PN Exit HESI Test 2026 | Verified Q&A | Nursing Exam
Prep
1. What is the term for the condition where bowel protrudes through the
surgical incision after a colon resection?
Dehiscence
Herniation
Evisceration
Infection
2. A child diagnosed with strep throat 3 days ago arrives at the clinic grimacing
and crying. The parent tells the nurse that the child is experiencing pain and
discomfort even with comforting and a light touch. The child is exhibiting
shortness of breath and appears anxious. Which finding warrants immediate
intervention by the nurse?
Redness, warmth, and swelling of joints.
Heart rate of 110 beats/minute.
Slightly raised rash with ragged edges.
Pulse oximetry of 88% O2 saturation.
3. A nurse is caring for a client following a bilateral mastectomy. The client is
often tearful and avoids looking at her dressings. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
identify the impact of the mastectomy on the client's body image
Provide the client with a mirror to look at her mastectomy incisions
refer the client to a breast cancer support group
encourage the client to assist with her dressing change
,4. Describe the significance of a pulse oximetry reading of 88% in a child with
strep throat.
A pulse oximetry reading of 88% is within normal limits for children.
A pulse oximetry reading of 88% indicates the child is recovering.
A pulse oximetry reading of 88% indicates hypoxemia, which
requires immediate medical attention.
A pulse oximetry reading of 88% suggests the child is well-hydrated.
5. What should a practical nurse do if a client reports a discrepancy in their
medication?
Tell the client to take the medication anyway.
Ignore the client's concern and proceed with administration.
Change the medication to a different one without consulting anyone.
Verify the medication with the pharmacy or the prescribing
physician.
6. If a postoperative client has a history of respiratory issues, how should the
practical nurse (PN) adjust the instructions given to the unlicensed assistive
personnel (UAP) for morning care?
Tell the UAP to ignore the client's respiratory history.
Instruct the UAP to avoid any physical contact with the client.
Emphasize the need for careful monitoring of the client's breathing
during care.
Advise the UAP to prioritize hygiene over monitoring vital signs.
,7. If a PN receives a sputum specimen that appears incorrect, how should they
communicate this to the healthcare team?
Wait for the next shift to address the problem.
Inform the healthcare team about the incorrect specimen and
request a retest.
Submit the specimen without mentioning the issue.
Tell the client to ignore it.
8. Why is it important for a practical nurse (PN) to respond empathetically to a
parent in distress?
Empathy may distract from the child's care.
Empathy is only important for the patient, not the family.
Empathetic responses help build trust and facilitate effective
communication.
Empathy is not necessary in clinical settings.
9. Interpret the significance of contractions occurring every 5 minutes in a
primigravida client at term.
It indicates that the client is likely in active labor and may need
further evaluation.
It indicates that the client is in the early stages of labor.
It means the client should be sent home to rest.
It suggests that the client is experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions.
10. The nurse is providing ancillary personnel with instructions regarding the
proper methods to implement when caring for a client with a Clostridium
difficile infection. Which of the following practices will have the greatest
, impact on containment of the bacteria and thus prevention of cross-
contamination?
Frequent in-services on transmission modes of C. difficile
Appropriate handling of contaminated linen
Stool cultures on all suspected carriers
Practice of proper hand hygiene by all staff
11. When testing accommodation of the eyes the nurse holds a pencil 18 inches
in front of the patient and moves it towards the cleint's nose. The normal
finding is
The client's pupils constrict as he focuses on a near object.
The client's eyes blink when he focuses on a near object.
The client's pupils dilate as he focuses on a near object.
The client's eyes cross when he focuses on a near object.
12. In a scenario where a patient shows signs of distress post-surgery, what
should the practical nurse do first?
Administer pain medication immediately
Document the patient's distress in the chart
Conduct a thorough assessment of the patient's condition
Notify the healthcare provider without assessing the patient
13. If a practical nurse notices excessive drainage and redness around the
incision site during a dressing change, what should be the nurse's immediate
action?
