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HESI Fundamentals Practice Exam (NEW UPDATED VERSION) LATEST ACTUAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS) | GUARANTEED PASS A+ UPDATED 2026
1. A client postoperative day 1 is receiving opioids for pain.
The nurse notes the client’s respirations are 10 breaths/min.
What should the nurse do first?
A. Notify the healthcare provider
B. Stimulate the client and reassess
C. Increase oxygen to 4 L/min
D. Discontinue opioids permanently
Answer: B. Stimulate the client and reassess
Rationale: Respiratory depression is a side effect of opioids. First, assess and stimulate to
determine responsiveness before notifying the provider.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with a new ileostomy.
Which teaching point is most important?
A. Empty the pouch when it is 1/3 to 1/2 full
B. Eat a high-fiber diet immediately
C. Avoid fluids
D. Sleep with the pouch open
Answer: A. Empty the pouch when it is 1/3 to 1/2 full
Rationale: Prevents leakage and skin irritation. High fiber should be increased gradually; fluids
are essential; pouch must remain closed.
3. Which finding would the nurse expect in a client with
dehydration?
2026 2027 GRADED A+
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A. Increased urine output
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Tachycardia
D. Bradycardia
Answer: C. Tachycardia
Rationale: Dehydration causes decreased circulating volume and compensatory tachycardia.
4. A client with a leg cast reports increasing pain not relieved
by medication. What is the priority assessment?
A. Skin color
B. Capillary refill and sensation
C. Temperature in the opposite leg
D. Pulse oximetry
Answer: B. Capillary refill and sensation
Rationale: Pain out of proportion can indicate compartment syndrome; assess neurovascular
status immediately.
5. The nurse notes a Foley catheter drainage bag is full.
What should the nurse do?
A. Empty the bag
B. Disconnect the tubing
C. Strip the catheter tubing
D. Reposition the client
Answer: A. Empty the bag
Rationale: Prevents backflow and potential infection. Do not disconnect tubing (infection risk).
6. A client with COPD is complaining of increased shortness
of breath. Which position is best?
A. Supine
B. High-Fowler’s
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C. Prone
D. Left lateral
Answer: B. High-Fowler’s
Rationale: Promotes maximal lung expansion and ease of breathing.
7. A client with diabetes is at risk for hypoglycemia. Which
symptom would the nurse expect first?
A. Confusion
B. Tremors
C. Cool, clammy skin
D. Ketones in urine
Answer: B. Tremors
Rationale: Early sympathetic signs (tremors, palpitations) occur before cognitive changes.
8. The nurse is collecting data on a client with suspected
anemia. Which lab value is most relevant?
A. Sodium
B. Hemoglobin
C. Potassium
D. Glucose
Answer: B. Hemoglobin
Rationale: Hemoglobin indicates oxygen-carrying capacity and is the primary anemia indicator.
9. A client on bed rest complains of calf pain and swelling.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Apply a warm compress
B. Perform Homan’s sign
C. Notify the provider
D. Assess for deep vein thrombosis
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Answer: D. Assess for deep vein thrombosis
Rationale: Calf pain/swelling on bed rest is DVT risk; assess prior to interventions.
10. A client with congestive heart failure should limit which
dietary component?
A. Protein
B. Sodium
C. Fiber
D. Carbohydrates
Answer: B. Sodium
Rationale: Sodium increases fluid retention and worsens CHF.
11. A postoperative client has an order for incentive
spirometry every hour. What is the primary purpose?
A. Prevent pneumonia
B. Promote sleep
C. Increase appetite
D. Prevent constipation
Answer: A. Prevent pneumonia
Rationale: Encourages deep breathing, prevents atelectasis, and reduces pneumonia risk.
12. Which intervention should the nurse use when
administering a subcutaneous injection?
A. Insert at a 90° angle always
B. Aspirate before injecting
C. Use the abdomen or upper arm
D. Massage vigorously after injection
Answer: C. Use the abdomen or upper arm
Rationale: These are common SC sites; aspiration is not recommended generally; massage may
alter absorption.
