HESI PN Exit Exam
Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Style
Questions & Answers with Rationales
,1. Fundamentals of Nursing & Safety
1. A practical nurse (PN) is preparing to reposition a client who is
immobile. Which action is the PN's PRIORITY to prevent injury to both the
client and the nurse?
A. Reposition the client alone as quickly as possible
B. Use proper body mechanics and obtain assistance or a lift device as
needed
C. Pull the client up in bed by the arms
D. Wait until the client can move independently
Correct Answer: B. Use proper body mechanics and obtain assistance or
a lift device as needed
Rationale: Using proper body mechanics and obtaining adequate assistance
(staff or a mechanical lift) protects the client from injury such as skin shearing
and protects the nurse from musculoskeletal injury. Pulling by the arms can
cause shoulder injury, and repositioning alone without assistance increases
risk for both parties.
2. Which of the following is the correct order for donning personal
protective equipment (PPE) before entering the room of a client on
contact precautions?
A. Gloves, gown, mask, eye protection
B. Gown, mask/respirator, eye protection, gloves
C. Mask, gloves, gown, eye protection
D. Eye protection, gloves, gown, mask
Correct Answer: B. Gown, mask/respirator, eye protection, gloves
Rationale: The standard donning sequence is gown first, then mask or
respirator, then eye protection/goggles, and gloves last, ensuring gloves cover
the gown cuffs and reducing the risk of contaminating exposed skin during the
donning process.
,3. A PN identifies that a client's identification (ID) band is missing before
administering medication. What is the PN's NEXT action?
A. Administer the medication since the client is known to the nurse
B. Obtain a new ID band for the client and verify identity using two identifiers
before proceeding
C. Ask a family member to confirm identity and proceed
D. Document that the ID band was missing and skip the dose
Correct Answer: B. Obtain a new ID band for the client and verify identity
using two identifiers before proceeding
Rationale: The Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals require
verification of client identity using at least two identifiers (e.g., name and date
of birth) before medication administration. A missing ID band must be replaced
and identity confirmed before proceeding, regardless of how well the nurse
knows the client.
4. When using the SBAR communication tool to report a change in client
status to the healthcare provider, the 'R' represents:
A. Reaction
B. Recommendation
C. Report
D. Referral
Correct Answer: B. Recommendation
Rationale: SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and
Recommendation. The 'R' (Recommendation) allows the nurse to clearly state
what action or order they believe is needed based on the assessment findings,
promoting efficient and clear communication.
, 5. A client is at risk for falls. Which nursing intervention is MOST
appropriate to include in the plan of care?
A. Keep the bed in the highest position for easy access
B. Place the call light within reach and keep the bed in the lowest position
with wheels locked
C. Restrain the client in bed at all times
D. Remove the client's personal footwear
Correct Answer: B. Place the call light within reach and keep the bed in
the lowest position with wheels locked
Rationale: Keeping the bed in the lowest position with wheels locked and the
call light within reach reduces fall risk by minimizing the distance to the floor if
the client attempts to get up and ensuring the client can call for assistance.
Restraints are a last resort, not a routine fall-prevention measure.
6. A PN is caring for a client with a known latex allergy. Which item in the
room should be identified as a priority concern?
A. Cloth gown
B. Latex gloves and rubber-based medical equipment
C. Plastic identification band
D. Paper documentation
Correct Answer: B. Latex gloves and rubber-based medical equipment
Rationale: Latex gloves and other rubber/latex-containing medical supplies
(e.g., some catheters, tourniquets) pose a direct risk of allergic reaction,
ranging from contact dermatitis to anaphylaxis, in a client with a latex allergy
and must be avoided in favor of latex-free alternatives.
Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Style
Questions & Answers with Rationales
,1. Fundamentals of Nursing & Safety
1. A practical nurse (PN) is preparing to reposition a client who is
immobile. Which action is the PN's PRIORITY to prevent injury to both the
client and the nurse?
A. Reposition the client alone as quickly as possible
B. Use proper body mechanics and obtain assistance or a lift device as
needed
C. Pull the client up in bed by the arms
D. Wait until the client can move independently
Correct Answer: B. Use proper body mechanics and obtain assistance or
a lift device as needed
Rationale: Using proper body mechanics and obtaining adequate assistance
(staff or a mechanical lift) protects the client from injury such as skin shearing
and protects the nurse from musculoskeletal injury. Pulling by the arms can
cause shoulder injury, and repositioning alone without assistance increases
risk for both parties.
2. Which of the following is the correct order for donning personal
protective equipment (PPE) before entering the room of a client on
contact precautions?
A. Gloves, gown, mask, eye protection
B. Gown, mask/respirator, eye protection, gloves
C. Mask, gloves, gown, eye protection
D. Eye protection, gloves, gown, mask
Correct Answer: B. Gown, mask/respirator, eye protection, gloves
Rationale: The standard donning sequence is gown first, then mask or
respirator, then eye protection/goggles, and gloves last, ensuring gloves cover
the gown cuffs and reducing the risk of contaminating exposed skin during the
donning process.
,3. A PN identifies that a client's identification (ID) band is missing before
administering medication. What is the PN's NEXT action?
A. Administer the medication since the client is known to the nurse
B. Obtain a new ID band for the client and verify identity using two identifiers
before proceeding
C. Ask a family member to confirm identity and proceed
D. Document that the ID band was missing and skip the dose
Correct Answer: B. Obtain a new ID band for the client and verify identity
using two identifiers before proceeding
Rationale: The Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals require
verification of client identity using at least two identifiers (e.g., name and date
of birth) before medication administration. A missing ID band must be replaced
and identity confirmed before proceeding, regardless of how well the nurse
knows the client.
4. When using the SBAR communication tool to report a change in client
status to the healthcare provider, the 'R' represents:
A. Reaction
B. Recommendation
C. Report
D. Referral
Correct Answer: B. Recommendation
Rationale: SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and
Recommendation. The 'R' (Recommendation) allows the nurse to clearly state
what action or order they believe is needed based on the assessment findings,
promoting efficient and clear communication.
, 5. A client is at risk for falls. Which nursing intervention is MOST
appropriate to include in the plan of care?
A. Keep the bed in the highest position for easy access
B. Place the call light within reach and keep the bed in the lowest position
with wheels locked
C. Restrain the client in bed at all times
D. Remove the client's personal footwear
Correct Answer: B. Place the call light within reach and keep the bed in
the lowest position with wheels locked
Rationale: Keeping the bed in the lowest position with wheels locked and the
call light within reach reduces fall risk by minimizing the distance to the floor if
the client attempts to get up and ensuring the client can call for assistance.
Restraints are a last resort, not a routine fall-prevention measure.
6. A PN is caring for a client with a known latex allergy. Which item in the
room should be identified as a priority concern?
A. Cloth gown
B. Latex gloves and rubber-based medical equipment
C. Plastic identification band
D. Paper documentation
Correct Answer: B. Latex gloves and rubber-based medical equipment
Rationale: Latex gloves and other rubber/latex-containing medical supplies
(e.g., some catheters, tourniquets) pose a direct risk of allergic reaction,
ranging from contact dermatitis to anaphylaxis, in a client with a latex allergy
and must be avoided in favor of latex-free alternatives.