Document the findings and schedule a follow-up appointment.
Prep
1. What is the term for the condition where bowel protrudes through the
surgical incision after a colon resection?
Dehiscence
Herniation
Evisceration
Infection
2. A child diagnosed with strep throat 3 days ago arrives at the clinic grimacing
and crying. The parent tells the nurse that the child is experiencing pain and
discomfort even with comforting and a light touch. The child is exhibiting
shortness of breath and appears anxious. Which finding warrants immediate
intervention by the nurse?
Redness, warmth, and swelling of joints.
Heart rate of 110 beats/minute.
Slightly raised rash with ragged edges.
Pulse oximetry of 88% O2 saturation.
3. A nurse is caring for a client following a bilateral mastectomy. The client is
often tearful and avoids looking at her dressings. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
identify the impact of the mastectomy on the client's body image
Provide the client with a mirror to look at her mastectomy incisions
refer the client to a breast cancer support group
encourage the client to assist with her dressing change
,4. Describe the significance of a pulse oximetry reading of 88% in a child with
strep throat.
A pulse oximetry reading of 88% is within normal limits for children.
A pulse oximetry reading of 88% indicates the child is recovering.
A pulse oximetry reading of 88% indicates hypoxemia, which
requires immediate medical attention.
A pulse oximetry reading of 88% suggests the child is well-hydrated.
5. What should a practical nurse do if a client reports a discrepancy in their
medication?
Tell the client to take the medication anyway.
Ignore the client's concern and proceed with administration.
Change the medication to a different one without consulting anyone.
Verify the medication with the pharmacy or the prescribing
physician.
6. If a postoperative client has a history of respiratory issues, how should the
practical nurse (PN) adjust the instructions given to the unlicensed assistive
personnel (UAP) for morning care?
Tell the UAP to ignore the client's respiratory history.
Instruct the UAP to avoid any physical contact with the client.
Emphasize the need for careful monitoring of the client's breathing
during care.
Advise the UAP to prioritize hygiene over monitoring vital signs.
,7. If a PN receives a sputum specimen that appears incorrect, how should they
communicate this to the healthcare team?
Wait for the next shift to address the problem.
Inform the healthcare team about the incorrect specimen and
request a retest.
Submit the specimen without mentioning the issue.
Tell the client to ignore it.
8. Why is it important for a practical nurse (PN) to respond empathetically to a
parent in distress?
Empathy may distract from the child's care.
Empathy is only important for the patient, not the family.
Empathetic responses help build trust and facilitate effective
communication.
Empathy is not necessary in clinical settings.
9. Interpret the significance of contractions occurring every 5 minutes in a
primigravida client at term.
It indicates that the client is likely in active labor and may need
further evaluation.
It indicates that the client is in the early stages of labor.
It means the client should be sent home to rest.
It suggests that the client is experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions.
10. The nurse is providing ancillary personnel with instructions regarding the
proper methods to implement when caring for a client with a Clostridium
difficile infection. Which of the following practices will have the greatest
, impact on containment of the bacteria and thus prevention of cross-
contamination?
Frequent in-services on transmission modes of C. difficile
Appropriate handling of contaminated linen
Stool cultures on all suspected carriers
Practice of proper hand hygiene by all staff
11. When testing accommodation of the eyes the nurse holds a pencil 18 inches
in front of the patient and moves it towards the cleint's nose. The normal
finding is
The client's pupils constrict as he focuses on a near object.
The client's eyes blink when he focuses on a near object.
The client's pupils dilate as he focuses on a near object.
The client's eyes cross when he focuses on a near object.
12. In a scenario where a patient shows signs of distress post-surgery, what
should the practical nurse do first?
Administer pain medication immediately
Document the patient's distress in the chart
Conduct a thorough assessment of the patient's condition
Notify the healthcare provider without assessing the patient
13. If a practical nurse notices excessive drainage and redness around the
incision site during a dressing change, what should be the nurse's immediate
action?
Document the findings and schedule a follow-up appointment.
