HESI PN Exit Practice Test 2026 | Verified Answers | Exam
Prep
1. PowerPoint review question 1: Which acid-base imbalance results from
impaired respiratory function?
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
2. Why is obtaining a detailed report from the transferring nurse crucial for
continuity of care?
It documents the client's wishes regarding heroic measures.
It allows the nurse to reassure the client about family visits.
It provides the client with necessary end-of-life care information.
It ensures that all relevant patient information is communicated to
maintain safe and effective care.
3. A client is admitted to the ER and a diagnosis of myxedema coma is made.
Which action should the nurse prepare to carry out INITIALLY?
monitor IV fluids
warm the client
maintain a patient airway
administer thyroid hormone
4. Which assessment would the nurse prioritize when a patient with pulmonary
edema caused by heart failure (HF) receives IV diuretics?
, Heart rate
Pulse oximetry
Urinary output
Cardiac rhythm
5. What is the primary intervention a nurse should implement for a client with
multi-organ failure due to sepsis?
Keep head of bed raised 45 degrees
Maintain strict intake and output
Monitor blood glucose level
Assess warmth of extremities
6. If a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus presents with numbness in the
fingertips and is also experiencing weakness and palpitations, what should
the nurse prioritize in their assessment?
Assess the client's blood glucose levels.
Check the client's blood pressure.
Evaluate the client's sodium levels.
Administer a potassium supplement.
7. In a scenario where a 4-year-old child with hydrocephalus presents with
increased irritability and vomiting, what should the nurse assess for as a
priority?
Signs of infection
Signs of increased intracranial pressure
Signs of allergic reaction
, Signs of dehydration
8. The nurse is reviewing the diagnostic tests prescribed for a client with a
positive skin test. Which subjective findings reported by the client supports
the diagnosis of tuberculosis?
Barking cough and vomiting
Chronic cough and fatty stools
Dry cough and chest tightness
Mucopurulent cough and night sweats
9. Describe how increased head circumference and bulging fontanels relate to
increased intracranial pressure in pediatric patients.
Increased head circumference and bulging fontanels are signs of
normal growth in toddlers.
Increased head circumference and bulging fontanels indicate that
the pressure inside the skull is rising, which can occur due to
conditions like hydrocephalus.
These findings indicate that the child is experiencing a respiratory
infection.
These signs suggest that the child is dehydrated and needs fluid
replacement.
10. What is the first action a nurse should take when a client presents with
greenish-brown vaginal discharge in labor and delivery?
Begin continuous fetal monitoring
Start an intravenous infusion
Administer oxygen via facemask
, Perform a vaginal exam
11. In a scenario where a post-operative patient exhibits signs of hypovolemia,
including a saturated perineal pad and decreased urinary output, how should
the nurse prioritize their actions?
The nurse should document the findings before taking any action.
The nurse should administer IV fluids without further assessment.
The nurse should first assess the patient's vital signs and level of
consciousness to evaluate hemodynamic status.
The nurse should immediately change the perineal pad to manage
bleeding.
12. In a scenario where multiple clients are presenting with gastrointestinal
issues, how should the nurse prioritize assessments if a new client arrives
with severe abdominal pain and rigidity?
Prioritize the client with abdominal distention.
Assess the client with greenish fluid drainage next.
Assess the new client with severe abdominal pain and rigidity first.
Continue with the assessment of the client with absent bowel sounds.
13. Medical control orders you to infuse 20 cc/kg of 0.9% sodium chloride to
your 176 lb. patient over 4 hours. You have 1000 cc bags of IV fluids and a 10
gtt/mL administration set. How many drops per minute should you infuse?
42 gtt/minute
147 gtt/minute
67 gtt/minute
54 gtt/minute
Prep
1. PowerPoint review question 1: Which acid-base imbalance results from
impaired respiratory function?
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
2. Why is obtaining a detailed report from the transferring nurse crucial for
continuity of care?
It documents the client's wishes regarding heroic measures.
It allows the nurse to reassure the client about family visits.
It provides the client with necessary end-of-life care information.
It ensures that all relevant patient information is communicated to
maintain safe and effective care.
3. A client is admitted to the ER and a diagnosis of myxedema coma is made.
Which action should the nurse prepare to carry out INITIALLY?
monitor IV fluids
warm the client
maintain a patient airway
administer thyroid hormone
4. Which assessment would the nurse prioritize when a patient with pulmonary
edema caused by heart failure (HF) receives IV diuretics?
, Heart rate
Pulse oximetry
Urinary output
Cardiac rhythm
5. What is the primary intervention a nurse should implement for a client with
multi-organ failure due to sepsis?
Keep head of bed raised 45 degrees
Maintain strict intake and output
Monitor blood glucose level
Assess warmth of extremities
6. If a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus presents with numbness in the
fingertips and is also experiencing weakness and palpitations, what should
the nurse prioritize in their assessment?
Assess the client's blood glucose levels.
Check the client's blood pressure.
Evaluate the client's sodium levels.
Administer a potassium supplement.
7. In a scenario where a 4-year-old child with hydrocephalus presents with
increased irritability and vomiting, what should the nurse assess for as a
priority?
Signs of infection
Signs of increased intracranial pressure
Signs of allergic reaction
, Signs of dehydration
8. The nurse is reviewing the diagnostic tests prescribed for a client with a
positive skin test. Which subjective findings reported by the client supports
the diagnosis of tuberculosis?
Barking cough and vomiting
Chronic cough and fatty stools
Dry cough and chest tightness
Mucopurulent cough and night sweats
9. Describe how increased head circumference and bulging fontanels relate to
increased intracranial pressure in pediatric patients.
Increased head circumference and bulging fontanels are signs of
normal growth in toddlers.
Increased head circumference and bulging fontanels indicate that
the pressure inside the skull is rising, which can occur due to
conditions like hydrocephalus.
These findings indicate that the child is experiencing a respiratory
infection.
These signs suggest that the child is dehydrated and needs fluid
replacement.
10. What is the first action a nurse should take when a client presents with
greenish-brown vaginal discharge in labor and delivery?
Begin continuous fetal monitoring
Start an intravenous infusion
Administer oxygen via facemask
, Perform a vaginal exam
11. In a scenario where a post-operative patient exhibits signs of hypovolemia,
including a saturated perineal pad and decreased urinary output, how should
the nurse prioritize their actions?
The nurse should document the findings before taking any action.
The nurse should administer IV fluids without further assessment.
The nurse should first assess the patient's vital signs and level of
consciousness to evaluate hemodynamic status.
The nurse should immediately change the perineal pad to manage
bleeding.
12. In a scenario where multiple clients are presenting with gastrointestinal
issues, how should the nurse prioritize assessments if a new client arrives
with severe abdominal pain and rigidity?
Prioritize the client with abdominal distention.
Assess the client with greenish fluid drainage next.
Assess the new client with severe abdominal pain and rigidity first.
Continue with the assessment of the client with absent bowel sounds.
13. Medical control orders you to infuse 20 cc/kg of 0.9% sodium chloride to
your 176 lb. patient over 4 hours. You have 1000 cc bags of IV fluids and a 10
gtt/mL administration set. How many drops per minute should you infuse?
42 gtt/minute
147 gtt/minute
67 gtt/minute
54 gtt/minute
