HESI PN Exit Exam 2026 V1–V5 Verified Examplify Pack
Complete Actual Exam Questions
Exam Title: HESI PN Exit Exam 2026 - Comprehensive
Verification Pack (Versions 1–5)
Version: 2026 Verified Examplify Solutions
Total Questions: 100
Time Allotted: 3 Hours
Instructions: This exam consists of multiple-choice questions designed to simulate the HESI PN Exit
Exam. Each question includes four options, the correct answer, and a rationale in italics for
comprehensive review. Select the single best answer for each question.
1. A practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client who is receiving a blood transfusion. Which of the
following findings should the nurse report immediately?
A. Temperature 99.2°F
B. Urticaria and itching
C. Blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg
D. Heart rate 88/min
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Urticaria and itching are signs of an allergic transfusion reaction, which requires
immediate intervention. The transfusion should be stopped, and the provider notified. A low-
grade fever may be a febrile reaction but is less urgent. Blood pressure and heart rate are within
normal limits.
2. A PN is reinforcing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A. "Take this medication at bedtime."
B. "Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods."
C. "Avoid drinking water while taking this medication."
D. "Take this medication with a high-protein meal."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia. Clients should increase
intake of potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, and potatoes. It should be taken in the
morning to avoid nocturia. Fluid intake should not be restricted unless prescribed.
,3. A PN is caring for a client who is post-operative following a colon resection. Which of the following
findings indicates a potential complication?
A. Serosanguineous drainage on the dressing
B. Temperature 100.4°F
C. Absent bowel sounds
D. Pain at the incision site
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Absent bowel sounds after colon resection may indicate paralytic ileus, a common
complication. Serosanguineous drainage is expected. A low-grade fever may occur. Pain is
expected.
4. A PN is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an adult client. Which of the following
sites is preferred?
A. Deltoid
B. Ventrogluteal
C. Vastus lateralis
D. Dorsogluteal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is preferred for IM injections in adults because it is free of
major nerves and blood vessels. The deltoid is used for smaller volumes. The vastus lateralis is
preferred for infants. The dorsogluteal site is avoided due to risk of sciatic nerve injury.
5. A PN is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Weight loss
B. Polyuria
C. Ketonuria
D. Hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Polyuria is a classic symptom of diabetes mellitus due to osmotic diuresis from
hyperglycemia. Weight loss and ketonuria are more common in type 1 diabetes. Hypoglycemia
is not a presenting symptom.
6. A PN is reinforcing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates understanding?
A. "I will increase my intake of green leafy vegetables."
B. "I will use a soft toothbrush and electric razor."
C. "I will take aspirin for headaches."
D. "I will stop taking this medication if I feel better."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin increases bleeding risk. Clients should use soft toothbrushes and electric
razors to prevent bleeding. Green leafy vegetables contain vitamin K, which antagonizes
, warfarin; intake should be consistent. Aspirin increases bleeding risk. Warfarin should not be
stopped abruptly.
7. A PN is caring for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which of the
following findings indicates magnesium toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate 16/min
B. Deep tendon reflexes 2+
C. Urine output 50 mL/hr
D. Loss of deep tendon reflexes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Magnesium toxicity is characterized by loss of deep tendon reflexes, respiratory
depression, and decreased urine output. A respiratory rate of 16, reflexes of 2+, and urine
output of 50 mL/hr are normal.
8. A PN is caring for a newborn immediately after delivery. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take first?
A. Dry the newborn and place it under a radiant warmer.
B. Obtain a heel stick for blood glucose.
C. Administer vitamin K injection.
D. Perform a complete physical assessment.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority after delivery is to maintain the newborn's airway and thermoregulation.
Drying the newborn and placing it under a radiant warmer prevents heat loss.
9. A PN is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for lithium carbonate.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a contraindication?
A. History of hypertension
B. Severe renal impairment
C. History of migraine headaches
D. Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lithium is excreted by the kidneys, and severe renal impairment can lead to lithium
toxicity. It is contraindicated in clients with severe renal disease.
10. A PN is caring for a client who has a cast on the right arm. Which of the following findings should
the nurse report immediately?
A. Capillary refill of 2 seconds
B. Complaints of itching under the cast
C. Pallor and coolness of the fingers
D. Swelling of the fingers that decreases with elevation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pallor and coolness of the fingers indicate impaired circulation, possibly due to
compartment syndrome or cast tightness. This is an emergency.
