HESI PN EXIT EXAM COMPREHENSIVE
PRACTICE 2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking digoxin 0.25 mg daily. The client’s potassium
level is 3.2 mEq/L. Which of the following should the nurse anticipate?
A. Decreased risk of digoxin toxicity
B. Need for an immediate dose of atropine
C. Development of hyperkalemia
D. Increased risk of digoxin toxicity
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L) increases the
sensitivity of the myocardium to digoxin, thereby increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.
2. A client is 12 hours post-thyroidectomy. The nurse notes the client has muscle twitching
and a positive Chvostek’s sign. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer?
A. Potassium chloride
B. Magnesium sulfate
,C. Sodium bicarbonate
D. Calcium gluconate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Muscle twitching and a positive Chvostek’s sign are indicators of
hypocalcemia, a common complication after thyroidectomy due to accidental parathyroid
gland removal.
3. Which task is most appropriate for the Practical Nurse (PN) to delegate to an Unlicensed
Assistive Personnel (UAP)?
A. Assisting a stable client with a bed bath
B. Evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication
C. Providing discharge teaching to a client with diabetes
D. Performing a sterile dressing change
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: UAPs can perform ADLs like bathing for stable clients.
Evaluation and teaching are nursing responsibilities that cannot be delegated.
4. A client with Celiac disease is selecting menu items. Which choice indicates the client
understands the diet?
A. Whole wheat toast
B. Rye crackers with cheese
, C. Spaghetti and meatballs
D. Baked chicken with steamed rice
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Celiac disease requires a gluten-free diet. Wheat, rye, and barley
contain gluten. Rice and chicken are naturally gluten-free.
5. A client is being treated for bipolar disorder with lithium carbonate. Which finding suggests
lithium toxicity?
A. Increased appetite
B. Coarse hand tremors and diarrhea
C. Mild thirst and polyuria
D. Hyperactivity and flight of ideas
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Coarse tremors, diarrhea, and vomiting are early signs of lithium
toxicity. Mild thirst and fine tremors are expected side effects.
6. A nurse is monitoring a client with left-sided heart failure. Which clinical manifestation
should the nurse expect to find?
A. Crackles in the lungs
B. Jugular venous distention
C. Peripheral edema
PRACTICE 2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking digoxin 0.25 mg daily. The client’s potassium
level is 3.2 mEq/L. Which of the following should the nurse anticipate?
A. Decreased risk of digoxin toxicity
B. Need for an immediate dose of atropine
C. Development of hyperkalemia
D. Increased risk of digoxin toxicity
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L) increases the
sensitivity of the myocardium to digoxin, thereby increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.
2. A client is 12 hours post-thyroidectomy. The nurse notes the client has muscle twitching
and a positive Chvostek’s sign. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer?
A. Potassium chloride
B. Magnesium sulfate
,C. Sodium bicarbonate
D. Calcium gluconate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Muscle twitching and a positive Chvostek’s sign are indicators of
hypocalcemia, a common complication after thyroidectomy due to accidental parathyroid
gland removal.
3. Which task is most appropriate for the Practical Nurse (PN) to delegate to an Unlicensed
Assistive Personnel (UAP)?
A. Assisting a stable client with a bed bath
B. Evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication
C. Providing discharge teaching to a client with diabetes
D. Performing a sterile dressing change
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: UAPs can perform ADLs like bathing for stable clients.
Evaluation and teaching are nursing responsibilities that cannot be delegated.
4. A client with Celiac disease is selecting menu items. Which choice indicates the client
understands the diet?
A. Whole wheat toast
B. Rye crackers with cheese
, C. Spaghetti and meatballs
D. Baked chicken with steamed rice
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Celiac disease requires a gluten-free diet. Wheat, rye, and barley
contain gluten. Rice and chicken are naturally gluten-free.
5. A client is being treated for bipolar disorder with lithium carbonate. Which finding suggests
lithium toxicity?
A. Increased appetite
B. Coarse hand tremors and diarrhea
C. Mild thirst and polyuria
D. Hyperactivity and flight of ideas
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Coarse tremors, diarrhea, and vomiting are early signs of lithium
toxicity. Mild thirst and fine tremors are expected side effects.
6. A nurse is monitoring a client with left-sided heart failure. Which clinical manifestation
should the nurse expect to find?
A. Crackles in the lungs
B. Jugular venous distention
C. Peripheral edema
