PN HESI EXIT EXAM TEST BANK
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT - EXAM
PN HESI EXIT EXAM TEST BANK 2026/2027
Practical Nursing Exit Examination Coverage
A+ Verified Edition: 2026/2027 Passing Score: 75%
COVER PAGE - 1
,PN HESI EXIT EXAM TEST BANK 2026/2027 Page 2
SECTIONS COVERED
1. Fundamentals of Nursing (50 questions)
2. Medical-Surgical Nursing (70 questions)
3. Pharmacology (50 questions)
4. Maternal-Newborn Nursing (50 questions)
5. Pediatric Nursing (50 questions)
6. Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (50 questions)
7. Leadership, Management, and Community (40 questions)
8. Priority, Safety, and Critical Thinking (40 questions)
EXAM INFORMATION
This examination assesses comprehensive practical nursing knowledge required for exit competency.
Content spans fundamentals, medical-surgical, pharmacology, maternal-newborn, pediatrics, mental health,
leadership, and priority/safety decision making at the PN level.
Passing score: 75%. Each question is worth 1 mark. Select the single best answer.
1. Fundamentals of Nursing
Q1
A practical nurse is caring for a client who requires hand hygiene and infection control. The nurse reviews the plan of care and prepares to intervene.
What is the priority nursing action?
A. Implement the evidence-based nursing intervention and monitor the client's response
B. Delay the action until the end of the shift to complete other tasks first
C. Ask an unlicensed assistant to perform the skilled assessment independently
D. Document the finding without taking further action at this time
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The correct action follows the nursing process and prioritizes client safety using evidence-based practice. The incorrect options either delay necessary care, violate scope
of practice, or fail to address the clinical need.
Q2
During morning assessment, a PN notes findings related to vital signs interpretation. The client is stable but requires timely intervention. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Increase the frequency of vital signs without addressing the underlying issue
B. Notify the registered nurse and implement appropriate safety measures immediately
C. Continue with the current plan and reassess only if the client complains
D. Instruct the family to manage the situation without nursing involvement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Priority is given to interventions that protect the client from immediate harm. The other choices postpone action, ignore assessment findings, or inappropriately shift
responsibility.
Q3
A client on the unit needs assistance with pain assessment using a numeric scale. The practical nurse prioritizes safety and evidence-based practice.
What is the most appropriate next step?
A. Allow the client to refuse all assessment without documenting the refusal
B. Perform the procedure without explaining it to the client
C. Follow facility protocol and use standard precautions while performing the skill
D. Skip the verification steps to save time during a busy shift
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Safe nursing practice requires verification, proper technique, and communication. Skipping steps or failing to involve the client increases the risk of error and adverse
outcomes.
2026/2027 Official Exam PN HESI Exit
,PN HESI EXIT EXAM TEST BANK 2026/2027 Page 3
Q4
The charge nurse assigns a PN to manage intake and output measurement for an assigned client. After gathering data, the nurse must decide on the
best response. Which intervention is correct?
A. Complete all documentation before providing any direct client care
B. Focus only on psychosocial support and ignore physical findings
C. Delegate the entire assessment to a newly hired nursing assistant
D. Prioritize airway, breathing, and circulation before other interventions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Airway, breathing, and circulation take precedence in any clinical situation. Focusing solely on documentation or psychosocial issues while ignoring physical priorities is
incorrect.
Q5
A practical nurse receives report about a client needing sterile technique during dressing change. Laboratory values and vital signs are reviewed.
What should the nurse do next?
A. Provide accurate client education using teach-back to confirm understanding
B. Give the client written material only and leave without discussion
C. Tell the client to look up the information online after discharge
D. Avoid answering questions to prevent providing incorrect information
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Effective teaching uses interactive methods such as teach-back. Simply providing materials or avoiding discussion does not ensure the client understands essential
information.
Q6
While providing care, a PN identifies a need related to fall prevention strategies. The situation requires application of nursing knowledge. Which
action demonstrates correct judgment?
