HESI Exit Exam Version 2 – 2026 Edition: 200
Comprehensive Practice Questions with
Answers, Detailed Rationales, and Graded
Explanations for Guaranteed Success on Your
First Attempt
Fundamentals of Nursing
Q1: A client is admitted with dehydration.
Which assessment finding indicates fluid
volume deficit?
• A: Dry mucous membranes, decreased skin
turgor, hypotension, and tachycardia. These
signs reflect decreased circulating volume
and extracellular fluid loss .
Q2: When performing hand hygiene, how long
should the nurse rub hands with soap and
water?
, • A: At least 20 seconds. Adequate friction
and duration remove pathogens effectively .
Q3: A nurse is caring for a patient on oxygen
therapy via nasal cannula at 4 L/min. What is
the expected oxygen concentration?
• A: Approximately 36% oxygen. Each liter
increases oxygen concentration by ~4%
above room air .
Q4: A client is post-operative and has a PCA
(patient-controlled analgesia) pump. What is
the priority nursing action?
• A: Monitor respiratory status and level of
consciousness. Opioids can cause
respiratory depression; frequent
assessment is critical .
Q5: The nurse is preparing to administer a
subcutaneous injection. What is the proper
angle of insertion?
, • A: 45–90 degrees depending on patient's
subcutaneous tissue thickness. Proper angle
ensures medication absorption and
prevents intramuscular administration .
Q6: A patient has a nasogastric tube connected
to suction. What is the best way to prevent
fluid and electrolyte imbalance?
• A: Monitor input and output and replace
fluids and electrolytes as needed.
Continuous suction can cause losses,
requiring vigilant monitoring .
Q7: When performing a neurological
assessment, which finding is abnormal?
• A: Unequal pupils reacting slowly to light.
This may indicate increased intracranial
pressure or neurological compromise .
, Q8: A nurse is teaching a client about incentive
spirometry. How often should the client
perform the exercise?
• A: 10 times every hour while awake.
Frequent use promotes lung expansion and
prevents atelectasis .
Q9: Which finding indicates hypoxia in a post-
operative patient?
• A: Restlessness, tachypnea, cyanosis, and
tachycardia. Early signs often include
agitation and increased respiratory rate .
Q10: A nurse is caring for a patient with a
urinary catheter. How should the drainage bag
be positioned?
• A: Below the level of the bladder. This
prevents backflow and reduces risk of
infection .
Comprehensive Practice Questions with
Answers, Detailed Rationales, and Graded
Explanations for Guaranteed Success on Your
First Attempt
Fundamentals of Nursing
Q1: A client is admitted with dehydration.
Which assessment finding indicates fluid
volume deficit?
• A: Dry mucous membranes, decreased skin
turgor, hypotension, and tachycardia. These
signs reflect decreased circulating volume
and extracellular fluid loss .
Q2: When performing hand hygiene, how long
should the nurse rub hands with soap and
water?
, • A: At least 20 seconds. Adequate friction
and duration remove pathogens effectively .
Q3: A nurse is caring for a patient on oxygen
therapy via nasal cannula at 4 L/min. What is
the expected oxygen concentration?
• A: Approximately 36% oxygen. Each liter
increases oxygen concentration by ~4%
above room air .
Q4: A client is post-operative and has a PCA
(patient-controlled analgesia) pump. What is
the priority nursing action?
• A: Monitor respiratory status and level of
consciousness. Opioids can cause
respiratory depression; frequent
assessment is critical .
Q5: The nurse is preparing to administer a
subcutaneous injection. What is the proper
angle of insertion?
, • A: 45–90 degrees depending on patient's
subcutaneous tissue thickness. Proper angle
ensures medication absorption and
prevents intramuscular administration .
Q6: A patient has a nasogastric tube connected
to suction. What is the best way to prevent
fluid and electrolyte imbalance?
• A: Monitor input and output and replace
fluids and electrolytes as needed.
Continuous suction can cause losses,
requiring vigilant monitoring .
Q7: When performing a neurological
assessment, which finding is abnormal?
• A: Unequal pupils reacting slowly to light.
This may indicate increased intracranial
pressure or neurological compromise .
, Q8: A nurse is teaching a client about incentive
spirometry. How often should the client
perform the exercise?
• A: 10 times every hour while awake.
Frequent use promotes lung expansion and
prevents atelectasis .
Q9: Which finding indicates hypoxia in a post-
operative patient?
• A: Restlessness, tachypnea, cyanosis, and
tachycardia. Early signs often include
agitation and increased respiratory rate .
Q10: A nurse is caring for a patient with a
urinary catheter. How should the drainage bag
be positioned?
• A: Below the level of the bladder. This
prevents backflow and reduces risk of
infection .
