with both arms supported on
an over the bed table
A client with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is taking 25 C
mg of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) PO and 40 mg of The client has a normalized potassium level despite diuretic use (C). The kidney
furosemide (Lasix) PO daily. Today, at a routine clinic visit, automatically secretes 90% of potassium consumed, but in chronic renal
the client's serum potassium level is 4 mEq/L. What is the insufficiency (CRI), less potassium is excreted than normal. Therefore, the two
most likely cause of this client's potassium level? potassium-wasting drugs, a thiazide diuretic and loop diuretic, are not likely to affect
potassium levels. The normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L, and with a
A.The client is noncompliant with his medications. potassium level of 4 mEq/L, there is no reason to believe that the client is
B.The client recently consumed large quantities of pears or noncompliant with his treatment (A). Pears and nuts do not affect the serum
nuts. potassium level (B). There is no need for a potassium supplement (D) because the
C.The client's renal function has affected his potassium client's potassium level is within the normal range.
level.
D.The client needs to be started on a potassium
supplement.
A registered nurse (RN) delivers telehealth services to C
clients via electronic communication. Which nursing action Sending medical records over the Internet, even with the latest security protection,
creates the greatest risk for professional liability and has creates the greatest risk for liability because of the high potential of breaching client
the potential for a malpractice lawsuit? confidentiality and the amount of information being transferred (C). Client
confidentiality is protected by federal wiretapping laws making telephone
A.Participating in telephone consultations with clients consultation (A) a private and protected form of communication. By stating one's
B.Identifying oneself by name and title to clients in name and credentials in telehealth communication (B), one is taking responsibility
telehealth communications for the encounter. E-mail initiated by the client (D) poses less risk than sending
C.Sending medical records to health care providers via the records via the Internet.
Internet
D.Answering a client-initiated health question via electronic
, Which pathophysiologic response supports the D
contraindication for opioids, such as morphine, in clients The greatest risk associated with opioids such as morphine (D) is respiratory
with increased intracranial pressure (ICP)? depression that causes an increase in Pco2, which increases ICP and masks the
early signs of intracranial bleeding in head injury. (A, B, and C) do not support the
A.Sedation produced by opioids is a result of a prolonged risks associated with opioid use in a client with increased ICP.
half-life when the ICP is elevated.
B.Higher doses of opioids are required when cerebral
blood flow is reduced by an elevated ICP.
C.Dysphoria from opioids contributes to altered levels of
consciousness with an elevated ICP.
D.Opioids suppress respirations, which increases Pco2
and contributes to an elevated ICP.
The charge nurse of a medical surgical unit is alerted to an D
impending disaster requiring implementation of the When faced with an impending disaster, hospital personnel may be alerted but
hospital's disaster plan. Specific facts about the nature of should continue with current client care assignments until further instructions are
this disaster are not yet known. Which instruction should received (D). Evacuation is typically a response of last resort that begins with clients
the charge nurse give to the other staff members at this who are most able to ambulate (A). (B) is premature and is likely to increase the
time? chaos if incoming casualties are anticipated. (C) is poor utilization of personnel.
A.Prepare to evacuate the unit, starting with the bedridden
clients.
B.UAPs should report to the emergency center to handle
transports.
C.The licensed staff should begin counting wheelchairs
and IV poles on the unit.
D.Continue with current assignments until more
instructions are received.
The nurse assesses a client while the UAP measures the D
client's vital signs. The client's vital signs change suddenly, Because the client's condition is worsening, the nurse should remain with the client
and the nurse determines that the client's condition is and continue the assessment while calling for help from the charge nurse to
worsening. The nurse is unsure of the client's resuscitative determine the client's resuscitative status (D). (A and B) are tasks that must be
status and needs to check the client's medical record for completed by a nurse and cannot be delegated to the UAP. (C) is contraindicated.
any advanced directives. Which action should the nurse
implement?
A.Ask the UAP to check for the advanced directive while
the nurse completes the assessment.
B.Assign the UAP to complete the assessment while the
nurse checks for the advanced directive.
C.Check the medical record for the advanced directive and
then complete the client assessment.
D.Call for the charge nurse to check the advanced
directive while continuing to assess the client.
The nurse is preparing a client for surgery scheduled in 2 D
hours. A UAP is helping the nurse. Which task is important By using therapeutic techniques to offer support (D), the nurse can determine any
for the nurse to perform, rather than the UAP? client concerns that need to be addressed. (A, B, and C) are all actions that can be
performed by the UAP under the supervision of the nurse.
A.Remove the client's nail polish and dentures.
B.Assist the client to the restroom to void.
C.Obtain the client's height and weight.
D.Offer the client emotional support.
Until the census on the obstetrics (OB) unit increases, an C
unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who usually works in The charge nurse will be responsible for providing a report to the home care unit if
labor and delivery and the newborn nursery is assigned to the transfer occurs (A). The client is infected and an employee who works on an OB
work on the postoperative unit. Which client would be best unit should be assigned to clean cases in case the employee is required to return to
for the charge nurse to assign to this UAP? the OB unit (B). This requires the skills of a registered nurse (RN) to do discharge
teaching and provide emotional support (D). This may require skills beyond the level
A.An adolescent who was readmitted to the hospital of this UAP.
because of a postoperative infection
B.A woman with a new colostomy who requires discharge
teaching
C.A woman who had a hip replacement and may be
transferred to the home care unit
D.A man who had a cholecystectomy and currently has a
nasogastric tube set to intermittent suction