A. Document the finding without taking further action at this time
B. Implement the evidence-based nursing intervention and monitor the client's response
C. Delay the action until the end of the shift to complete other tasks first
D. Ask an unlicensed assistant to perform the skilled assessment independently
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The correct action follows the nursing process and prioritizes client safety using evidence-based practice. The incorrect options either delay necessary care, violate scope
of practice, or fail to address the clinical need.
Q7
A client asks the practical nurse questions about pressure injury staging. The nurse uses therapeutic communication and accurate teaching. What is
the best response?
A. Instruct the family to manage the situation without nursing involvement
B. Increase the frequency of vital signs without addressing the underlying issue
C. Notify the registered nurse and implement appropriate safety measures immediately
D. Continue with the current plan and reassess only if the client complains
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Priority is given to interventions that protect the client from immediate harm. The other choices postpone action, ignore assessment findings, or inappropriately shift
responsibility.
Q8
After evaluating a client, the PN determines that range-of-motion exercises is required. Collaboration with the registered nurse may be needed. What
is the priority action?
A. Skip the verification steps to save time during a busy shift
B. Allow the client to refuse all assessment without documenting the refusal
C. Perform the procedure without explaining it to the client
D. Follow facility protocol and use standard precautions while performing the skill
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Safe nursing practice requires verification, proper technique, and communication. Skipping steps or failing to involve the client increases the risk of error and adverse
outcomes.
2026/2027 Official Exam PN HESI Exit
, PN HESI EXIT EXAM TEST BANK 2026/2027 Page 4
Q9
A practical nurse is preparing to perform assistive device use with a walker. Safety checks and client verification are completed. Which step is most
important to include?
A. Prioritize airway, breathing, and circulation before other interventions
B. Complete all documentation before providing any direct client care
C. Focus only on psychosocial support and ignore physical findings
D. Delegate the entire assessment to a newly hired nursing assistant
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Airway, breathing, and circulation take precedence in any clinical situation. Focusing solely on documentation or psychosocial issues while ignoring physical priorities is
incorrect.
Q10
During a routine shift, a PN encounters a situation involving oxygen therapy safety. The nurse applies critical thinking to protect the client. What
should be done first?
A. Avoid answering questions to prevent providing incorrect information
B. Provide accurate client education using teach-back to confirm understanding
C. Give the client written material only and leave without discussion
D. Tell the client to look up the information online after discharge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Effective teaching uses interactive methods such as teach-back. Simply providing materials or avoiding discussion does not ensure the client understands essential
information.
Q11
A practical nurse is caring for a client who requires nasogastric tube placement verification. The nurse reviews the plan of care and prepares to
intervene. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Ask an unlicensed assistant to perform the skilled assessment independently
B. Document the finding without taking further action at this time
C. Implement the evidence-based nursing intervention and monitor the client's response
D. Delay the action until the end of the shift to complete other tasks first
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The correct action follows the nursing process and prioritizes client safety using evidence-based practice. The incorrect options either delay necessary care, violate scope
of practice, or fail to address the clinical need.
Q12
During morning assessment, a PN notes findings related to urinary catheter care. The client is stable but requires timely intervention. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Continue with the current plan and reassess only if the client complains
B. Instruct the family to manage the situation without nursing involvement
C. Increase the frequency of vital signs without addressing the underlying issue
D. Notify the registered nurse and implement appropriate safety measures immediately
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Priority is given to interventions that protect the client from immediate harm. The other choices postpone action, ignore assessment findings, or inappropriately shift
responsibility.
Q13
A client on the unit needs assistance with enteral feeding administration. The practical nurse prioritizes safety and evidence-based practice. What is
the most appropriate next step?
A. Follow facility protocol and use standard precautions while performing the skill
B. Skip the verification steps to save time during a busy shift
C. Allow the client to refuse all assessment without documenting the refusal
D. Perform the procedure without explaining it to the client
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Safe nursing practice requires verification, proper technique, and communication. Skipping steps or failing to involve the client increases the risk of error and adverse
outcomes.
