PN HESI EXIT EXAM PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A client with a history of heart failure is prescribed Furosemide. Which laboratory value
should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Sodium
C. Blood Urea Nitrogen
D. Serum Creatinine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of
potassium. Hypokalemia is a significant risk, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus who is diaphoretic and
complaining of shakiness. What is the priority action?
A. Administer 15g of rapid-acting carbohydrates
B. Check the client’s blood glucose level
C. Administer the scheduled dose of insulin
,D. Call the healthcare provider immediately
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process. The nurse
must confirm hypoglycemia before initiating treatment.
3. A client is admitted with suspected appendicitis. Which assessment finding should the
nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Rebound tenderness at McBurney’s point
B. Sudden relief of abdominal pain
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Low-grade fever
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Sudden relief of pain in appendicitis often indicates rupture,
which is a surgical emergency leading to peritonitis.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin to a client. The client’s apical pulse is 52 beats
per minute. What should the nurse do?
A. Hold the dose and notify the healthcare provider
B. Administer the medication as prescribed
C. Re-check the pulse in 30 minutes
D. Give half of the prescribed dose
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin should be withheld if the apical pulse is less than 60
bpm in adults to prevent bradycardia.
5. Which diet choice is most appropriate for a client with Celiac disease?
A. Whole wheat toast
B. Barley soup
C. Rye bread sandwich
D. Grilled chicken with steamed rice
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Celiac disease requires a gluten-free diet. Wheat, rye, and barley
contain gluten; rice and chicken do not.
6. The nurse is monitoring a client receiving Magnesium Sulfate for preeclampsia. Which
finding indicates toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
B. Presence of deep tendon reflexes
C. Increased urine output
D. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
Answer: A
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A client with a history of heart failure is prescribed Furosemide. Which laboratory value
should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Sodium
C. Blood Urea Nitrogen
D. Serum Creatinine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of
potassium. Hypokalemia is a significant risk, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus who is diaphoretic and
complaining of shakiness. What is the priority action?
A. Administer 15g of rapid-acting carbohydrates
B. Check the client’s blood glucose level
C. Administer the scheduled dose of insulin
,D. Call the healthcare provider immediately
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process. The nurse
must confirm hypoglycemia before initiating treatment.
3. A client is admitted with suspected appendicitis. Which assessment finding should the
nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Rebound tenderness at McBurney’s point
B. Sudden relief of abdominal pain
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Low-grade fever
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Sudden relief of pain in appendicitis often indicates rupture,
which is a surgical emergency leading to peritonitis.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin to a client. The client’s apical pulse is 52 beats
per minute. What should the nurse do?
A. Hold the dose and notify the healthcare provider
B. Administer the medication as prescribed
C. Re-check the pulse in 30 minutes
D. Give half of the prescribed dose
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin should be withheld if the apical pulse is less than 60
bpm in adults to prevent bradycardia.
5. Which diet choice is most appropriate for a client with Celiac disease?
A. Whole wheat toast
B. Barley soup
C. Rye bread sandwich
D. Grilled chicken with steamed rice
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Celiac disease requires a gluten-free diet. Wheat, rye, and barley
contain gluten; rice and chicken do not.
6. The nurse is monitoring a client receiving Magnesium Sulfate for preeclampsia. Which
finding indicates toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
B. Presence of deep tendon reflexes
C. Increased urine output
D. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
Answer: A
