HESI Practice test, Hesi (Fundamentals study
guide) questions and answers 2025-2026 update
While preparing to insert a rectal suppository in a male adult client, the nurse observes that the client i
holding his breath while bearing down. What action should the nurse implement? - ANS >>Instruct th
client to take slow deep breaths and stop bearing down.
The nurse assesses an immobile, elderly male client and determines that his blood pressure is 138/60, hi
temperature is 95.8 F, and his output is 100 ml of concentrated urine during the last hour. He has we
sounding lung sounds, and increased respiratory secretions. Based on these assessment findings, wha
nursing action is most important for the nurse to implement? - ANS >>Turn the client q2h.
The home health nurse visits an elderly female client who had a stroke three months ago and is now abl
to ambulate with the assistance of a quad cane. Which assessment finding has the greatest implication
for this client's care? - ANS >>The nurse notes that there are numerous scatter rugs throughout the house
In providing care for a terminally ill resident of a long-term care facility, the nurse determines that th
resident is exhibiting signs of impending death and has a "do not resuscitate" or DNR status. Wha
intervention should the nurse implement first? - ANS >>Notify family members of the client's condition.
A healthcare provider is performing a sterile procedure at a client's bedside. Near the end of th
procedure, the nurse observes the healthcare provider contaminate a sterile glove and the sterile field
What is the best action for the nurse to implement? - ANS >>Identify the break in surgical asepsis an
provide another set of sterile supplies.
The nurse is digitally removing a fecal impaction for a client. The nurse should stop the procedure an
take corrective action if which client reaction is noted? - ANS >>Pulse rate decreases from 78 to 5
beats/min.
Which client care activity requires the nurse to wear barrier gloves as required by the protocol fo
Standard Precautions? - ANS >>Emptying the urinary catheter drainage bag for a client with Alzheimer'
disease.
,A client in hospice care develops audible gurgling sounds on inspiration. Which nursing action has th
highest priority? - ANS >>Inform the family that death is imminent.
A 73-year-old Hispanic client is seen at the community health clinic with a history of protein malnutrition
What information should the nurse obtain first? - ANS >>Foods and liquids consumed during the past 2
hours.
When caring for an immobile client, what nursing diagnosis has the highest priority? - ANS >>Impaire
gas exchange.
Which statement correctly identifies a written learning objective for a client with peripheral vascula
disease? - ANS >>Upon discharge, the client will list three ways to protect the feet from injury.
Which nursing intervention is most beneficial in reducing the risk of urosepsis in a hospitalized clien
with an indwelling urinary catheter? - ANS >>Obtain a prescription for removal of the catheter as soon a
possible.
The nurse is providing passive range of motion (ROM) exercises to the hip and knee for a client who i
unconscious.
After supporting the client's knee with one hand, what action should the nurse take next? - ANS >>Cradl
the client's heel.
Prior to administering a newly prescribed medication to a client, the nurse reviews the adverse effects o
the medication listed in a drug reference guide and determines the priority risks to the client. Whil
performing this action, the nurse is engaged in which step of the nursing process? - ANS >>Analysis.
What action by the nurse demonstrates culturally sensitive care? - ANS >>Asks permission befor
touching a client.
An older female client with rheumatoid arthritis is complaining of severe joint pain that is caused by th
weight of the linen on her legs. What action should the nurse implement first? - ANS >>Drape the sheet
over the footboard of the bed.
An older client who is able to stand but not to ambulate receives a prescription to be mobilized into a cha
as tolerated during each day. What is the best action for the nurse to implement when assisting the clien
from the bed to the chair? - ANS >>Place a transfer belt around the client, assist to stand, and pivot to
chair that is placed at a right angle to the bed.
The nurse removes the dressing on a client's heel that is covering a pressure sore one-inch in diamete
and finds that there is straw-colored drainage seeping from the wound. What description of this findin
should the nurse include in the client's record? - ANS >>One-inch pressure sore draining serous fluid.
,When the nurse enters a client's room to do an initial assessment, the client shouts, "Get out of my room
I'm tired of being bothered!" How should the nurse respond? - ANS >>"What is concerning you thi
morning?"