2026/2027 Official Exam PN HESI Exit
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT - EXAM
PN HESI EXIT EXAM TEST BANK 2026/2027
Practical Nursing Exit Examination Coverage
A+ Verified Edition: 2026/2027 Passing Score: 75%
COVER PAGE - 1
,PN HESI EXIT EXAM TEST BANK 2026/2027 Page 2
SECTIONS COVERED
1. Fundamentals of Nursing (50 questions)
2. Medical-Surgical Nursing (70 questions)
3. Pharmacology (50 questions)
4. Maternal-Newborn Nursing (50 questions)
5. Pediatric Nursing (50 questions)
6. Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (50 questions)
7. Leadership, Management, and Community (40 questions)
8. Priority, Safety, and Critical Thinking (40 questions)
EXAM INFORMATION
This examination assesses comprehensive practical nursing knowledge required for exit competency.
Content spans fundamentals, medical-surgical, pharmacology, maternal-newborn, pediatrics, mental health,
leadership, and priority/safety decision making at the PN level.
Passing score: 75%. Each question is worth 1 mark. Select the single best answer.
1. Fundamentals of Nursing
Q1
A practical nurse is caring for a client who requires hand hygiene and infection control. The nurse reviews the plan of care and prepares to intervene.
What is the priority nursing action?
A. Implement the evidence-based nursing intervention and monitor the client's response
B. Delay the action until the end of the shift to complete other tasks first
C. Ask an unlicensed assistant to perform the skilled assessment independently
D. Document the finding without taking further action at this time
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The correct action follows the nursing process and prioritizes client safety using evidence-based practice. The incorrect options either delay necessary care, violate scope
of practice, or fail to address the clinical need.
Q2
During morning assessment, a PN notes findings related to vital signs interpretation. The client is stable but requires timely intervention. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Increase the frequency of vital signs without addressing the underlying issue
B. Notify the registered nurse and implement appropriate safety measures immediately
C. Continue with the current plan and reassess only if the client complains
D. Instruct the family to manage the situation without nursing involvement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Priority is given to interventions that protect the client from immediate harm. The other choices postpone action, ignore assessment findings, or inappropriately shift
responsibility.
Q3
A client on the unit needs assistance with pain assessment using a numeric scale. The practical nurse prioritizes safety and evidence-based practice.
What is the most appropriate next step?
A. Allow the client to refuse all assessment without documenting the refusal
B. Perform the procedure without explaining it to the client
C. Follow facility protocol and use standard precautions while performing the skill
D. Skip the verification steps to save time during a busy shift
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Safe nursing practice requires verification, proper technique, and communication. Skipping steps or failing to involve the client increases the risk of error and adverse
outcomes.
2026/2027 Official Exam PN HESI Exit
,PN HESI EXIT EXAM TEST BANK 2026/2027 Page 3
Q4
The charge nurse assigns a PN to manage intake and output measurement for an assigned client. After gathering data, the nurse must decide on the
best response. Which intervention is correct?
A. Complete all documentation before providing any direct client care
B. Focus only on psychosocial support and ignore physical findings
C. Delegate the entire assessment to a newly hired nursing assistant
D. Prioritize airway, breathing, and circulation before other interventions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Airway, breathing, and circulation take precedence in any clinical situation. Focusing solely on documentation or psychosocial issues while ignoring physical priorities is
incorrect.
Q5
A practical nurse receives report about a client needing sterile technique during dressing change. Laboratory values and vital signs are reviewed.
What should the nurse do next?
A. Provide accurate client education using teach-back to confirm understanding
B. Give the client written material only and leave without discussion
C. Tell the client to look up the information online after discharge
D. Avoid answering questions to prevent providing incorrect information
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Effective teaching uses interactive methods such as teach-back. Simply providing materials or avoiding discussion does not ensure the client understands essential
information.
Q6
While providing care, a PN identifies a need related to fall prevention strategies. The situation requires application of nursing knowledge. Which
action demonstrates correct judgment?
