PN Exit HESI Review 2026 | 180 Q&A | Exam Prep Guide
1. A client with pruritus is not responding to topical treatments. What should the
practical nurse consider next?
Suggest the client apply ice directly to the skin.
Assess for underlying causes such as allergies or infections.
Increase the frequency of topical treatments.
Recommend over-the-counter oral antihistamines only.
2. Why is it crucial for the practical nurse to prioritize findings when caring for a
client undergoing chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy only affects the patient's emotional state.
The practical nurse has the authority to make independent decisions
without reporting.
Chemotherapy is a routine procedure that does not require
prioritization.
Chemotherapy can lead to severe side effects that require
immediate attention to prevent complications.
3. Why is it important for a practical nurse to prioritize reporting electrolyte
levels when a client presents with numbness and tingling?
Electrolyte imbalances can lead to neurological symptoms such as
numbness and tingling.
Electrolyte levels do not affect neurological function.
Numbness and tingling are always caused by infections.
Numbness and tingling are unrelated to laboratory values.
,4. What is the purpose of checking residual volume before administering a
bolus feeding through a PEG tube?
To determine the client's pain level.
To ensure the client can tolerate the feeding.
To assess the client's hydration status.
To evaluate the effectiveness of previous medications.
5. What laboratory results indicate myocardial injury in a patient with coronary
artery disease?
Increased blood glucose levels
Elevated troponin I and CK-MB levels
Normal electrolyte levels
Decreased white blood cell count
6. What is the primary responsibility of the practical nurse (PN) regarding
consent forms before an invasive procedure?
To explain the procedure to the client.
To ensure that the consent form is signed by the client.
To obtain the consent form from the physician.
To witness the signing of the consent form.
7. If the UAPs are observed using improper techniques while turning a patient
post-hip arthroplasty, what should the practical nurse do next?
Report the UAPs to the nursing supervisor without intervening.
Wait until the end of the shift to discuss the issue with the UAPs.
, Ignore the situation if the patient appears comfortable.
Provide immediate feedback and demonstrate the correct
technique.
8. What device can a practical nurse use to prevent external rotation of a
client's hips when assisting them to a supine position?
Restraints
Pillows or foam wedges
Blankets
Bed rails
9. A practical nurse is positioning a post-operative patient who is at risk for hip
dislocation. What should the nurse implement to ensure the client's hips
remain in a neutral position?
Adjust the bed to a higher position.
Instruct the client to keep their legs straight.
Encourage the client to move frequently.
Use pillows or foam wedges to support the hips.
10. Why is a pulse oximetry reading of 88% significant in a child with strep
throat?
It indicates the child is likely to recover without intervention.
It suggests the child is well-hydrated and stable.
It shows the child is experiencing normal respiratory function.
It indicates potential hypoxia, which requires immediate
assessment and intervention.
, 11. The nurse is instructing an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to collect a
urine specimen from an indwelling catheter. Which statement indicates that
the UAP understands the instructions?
"I will get a sterile syringe and remove urine from the catheter
through the collection port to place in the specimen container."
"I will empty the catheter drainage bag, have the client drink some
water, and an hour later collect the urine that drains into the bag."
"I should collect urine from the catheter drainage bag at the end of
the shift and place it in the specimen container."
"I will disconnect the drainage tube from the catheter and let urine
run from the catheter into the specimen container."
12. Describe how engaging wheelchair-bound older residents in social activities
can impact their overall well-being.
Social activities can lead to increased physical decline.
Social activities are only beneficial for younger individuals.
Engaging in social activities can enhance their mental health and
reduce feelings of isolation.
Social activities are irrelevant to their health.
13. If a practical nurse observes that a patient with elevated troponin I and CK-
MB levels develops sudden shortness of breath and increased heart rate,
what should be the nurse's immediate priority action?
Notify the healthcare provider and prepare for possible
interventions.
Administer prescribed pain medication.