The nurse encounters resistance when inserting the tubing into a client's rectum for a tap water enema
What action should the nurse implement? - ANS >>Ask the client to relax and run a small amount of flui
into the rectum.
A client with Raynaud's disease asks the nurse about using biofeedback for self-management o
symptoms. What response is best for the nurse to provide? - ANS >>Biofeedback allows the client t
control involuntary responses to promote peripheral vasodilation.
Which client assessment data is most important for the nurse to consider before ambulating
postoperative client? - ANS >>Respiratory rate.
A male client arrives at the outpatient surgery center for a scheduled needle aspiration of the knee. H
tells the nurse that he has already given verbal consent for the procedure to the healthcare provider. Wha
action should the nurse implement? - ANS >>Witness the client's signature on the consent form.
A medication is prescribed to be given QID. What schedule should the nurse use to administer thi
prescription? - ANS >>0800, 1200, 1600, 2000.
A female nurse who sometimes tries to save time by putting medications in her uniform pocket to delive
to clients, confides that after arriving home she found a hydrocodone (Vicodin) tablet in her pocket. Whic
possible outcome of this situation should be the nurse's greatest concern? - ANS >>Accused of diversion
A single mother of two teenagers, ages 16 and 18, was just told that she has advanced cancer. She i
devastated by the news, and expresses her concern about who will care for her children. Which statemen
by the nurse is likely to be most helpful at this time? - ANS >>"Tell me what you would like to see happe
with your children in the future."
A client provides the nurse with information about the reason for seeking care. The nurse realizes tha
some information about past hospitalizations is missing. How should the nurse obtain this information
- ANS >>Elicit specific facts about past hospitalizations with direct questions.
A male client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) develops cryptococcal meningitis an
tells the nurse he does not want to be resuscitated if his breathing stops. What action should the nurs
implement? - ANS >>Ask the client if this decision has been discussed with his healthcare provider.
, A nurse observes a student nurse taking a copy of a client's medication administration record. Whe
questioned, the student states, "Another student is scheduled to administer medications for this clien
tomorrow, so I am going to make a copy to help my friend prepare for tomorrow's clinical." What respons
should the nurse provide first? - ANS >>Explain that the records are hospital property and may not b
removed.
The nurse is preparing to irrigate a client's indwelling urinary catheter using an open technique. Wha
action should the nurse take after applying gloves? - ANS >>Draw up the irrigating solution into th
syringe.
A male client with an infected wound tells the nurse that he follows a macrobiotic diet. Which type of food
should the nurse recommend that the client select from the hospital menu? - ANS >>Combination of plan
proteins to provide essential amino acids.
A client with chronic renal disease is admitted to the hospital for evaluation prior to a surgical procedure
Which laboratory test indicates the client's protein status for the longest length of time? - ANS >>Serum
albumin.
A male client has a nursing diagnosis of "spiritual distress." What intervention is best for the nurse t
implement when caring for this client? - ANS >>Use reflective listening techniques when the clien
expresses spiritual doubts.
The home health nurse visits an elderly client who lives at home with her husband. The client i
experiencing frequent episodes of diarrhea and bowel incontinence. Which problem, for which the clien
is at risk, has the greatest priority when planning the client's care? - ANS >>Fluid volume imbalance.
While preparing to insert a rectal suppository in a male adult client, the nurse observes that the client i
holding his breath while bearing down. What action should the nurse implement? - ANS >>Instruct th
client to take slow deep breaths and stop bearing down.
A 35-year-old female client with cancer refuses to allow the nurse to insert an IV for a schedule
chemotherapy treatment, and states that she is ready to go home to die. What intervention should th
nurse initiate? - ANS >>Evaluate the client's mental status for competence to refuse treatment.
A female client informs the nurse that she uses herbal therapies to supplement her diet and manag
common ailments. What information should the nurse offer the client about general use of herba
supplements? - ANS >>Herbs should be obtained from manufacturers with a history of quality control o
their supplements.
