HESI RN FUNDAMENTALS PRACTICE EXAM NGN
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
EXPLANATIONS UPDATED LATEST 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene before caring for a client. Which
action demonstrates proper technique?
A. Rubbing hands together for 5 seconds after applying soap
B. Using an alcohol-based hand rub when hands are visibly soiled
C. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds after visibly soiled
D. Drying hands with a reusable cloth towel
Correct Answer: C. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds after
visibly soiled
Rationale: Alcohol-based hand rub is not effective against C. difficile or visibly soiled
hands. Soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds is required. Single-use paper towels
are recommended.
Question 2
A client has a wound infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). Which type of isolation precautions should the nurse initiate?
A. Airborne precautions
B. Droplet precautions
C. Contact precautions
D. Protective environment
Correct Answer: C. Contact precautions
Rationale: MRSA is spread by direct contact. Contact precautions include a private
room, gloves, and gown. Airborne is for TB, measles; droplet for influenza, pertussis.
,Question 3
A nurse is applying restraints to a confused client who is pulling at an IV line.
Which action is most important?
A. Secure the restraints to the bed side rail
B. Tie the restraints with a quick-release knot
C. Remove restraints every 4 hours for range of motion
D. Apply restraints tightly to prevent movement
Correct Answer: B. Tie the restraints with a quick-release knot
Rationale: Restraints must be tied to the bed frame (not side rail) with a quick-release
knot for safety. Remove every 2 hours for ROM and toileting. Never tighten excessively.
Question 4
How often should a restrained client be monitored?
A. Every 15 minutes
B. Every 30 minutes
C. Every 60 minutes
D. Every 2 hours
Correct Answer: A. Every 15 minutes
Rationale: Restraints require frequent monitoring: every 15 minutes initially, including
pulse, color, sensation, movement of restrained extremities. Remove at least every 2
hours for ROM.
Question 5
Which client is at highest risk for falling?
A. A 45-year-old postoperative client with stable vital signs
B. A 70-year-old client with a history of falls and taking antihypertensives
C. A 30-year-old client with a broken leg using crutches correctly
D. A 50-year-old client with mild arthritis
,Correct Answer: B. A 70-year-old client with a history of falls and taking
antihypertensives
Rationale: History of falls, age >65, medications causing hypotension
(antihypertensives) are major fall risk factors. Use Morse Fall Scale.
Question 6
The nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter. Which technique
requires sterile gloves?
A. Donning sterile gloves after opening the outer package
B. Using clean gloves to handle the drainage bag
C. Wearing clean gloves for perineal cleaning
D. Wearing sterile gloves for the catheter insertion procedure
Correct Answer: D. Wearing sterile gloves for the catheter insertion procedure
Rationale: Catheter insertion is a sterile procedure. Clean gloves are used for peri-care;
sterile gloves are donned immediately before handling the sterile catheter and supplies.
Question 7
A nurse is applying oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min. Which finding indicates
the need for a different delivery device?
A. Client reports nasal dryness
B. Oxygen saturation is 95%
C. Client requires FiO2 >40%
D. Client prefers nasal cannula
Correct Answer: C. Client requires FiO2 >40%
Rationale: Nasal cannula can deliver 24-44% at 1-6 L/min. For FiO2 >40%, a mask
(simple, venturi, non-rebreather) is needed. Nasal dryness is managed with
humidification.
, Question 8
A nurse is teaching a client about the use of a cane. Which statement indicates
correct understanding?
A. "I will hold the cane on my weak side."
B. "I will hold the cane on my strong side and advance the cane with my weak leg."
C. "I will advance the cane and my strong leg together."
D. "I will keep the cane 24 inches to the side."
Correct Answer: B. "I will hold the cane on my strong side and advance the cane with
my weak leg."
Rationale: Cane is held on the strong side. Advance cane simultaneously with the weak
leg, then bring strong leg forward. Cane provides support to the weak side.
Question 9
A client on contact precautions has a visitor. Which instruction should the nurse
give the visitor?
A. "No PPE is required because you are not staff."
B. "Wear a gown and gloves while in the room."
C. "Wear a mask and gown only."
D. "Wash hands before and after leaving the room."
Correct Answer: B. "Wear a gown and gloves while in the room."
Rationale: Contact precautions require gown and gloves for all persons entering the
room, including visitors. Standard precautions require visitors to wash hands.
Question 10
To which part of the bed should a restraint be secured?
