HESI FUNDAMENTALS EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
,Core Domains
Nursing Process (ADPIE)
Patient Safety and Infection Control
Therapeutic Communication and Documentation
Vital Signs and Health Assessment
Medication Administration and Pharmacology Basics
Ethics, Legal Compliance, and Patient Rights
Basic Patient Care, Comfort, and Nutrition
Clinical Skills and Nursing Interventions*
,The HESI Fundamentals Exam evaluates foundational nursing knowledge and clinical decision-making
essential for safe, effective patient care. This assessment measures competency in core areas including the
nursing process, infection control, communication, health assessment, medication safety, and ethical-legal
standards. The exam consists entirely of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions that simulate real-world
clinical situations. Emphasis is placed on applying theoretical knowledge to practical decision-making,
prioritizing care, recognizing abnormal findings, and advocating for patient rights. Success requires both
factual mastery and critical thinking skills to navigate complex healthcare scenarios.*
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient's vital signs. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Temperature 98.6°F (37°C)
B. Pulse 72 beats/min
C. Respiration 28 breaths/min
D. Blood pressure 118/76 mmHg
🟢 C. Respiration 28 breaths/min
🔴 RATIONALE: Normal adult respiration is 12–20 breaths/min. A rate of 28 breaths/min indicates
tachypnea, which may signal respiratory distress, infection, or other critical conditions requiring immediate
assessment and intervention.
, Question 2
Which action best demonstrates therapeutic communication with a patient who is anxious about surgery?
A. "Don't worry, everything will be fine."
B. "I understand you're concerned. What specifically are you worried about?"
C. "Your surgeon is very experienced."
D. "Many patients feel this way before surgery."
🟢 B. "I understand you're concerned. What specifically are you worried about?"
🔴 RATIONALE: This response acknowledges the patient's feelings and invites them to express concerns,
demonstrating empathy and active listening—key components of therapeutic communication.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer medication intravenously. Which is the MOST important step to prevent
infection?
A. Wear gloves
B. Perform hand hygiene before setup
C. Use aseptic technique during insertion
D. Clean the injection site with alcohol
🟢 C. Use aseptic technique during insertion
🔴 RATIONALE: Aseptic technique during IV insertion is the most critical step to prevent infection as it
maintains sterility throughout the procedure, directly preventing microbial introduction.
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
,Core Domains
Nursing Process (ADPIE)
Patient Safety and Infection Control
Therapeutic Communication and Documentation
Vital Signs and Health Assessment
Medication Administration and Pharmacology Basics
Ethics, Legal Compliance, and Patient Rights
Basic Patient Care, Comfort, and Nutrition
Clinical Skills and Nursing Interventions*
,The HESI Fundamentals Exam evaluates foundational nursing knowledge and clinical decision-making
essential for safe, effective patient care. This assessment measures competency in core areas including the
nursing process, infection control, communication, health assessment, medication safety, and ethical-legal
standards. The exam consists entirely of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions that simulate real-world
clinical situations. Emphasis is placed on applying theoretical knowledge to practical decision-making,
prioritizing care, recognizing abnormal findings, and advocating for patient rights. Success requires both
factual mastery and critical thinking skills to navigate complex healthcare scenarios.*
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient's vital signs. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Temperature 98.6°F (37°C)
B. Pulse 72 beats/min
C. Respiration 28 breaths/min
D. Blood pressure 118/76 mmHg
🟢 C. Respiration 28 breaths/min
🔴 RATIONALE: Normal adult respiration is 12–20 breaths/min. A rate of 28 breaths/min indicates
tachypnea, which may signal respiratory distress, infection, or other critical conditions requiring immediate
assessment and intervention.
, Question 2
Which action best demonstrates therapeutic communication with a patient who is anxious about surgery?
A. "Don't worry, everything will be fine."
B. "I understand you're concerned. What specifically are you worried about?"
C. "Your surgeon is very experienced."
D. "Many patients feel this way before surgery."
🟢 B. "I understand you're concerned. What specifically are you worried about?"
🔴 RATIONALE: This response acknowledges the patient's feelings and invites them to express concerns,
demonstrating empathy and active listening—key components of therapeutic communication.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer medication intravenously. Which is the MOST important step to prevent
infection?
A. Wear gloves
B. Perform hand hygiene before setup
C. Use aseptic technique during insertion
D. Clean the injection site with alcohol
🟢 C. Use aseptic technique during insertion
🔴 RATIONALE: Aseptic technique during IV insertion is the most critical step to prevent infection as it
maintains sterility throughout the procedure, directly preventing microbial introduction.