2026 2027 GRADED A+
HESI Fundamentals Practice Exam (NEW UPDATED VERSION) LATEST ACTUAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS) | GUARANTEED PASS A+ UPDATED 2026
1. A client postoperative day 1 is receiving opioids for pain.
The nurse notes the client’s respirations are 10 breaths/min.
What should the nurse do first?
A. Notify the healthcare provider
B. Stimulate the client and reassess
C. Increase oxygen to 4 L/min
D. Discontinue opioids permanently
Answer: B. Stimulate the client and reassess
Rationale: Respiratory depression is a side effect of opioids. First, assess and stimulate to
determine responsiveness before notifying the provider.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with a new ileostomy.
Which teaching point is most important?
A. Empty the pouch when it is 1/3 to 1/2 full
B. Eat a high-fiber diet immediately
C. Avoid fluids
D. Sleep with the pouch open
Answer: A. Empty the pouch when it is 1/3 to 1/2 full
Rationale: Prevents leakage and skin irritation. High fiber should be increased gradually; fluids
are essential; pouch must remain closed.
3. Which finding would the nurse expect in a client with
dehydration?
2026 2027 GRADED A+
,2|Page
A. Increased urine output
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Tachycardia
D. Bradycardia
Answer: C. Tachycardia
Rationale: Dehydration causes decreased circulating volume and compensatory tachycardia.
4. A client with a leg cast reports increasing pain not relieved
by medication. What is the priority assessment?
A. Skin color
B. Capillary refill and sensation
C. Temperature in the opposite leg
D. Pulse oximetry
Answer: B. Capillary refill and sensation
Rationale: Pain out of proportion can indicate compartment syndrome; assess neurovascular
status immediately.
5. The nurse notes a Foley catheter drainage bag is full.
What should the nurse do?
A. Empty the bag
B. Disconnect the tubing
C. Strip the catheter tubing
D. Reposition the client
Answer: A. Empty the bag
Rationale: Prevents backflow and potential infection. Do not disconnect tubing (infection risk).
6. A client with COPD is complaining of increased shortness
of breath. Which position is best?
A. Supine
B. High-Fowler’s
2026 2027 GRADED A+
,3|Page
C. Prone
D. Left lateral
Answer: B. High-Fowler’s
Rationale: Promotes maximal lung expansion and ease of breathing.
7. A client with diabetes is at risk for hypoglycemia. Which
symptom would the nurse expect first?
A. Confusion
B. Tremors
C. Cool, clammy skin
D. Ketones in urine
Answer: B. Tremors
Rationale: Early sympathetic signs (tremors, palpitations) occur before cognitive changes.
8. The nurse is collecting data on a client with suspected
anemia. Which lab value is most relevant?
A. Sodium
B. Hemoglobin
C. Potassium
D. Glucose
Answer: B. Hemoglobin
Rationale: Hemoglobin indicates oxygen-carrying capacity and is the primary anemia indicator.
9. A client on bed rest complains of calf pain and swelling.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Apply a warm compress
B. Perform Homan’s sign
C. Notify the provider
D. Assess for deep vein thrombosis
2026 2027 GRADED A+
, 4|Page
Answer: D. Assess for deep vein thrombosis
Rationale: Calf pain/swelling on bed rest is DVT risk; assess prior to interventions.
10. A client with congestive heart failure should limit which
dietary component?
A. Protein
B. Sodium
C. Fiber
D. Carbohydrates
Answer: B. Sodium
Rationale: Sodium increases fluid retention and worsens CHF.
11. A postoperative client has an order for incentive
spirometry every hour. What is the primary purpose?
A. Prevent pneumonia
B. Promote sleep
C. Increase appetite
D. Prevent constipation
Answer: A. Prevent pneumonia
Rationale: Encourages deep breathing, prevents atelectasis, and reduces pneumonia risk.
12. Which intervention should the nurse use when
administering a subcutaneous injection?
A. Insert at a 90° angle always
B. Aspirate before injecting
C. Use the abdomen or upper arm
D. Massage vigorously after injection
Answer: C. Use the abdomen or upper arm
Rationale: These are common SC sites; aspiration is not recommended generally; massage may
alter absorption.
2026 2027 GRADED A+
