PN HESI EXIT EXAM V1 2026 ACTUAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS BUNDLE (GRADED A+)
This premium study bundle delivers Next-Generation
NCLEX (NGN) style multiple-choice questions
specifically engineered for the 2026 PN HESI Exit
Exam V1. Each high-yield question features a verified
correct answer paired with a detailed, bold-italicized
rationalization framework to maximize active
learning and conceptual mastery. Ideal for nursing
students aiming for a top tier grade, this guide
targets critical clinical judgment criteria across
pharmacology, pediatrics, and medical-surgical
nursing.
1. Pediatric Airway Management
A nurse is caring for an infant diagnosed with acute
laryngotracheobronchitis (croup). Which of the
following clinical manifestations represents the most
critical sign of progressive airway obstruction?
,A) Barking cough
B) Inspiratory stridor at rest
C) Low-grade fever
D) Intermittent crying
Correct Answer: B) Inspiratory stridor at rest
Rationale: Inspiratory stridor heard while the infant
is at rest indicates significant narrowing of the
larynx and trachea, signaling an emergency that
requires immediate medical intervention. A barking
cough and low-grade fever are expected clinical
findings of croup, whereas stridor at rest points
directly to progressive, life-threatening airway
compromise.
2. Cardiovascular Assessment
The nurse prepares to administer a scheduled dose
of digoxin (0.25 mg PO) to an adult client with heart
failure. Which baseline assessment must the nurse
perform prior to administration?
A) Count the radial pulse for 30 seconds
B) Check the client’s blood pressure in both arms
C) Count the apical pulse for 60 seconds
D) Assess the client's deep tendon reflexes
,Correct Answer: C) Count the apical pulse for 60
seconds
Rationale: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that exerts
a negative chronotropic effect, slowing the heart
rate. The nurse must assess the apical pulse for one
full minute prior to administration and withhold the
medication if the heart rate falls below 60 beats per
minute in an adult, preventing severe bradycardia.
3. Obstetric Complications
A client at 34 weeks of gestation presents to the
labor and delivery unit reporting sudden, severe,
continuous abdominal pain accompanied by dark red
vaginal bleeding. The nurse notes that the client’s
abdomen feels rigid and board-like upon palpation.
Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A) Placenta previa
B) Abruptio placentae
C) Uterine atony
D) Cervical incompetence
Correct Answer: B) Abruptio placentae
Rationale: Abruptio placentae is characterized by
premature separation of the placenta from the
, uterine wall, causing classic symptoms of sudden,
severe abdominal pain, a rigid or board-like
abdomen, and dark red vaginal bleeding. In contrast,
placenta previa presents as painless, bright red
vaginal bleeding.
4. Pharmacology: Electrolyte Imbalance
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client
receiving furosemide (40 mg daily). The client’s
serum potassium level is 2.9 mEq/L. Which food item
should the nurse encourage the client to incorporate
into their daily diet?
A) White bread
B) Baked potato with skin
C) Grilled chicken breast
D) White rice
Correct Answer: B) Baked potato with skin
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L
indicates severe hypokalemia (normal range: 3.5 to
5.0 mEq/L). Furosemide is a potassium-wasting loop
diuretic. Baked potatoes with skin are exceptionally
high in potassium and will help restore normal serum
levels alongside prescribed medical supplements.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS BUNDLE (GRADED A+)
This premium study bundle delivers Next-Generation
NCLEX (NGN) style multiple-choice questions
specifically engineered for the 2026 PN HESI Exit
Exam V1. Each high-yield question features a verified
correct answer paired with a detailed, bold-italicized
rationalization framework to maximize active
learning and conceptual mastery. Ideal for nursing
students aiming for a top tier grade, this guide
targets critical clinical judgment criteria across
pharmacology, pediatrics, and medical-surgical
nursing.
1. Pediatric Airway Management
A nurse is caring for an infant diagnosed with acute
laryngotracheobronchitis (croup). Which of the
following clinical manifestations represents the most
critical sign of progressive airway obstruction?
,A) Barking cough
B) Inspiratory stridor at rest
C) Low-grade fever
D) Intermittent crying
Correct Answer: B) Inspiratory stridor at rest
Rationale: Inspiratory stridor heard while the infant
is at rest indicates significant narrowing of the
larynx and trachea, signaling an emergency that
requires immediate medical intervention. A barking
cough and low-grade fever are expected clinical
findings of croup, whereas stridor at rest points
directly to progressive, life-threatening airway
compromise.
2. Cardiovascular Assessment
The nurse prepares to administer a scheduled dose
of digoxin (0.25 mg PO) to an adult client with heart
failure. Which baseline assessment must the nurse
perform prior to administration?
A) Count the radial pulse for 30 seconds
B) Check the client’s blood pressure in both arms
C) Count the apical pulse for 60 seconds
D) Assess the client's deep tendon reflexes
,Correct Answer: C) Count the apical pulse for 60
seconds
Rationale: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that exerts
a negative chronotropic effect, slowing the heart
rate. The nurse must assess the apical pulse for one
full minute prior to administration and withhold the
medication if the heart rate falls below 60 beats per
minute in an adult, preventing severe bradycardia.
3. Obstetric Complications
A client at 34 weeks of gestation presents to the
labor and delivery unit reporting sudden, severe,
continuous abdominal pain accompanied by dark red
vaginal bleeding. The nurse notes that the client’s
abdomen feels rigid and board-like upon palpation.
Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A) Placenta previa
B) Abruptio placentae
C) Uterine atony
D) Cervical incompetence
Correct Answer: B) Abruptio placentae
Rationale: Abruptio placentae is characterized by
premature separation of the placenta from the
, uterine wall, causing classic symptoms of sudden,
severe abdominal pain, a rigid or board-like
abdomen, and dark red vaginal bleeding. In contrast,
placenta previa presents as painless, bright red
vaginal bleeding.
4. Pharmacology: Electrolyte Imbalance
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client
receiving furosemide (40 mg daily). The client’s
serum potassium level is 2.9 mEq/L. Which food item
should the nurse encourage the client to incorporate
into their daily diet?
A) White bread
B) Baked potato with skin
C) Grilled chicken breast
D) White rice
Correct Answer: B) Baked potato with skin
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L
indicates severe hypokalemia (normal range: 3.5 to
5.0 mEq/L). Furosemide is a potassium-wasting loop
diuretic. Baked potatoes with skin are exceptionally
high in potassium and will help restore normal serum
levels alongside prescribed medical supplements.