What action should the nurse implement when adding sterile liquids to a sterile field? - ANS >>Conside
the sterile field contaminated if it becomes wet during the procedure.
guide) questions and answers 2025-2026 update
While preparing to insert a rectal suppository in a male adult client, the nurse observes that the client i
holding his breath while bearing down. What action should the nurse implement? - ANS >>Instruct th
client to take slow deep breaths and stop bearing down.
The nurse assesses an immobile, elderly male client and determines that his blood pressure is 138/60, hi
temperature is 95.8 F, and his output is 100 ml of concentrated urine during the last hour. He has we
sounding lung sounds, and increased respiratory secretions. Based on these assessment findings, wha
nursing action is most important for the nurse to implement? - ANS >>Turn the client q2h.
The home health nurse visits an elderly female client who had a stroke three months ago and is now abl
to ambulate with the assistance of a quad cane. Which assessment finding has the greatest implication
for this client's care? - ANS >>The nurse notes that there are numerous scatter rugs throughout the house
In providing care for a terminally ill resident of a long-term care facility, the nurse determines that th
resident is exhibiting signs of impending death and has a "do not resuscitate" or DNR status. Wha
intervention should the nurse implement first? - ANS >>Notify family members of the client's condition.
A healthcare provider is performing a sterile procedure at a client's bedside. Near the end of th
procedure, the nurse observes the healthcare provider contaminate a sterile glove and the sterile field
What is the best action for the nurse to implement? - ANS >>Identify the break in surgical asepsis an
provide another set of sterile supplies.
The nurse is digitally removing a fecal impaction for a client. The nurse should stop the procedure an
take corrective action if which client reaction is noted? - ANS >>Pulse rate decreases from 78 to 5
beats/min.
Which client care activity requires the nurse to wear barrier gloves as required by the protocol fo
Standard Precautions? - ANS >>Emptying the urinary catheter drainage bag for a client with Alzheimer'
disease.
,A client in hospice care develops audible gurgling sounds on inspiration. Which nursing action has th
highest priority? - ANS >>Inform the family that death is imminent.
A 73-year-old Hispanic client is seen at the community health clinic with a history of protein malnutrition
What information should the nurse obtain first? - ANS >>Foods and liquids consumed during the past 2
hours.
When caring for an immobile client, what nursing diagnosis has the highest priority? - ANS >>Impaire
gas exchange.
Which statement correctly identifies a written learning objective for a client with peripheral vascula
disease? - ANS >>Upon discharge, the client will list three ways to protect the feet from injury.
Which nursing intervention is most beneficial in reducing the risk of urosepsis in a hospitalized clien
with an indwelling urinary catheter? - ANS >>Obtain a prescription for removal of the catheter as soon a
possible.
The nurse is providing passive range of motion (ROM) exercises to the hip and knee for a client who i
unconscious.
After supporting the client's knee with one hand, what action should the nurse take next? - ANS >>Cradl
the client's heel.
Prior to administering a newly prescribed medication to a client, the nurse reviews the adverse effects o
the medication listed in a drug reference guide and determines the priority risks to the client. Whil
performing this action, the nurse is engaged in which step of the nursing process? - ANS >>Analysis.
What action by the nurse demonstrates culturally sensitive care? - ANS >>Asks permission befor
touching a client.
An older female client with rheumatoid arthritis is complaining of severe joint pain that is caused by th
weight of the linen on her legs. What action should the nurse implement first? - ANS >>Drape the sheet
over the footboard of the bed.
An older client who is able to stand but not to ambulate receives a prescription to be mobilized into a cha
as tolerated during each day. What is the best action for the nurse to implement when assisting the clien
from the bed to the chair? - ANS >>Place a transfer belt around the client, assist to stand, and pivot to
chair that is placed at a right angle to the bed.
The nurse removes the dressing on a client's heel that is covering a pressure sore one-inch in diamete
and finds that there is straw-colored drainage seeping from the wound. What description of this findin
should the nurse include in the client's record? - ANS >>One-inch pressure sore draining serous fluid.
,When the nurse enters a client's room to do an initial assessment, the client shouts, "Get out of my room
I'm tired of being bothered!" How should the nurse respond? - ANS >>"What is concerning you thi
morning?"
The nurse encounters resistance when inserting the tubing into a client's rectum for a tap water enema
What action should the nurse implement? - ANS >>Ask the client to relax and run a small amount of flui
into the rectum.
A client with Raynaud's disease asks the nurse about using biofeedback for self-management o
symptoms. What response is best for the nurse to provide? - ANS >>Biofeedback allows the client t
control involuntary responses to promote peripheral vasodilation.
Which client assessment data is most important for the nurse to consider before ambulating
postoperative client? - ANS >>Respiratory rate.
A male client arrives at the outpatient surgery center for a scheduled needle aspiration of the knee. H
tells the nurse that he has already given verbal consent for the procedure to the healthcare provider. Wha
action should the nurse implement? - ANS >>Witness the client's signature on the consent form.
A medication is prescribed to be given QID. What schedule should the nurse use to administer thi
prescription? - ANS >>0800, 1200, 1600, 2000.
A female nurse who sometimes tries to save time by putting medications in her uniform pocket to delive
to clients, confides that after arriving home she found a hydrocodone (Vicodin) tablet in her pocket. Whic
possible outcome of this situation should be the nurse's greatest concern? - ANS >>Accused of diversion
A single mother of two teenagers, ages 16 and 18, was just told that she has advanced cancer. She i
devastated by the news, and expresses her concern about who will care for her children. Which statemen
by the nurse is likely to be most helpful at this time? - ANS >>"Tell me what you would like to see happe
with your children in the future."
A client provides the nurse with information about the reason for seeking care. The nurse realizes tha
some information about past hospitalizations is missing. How should the nurse obtain this information
- ANS >>Elicit specific facts about past hospitalizations with direct questions.
A male client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) develops cryptococcal meningitis an
tells the nurse he does not want to be resuscitated if his breathing stops. What action should the nurs
implement? - ANS >>Ask the client if this decision has been discussed with his healthcare provider.
, A nurse observes a student nurse taking a copy of a client's medication administration record. Whe
questioned, the student states, "Another student is scheduled to administer medications for this clien
tomorrow, so I am going to make a copy to help my friend prepare for tomorrow's clinical." What respons
should the nurse provide first? - ANS >>Explain that the records are hospital property and may not b
removed.
The nurse is preparing to irrigate a client's indwelling urinary catheter using an open technique. Wha
action should the nurse take after applying gloves? - ANS >>Draw up the irrigating solution into th
syringe.
A male client with an infected wound tells the nurse that he follows a macrobiotic diet. Which type of food
should the nurse recommend that the client select from the hospital menu? - ANS >>Combination of plan
proteins to provide essential amino acids.
A client with chronic renal disease is admitted to the hospital for evaluation prior to a surgical procedure
Which laboratory test indicates the client's protein status for the longest length of time? - ANS >>Serum
albumin.
A male client has a nursing diagnosis of "spiritual distress." What intervention is best for the nurse t
implement when caring for this client? - ANS >>Use reflective listening techniques when the clien
expresses spiritual doubts.
The home health nurse visits an elderly client who lives at home with her husband. The client i
experiencing frequent episodes of diarrhea and bowel incontinence. Which problem, for which the clien
is at risk, has the greatest priority when planning the client's care? - ANS >>Fluid volume imbalance.
While preparing to insert a rectal suppository in a male adult client, the nurse observes that the client i
holding his breath while bearing down. What action should the nurse implement? - ANS >>Instruct th
client to take slow deep breaths and stop bearing down.
A 35-year-old female client with cancer refuses to allow the nurse to insert an IV for a schedule
chemotherapy treatment, and states that she is ready to go home to die. What intervention should th
nurse initiate? - ANS >>Evaluate the client's mental status for competence to refuse treatment.
A female client informs the nurse that she uses herbal therapies to supplement her diet and manag
common ailments. What information should the nurse offer the client about general use of herba
supplements? - ANS >>Herbs should be obtained from manufacturers with a history of quality control o
their supplements.
What action should the nurse implement when adding sterile liquids to a sterile field? - ANS >>Conside
the sterile field contaminated if it becomes wet during the procedure.
