MED-SURG HESI PN EXAM MOST RECENT || 2025 /2026
ACTUAL COMPLETE REAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
ANSWERS (CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES)
ALREADY GRADED A+ , GUARANTEED SUCCESS| NEWEST
EXAM | JUST RELEASED
A client diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Which intervention should the practical nurse implement to help
relieve joint pain and stiffness?
a. Encourage the client to perform weight-bearing exercises.
b. Teach the client how to perform range-of-motion exercises.
c. Explain the use of ice and massage for pain relief.
d. Instruct the client to take an analgesic before walking daily - CORRECT ANSWERS-d.
Instruct the client to take an analgesic before walking daily.
Adequate pain management is important for the success of an exercise program. Keeping the joints
active decreases pain, so taking an analgesic and walking daily is likely to help decrease joint pain and
stiffness.
A client diagnosed with prostate cancer is prescribed radioactive seed implantation (brachytherapy).
What is the most important nursing action for the practical nurse (PN) to do?
a. Follow radiation exposure precautions
b. Encourage regular meals
c. Collect all urine in sealed containers
d. Avoid touching the client. - CORRECT ANSWERS-a. Follow radiation exposure precautions.
Clients being treated for prostate cancer with brachytherapy (radioactive seeds implant) should be
placed on radiation exposure precautions. The PN needs to follow the institution's protocols put in place
regarding the amount of time and distance needed to prevent excessive exposure that would pose a
hazard to others.
,A client diagnosed with emphysema that is oxygen-dependent lives alone at home and manages self-
care with no difficulty. Which finding should prompt the home health practical nurse to consult the
registered nurse case manager?
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
c. The client reports feeling as tired as at the last visit by the nurse
d. Upon entering the home, the PN noticed dirty dishes and clothing scattered around the home. -
CORRECT ANSWERS-b. A weight loss of 5 pounds since the last monthly home visit
A weight loss of 5 pounds in 1 month is a concern. Clients with COPD need additional calorie intake
because they are using up a lot from the energy they are using to breath. The practical nurse needs to
consult with the registered nurse case manager for a nutrition consult
The nurse has reinforced instructions to a client with diabetes mellitus on how to self-monitor for
symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse realizes the instructions have been effective if the
client can list which symptoms? (Select all that apply.)
a. Fruity breath odor
b. Rapid, weak pulse
c. Cold, clammy skin
d. Extreme thirst
e. Urinary frequency
f. Protruding eyeballs - CORRECT ANSWERS-a. Fruity breath odor
b. Rapid, weak pulse
d. Extreme thirst
e. Urinary frequency
Diabetic ketoacidosis is caused by a profound deficiency of insulin. Some common characteristics include
a sweet, fruity breath odor, a rapid weak pulse, extreme thirst, urinary frequency, and sunken-appearing
eyeballs.
,A client mentions using garlic daily as an herb to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Which nursing
action is a priority?
a. Monitor the client for signs of bleeding.
b. Instruct the client that garlic tends to cause hypertension.
c. This may relieve fever in the same way that acetaminophen does.
d. Remind the patient to use tooth brushing and mouthwash to prevent garlic odor. - CORRECT
ANSWERS-a. Monitor the client for signs of bleeding.
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 fever. While
the client will likely want to avoid garlic odor, it is not a priority.
The practical nurse (PN) is reviewing the health histories of assigned clients. Which factors have a
potential for development of throat cancer? (Select all that apply.)
a. Tobacco use
b. Excessive intake of alcohol
c. Intake of hot and spicy foods
d. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
e. Lack of exercise
f. Lack of dietary fiber - CORRECT ANSWERS-a. Tobacco use
b. Excessive intake of alcohol
d. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Rationale:
The most common risk factors for throat cancer are tobacco use, alcohol abuse, human papillomavirus
(HPV), a diet lacking in fruits and vegetable, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Foods
seasoned with herbs and spices have shown to have some health benefits in decreasing the risk of
developing cancer.
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-surgical unit. The nurse has urgently contact the surgeon to
report signs of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP). Which was the most likely EARLY sign that the client
was experiencing increased ICP?
, a. The client's blood pressure dropped from 128/70 to 124/68, preoperative BP 122/72
b. The client became more confused than he was upon transfer to the post-surgical unit.
c. The client had a large amount of sanguineous drainage noted on the gauze dressings.
d. The client's pulse rate had increased from 70 to 82 beats/min. - CORRECT ANSWERS-b. The
client became more confused than he was upon transfer to the post-surgical unit.
Rationale:
A change in the level of consciousness is most likely the earliest symptom of increased ICP. Vital sign
changes can also occur, with a widening pulse pressure and bradycardia. Neither of these are indicated
by data in the options. Sanguineous drainage does not indicate increased ICP.
The home health practical nurse is visiting with a client who has a history of second-degree heart block
and pacemaker placement 6 months ago. Which symptom compliant by the client would be indicative of
pacemaker failure?
a. Facial flushing
b. Nausea
c. Pounding headache
d. Feelings of dizziness - CORRECT ANSWERS-d. Feelings of dizziness
Rationale:
Feelings of dizziness may occur as the result of a decreased heart rate, leading to decreased cardiac
output as a result of pacemaker failure.
Which actions demonstrate to the practical nurse that the client understands the correct procedure
administration of a metered dose inhaler (MDI)? (Select all that apply.)
a. Sit or stand.
b. Shake the inhaler.
c. Attach the canister of medication to the mouthpiece.
d. Breathe in through the mouth, filling the lungs.
e. Use a spacer attachment and place the mouthpiece in the mouth.
f. Close the lips around the mouthpiece.
g. After inhaling the medication, hold the breath 10 seconds. - CORRECT ANSWERS-b. Shake
the inhaler.
