HESI PN Exit Exam Study Guide with Practice Questions and Detailed Rationales
Which client information is most important for the PN to Urinary output of 50 mL/hour.
consider when providing instructions to the unlicensed
assistive personnel about providing morning care to a
postoperative client?
The PN is caring for a client with coronary artery disease The lab results indicate myocardial damage, and the client is at risk for cardiac
who is admitted with intermittent chest pain. The admission dysrhythmias
laboratory results indicate elevations in troponin I and
creatine phosphokinase myoglobin isoenzyme (CK-MB)
levels. What should the PN consider the most significant
risk for this client on the second day of admission?
The practical nurse explains to a client how to obtain a The PN should teach the client to a client how to obtain a septum specimen and if
sputum specimen and the client indicates understanding the client does not correctly collect the specimen the PN should assist the client in
the procedure. After the PN leaves the room the client obtaining another specimen coughed directly into a sterile cup
obtains the specimen and notifies the PN. When the PN
arrives to collect the specimen it appears as seen in the
picture. Which action should the PN take.
The practical nurse (PN) and unlicened assistive personal Demonstrate to the UAP how to approach the client from the client's left side
(UAP) are providing care for a client who exhibits signs of
neglect syndrome following a stroke affecting the right
hemisphare. Which action should the PN implement?
The practical nurse (PN) ask an unlicensed assistive Approach the UAP to discuss the behavior and obtain the information needed about
personnel (UAP) for feedback about an assigned client the client
instead of responding, the UAP walks away from the PN,
ignoring the question. What action is best for the PN?
While assisting the RN with the admission of a toddler, Do a complete head-to-toe exam in sequence
which intervention should the practical nurse (PN)
implement to make the experience least stressful for the
child?
An older adult female is admitted with syncope and Aspirin
laboratory findings indicate that her hemoglobin is 8.0
grams/dl. She has a recent history of headaches and
frequent falls. Admission prescription orders includes
continuation of all home medication. Which medication
should the practical nurse (PN) withhold until consulting
with the charge nurse?
The spouse of a hospitalized client asked the practical Explain that medication can only be provided to clients.
nurse PN for acetaminophen for tension headache. Which
action should the PN take?
Prior to administering pain medication to an adult - Time of last administration of pain medication
postoperative client, what information should the practical - Client's pain rating on a scale of 1 to 10
nurse PN obtain? (Select all that apply) - Effectiveness of last pain medication administered
The practical nurse (PN) notifies the health care provider Cholecystectomy 24 hours ago
about client information using the situation, background,
assessment, recommendation SBAR technique. Which
information should the PM provide first?
The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client with fractured Implement ongoing assessments for signs of shallow or slow breathing.
metatarsals after slamming a hand in the car door. After
administering the prescribed hydrocodone/acetaminophen
for pain, which intervention should the PN include in the
clients care?
The practical nurse peeing and ministers an anticonvulsant Remind the client to protect skin from sunlight
That causes photosensitivity. Which action should the PN
take after administering the medication?
, HESI PN Exit Exam Study Guide with Practice Questions and Detailed Rationales
An order client with metastatic breast cancer is - Instructions for care should be included in the client's living will
experiencing shortness of breath as a result of bilateral - Care can be provided in the home where the client resides
pneumonia. The client has a living will, and the family is - Care focuses on comfort, dignity, and emotional support
requesting Hospice care. Which information should the
practical nurse (PN) reinforce with the client and family
regarding Hospice care? (select all that apply)
The single mother of a child with a head injury is sitting at This must appear devastating to you at this moment
the child's bedside crying when the practical nurse (PN)
enters the room. The mother states, why did this happen to
my child? I just can't cope with this, what is the best initial
response by the PN?
The practical nurse (PN) is working in a cancer detection An older male who drinks a six pack of beer nightly and smokes heavily
mobile clinic. Four individuals come for screening with a
complaint of hoarseness, a dangerous sign for cancer of
the larynx. Which client has the highest risk for
development of cancer of the larynx that the PN should
refer to the healthcare provider?
The practical nurse (PN) is giving medications to a client 8 units
who was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of
diabetes mellitus. After checking the finger stick glucose at
1630, which dose of insulin should the (PN) administer?
The practical nurse (PN) is obtaining fetal heart rates on 180
four antepartum clients in their third trimester of pregnancy.
Which fetal heart rate should be reported to the registered
nurse RN immediately?
A college student arrives at the clinic for a physical Examine the testicles during bathing
examination and asks the practical nurse (PN) how he
should perform testicle self-examination TSE. Which
information should PN provide?
A male client tells the practical nurse (PN) that the pill he Tell the client that the PN will verify that the dispense medication is the valid
has been taking at home is a different color and size then prescription
the one the PN is trying to give him now. How should the
PN respond?
The Glasgow coma scale is being used to monitor a client Level of consciousness
who experience a traumatic brain injury. What primary
assessment should the practical nurse PN evaluate?
The practical nurse (PN) preparing to assist an elderly Upper torso
client to the bathroom. The PN knows that an elderly
adult's center or gravity changes from the hips to another
area of the body. And planning to safely assist this client
the PN knows that the center of gravity for the elderly client
is in which area of the body?
The practical nurse pin is assigned to care for a client who Assess the gag reflux
had in endoscopic procedure in which a local anesthetic
was sprayed on the throat. Which priority actions should
the PN include in this client's plan of care?
The practical nurse (PN) assesses a child in 90-90 skeletal Toe
traction. It is most important for the PN to assess for signs
of information at what location?
At the beginning of the shift, in which order of priority 1. An older adult with dizziness who's O2 saturation is 86%
should the practical nurse PN assess these four clients? 2. An adult woman with vomiting whose potassium is 2.8 mEq/L
3. A young adult with a history of asthma who's arterial pH is 7.48
4. An adult client with an ulcer whose hemoglobin is 9.5 grams/dL
, HESI PN Exit Exam Study Guide with Practice Questions and Detailed Rationales
Which food provides the best source of vitamin B12? Hamburger
The practical nurse (PN) is planning evening shift rounds A preschooler who had an emergency appendectomy for appendicitis
for a group of postoperative clients who all had surgery
earlier that day. Which client should the PN check first?
Which finding for a client with an arteriovenous Fistula (AV Radio pulse distal to AVF is absent and ulnar pulse is presentB. bruising at the AVF
fistula) should the practical nurse PN report to the site is purple and green in color
healthcare provider?
The practical nurse PN is auscultating a client's lung Fine crackles
sounds. Which description should the PN use to document
this sound?
The practical nurse peer views the midline episiotomy of a Observe suture line for separation and hematoma formation
client whose reports pain in her stitches. Which action
should the PN take first?
The practical nurse peeing is documenting the insertion of - Size of urinary catheter
a urinary catheter for a female client with urinary retention. - Amount of urine obtained
Which information should the PN include during the - Appearance of urine obtained
electronic documentation of the procedure? (Select all that
apply)
The practical nurse PN is assisting with the plan of care for Implement ongoing assessments for signs of shallow or slow breathing
a client with costochondritis who is now experiencing
increased discomfort in breathing. The client receives a
prescription for tramadol. What intervention should the
PN include in the client's plan of care?
The practical nurse PN determines that a client's pupils Pupils reactive to accommodation
constrict as they change focus from a far object to a near
object. How should the PN document this finding?
The practical nurse PN is performing stomach care with Continue to clean around the skin surrounding the stomal site
the client. While cleaning around the stoma, the PN
notices blood on the washcloth. Which action should the
PN take next?
The practical nurse PN learns that a client who is receiving Ability to swallow
chemotherapy has developed stomatitis. Which
information should the PN obtain from the client during a
focused assessment?
A client receive Ondansetron Prior to a chemotherapy Monitor the client for nausea or vomiting following the treatment
treatment. How should the practical nurse evaluate the
effectiveness of the medication?
A 2-day old infant with hydrocephalus returns from surgery - Measure head circumference daily
following placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Which - Document strict intake and output
nursing interventions should the practical nurse PN - Monitor body temperature every four hours
implement during postoperative care? (Select all that
apply)
In administering nystatin suspension to the gums of an Use a gloved finger to rub the suspension over the infected area
infant with a candida infection, which approach should the
practical nurse (PN) use?
A client is diagnosed with Clostridium difficile. Which action Don non sterile gloves when performing direct care
should the practical nurse (PN) implement to prevent the
spread of Organism?