A. Document the finding without taking further action at this time
B. Implement the evidence-based nursing intervention and monitor the client's response
C. Delay the action until the end of the shift to complete other tasks first
D. Ask an unlicensed assistant to perform the skilled assessment independently
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The correct action follows the nursing process and prioritizes client safety using evidence-based practice. The incorrect options either delay necessary care, violate scope
of practice, or fail to address the clinical need.
Q7
A client asks the practical nurse questions about pressure injury staging. The nurse uses therapeutic communication and accurate teaching. What is
the best response?
A. Instruct the family to manage the situation without nursing involvement
B. Increase the frequency of vital signs without addressing the underlying issue
C. Notify the registered nurse and implement appropriate safety measures immediately
D. Continue with the current plan and reassess only if the client complains
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Priority is given to interventions that protect the client from immediate harm. The other choices postpone action, ignore assessment findings, or inappropriately shift
responsibility.
Q8
After evaluating a client, the PN determines that range-of-motion exercises is required. Collaboration with the registered nurse may be needed. What
is the priority action?
A. Skip the verification steps to save time during a busy shift
B. Allow the client to refuse all assessment without documenting the refusal
C. Perform the procedure without explaining it to the client
D. Follow facility protocol and use standard precautions while performing the skill
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Safe nursing practice requires verification, proper technique, and communication. Skipping steps or failing to involve the client increases the risk of error and adverse
outcomes.
2026/2027 Official Exam PN HESI Exit
, PN HESI EXIT EXAM TEST BANK 2026/2027 Page 4
Q9
A practical nurse is preparing to perform assistive device use with a walker. Safety checks and client verification are completed. Which step is most
important to include?
A. Prioritize airway, breathing, and circulation before other interventions
B. Complete all documentation before providing any direct client care
C. Focus only on psychosocial support and ignore physical findings
D. Delegate the entire assessment to a newly hired nursing assistant
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Airway, breathing, and circulation take precedence in any clinical situation. Focusing solely on documentation or psychosocial issues while ignoring physical priorities is
incorrect.
Q10
During a routine shift, a PN encounters a situation involving oxygen therapy safety. The nurse applies critical thinking to protect the client. What
should be done first?
A. Avoid answering questions to prevent providing incorrect information
B. Provide accurate client education using teach-back to confirm understanding
C. Give the client written material only and leave without discussion
D. Tell the client to look up the information online after discharge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Effective teaching uses interactive methods such as teach-back. Simply providing materials or avoiding discussion does not ensure the client understands essential
information.
Q11
A practical nurse is caring for a client who requires nasogastric tube placement verification. The nurse reviews the plan of care and prepares to
intervene. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Ask an unlicensed assistant to perform the skilled assessment independently
B. Document the finding without taking further action at this time
C. Implement the evidence-based nursing intervention and monitor the client's response
D. Delay the action until the end of the shift to complete other tasks first
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The correct action follows the nursing process and prioritizes client safety using evidence-based practice. The incorrect options either delay necessary care, violate scope
of practice, or fail to address the clinical need.
Q12
During morning assessment, a PN notes findings related to urinary catheter care. The client is stable but requires timely intervention. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Continue with the current plan and reassess only if the client complains
B. Instruct the family to manage the situation without nursing involvement
C. Increase the frequency of vital signs without addressing the underlying issue
D. Notify the registered nurse and implement appropriate safety measures immediately
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Priority is given to interventions that protect the client from immediate harm. The other choices postpone action, ignore assessment findings, or inappropriately shift
responsibility.
Q13
A client on the unit needs assistance with enteral feeding administration. The practical nurse prioritizes safety and evidence-based practice. What is
the most appropriate next step?
A. Follow facility protocol and use standard precautions while performing the skill
B. Skip the verification steps to save time during a busy shift
C. Allow the client to refuse all assessment without documenting the refusal
D. Perform the procedure without explaining it to the client
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Safe nursing practice requires verification, proper technique, and communication. Skipping steps or failing to involve the client increases the risk of error and adverse
outcomes.
2026/2027 Official Exam PN HESI Exit
