2026 HESI PN EXIT EXAM V1 - V7 | EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS | (VERIFIED REVISED FULL EXAM)
1. The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube
connected to low intermittent suction. Which finding indicates the tube
is functioning properly?
A) The client complains of a sore throat.
B) The abdominal distension is relieved.
C) The drainage is bright red in color.
D) The client vomits 200 mL of yellow fluid.
Correct Answer: B - The abdominal distension is relieved.
Rationale: A functioning nasogastric tube connected to suction will
remove gastric secretions and air, thereby relieving abdominal
distension. Bright red drainage indicates bleeding, and vomiting
indicates the tube is likely obstructed or misplaced.
2. A client receiving digoxin daily has a serum potassium level of 3.0
mEq/L. Which action should the PN take first?
A) Administer the digoxin as scheduled.
B) Withhold the digoxin and notify the charge nurse.
C) Give the client a potassium supplement.
D) Re-assess the client's vital signs.
Correct Answer: B - Withhold the digoxin and notify the charge nurse.
,Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. The PN
should withhold the medication and notify the registered nurse (RN) or
healthcare provider immediately.
3. The PN is assessing a client who is 2 days postoperative. The client
has not had a bowel movement since before surgery. Which
intervention should the PN implement first?
A) Administer a prescribed bisacodyl suppository.
B) Encourage the client to ambulate in the hallway.
C) Auscultate the client's bowel sounds in all four quadrants.
D) Instruct the client to drink 8 ounces of warm prune juice.
Correct Answer: C - Auscultate the client's bowel sounds in all four
quadrants.
Rationale: Before administering a laxative or implementing
interventions, the PN must assess the client's gastrointestinal status to
ensure bowel sounds are present and there is no ileus or obstruction.
4. Which of the following clients should the PN assess first?
A) A client with diabetes who has a fasting blood sugar of 110 mg/dL.
B) A client with a cast reporting a "hot spot" on the casted leg.
C) A client with pneumonia requiring oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal
cannula.
D) A client receiving IV fluids who has a slightly swollen IV site.
, Correct Answer: B - A client with a cast reporting a "hot spot" on the
casted leg.
Rationale: A "hot spot" on a cast can indicate an underlying infection or
pressure ulcer that could lead to osteomyelitis. This requires immediate
assessment and intervention.
5. A client is prescribed warfarin sodium. Which food should the PN
instruct the client to consume in consistent amounts?
A) Citrus fruits
B) Green, leafy vegetables
C) Dairy products
D) Whole grains
Correct Answer: B - Green, leafy vegetables
Rationale: Green, leafy vegetables are high in vitamin K, which
promotes blood clotting and antagonizes the effects of warfarin. Clients
do not need to avoid them, but they must maintain a consistent daily
intake.
6. The PN is caring for a client with heart failure. Which assessment
finding indicates the client is experiencing adverse effects of
furosemide?
A) Serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L
B) Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg
AND ANSWERS | (VERIFIED REVISED FULL EXAM)
1. The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube
connected to low intermittent suction. Which finding indicates the tube
is functioning properly?
A) The client complains of a sore throat.
B) The abdominal distension is relieved.
C) The drainage is bright red in color.
D) The client vomits 200 mL of yellow fluid.
Correct Answer: B - The abdominal distension is relieved.
Rationale: A functioning nasogastric tube connected to suction will
remove gastric secretions and air, thereby relieving abdominal
distension. Bright red drainage indicates bleeding, and vomiting
indicates the tube is likely obstructed or misplaced.
2. A client receiving digoxin daily has a serum potassium level of 3.0
mEq/L. Which action should the PN take first?
A) Administer the digoxin as scheduled.
B) Withhold the digoxin and notify the charge nurse.
C) Give the client a potassium supplement.
D) Re-assess the client's vital signs.
Correct Answer: B - Withhold the digoxin and notify the charge nurse.
,Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. The PN
should withhold the medication and notify the registered nurse (RN) or
healthcare provider immediately.
3. The PN is assessing a client who is 2 days postoperative. The client
has not had a bowel movement since before surgery. Which
intervention should the PN implement first?
A) Administer a prescribed bisacodyl suppository.
B) Encourage the client to ambulate in the hallway.
C) Auscultate the client's bowel sounds in all four quadrants.
D) Instruct the client to drink 8 ounces of warm prune juice.
Correct Answer: C - Auscultate the client's bowel sounds in all four
quadrants.
Rationale: Before administering a laxative or implementing
interventions, the PN must assess the client's gastrointestinal status to
ensure bowel sounds are present and there is no ileus or obstruction.
4. Which of the following clients should the PN assess first?
A) A client with diabetes who has a fasting blood sugar of 110 mg/dL.
B) A client with a cast reporting a "hot spot" on the casted leg.
C) A client with pneumonia requiring oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal
cannula.
D) A client receiving IV fluids who has a slightly swollen IV site.
, Correct Answer: B - A client with a cast reporting a "hot spot" on the
casted leg.
Rationale: A "hot spot" on a cast can indicate an underlying infection or
pressure ulcer that could lead to osteomyelitis. This requires immediate
assessment and intervention.
5. A client is prescribed warfarin sodium. Which food should the PN
instruct the client to consume in consistent amounts?
A) Citrus fruits
B) Green, leafy vegetables
C) Dairy products
D) Whole grains
Correct Answer: B - Green, leafy vegetables
Rationale: Green, leafy vegetables are high in vitamin K, which
promotes blood clotting and antagonizes the effects of warfarin. Clients
do not need to avoid them, but they must maintain a consistent daily
intake.
6. The PN is caring for a client with heart failure. Which assessment
finding indicates the client is experiencing adverse effects of
furosemide?
A) Serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L
B) Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg
