HESI FUNDAMENTALS VERSION 1 EXAM QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026-2027 (R… EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
HESI Fundamentals Version
1 Exam Questions &
Answers 2026-2027
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
55 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 55 HESI Fundamentals Version 1 exam questions, each with the correct answer and
a detailed rationale. It covers core nursing principles and is directly suitable for comprehensive study,
review of fundamental concepts, and preparation for certification exams.
CONTENTS
01 Patient Safety & Ethics Q1–Q12
02 Assessment & Diagnostics Q13–Q24
03 Psychosocial & Cultural Care Q25–Q37
04 Urinary & Fluid Balance Q38–Q39
Page 1
, 05 Nutrition & Weight Management Q40–Q40
06 Cardiovascular & Respiratory Q41–Q43
07 Mobility & Skin Integrity Q44–Q50
08 Pharmacology & Medication Admin Q51–Q55
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 55
A policy requiring the removal of acrylic nails by all nursing personnel was implemented 6
months ago. Which assessment measure best determines if the intended outcome of the policy is
being achieved?
a. Number of staff induced injury
b. Client satisfaction survey
c. Health care-associated infection rate.
d. Rate of needle-stick injuries by nurse.
CORRECT ANSWER
c
Acrylic nails are known to carry loads of bacteria and increase the risk of healthcare-associated
infections. Therefore, by banning the wearing of acrylic nails, you would expect the prevalence
of healthcare-associated infections to decrease. Acrylic nails have nothing to do with staff
induced injuries, needle-stick injuries, or patient satisfaction scores.
RATIONALE
The policy aims to reduce healthcare-associated infections by eliminating a common reservoir for microbial
contamination, thus the healthcare-associated infection rate directly measures the policy's effectiveness. This
question assesses understanding of infection control principles and their impact on patient outcomes.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 55
The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who is providing a total bed bath
for a confused and lethargic client. The UAP is soaking the client's foot in a basin of warm water
placed on the bed. What action should the nurse take?
a. Remove the basin of water from the client's bed immediately
b. Remind the UAP to dry between the client's toes completely
Page 2
,c. Advise the UAP that this procedure is damaging to the skin
d. Add skin cream to the basin of water while the foot is soaking
CORRECT ANSWER
b
(B) is especially important in making sure the patient does not experience skin breakdown due to
excessive moisture. Keeping the client's feet clean is necessary, but keeping the client's feet dry
is extremely important in skin maintenance.
RATIONALE
Drying between the toes completely is crucial to prevent skin breakdown from moisture, a key principle in
maintaining skin integrity for clients at risk for impaired skin. This action directly addresses the potential for
maceration and subsequent injury in a confused and lethargic patient.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 55
The nurse in the emergency department observes a colleague viewing the electronic health
record (EHR) of a client who holds an elected position in the community. The client is not a part
of the colleague's assignment. Which action should the nurse implement?
a. Communicate the colleague's actions to the unit charge nurse
b. Send an email to facility administration reporting the action
c. Write an anonymous complaint to a professional website
d. Post a comment about the action on a staff discussion board
CORRECT ANSWER
a
Looking up patients who are not under your direct care is a HIPPA violation and may result in
termination of employment, despite the patient's status in society or your curiosity. The first
action to implement is to report to your Charge Nurse so he or she may report the incident to the
appropriate chain of command.
RATIONALE
Accessing a client's electronic health record without a professional need-to-know constitutes a HIPAA violation,
and the immediate action is to report the breach to the charge nurse for escalation through the established chain of
command. This addresses the violation of patient privacy and adheres to institutional reporting protocols.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 55
Page 3
, The nursing staff in the cardiovascular intensive care unit are creating a continuous quality
improvement project on social media that addresses coronary artery disease (CAD). Which
action should the nurse implement to protect client privacy?
a. Remove identifying information of the clients who participated
b. Recall that authored content may be legally discoverable
c. Share material from credible, peer reviewed sources only
d. Respect all copyright laws when adding website content
CORRECT ANSWER
a
Since the improvement project is being creating on a social media platform, it is imperative to
have all names and patient identifiers removed to protect the client's identity and privacy. Any
names posted, regardless of whether or not it is a social media platform or a peer-reviewed
source is a HIPPA violation.
RATIONALE
Removing all client identifiers is critical to prevent breaches of protected health information (PHI) as mandated by
HIPAA, irrespective of the platform used. This action directly safeguards patient privacy by ensuring anonymity in
any shared information related to their care or outcomes.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 55
A postoperative client has three different PRN analgesics prescribed for different levels of
pain. The nurse inadvertently administers a dose that is not within the prescribed parameters.
What actions should the nurse take first?
a. Access for side effects of the medication.
b. Document the client's responses.
c. Complete a medication error report.
d. Determine if the pain was relieved.
CORRECT ANSWER
a
This is a medication error. The first step in addressing a medication error is to access for any side
effects of the medication on the patient. Certain analgesics may cause respiratory depression, so
it is essential to monitor for vital sign changes or respiratory distress. Once noting the patient is
stable, you may then contact the provider, document the response, and complete a medication
error report.
Page 4
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
HESI Fundamentals Version
1 Exam Questions &
Answers 2026-2027
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
55 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 55 HESI Fundamentals Version 1 exam questions, each with the correct answer and
a detailed rationale. It covers core nursing principles and is directly suitable for comprehensive study,
review of fundamental concepts, and preparation for certification exams.
CONTENTS
01 Patient Safety & Ethics Q1–Q12
02 Assessment & Diagnostics Q13–Q24
03 Psychosocial & Cultural Care Q25–Q37
04 Urinary & Fluid Balance Q38–Q39
Page 1
, 05 Nutrition & Weight Management Q40–Q40
06 Cardiovascular & Respiratory Q41–Q43
07 Mobility & Skin Integrity Q44–Q50
08 Pharmacology & Medication Admin Q51–Q55
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 55
A policy requiring the removal of acrylic nails by all nursing personnel was implemented 6
months ago. Which assessment measure best determines if the intended outcome of the policy is
being achieved?
a. Number of staff induced injury
b. Client satisfaction survey
c. Health care-associated infection rate.
d. Rate of needle-stick injuries by nurse.
CORRECT ANSWER
c
Acrylic nails are known to carry loads of bacteria and increase the risk of healthcare-associated
infections. Therefore, by banning the wearing of acrylic nails, you would expect the prevalence
of healthcare-associated infections to decrease. Acrylic nails have nothing to do with staff
induced injuries, needle-stick injuries, or patient satisfaction scores.
RATIONALE
The policy aims to reduce healthcare-associated infections by eliminating a common reservoir for microbial
contamination, thus the healthcare-associated infection rate directly measures the policy's effectiveness. This
question assesses understanding of infection control principles and their impact on patient outcomes.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 55
The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who is providing a total bed bath
for a confused and lethargic client. The UAP is soaking the client's foot in a basin of warm water
placed on the bed. What action should the nurse take?
a. Remove the basin of water from the client's bed immediately
b. Remind the UAP to dry between the client's toes completely
Page 2
,c. Advise the UAP that this procedure is damaging to the skin
d. Add skin cream to the basin of water while the foot is soaking
CORRECT ANSWER
b
(B) is especially important in making sure the patient does not experience skin breakdown due to
excessive moisture. Keeping the client's feet clean is necessary, but keeping the client's feet dry
is extremely important in skin maintenance.
RATIONALE
Drying between the toes completely is crucial to prevent skin breakdown from moisture, a key principle in
maintaining skin integrity for clients at risk for impaired skin. This action directly addresses the potential for
maceration and subsequent injury in a confused and lethargic patient.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 55
The nurse in the emergency department observes a colleague viewing the electronic health
record (EHR) of a client who holds an elected position in the community. The client is not a part
of the colleague's assignment. Which action should the nurse implement?
a. Communicate the colleague's actions to the unit charge nurse
b. Send an email to facility administration reporting the action
c. Write an anonymous complaint to a professional website
d. Post a comment about the action on a staff discussion board
CORRECT ANSWER
a
Looking up patients who are not under your direct care is a HIPPA violation and may result in
termination of employment, despite the patient's status in society or your curiosity. The first
action to implement is to report to your Charge Nurse so he or she may report the incident to the
appropriate chain of command.
RATIONALE
Accessing a client's electronic health record without a professional need-to-know constitutes a HIPAA violation,
and the immediate action is to report the breach to the charge nurse for escalation through the established chain of
command. This addresses the violation of patient privacy and adheres to institutional reporting protocols.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 55
Page 3
, The nursing staff in the cardiovascular intensive care unit are creating a continuous quality
improvement project on social media that addresses coronary artery disease (CAD). Which
action should the nurse implement to protect client privacy?
a. Remove identifying information of the clients who participated
b. Recall that authored content may be legally discoverable
c. Share material from credible, peer reviewed sources only
d. Respect all copyright laws when adding website content
CORRECT ANSWER
a
Since the improvement project is being creating on a social media platform, it is imperative to
have all names and patient identifiers removed to protect the client's identity and privacy. Any
names posted, regardless of whether or not it is a social media platform or a peer-reviewed
source is a HIPPA violation.
RATIONALE
Removing all client identifiers is critical to prevent breaches of protected health information (PHI) as mandated by
HIPAA, irrespective of the platform used. This action directly safeguards patient privacy by ensuring anonymity in
any shared information related to their care or outcomes.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 55
A postoperative client has three different PRN analgesics prescribed for different levels of
pain. The nurse inadvertently administers a dose that is not within the prescribed parameters.
What actions should the nurse take first?
a. Access for side effects of the medication.
b. Document the client's responses.
c. Complete a medication error report.
d. Determine if the pain was relieved.
CORRECT ANSWER
a
This is a medication error. The first step in addressing a medication error is to access for any side
effects of the medication on the patient. Certain analgesics may cause respiratory depression, so
it is essential to monitor for vital sign changes or respiratory distress. Once noting the patient is
stable, you may then contact the provider, document the response, and complete a medication
error report.
Page 4
