HESI LPN COMPREHENSIVE EXIT EXAM 300
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALE LATEST UPDATE ALREADY
GRADED A+
The HESI LPN Comprehensive Exit Exam is a standardized, high-stakes
assessment designed to evaluate practical nursing students' readiness for the
NCLEX-PN licensure examination. It comprehensively tests knowledge across
fundamental nursing concepts, medical-surgical care, pharmacology, maternal-
newborn health, pediatrics, and psychiatric nursing. The exam emphasizes clinical
judgment, prioritization, delegation, and safety, using real-world patient scenarios
to assess critical thinking. Achieving a competitive score is often a graduation
requirement and serves as a reliable predictor of success on the NCLEX-PN,
making preparation and mastery of core content essential for transitioning from
student to licensed practical nurse.
SECTION 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING AND SAFETY (QUESTIONS
1-35)
---
Question 1
A newborn with apnea is being discharged from the hospital with home
monitoring. Which information should the practical nurse communicate to the
parents regarding safe sleep practices?
A. Position the infant to sleep on the baby's back.
B. Position the infant to sleep on the stomach.
C. Place soft pillows around the infant in the crib.
D. Place the infant in the parent's bed for easier monitoring.
Correct Answer: A
,Rationale: The incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) declines when
infants are positioned on their backs instead of prone for sleeping. Stomach
sleeping increases the risk of SIDS. Soft pillows and bed-sharing also increase the
risk of suffocation and SIDS.
Question 2
A child is injured on the school grounds and has an obvious misalignment of the
lower forearm. Which action should the practical nurse perform first?
A. Remove the child's finger rings.
B. Assess and document the child's level of pain.
C. Evaluate the child's range of motion.
D. Place the arm in a sling at the level of the child's heart.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The child is at risk for swelling in the distal areas of the affected arm
and hand. Removal of finger rings should be implemented first to remove any
potential constriction that may occur after tissue injury or fracture of the lower
arm. Assessing pain and range of motion are important but secondary to preventing
circulatory compromise.
Question 3
A client in a nursing home becomes violent and verbally threatens an unlicensed
assistive personnel (UAP). Which is the best way for the practical nurse (PN) in
charge during the shift to handle the staff's reaction to the incident?
A. Encourage the UAP to deal with it privately to prevent compromising client
confidentiality.
B. Offer a group discussion session so staff can share their thoughts and feelings.
C. Invite staff out after hours to help distract them from the disturbing client event.
D. Refer the UAP to the human resources department for a counseling session with
a therapist.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A critical incident stress debriefing involves expression of personal
feelings, discussion, and working on unresolved emotional issues to minimize
post-traumatic stress for the staff member. This is the best action for the PN in
charge to take in conjunction with the guidance of the nursing supervisor.
Question 4
,A group of practical nurses (PNs) who work on a medical-surgical unit believe
they are understaffed. Which data should the PNs consider when preparing the
justification for additional staff?
A. Staffing ratios in other states.
B. Client acuity and census.
C. Overtime payment and unfilled positions.
D. Number and frequency of client complaints.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When presenting the need for increased staff, the PNs should present the
request using staffing guidelines that consider client acuity, number of clients, and
length of stay. This objective data is more persuasive than comparisons to other
states or subjective complaints.
Question 5
The practical nurse (PN) assigns care of a client who is HIV positive to a newly
employed PN who states, "I can't take care of that client." How should the PN
respond?
A. "I don't understand your response. Please explain what you mean."
B. "Staff cannot pick and choose assignments based on a client's diagnosis."
C. "This client will provide a learning opportunity for you, and I'm here to help."
D. "I will give you a different client so you will be more comfortable."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The PN should first assess the rationale supporting the response, which
may include legitimate concerns such as an infection that places the
immunosuppressed client at risk. The ethical principle of beneficence guides
decisions based on the client's wellbeing or dignity. Assigning a different client
should not be the first action without understanding the concern.
Question 6
The practical nurse (PN) is participating in a group interview of an applicant who
will work in the clinic as a staff PN. Which question is best to ask the applicant?
A. "This position requires working on-call every fourth weekend. Can you do
that?"
B. "Do you have child care arrangements for your children?"
C. "Do you have any religious requirements that need scheduling
accommodation?"
D. "Are you going to be the sole supporter for your family?"
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Job interview questions must be specifically job-related. Asking about
on-call availability is directly job-related. Questions about childcare, religious
requirements, or family support status are inappropriate and potentially
discriminatory.
Question 7
The practical nurse (PN) stops to help an unconscious victim at the site of a motor
vehicle collision. After Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrive, the PN reports
that first aid was rendered and then leaves. The victim dies on the scene from the
injuries sustained. What is the PN's liability?
A. Criminal assault and battery.
B. Negligent acts of omission.
C. Good Samaritan immunity.
D. Client abandonment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The PN is protected by Good Samaritan immunity when providing
emergency care at the scene of an accident. This immunity applies as long as the
care is provided in good faith, without gross negligence, and the PN does not
exceed their scope of practice. There is no client abandonment because no nurse-
client relationship was established.
Question 8
According to the Supreme Court, which minor can make an autonomous healthcare
decision?
A. A pregnant minor.
B. A minor over the age of 16.
C. An emancipated minor only.
D. A minor with parental consent.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: According to the Supreme Court, a minor who is pregnant can make an
autonomous healthcare decision regarding matters related to the pregnancy. This is
an exception to the general rule that minors require parental consent for healthcare
decisions.