A. To the side rail
B. To the bed frame (not the side rail)
C. To the headboard
D. To the footboard
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
EXPLANATIONS UPDATED LATEST 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene before caring for a client. Which
action demonstrates proper technique?
A. Rubbing hands together for 5 seconds after applying soap
B. Using an alcohol-based hand rub when hands are visibly soiled
C. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds after visibly soiled
D. Drying hands with a reusable cloth towel
Correct Answer: C. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds after
visibly soiled
Rationale: Alcohol-based hand rub is not effective against C. difficile or visibly soiled
hands. Soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds is required. Single-use paper towels
are recommended.
Question 2
A client has a wound infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). Which type of isolation precautions should the nurse initiate?
A. Airborne precautions
B. Droplet precautions
C. Contact precautions
D. Protective environment
Correct Answer: C. Contact precautions
Rationale: MRSA is spread by direct contact. Contact precautions include a private
room, gloves, and gown. Airborne is for TB, measles; droplet for influenza, pertussis.
,Question 3
A nurse is applying restraints to a confused client who is pulling at an IV line.
Which action is most important?
A. Secure the restraints to the bed side rail
B. Tie the restraints with a quick-release knot
C. Remove restraints every 4 hours for range of motion
D. Apply restraints tightly to prevent movement
Correct Answer: B. Tie the restraints with a quick-release knot
Rationale: Restraints must be tied to the bed frame (not side rail) with a quick-release
knot for safety. Remove every 2 hours for ROM and toileting. Never tighten excessively.
Question 4
How often should a restrained client be monitored?
A. Every 15 minutes
B. Every 30 minutes
C. Every 60 minutes
D. Every 2 hours
Correct Answer: A. Every 15 minutes
Rationale: Restraints require frequent monitoring: every 15 minutes initially, including
pulse, color, sensation, movement of restrained extremities. Remove at least every 2
hours for ROM.
Question 5
Which client is at highest risk for falling?
A. A 45-year-old postoperative client with stable vital signs
B. A 70-year-old client with a history of falls and taking antihypertensives
C. A 30-year-old client with a broken leg using crutches correctly
D. A 50-year-old client with mild arthritis
,Correct Answer: B. A 70-year-old client with a history of falls and taking
antihypertensives
Rationale: History of falls, age >65, medications causing hypotension
(antihypertensives) are major fall risk factors. Use Morse Fall Scale.
Question 6
The nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter. Which technique
requires sterile gloves?
A. Donning sterile gloves after opening the outer package
B. Using clean gloves to handle the drainage bag
C. Wearing clean gloves for perineal cleaning
D. Wearing sterile gloves for the catheter insertion procedure
Correct Answer: D. Wearing sterile gloves for the catheter insertion procedure
Rationale: Catheter insertion is a sterile procedure. Clean gloves are used for peri-care;
sterile gloves are donned immediately before handling the sterile catheter and supplies.
Question 7
A nurse is applying oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min. Which finding indicates
the need for a different delivery device?
A. Client reports nasal dryness
B. Oxygen saturation is 95%
C. Client requires FiO2 >40%
D. Client prefers nasal cannula
Correct Answer: C. Client requires FiO2 >40%
Rationale: Nasal cannula can deliver 24-44% at 1-6 L/min. For FiO2 >40%, a mask
(simple, venturi, non-rebreather) is needed. Nasal dryness is managed with
humidification.
, Question 8
A nurse is teaching a client about the use of a cane. Which statement indicates
correct understanding?
A. "I will hold the cane on my weak side."
B. "I will hold the cane on my strong side and advance the cane with my weak leg."
C. "I will advance the cane and my strong leg together."
D. "I will keep the cane 24 inches to the side."
Correct Answer: B. "I will hold the cane on my strong side and advance the cane with
my weak leg."
Rationale: Cane is held on the strong side. Advance cane simultaneously with the weak
leg, then bring strong leg forward. Cane provides support to the weak side.
Question 9
A client on contact precautions has a visitor. Which instruction should the nurse
give the visitor?
A. "No PPE is required because you are not staff."
B. "Wear a gown and gloves while in the room."
C. "Wear a mask and gown only."
D. "Wash hands before and after leaving the room."
Correct Answer: B. "Wear a gown and gloves while in the room."
Rationale: Contact precautions require gown and gloves for all persons entering the
room, including visitors. Standard precautions require visitors to wash hands.
Question 10
To which part of the bed should a restraint be secured?
A. To the side rail
B. To the bed frame (not the side rail)
C. To the headboard
D. To the footboard