Complete Actual Exam Questions
Exam Title: HESI PN Exit Exam 2026 - Comprehensive
Verification Pack (Versions 1–5)
Version: 2026 Verified Examplify Solutions
Total Questions: 100
Time Allotted: 3 Hours
Instructions: This exam consists of multiple-choice questions designed to simulate the HESI PN Exit
Exam. Each question includes four options, the correct answer, and a rationale in italics for
comprehensive review. Select the single best answer for each question.
1. A practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client who is receiving a blood transfusion. Which of the
following findings should the nurse report immediately?
A. Temperature 99.2°F
B. Urticaria and itching
C. Blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg
D. Heart rate 88/min
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Urticaria and itching are signs of an allergic transfusion reaction, which requires
immediate intervention. The transfusion should be stopped, and the provider notified. A low-
grade fever may be a febrile reaction but is less urgent. Blood pressure and heart rate are within
normal limits.
2. A PN is reinforcing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A. "Take this medication at bedtime."
B. "Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods."
C. "Avoid drinking water while taking this medication."
D. "Take this medication with a high-protein meal."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia. Clients should increase
intake of potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, and potatoes. It should be taken in the
morning to avoid nocturia. Fluid intake should not be restricted unless prescribed.
,3. A PN is caring for a client who is post-operative following a colon resection. Which of the following
findings indicates a potential complication?
A. Serosanguineous drainage on the dressing
B. Temperature 100.4°F
C. Absent bowel sounds
D. Pain at the incision site
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Absent bowel sounds after colon resection may indicate paralytic ileus, a common
complication. Serosanguineous drainage is expected. A low-grade fever may occur. Pain is
expected.
4. A PN is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an adult client. Which of the following
sites is preferred?
A. Deltoid
B. Ventrogluteal
C. Vastus lateralis
D. Dorsogluteal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is preferred for IM injections in adults because it is free of
major nerves and blood vessels. The deltoid is used for smaller volumes. The vastus lateralis is
preferred for infants. The dorsogluteal site is avoided due to risk of sciatic nerve injury.
5. A PN is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Weight loss
B. Polyuria
C. Ketonuria
D. Hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Polyuria is a classic symptom of diabetes mellitus due to osmotic diuresis from
hyperglycemia. Weight loss and ketonuria are more common in type 1 diabetes. Hypoglycemia
is not a presenting symptom.
6. A PN is reinforcing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates understanding?
A. "I will increase my intake of green leafy vegetables."
B. "I will use a soft toothbrush and electric razor."
C. "I will take aspirin for headaches."
D. "I will stop taking this medication if I feel better."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin increases bleeding risk. Clients should use soft toothbrushes and electric
razors to prevent bleeding. Green leafy vegetables contain vitamin K, which antagonizes
, warfarin; intake should be consistent. Aspirin increases bleeding risk. Warfarin should not be
stopped abruptly.
7. A PN is caring for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which of the
following findings indicates magnesium toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate 16/min
B. Deep tendon reflexes 2+
C. Urine output 50 mL/hr
D. Loss of deep tendon reflexes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Magnesium toxicity is characterized by loss of deep tendon reflexes, respiratory
depression, and decreased urine output. A respiratory rate of 16, reflexes of 2+, and urine
output of 50 mL/hr are normal.
8. A PN is caring for a newborn immediately after delivery. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take first?
A. Dry the newborn and place it under a radiant warmer.
B. Obtain a heel stick for blood glucose.
C. Administer vitamin K injection.
D. Perform a complete physical assessment.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority after delivery is to maintain the newborn's airway and thermoregulation.
Drying the newborn and placing it under a radiant warmer prevents heat loss.
9. A PN is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for lithium carbonate.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a contraindication?
A. History of hypertension
B. Severe renal impairment
C. History of migraine headaches
D. Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lithium is excreted by the kidneys, and severe renal impairment can lead to lithium
toxicity. It is contraindicated in clients with severe renal disease.
10. A PN is caring for a client who has a cast on the right arm. Which of the following findings should
the nurse report immediately?
A. Capillary refill of 2 seconds
B. Complaints of itching under the cast
C. Pallor and coolness of the fingers
D. Swelling of the fingers that decreases with elevation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pallor and coolness of the fingers indicate impaired circulation, possibly due to
compartment syndrome or cast tightness. This is an emergency.
