Med-Surg HESI PN Exam Test Questions and Answers
Graded A+
During a clinic visit, a client reports to the describe cancer. The client appears to have
practical nurse (PN) that they felt a solid mass in inaccurate knowledge. Stage 4 cancer means the
their breast during self-examination, but it was cancer has spread (metastasized) from where it
not painful. What instruction should the PN has started to another body part.
reinforce with the client?
A. Continue to monitor the mass until the next
scheduled annual exam. A client diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Which
B. Notify the PCP if the mass becomes soft or intervention should the practical nurse implement
painful or starts to drain. to help relieve joint pain and stiffness?
C. Schedule an appointment with the PCP for
evaluation a. Encourage the client to perform weight-bearing
D. Breast masses are usually insignificant if they exercises.
feel soft or are easily moveable. - b. Teach the client how to perform range-of-
ANSWER -c. Schedule an appointment motion exercises.
with the health care provider for evaluation. c. Explain the use of ice and massage for pain
relief.
A painless breast mass is an abnormal finding, d. Instruct the client to take an analgesic before
and the PN should instruct the client to obtain walking daily - ANSWER -d. Instruct the
prompt medical evaluation. client to take an analgesic before walking daily.
Adequate pain management is important for the
success of an exercise program. Keeping the
The health care provider informed a client joints active decreases pain, so taking an
diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer that the analgesic and walking daily is likely to help
cancer has spread to their spine. The client decrease joint pain and stiffness.
states to the practical nurse, "I have a cancer,
but it is not malignant." What is the best initial
nursing action?
A client diagnosed with prostate cancer is
A. Encourage the client to attend a cancer prescribed radioactive seed implantation
education program (brachytherapy). What is the most important
B. Perform a complete history and physical nursing action for the practical nurse (PN) to do?
assessment
C. Ask the client to explain his understanding of a. Follow radiation exposure precautions
the term malignancy. b. Encourage regular meals
D. Offer the client emotional support to deal with c. Collect all urine in sealed containers
the diagnosis d. Avoid touching the client. - ANSWER -a.
Submit - ANSWER -c. Ask the client to Follow radiation exposure precautions.
explain his understanding of the term
malignancy. Clients being treated for prostate cancer with
brachytherapy (radioactive seeds implant) should
The best initial action is to assess the client's be placed on radiation exposure precautions. The
knowledge of the term malignancy when used to PN needs to follow the institution's protocols put
,Med-Surg HESI PN Exam Test Questions and Answers
Graded A+
in place regarding the amount of time and d. Extreme thirst
distance needed to prevent excessive exposure e. Urinary frequency
that would pose a hazard to others. f. Protruding eyeballs - ANSWER -a. Fruity
breath odor
b. Rapid, weak pulse
d. Extreme thirst
A client diagnosed with emphysema that is e. Urinary frequency
oxygen-dependent lives alone at home and
manages self-care with no difficulty. Which Diabetic ketoacidosis is caused by a profound
finding should prompt the home health practical deficiency of insulin. Some common
nurse to consult the registered nurse case characteristics include a sweet, fruity breath odor,
manager? a rapid weak pulse, extreme thirst, urinary
frequency, and sunken-appearing eyeballs.
a. A pulse oximetry reading of 91% on oxygen at
2 L/m
b. A weight loss of 5 pounds since the last
monthly home visit A client mentions using garlic daily as an herb to
c. The client reports feeling as tired as at the last lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Which
visit by the nurse nursing action is a priority?
d. Upon entering the home, the PN noticed dirty
dishes and clothing scattered around the home. - a. Monitor the client for signs of bleeding.
ANSWER -b. A weight loss of 5 pounds b. Instruct the client that garlic tends to cause
since the last monthly home visit hypertension.
c. This may relieve fever in the same way that
A weight loss of 5 pounds in 1 month is a acetaminophen does.
concern. Clients with COPD need additional d. Remind the patient to use tooth brushing and
calorie intake because they are using up a lot mouthwash to prevent garlic odor. -
from the energy they are using to breath. The ANSWER -a. Monitor the client for signs of
practical nurse needs to consult with the bleeding.
registered nurse case manager for a nutrition
consult Garlic inhibits platelet aggregation in the same
way that aspirin works, and the client should be
monitored for bleeding. Garlic can lower the
blood pressure, not raise it. It does not relieve
The nurse has reinforced instructions to a client fever. While the client will likely want to avoid
with diabetes mellitus on how to self-monitor for garlic odor, it is not a priority.
symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The
nurse realizes the instructions have been
effective if the client can list which symptoms?
(Select all that apply.) The practical nurse (PN) is reviewing the health
histories of assigned clients. Which factors have
a. Fruity breath odor a potential for development of throat cancer?
b. Rapid, weak pulse (Select all that apply.)
c. Cold, clammy skin a. Tobacco use
, Med-Surg HESI PN Exam Test Questions and Answers
Graded A+
b. Excessive intake of alcohol increased ICP.
c. Intake of hot and spicy foods
d. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
e. Lack of exercise
f. Lack of dietary fiber - ANSWER -a. The home health practical nurse is visiting with a
Tobacco use client who has a history of second-degree heart
b. Excessive intake of alcohol block and pacemaker placement 6 months ago.
d. Human papillomavirus (HPV) Which symptom compliant by the client would be
Rationale: indicative of pacemaker failure?
