HESI PN EXIT EXAM (V1) - ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 |
NGN-STYLE | EXPERT VERIFIED | 75 VERIFIED Q&A |
DETAILED RATIONALES | PASS GUARANTEED - A+
GRADED
QUESTION 1
The practical nurse enters a male client's room to administer routine morning medications, but the client is on
the phone. Which action is best for the PN to take?
A. Ask another nurse to go back with the medication when the client's phone call ends
B. Wait for the client to excuse himself from the telephone conversation and observe the client taking
the medication
C. Return the medication to the client's drawer on the medication cart and document the client refused the
dose
D. Leave the medication with the client and let him take it when he finishes the conversation
Rationale: Medication administration requires verification of the "five rights," including observing the client
actually take the medication for safety and documentation. Interrupting a phone call can be disrespectful, but
it is important to wait until the client is free to safely administer meds. Leaving meds unattended or
documenting refusal without client's consent violates safety protocols.
QUESTION 2
A client is admitted to the postoperative surgical unit with two chest tubes after a left lobectomy. The PN
observes that the chest tube system is set at a suction of 20 cm water pressure, with tidaling during
respirations and bubbling present. What action should the PN take?
A. Clamp the chest tube to see if the activity stops
B. Notify the registered nurse of a malfunction
C. Maintain system integrity to promote lung reexpansion
D. Apply a partially occlusive dressing to the chest insertion site
Rationale: Tidaling (fluctuations with respirations) and bubbling in the suction chamber are normal findings
indicating proper function. Maintaining a closed and intact system ensures continued lung reexpansion and
prevents complications such as pneumothorax. Clamping is contraindicated due to risk of tension
pneumothorax.
QUESTION 3
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A mother calls the clinic about her 9-month-old child diagnosed with RSV yesterday. She asks if it is okay to
take the baby to a friend's child's first birthday party tomorrow. What is the best response?
A. Do not expose other children as RSV is very contagious even without direct contact
B. The child will no longer be contagious and no precautions are needed
C. The child can be around other children but should wear a mask
D. Make sure no children under 5 months are near the infected child
Rationale: RSV is highly contagious and easily transmitted via respiratory droplet and indirect contact,
particularly in infants and young children. The virus can spread even before symptoms appear, so avoiding
exposure at group events helps control transmission.
QUESTION 4
A Korean female exchange student admitted with acute abdominal pain answers questions easily but looks
away when asked about sexual activity. What should the PN do?
A. Omit this section of the assessment
B. Ask if she would prefer an interpreter to ask this question
C. Reword the question in case the client did not understand
D. Observe the client's response when asked different questions
Rationale: Nonverbal cues may indicate cultural discomfort or embarrassment. Observing reactions to other
questions can help determine if discomfort is specific to sexual topics or if further cultural
sensitivity/intervention is needed. Forcing the question or omitting it prematurely may impair assessment
accuracy.
QUESTION 5
During the immediate postoperative period following total hip replacement surgery, which intervention is
most important?
A. Encourage the client to use a walker or cane when ambulating
B. Keep the client's hip aligned with knees abducted
C. Teach the client to sit on the side of the bed before standing
D. Monitor urinary flow via an indwelling catheter
Rationale: Maintaining proper hip alignment and abduction reduces risk of hip dislocation, a common and
serious complication post-hip replacement. Early ambulation and mobility aids are important but follow after
initial precautions.
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QUESTION 6
A client confides to the PN that he has been using herbal supplements instead of prescribed hypertension
medications. What is the PN's best initial response?
A. Ask the client's reasons for using herbal supplements instead of prescription drugs
B. Reinforce that the healthcare provider prescribed medications with a purpose
C. Have the client describe the complications of uncontrolled high blood pressure
D. Explain the risks of using herbs instead of prescribed medications
Rationale: Begin with open, nonjudgmental communication to understand the client's beliefs and
motivations, establishing trust before teaching. This patient-centered approach encourages collaboration in
care planning.
QUESTION 7
A disoriented resident in a long-term care facility has no ID band or picture. What is the best action for the
PN before administering medications?
A. Ask a regular staff member to confirm the resident's identity
B. Hold the medication until a family member arrives
C. Reorient the resident to name, place, and situation
D. Confirm the room and bed number match the medication record
Rationale: Confirming multiple identifiers, including room and bed number, per facility policy is essential to
ensure patient safety before medication administration. Reliance solely on staff or family confirmation risks
error.
QUESTION 8
An adult client weighing 150 pounds with 40% total body surface area burns has been admitted. Which
finding requires immediate reporting?
A. Poor appetite and refusal to eat
B. Systolic blood pressure of 102 mmHg
C. Painful moaning and crying
D. Urine output of 20 ml/hr
Rationale: Adequate urine output (>30 ml/hr) is a key indicator of adequate renal perfusion and fluid status
after burns. Output of 20 ml/hr signals hypovolemia/shock and requires immediate intervention.
QUESTION 9