HESI LPN-ADN ENTRANCE EXAM
Practice Questions with Rationales for
RN Role Transition
## SECTION 1: ROLE TRANSITION – LPN TO RN (Questions 1-25)
**1. Which task represents a key difference between LPN and RN scope
of practice?**
A. Measuring a client's blood pressure
B. Administering oral medications
C. Developing the initial nursing care plan
D. Performing sterile wound care
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** RNs are responsible for developing the initial nursing
care plan, performing comprehensive assessments, and establishing
,nursing diagnoses. LPNs contribute to data collection and implement
care plans but do not independently develop the initial plan.
---
**2. An LPN transitioning to an RN role is assigned to supervise a new
LPN. Which action demonstrates appropriate delegation?**
A. Assigning the LPN to complete the admission assessment on a stable
client
B. Asking the LPN to administer IV push medications without additional
training
C. Directing the LPN to reinforce teaching previously provided by the
RN
D. Requesting the LPN to develop the discharge teaching plan
independently
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** LPNs can reinforce teaching that was initiated by the
RN. Admission assessments, IV push medications (in many states), and
developing discharge plans require RN-level assessment and judgment.
---
,**3. The RN is supervising an LPN caring for a client with a new
tracheostomy. Which action by the LPN requires the RN to
intervene?**
A. Suctioning the tracheostomy using sterile technique
B. Assessing the tracheostomy stoma for redness and drainage
C. Changing the tracheostomy inner cannula
D. Notifying the provider of increased respiratory distress
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Assessment (evaluating stoma for redness/drainage)
requires RN-level nursing judgment to interpret findings and determine
appropriate interventions. LPNs can perform tracheostomy care tasks
and notify providers of changes but should not independently assess.
---
**4. An RN is delegating tasks to an LPN on a medical-surgical unit.
Which task is most appropriate to delegate?**
A. Initial assessment of a newly admitted client with pneumonia
B. Evaluation of a client's response to pain medication
C. Administration of a routine insulin injection to a stable diabetic client
D. Teaching a client about insulin self-administration
, **Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** LPNs can administer routine medications to stable
clients with predictable outcomes. Initial assessment, evaluation, and
teaching require RN-level education and scope of practice.
---
**5. An LPN has completed an RN transition program. Which statement
indicates understanding of the expanded RN role?**
A. "As an RN, I will continue to work under the direct supervision of a
physician."
B. "I can now independently perform comprehensive health
assessments and diagnose nursing problems."
C. "My practice will be identical to the LPN role but with higher pay."
D. "I will delegate all client teaching to the LPNs on my team."
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** RNs are educated to perform comprehensive
assessments, establish nursing diagnoses, and develop care plans
independently. RNs do not work under direct physician supervision;
they practice within their independent nursing scope.
Practice Questions with Rationales for
RN Role Transition
## SECTION 1: ROLE TRANSITION – LPN TO RN (Questions 1-25)
**1. Which task represents a key difference between LPN and RN scope
of practice?**
A. Measuring a client's blood pressure
B. Administering oral medications
C. Developing the initial nursing care plan
D. Performing sterile wound care
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** RNs are responsible for developing the initial nursing
care plan, performing comprehensive assessments, and establishing
,nursing diagnoses. LPNs contribute to data collection and implement
care plans but do not independently develop the initial plan.
---
**2. An LPN transitioning to an RN role is assigned to supervise a new
LPN. Which action demonstrates appropriate delegation?**
A. Assigning the LPN to complete the admission assessment on a stable
client
B. Asking the LPN to administer IV push medications without additional
training
C. Directing the LPN to reinforce teaching previously provided by the
RN
D. Requesting the LPN to develop the discharge teaching plan
independently
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** LPNs can reinforce teaching that was initiated by the
RN. Admission assessments, IV push medications (in many states), and
developing discharge plans require RN-level assessment and judgment.
---
,**3. The RN is supervising an LPN caring for a client with a new
tracheostomy. Which action by the LPN requires the RN to
intervene?**
A. Suctioning the tracheostomy using sterile technique
B. Assessing the tracheostomy stoma for redness and drainage
C. Changing the tracheostomy inner cannula
D. Notifying the provider of increased respiratory distress
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Assessment (evaluating stoma for redness/drainage)
requires RN-level nursing judgment to interpret findings and determine
appropriate interventions. LPNs can perform tracheostomy care tasks
and notify providers of changes but should not independently assess.
---
**4. An RN is delegating tasks to an LPN on a medical-surgical unit.
Which task is most appropriate to delegate?**
A. Initial assessment of a newly admitted client with pneumonia
B. Evaluation of a client's response to pain medication
C. Administration of a routine insulin injection to a stable diabetic client
D. Teaching a client about insulin self-administration
, **Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** LPNs can administer routine medications to stable
clients with predictable outcomes. Initial assessment, evaluation, and
teaching require RN-level education and scope of practice.
---
**5. An LPN has completed an RN transition program. Which statement
indicates understanding of the expanded RN role?**
A. "As an RN, I will continue to work under the direct supervision of a
physician."
B. "I can now independently perform comprehensive health
assessments and diagnose nursing problems."
C. "My practice will be identical to the LPN role but with higher pay."
D. "I will delegate all client teaching to the LPNs on my team."
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** RNs are educated to perform comprehensive
assessments, establish nursing diagnoses, and develop care plans
independently. RNs do not work under direct physician supervision;
they practice within their independent nursing scope.