Reassess vital signs and document findings.
1. A client with pruritus is not responding to topical treatments. What should the
practical nurse consider next?
Suggest the client apply ice directly to the skin.
Assess for underlying causes such as allergies or infections.
Increase the frequency of topical treatments.
Recommend over-the-counter oral antihistamines only.
2. Why is it crucial for the practical nurse to prioritize findings when caring for a
client undergoing chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy only affects the patient's emotional state.
The practical nurse has the authority to make independent decisions
without reporting.
Chemotherapy is a routine procedure that does not require
prioritization.
Chemotherapy can lead to severe side effects that require
immediate attention to prevent complications.
3. Why is it important for a practical nurse to prioritize reporting electrolyte
levels when a client presents with numbness and tingling?
Electrolyte imbalances can lead to neurological symptoms such as
numbness and tingling.
Electrolyte levels do not affect neurological function.
Numbness and tingling are always caused by infections.
Numbness and tingling are unrelated to laboratory values.
,4. What is the purpose of checking residual volume before administering a
bolus feeding through a PEG tube?
To determine the client's pain level.
To ensure the client can tolerate the feeding.
To assess the client's hydration status.
To evaluate the effectiveness of previous medications.
5. What laboratory results indicate myocardial injury in a patient with coronary
artery disease?
Increased blood glucose levels
Elevated troponin I and CK-MB levels
Normal electrolyte levels
Decreased white blood cell count
6. What is the primary responsibility of the practical nurse (PN) regarding
consent forms before an invasive procedure?
To explain the procedure to the client.
To ensure that the consent form is signed by the client.
To obtain the consent form from the physician.
To witness the signing of the consent form.
7. If the UAPs are observed using improper techniques while turning a patient
post-hip arthroplasty, what should the practical nurse do next?
Report the UAPs to the nursing supervisor without intervening.
Wait until the end of the shift to discuss the issue with the UAPs.
, Ignore the situation if the patient appears comfortable.
Provide immediate feedback and demonstrate the correct
technique.
8. What device can a practical nurse use to prevent external rotation of a
client's hips when assisting them to a supine position?
Restraints
Pillows or foam wedges
Blankets
Bed rails
9. A practical nurse is positioning a post-operative patient who is at risk for hip
dislocation. What should the nurse implement to ensure the client's hips
remain in a neutral position?
Adjust the bed to a higher position.
Instruct the client to keep their legs straight.
Encourage the client to move frequently.
Use pillows or foam wedges to support the hips.
10. Why is a pulse oximetry reading of 88% significant in a child with strep
throat?
It indicates the child is likely to recover without intervention.
It suggests the child is well-hydrated and stable.
It shows the child is experiencing normal respiratory function.
It indicates potential hypoxia, which requires immediate
assessment and intervention.
, 11. The nurse is instructing an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to collect a
urine specimen from an indwelling catheter. Which statement indicates that
the UAP understands the instructions?
"I will get a sterile syringe and remove urine from the catheter
through the collection port to place in the specimen container."
"I will empty the catheter drainage bag, have the client drink some
water, and an hour later collect the urine that drains into the bag."
"I should collect urine from the catheter drainage bag at the end of
the shift and place it in the specimen container."
"I will disconnect the drainage tube from the catheter and let urine
run from the catheter into the specimen container."
12. Describe how engaging wheelchair-bound older residents in social activities
can impact their overall well-being.
Social activities can lead to increased physical decline.
Social activities are only beneficial for younger individuals.
Engaging in social activities can enhance their mental health and
reduce feelings of isolation.
Social activities are irrelevant to their health.
13. If a practical nurse observes that a patient with elevated troponin I and CK-
MB levels develops sudden shortness of breath and increased heart rate,
what should be the nurse's immediate priority action?
Notify the healthcare provider and prepare for possible
interventions.
Administer prescribed pain medication.
Reassess vital signs and document findings.
