HESI PN EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS. VERIFIED
2025/2026.
The practical nurse (PN) is obtaining the vital signs for a client who has a urinary tract infection
with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). How should the PN proceed? -
ANS Don a gown and gloves before entering the room.
Rationale
MRSA in the urinary tract requires contact isolation, which includes the use of a gown and
gloves. In addition to gloves and a disposable stethoscope, a gown should be worn to avoid
potential contact with MRSA-contaminated environmental surfaces while taking vital signs.
Although antiseptic wipes may be helpful if disposables are not available, bedside equipment
used for the client with MRSA should remain in the room. Since the infection is in the urinary
tract, not the respiratory system, a mask is not indicated while taking vital signs.
When irrigating the external ear canals of an older adult client, which action should the practical
nurse (PN) use to soften dry cerumen for removal? - ANS Instill mineral oil in the external
auditory canal overnight before irrigation.
Rationale
Mineral oil should be placed in the external auditory canal overnight to soften dry, impacted
cerumen and facilitate removal. Warming the solution and using a 50 ml syringe can be
implemented after the cerumen is softened for removal.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
CORRECT ANSWERS. VERIFIED
2025/2026.
The practical nurse (PN) is obtaining the vital signs for a client who has a urinary tract infection
with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). How should the PN proceed? -
ANS Don a gown and gloves before entering the room.
Rationale
MRSA in the urinary tract requires contact isolation, which includes the use of a gown and
gloves. In addition to gloves and a disposable stethoscope, a gown should be worn to avoid
potential contact with MRSA-contaminated environmental surfaces while taking vital signs.
Although antiseptic wipes may be helpful if disposables are not available, bedside equipment
used for the client with MRSA should remain in the room. Since the infection is in the urinary
tract, not the respiratory system, a mask is not indicated while taking vital signs.
When irrigating the external ear canals of an older adult client, which action should the practical
nurse (PN) use to soften dry cerumen for removal? - ANS Instill mineral oil in the external
auditory canal overnight before irrigation.
Rationale
Mineral oil should be placed in the external auditory canal overnight to soften dry, impacted
cerumen and facilitate removal. Warming the solution and using a 50 ml syringe can be
implemented after the cerumen is softened for removal.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