Which client information is most important for the PN to Urinary output of 50 mL/hour.
consider when providing instructions to the unlicensed
assistive personnel about providing morning care to a
postoperative client?
The PN is caring for a client with coronary artery disease The lab results indicate myocardial damage, and the client is at risk for cardiac
who is admitted with intermittent chest pain. The admission dysrhythmias
laboratory results indicate elevations in troponin I and
creatine phosphokinase myoglobin isoenzyme (CK-MB)
levels. What should the PN consider the most significant
risk for this client on the second day of admission?
The practical nurse explains to a client how to obtain a The PN should teach the client to a client how to obtain a septum specimen and if
sputum specimen and the client indicates understanding the client does not correctly collect the specimen the PN should assist the client in
the procedure. After the PN leaves the room the client obtaining another specimen coughed directly into a sterile cup
obtains the specimen and notifies the PN. When the PN
arrives to collect the specimen it appears as seen in the
picture. Which action should the PN take.
The practical nurse (PN) and unlicened assistive personal Demonstrate to the UAP how to approach the client from the client's left side
(UAP) are providing care for a client who exhibits signs of
neglect syndrome following a stroke affecting the right
hemisphare. Which action should the PN implement?
The practical nurse (PN) ask an unlicensed assistive Approach the UAP to discuss the behavior and obtain the information needed about
personnel (UAP) for feedback about an assigned client the client
instead of responding, the UAP walks away from the PN,
ignoring the question. What action is best for the PN?
While assisting the RN with the admission of a toddler, Do a complete head-to-toe exam in sequence
which intervention should the practical nurse (PN)
implement to make the experience least stressful for the
child?
An older adult female is admitted with syncope and Aspirin
laboratory findings indicate that her hemoglobin is 8.0
grams/dl. She has a recent history of headaches and
frequent falls. Admission prescription orders includes
continuation of all home medication. Which medication
should the practical nurse (PN) withhold until consulting
with the charge nurse?
The spouse of a hospitalized client asked the practical Explain that medication can only be provided to clients.
nurse PN for acetaminophen for tension headache. Which
action should the PN take?
Prior to administering pain medication to an adult - Time of last administration of pain medication
postoperative client, what information should the practical - Client's pain rating on a scale of 1 to 10
nurse PN obtain? (Select all that apply) - Effectiveness of last pain medication administered
The practical nurse (PN) notifies the health care provider Cholecystectomy 24 hours ago
about client information using the situation, background,
assessment, recommendation SBAR technique. Which
information should the PM provide first?
The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client with fractured Implement ongoing assessments for signs of shallow or slow breathing.
metatarsals after slamming a hand in the car door. After
administering the prescribed hydrocodone/acetaminophen
for pain, which intervention should the PN include in the
clients care?
The practical nurse peeing and ministers an anticonvulsant Remind the client to protect skin from sunlight
That causes photosensitivity. Which action should the PN
take after administering the medication?
, HESI PN Exit Exam Study Guide with Practice Questions and Detailed Rationales
An order client with metastatic breast cancer is - Instructions for care should be included in the client's living will
experiencing shortness of breath as a result of bilateral - Care can be provided in the home where the client resides
pneumonia. The client has a living will, and the family is - Care focuses on comfort, dignity, and emotional support
requesting Hospice care. Which information should the
practical nurse (PN) reinforce with the client and family
regarding Hospice care? (select all that apply)
The single mother of a child with a head injury is sitting at This must appear devastating to you at this moment
the child's bedside crying when the practical nurse (PN)
enters the room. The mother states, why did this happen to
my child? I just can't cope with this, what is the best initial
response by the PN?
The practical nurse (PN) is working in a cancer detection An older male who drinks a six pack of beer nightly and smokes heavily
mobile clinic. Four individuals come for screening with a
complaint of hoarseness, a dangerous sign for cancer of
the larynx. Which client has the highest risk for
development of cancer of the larynx that the PN should
refer to the healthcare provider?
The practical nurse (PN) is giving medications to a client 8 units
who was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of
diabetes mellitus. After checking the finger stick glucose at
1630, which dose of insulin should the (PN) administer?
The practical nurse (PN) is obtaining fetal heart rates on 180
four antepartum clients in their third trimester of pregnancy.
Which fetal heart rate should be reported to the registered
nurse RN immediately?
A college student arrives at the clinic for a physical Examine the testicles during bathing
examination and asks the practical nurse (PN) how he
should perform testicle self-examination TSE. Which
information should PN provide?
A male client tells the practical nurse (PN) that the pill he Tell the client that the PN will verify that the dispense medication is the valid
has been taking at home is a different color and size then prescription
the one the PN is trying to give him now. How should the
PN respond?
The Glasgow coma scale is being used to monitor a client Level of consciousness
who experience a traumatic brain injury. What primary
assessment should the practical nurse PN evaluate?
The practical nurse (PN) preparing to assist an elderly Upper torso
client to the bathroom. The PN knows that an elderly
adult's center or gravity changes from the hips to another
area of the body. And planning to safely assist this client
the PN knows that the center of gravity for the elderly client
is in which area of the body?
The practical nurse pin is assigned to care for a client who Assess the gag reflux
had in endoscopic procedure in which a local anesthetic
was sprayed on the throat. Which priority actions should
the PN include in this client's plan of care?
The practical nurse (PN) assesses a child in 90-90 skeletal Toe
traction. It is most important for the PN to assess for signs
of information at what location?
At the beginning of the shift, in which order of priority 1. An older adult with dizziness who's O2 saturation is 86%
should the practical nurse PN assess these four clients? 2. An adult woman with vomiting whose potassium is 2.8 mEq/L
3. A young adult with a history of asthma who's arterial pH is 7.48
4. An adult client with an ulcer whose hemoglobin is 9.5 grams/dL
, HESI PN Exit Exam Study Guide with Practice Questions and Detailed Rationales
Which food provides the best source of vitamin B12? Hamburger
The practical nurse (PN) is planning evening shift rounds A preschooler who had an emergency appendectomy for appendicitis
for a group of postoperative clients who all had surgery
earlier that day. Which client should the PN check first?
Which finding for a client with an arteriovenous Fistula (AV Radio pulse distal to AVF is absent and ulnar pulse is presentB. bruising at the AVF
fistula) should the practical nurse PN report to the site is purple and green in color
healthcare provider?
The practical nurse PN is auscultating a client's lung Fine crackles
sounds. Which description should the PN use to document
this sound?
The practical nurse peer views the midline episiotomy of a Observe suture line for separation and hematoma formation
client whose reports pain in her stitches. Which action
should the PN take first?
The practical nurse peeing is documenting the insertion of - Size of urinary catheter
a urinary catheter for a female client with urinary retention. - Amount of urine obtained
Which information should the PN include during the - Appearance of urine obtained
electronic documentation of the procedure? (Select all that
apply)
The practical nurse PN is assisting with the plan of care for Implement ongoing assessments for signs of shallow or slow breathing
a client with costochondritis who is now experiencing
increased discomfort in breathing. The client receives a
prescription for tramadol. What intervention should the
PN include in the client's plan of care?
The practical nurse PN determines that a client's pupils Pupils reactive to accommodation
constrict as they change focus from a far object to a near
object. How should the PN document this finding?
The practical nurse PN is performing stomach care with Continue to clean around the skin surrounding the stomal site
the client. While cleaning around the stoma, the PN
notices blood on the washcloth. Which action should the
PN take next?
The practical nurse PN learns that a client who is receiving Ability to swallow
chemotherapy has developed stomatitis. Which
information should the PN obtain from the client during a
focused assessment?
A client receive Ondansetron Prior to a chemotherapy Monitor the client for nausea or vomiting following the treatment
treatment. How should the practical nurse evaluate the
effectiveness of the medication?
A 2-day old infant with hydrocephalus returns from surgery - Measure head circumference daily
following placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Which - Document strict intake and output
nursing interventions should the practical nurse PN - Monitor body temperature every four hours
implement during postoperative care? (Select all that
apply)
In administering nystatin suspension to the gums of an Use a gloved finger to rub the suspension over the infected area
infant with a candida infection, which approach should the
practical nurse (PN) use?
A client is diagnosed with Clostridium difficile. Which action Don non sterile gloves when performing direct care
should the practical nurse (PN) implement to prevent the
spread of Organism?