Question 9
A standard policy about preoperative medications states that preoperative
prescriptions are automatically canceled for surgery and should be rewritten, if
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALE LATEST UPDATE ALREADY
GRADED A+
The HESI LPN Comprehensive Exit Exam is a standardized, high-stakes
assessment designed to evaluate practical nursing students' readiness for the
NCLEX-PN licensure examination. It comprehensively tests knowledge across
fundamental nursing concepts, medical-surgical care, pharmacology, maternal-
newborn health, pediatrics, and psychiatric nursing. The exam emphasizes clinical
judgment, prioritization, delegation, and safety, using real-world patient scenarios
to assess critical thinking. Achieving a competitive score is often a graduation
requirement and serves as a reliable predictor of success on the NCLEX-PN,
making preparation and mastery of core content essential for transitioning from
student to licensed practical nurse.
SECTION 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING AND SAFETY (QUESTIONS
1-35)
---
Question 1
A newborn with apnea is being discharged from the hospital with home
monitoring. Which information should the practical nurse communicate to the
parents regarding safe sleep practices?
A. Position the infant to sleep on the baby's back.
B. Position the infant to sleep on the stomach.
C. Place soft pillows around the infant in the crib.
D. Place the infant in the parent's bed for easier monitoring.
Correct Answer: A
,Rationale: The incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) declines when
infants are positioned on their backs instead of prone for sleeping. Stomach
sleeping increases the risk of SIDS. Soft pillows and bed-sharing also increase the
risk of suffocation and SIDS.
Question 2
A child is injured on the school grounds and has an obvious misalignment of the
lower forearm. Which action should the practical nurse perform first?
A. Remove the child's finger rings.
B. Assess and document the child's level of pain.
C. Evaluate the child's range of motion.
D. Place the arm in a sling at the level of the child's heart.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The child is at risk for swelling in the distal areas of the affected arm
and hand. Removal of finger rings should be implemented first to remove any
potential constriction that may occur after tissue injury or fracture of the lower
arm. Assessing pain and range of motion are important but secondary to preventing
circulatory compromise.
Question 3
A client in a nursing home becomes violent and verbally threatens an unlicensed
assistive personnel (UAP). Which is the best way for the practical nurse (PN) in
charge during the shift to handle the staff's reaction to the incident?
A. Encourage the UAP to deal with it privately to prevent compromising client
confidentiality.
B. Offer a group discussion session so staff can share their thoughts and feelings.
C. Invite staff out after hours to help distract them from the disturbing client event.
D. Refer the UAP to the human resources department for a counseling session with
a therapist.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A critical incident stress debriefing involves expression of personal
feelings, discussion, and working on unresolved emotional issues to minimize
post-traumatic stress for the staff member. This is the best action for the PN in
charge to take in conjunction with the guidance of the nursing supervisor.
Question 4
,A group of practical nurses (PNs) who work on a medical-surgical unit believe
they are understaffed. Which data should the PNs consider when preparing the
justification for additional staff?
A. Staffing ratios in other states.
B. Client acuity and census.
C. Overtime payment and unfilled positions.
D. Number and frequency of client complaints.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When presenting the need for increased staff, the PNs should present the
request using staffing guidelines that consider client acuity, number of clients, and
length of stay. This objective data is more persuasive than comparisons to other
states or subjective complaints.
Question 5
The practical nurse (PN) assigns care of a client who is HIV positive to a newly
employed PN who states, "I can't take care of that client." How should the PN
respond?
A. "I don't understand your response. Please explain what you mean."
B. "Staff cannot pick and choose assignments based on a client's diagnosis."
C. "This client will provide a learning opportunity for you, and I'm here to help."
D. "I will give you a different client so you will be more comfortable."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The PN should first assess the rationale supporting the response, which
may include legitimate concerns such as an infection that places the
immunosuppressed client at risk. The ethical principle of beneficence guides
decisions based on the client's wellbeing or dignity. Assigning a different client
should not be the first action without understanding the concern.
Question 6
The practical nurse (PN) is participating in a group interview of an applicant who
will work in the clinic as a staff PN. Which question is best to ask the applicant?
A. "This position requires working on-call every fourth weekend. Can you do
that?"
B. "Do you have child care arrangements for your children?"
C. "Do you have any religious requirements that need scheduling
accommodation?"
D. "Are you going to be the sole supporter for your family?"
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Job interview questions must be specifically job-related. Asking about
on-call availability is directly job-related. Questions about childcare, religious
requirements, or family support status are inappropriate and potentially
discriminatory.
Question 7
The practical nurse (PN) stops to help an unconscious victim at the site of a motor
vehicle collision. After Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrive, the PN reports
that first aid was rendered and then leaves. The victim dies on the scene from the
injuries sustained. What is the PN's liability?
A. Criminal assault and battery.
B. Negligent acts of omission.
C. Good Samaritan immunity.
D. Client abandonment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The PN is protected by Good Samaritan immunity when providing
emergency care at the scene of an accident. This immunity applies as long as the
care is provided in good faith, without gross negligence, and the PN does not
exceed their scope of practice. There is no client abandonment because no nurse-
client relationship was established.
Question 8
According to the Supreme Court, which minor can make an autonomous healthcare
decision?
A. A pregnant minor.
B. A minor over the age of 16.
C. An emancipated minor only.
D. A minor with parental consent.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: According to the Supreme Court, a minor who is pregnant can make an
autonomous healthcare decision regarding matters related to the pregnancy. This is
an exception to the general rule that minors require parental consent for healthcare
decisions.
Question 9
A standard policy about preoperative medications states that preoperative
prescriptions are automatically canceled for surgery and should be rewritten, if