The most common risk factors for throat cancer a. Facial flushing
are tobacco use, alcohol abuse, human b. Nausea
papillomavirus (HPV), a diet lacking in fruits and c. Pounding headache
vegetable, and gastroesophageal reflux disease d. Feelings of dizziness - ANSWER -d.
(GERD). Foods seasoned with herbs and spices Feelings of dizziness
have shown to have some health benefits in Rationale:
decreasing the risk of developing cancer. Feelings of dizziness may occur as the result of a
decreased heart rate, leading to decreased
cardiac output as a result of pacemaker failure.
A client has undergone craniotomy to remove a
brain tumor. The client spent several days in the
intensive care unit, and is now on the post- Which actions demonstrate to the practical nurse
surgical unit. The nurse has urgently contact the that the client understands the correct procedure
surgeon to report signs of increasing intracranial administration of a metered dose inhaler (MDI)?
pressure (ICP). Which was the most likely (Select all that apply.)
EARLY sign that the client was experiencing a. Sit or stand.
increased ICP? b. Shake the inhaler.
a. The client's blood pressure dropped from c. Attach the canister of medication to the
128/70 to 124/68, preoperative BP 122/72 mouthpiece.
b. The client became more confused than he was d. Breathe in through the mouth, filling the lungs.
upon transfer to the post-surgical unit. e. Use a spacer attachment and place the
c. The client had a large amount of sanguineous mouthpiece in the mouth.
drainage noted on the gauze dressings. f. Close the lips around the mouthpiece.
d. The client's pulse rate had increased from 70 g. After inhaling the medication, hold the breath
to 82 beats/min. - ANSWER -b. The client 10 seconds. - ANSWER -b. Shake the
became more confused than he was upon inhaler.
transfer to the post-surgical unit. c. Attach the canister of medication to the
Rationale: mouthpiece.
A change in the level of consciousness is most e. Use a spacer attachment and place the
likely the earliest symptom of increased ICP. mouthpiece in the mouth.
Vital sign changes can also occur, with a f. Close the lips around the mouthpiece.
widening pulse pressure and bradycardia. g. After inhaling the medication, hold the breath
Neither of these are indicated by data in the 10 seconds.
options. Sanguineous drainage does not indicate Rationale:
Graded A+
During a clinic visit, a client reports to the describe cancer. The client appears to have
practical nurse (PN) that they felt a solid mass in inaccurate knowledge. Stage 4 cancer means the
their breast during self-examination, but it was cancer has spread (metastasized) from where it
not painful. What instruction should the PN has started to another body part.
reinforce with the client?
A. Continue to monitor the mass until the next
scheduled annual exam. A client diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Which
B. Notify the PCP if the mass becomes soft or intervention should the practical nurse implement
painful or starts to drain. to help relieve joint pain and stiffness?
C. Schedule an appointment with the PCP for
evaluation a. Encourage the client to perform weight-bearing
D. Breast masses are usually insignificant if they exercises.
feel soft or are easily moveable. - b. Teach the client how to perform range-of-
ANSWER -c. Schedule an appointment motion exercises.
with the health care provider for evaluation. c. Explain the use of ice and massage for pain
relief.
A painless breast mass is an abnormal finding, d. Instruct the client to take an analgesic before
and the PN should instruct the client to obtain walking daily - ANSWER -d. Instruct the
prompt medical evaluation. client to take an analgesic before walking daily.
Adequate pain management is important for the
success of an exercise program. Keeping the
The health care provider informed a client joints active decreases pain, so taking an
diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer that the analgesic and walking daily is likely to help
cancer has spread to their spine. The client decrease joint pain and stiffness.
states to the practical nurse, "I have a cancer,
but it is not malignant." What is the best initial
nursing action?
A client diagnosed with prostate cancer is
A. Encourage the client to attend a cancer prescribed radioactive seed implantation
education program (brachytherapy). What is the most important
B. Perform a complete history and physical nursing action for the practical nurse (PN) to do?
assessment
C. Ask the client to explain his understanding of a. Follow radiation exposure precautions
the term malignancy. b. Encourage regular meals
D. Offer the client emotional support to deal with c. Collect all urine in sealed containers
the diagnosis d. Avoid touching the client. - ANSWER -a.