ACTUAL COMPLETE REAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
ANSWERS (CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES)
ALREADY GRADED A+ , GUARANTEED SUCCESS| NEWEST
EXAM | JUST RELEASED
A client diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Which intervention should the practical nurse implement to help
relieve joint pain and stiffness?
a. Encourage the client to perform weight-bearing exercises.
b. Teach the client how to perform range-of-motion exercises.
c. Explain the use of ice and massage for pain relief.
d. Instruct the client to take an analgesic before walking daily - CORRECT ANSWERS-d.
Instruct the client to take an analgesic before walking daily.
Adequate pain management is important for the success of an exercise program. Keeping the joints
active decreases pain, so taking an analgesic and walking daily is likely to help decrease joint pain and
stiffness.
A client diagnosed with prostate cancer is prescribed radioactive seed implantation (brachytherapy).
What is the most important nursing action for the practical nurse (PN) to do?
a. Follow radiation exposure precautions
b. Encourage regular meals
c. Collect all urine in sealed containers
d. Avoid touching the client. - CORRECT ANSWERS-a. Follow radiation exposure precautions.
Clients being treated for prostate cancer with brachytherapy (radioactive seeds implant) should be
placed on radiation exposure precautions. The PN needs to follow the institution's protocols put in place
regarding the amount of time and distance needed to prevent excessive exposure that would pose a
hazard to others.
,A client diagnosed with emphysema that is oxygen-dependent lives alone at home and manages self-
care with no difficulty. Which finding should prompt the home health practical nurse to consult the
registered nurse case manager?
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
c. The client reports feeling as tired as at the last visit by the nurse
d. Upon entering the home, the PN noticed dirty dishes and clothing scattered around the home. -
CORRECT ANSWERS-b. A weight loss of 5 pounds since the last monthly home visit
A weight loss of 5 pounds in 1 month is a concern. Clients with COPD need additional calorie intake
because they are using up a lot from the energy they are using to breath. The practical nurse needs to
consult with the registered nurse case manager for a nutrition consult
The nurse has reinforced instructions to a client with diabetes mellitus on how to self-monitor for
symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse realizes the instructions have been effective if the
client can list which symptoms? (Select all that apply.)
a. Fruity breath odor
b. Rapid, weak pulse
c. Cold, clammy skin
d. Extreme thirst
e. Urinary frequency
f. Protruding eyeballs - CORRECT ANSWERS-a. Fruity breath odor
b. Rapid, weak pulse
d. Extreme thirst
e. Urinary frequency
Diabetic ketoacidosis is caused by a profound deficiency of insulin. Some common characteristics include
a sweet, fruity breath odor, a rapid weak pulse, extreme thirst, urinary frequency, and sunken-appearing
eyeballs.
,A client mentions using garlic daily as an herb to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Which nursing
action is a priority?
a. Monitor the client for signs of bleeding.
b. Instruct the client that garlic tends to cause hypertension.
c. This may relieve fever in the same way that acetaminophen does.
d. Remind the patient to use tooth brushing and mouthwash to prevent garlic odor. - CORRECT
ANSWERS-a. Monitor the client for signs of bleeding.
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 fever. While
the client will likely want to avoid garlic odor, it is not a priority.
The practical nurse (PN) is reviewing the health histories of assigned clients. Which factors have a
potential for development of throat cancer? (Select all that apply.)
a. Tobacco use
b. Excessive intake of alcohol
c. Intake of hot and spicy foods
d. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
e. Lack of exercise
f. Lack of dietary fiber - CORRECT ANSWERS-a. Tobacco use
b. Excessive intake of alcohol
d. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Rationale:
The most common risk factors for throat cancer are tobacco use, alcohol abuse, human papillomavirus
(HPV), a diet lacking in fruits and vegetable, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Foods
seasoned with herbs and spices have shown to have some health benefits in decreasing the risk of
developing cancer.
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-surgical unit. The nurse has urgently contact the surgeon to
report signs of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP). Which was the most likely EARLY sign that the client
was experiencing increased ICP?
, a. The client's blood pressure dropped from 128/70 to 124/68, preoperative BP 122/72
b. The client became more confused than he was upon transfer to the post-surgical unit.
c. The client had a large amount of sanguineous drainage noted on the gauze dressings.
d. The client's pulse rate had increased from 70 to 82 beats/min. - CORRECT ANSWERS-b. The
client became more confused than he was upon transfer to the post-surgical unit.
Rationale:
A change in the level of consciousness is most likely the earliest symptom of increased ICP. Vital sign
changes can also occur, with a widening pulse pressure and bradycardia. Neither of these are indicated
by data in the options. Sanguineous drainage does not indicate increased ICP.
The home health practical nurse is visiting with a client who has a history of second-degree heart block
and pacemaker placement 6 months ago. Which symptom compliant by the client would be indicative of
pacemaker failure?
a. Facial flushing
b. Nausea
c. Pounding headache
d. Feelings of dizziness - CORRECT ANSWERS-d. Feelings of dizziness
Rationale:
Feelings of dizziness may occur as the result of a decreased heart rate, leading to decreased cardiac
output as a result of pacemaker failure.
Which actions demonstrate to the practical nurse that the client understands the correct procedure
administration of a metered dose inhaler (MDI)? (Select all that apply.)
a. Sit or stand.
b. Shake the inhaler.
c. Attach the canister of medication to the mouthpiece.
d. Breathe in through the mouth, filling the lungs.
e. Use a spacer attachment and place the mouthpiece in the mouth.
f. Close the lips around the mouthpiece.
g. After inhaling the medication, hold the breath 10 seconds. - CORRECT ANSWERS-b. Shake
the inhaler.