Submit - ANSWER -c. Ask the client to Follow radiation exposure precautions.
explain his understanding of the term
malignancy. Clients being treated for prostate cancer with
brachytherapy (radioactive seeds implant) should
The best initial action is to assess the client's be placed on radiation exposure precautions. The
knowledge of the term malignancy when used to PN needs to follow the institution's protocols put
,Med-Surg HESI PN Exam Test Questions and Answers
Graded A+
in place regarding the amount of time and d. Extreme thirst
distance needed to prevent excessive exposure e. Urinary frequency
that would pose a hazard to others. f. Protruding eyeballs - ANSWER -a. Fruity
breath odor
b. Rapid, weak pulse
d. Extreme thirst
A client diagnosed with emphysema that is e. Urinary frequency
oxygen-dependent lives alone at home and
manages self-care with no difficulty. Which Diabetic ketoacidosis is caused by a profound
finding should prompt the home health practical deficiency of insulin. Some common
nurse to consult the registered nurse case characteristics include a sweet, fruity breath odor,
manager? a rapid weak pulse, extreme thirst, urinary
frequency, and sunken-appearing eyeballs.
a. A pulse oximetry reading of 91% on oxygen at
2 L/m
b. A weight loss of 5 pounds since the last
monthly home visit A client mentions using garlic daily as an herb to
c. The client reports feeling as tired as at the last lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Which
visit by the nurse nursing action is a priority?
d. Upon entering the home, the PN noticed dirty
dishes and clothing scattered around the home. - a. Monitor the client for signs of bleeding.
ANSWER -b. A weight loss of 5 pounds b. Instruct the client that garlic tends to cause
since the last monthly home visit hypertension.
c. This may relieve fever in the same way that
A weight loss of 5 pounds in 1 month is a acetaminophen does.
concern. Clients with COPD need additional d. Remind the patient to use tooth brushing and
calorie intake because they are using up a lot mouthwash to prevent garlic odor. -
from the energy they are using to breath. The ANSWER -a. Monitor the client for signs of
practical nurse needs to consult with the bleeding.
registered nurse case manager for a nutrition
consult Garlic inhibits platelet aggregation in the same
way that aspirin works, and the client should be
monitored for bleeding. Garlic can lower the
blood pressure, not raise it. It does not relieve
The nurse has reinforced instructions to a client fever. While the client will likely want to avoid
with diabetes mellitus on how to self-monitor for garlic odor, it is not a priority.
symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The
nurse realizes the instructions have been
effective if the client can list which symptoms?
(Select all that apply.) The practical nurse (PN) is reviewing the health
histories of assigned clients. Which factors have
a. Fruity breath odor a potential for development of throat cancer?
b. Rapid, weak pulse (Select all that apply.)
c. Cold, clammy skin a. Tobacco use
, Med-Surg HESI PN Exam Test Questions and Answers
Graded A+
b. Excessive intake of alcohol increased ICP.
c. Intake of hot and spicy foods
d. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
e. Lack of exercise
f. Lack of dietary fiber - ANSWER -a. The home health practical nurse is visiting with a
Tobacco use client who has a history of second-degree heart
b. Excessive intake of alcohol block and pacemaker placement 6 months ago.
d. Human papillomavirus (HPV) Which symptom compliant by the client would be
Rationale: indicative of pacemaker failure?
The most common risk factors for throat cancer a. Facial flushing
are tobacco use, alcohol abuse, human b. Nausea
papillomavirus (HPV), a diet lacking in fruits and c. Pounding headache
vegetable, and gastroesophageal reflux disease d. Feelings of dizziness - ANSWER -d.
(GERD). Foods seasoned with herbs and spices Feelings of dizziness
have shown to have some health benefits in Rationale:
decreasing the risk of developing cancer. Feelings of dizziness may occur as the result of a
decreased heart rate, leading to decreased
cardiac output as a result of pacemaker failure.
A client has undergone craniotomy to remove a
brain tumor. The client spent several days in the
intensive care unit, and is now on the post- Which actions demonstrate to the practical nurse
surgical unit. The nurse has urgently contact the that the client understands the correct procedure
surgeon to report signs of increasing intracranial administration of a metered dose inhaler (MDI)?
pressure (ICP). Which was the most likely (Select all that apply.)
EARLY sign that the client was experiencing a. Sit or stand.
increased ICP? b. Shake the inhaler.
a. The client's blood pressure dropped from c. Attach the canister of medication to the
128/70 to 124/68, preoperative BP 122/72 mouthpiece.
b. The client became more confused than he was d. Breathe in through the mouth, filling the lungs.
upon transfer to the post-surgical unit. e. Use a spacer attachment and place the
c. The client had a large amount of sanguineous mouthpiece in the mouth.
drainage noted on the gauze dressings. f. Close the lips around the mouthpiece.
d. The client's pulse rate had increased from 70 g. After inhaling the medication, hold the breath
to 82 beats/min. - ANSWER -b. The client 10 seconds. - ANSWER -b. Shake the
became more confused than he was upon inhaler.
transfer to the post-surgical unit. c. Attach the canister of medication to the
Rationale: mouthpiece.
A change in the level of consciousness is most e. Use a spacer attachment and place the
likely the earliest symptom of increased ICP. mouthpiece in the mouth.
Vital sign changes can also occur, with a f. Close the lips around the mouthpiece.
widening pulse pressure and bradycardia. g. After inhaling the medication, hold the breath
Neither of these are indicated by data in the 10 seconds.
options. Sanguineous drainage does not indicate Rationale:
