Evolve HESI Fundamentals Test Bank 2026 |
Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales
for Nursing Exam Success
EVOLVE HESI FUNDAMENTALS TEST BANK 2026 | PRACTICE QUESTIONS,
ANSWERS & EXPERT RATIONALE FOR NURSING EXAM SUCCESS
• This test bank contains carefully curated practice questions designed to mirror the
actual HESI Fundamentals entrance exam, covering essential nursing concepts and
foundational knowledge needed for success in nursing programs and clinical
practice.
• Study this material by reviewing each question carefully, attempting to answer
before checking the EXPERT RATIONALE, and focusing on understanding the "why"
behind each correct answer to build solid foundational knowledge for your nursing
career.
QUESTION 1
A nurse is assessing a patient's vital signs during admission. Which vital sign
finding requires immediate intervention?
A) Temperature 37.2°C (98.9°F)
B) Pulse 68 beats per minute
C) Respirations 28 per minute and shallow
D) Blood pressure 128/82 mmHg
E) Oxygen saturation 96% on room air
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Respirations 28 per minute and shallow
EXPERT RATIONALE: Shallow respirations at 28 per minute indicate tachypnea and
inadequate ventilation, which requires immediate intervention to ensure adequate
oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination. A normal respiratory rate is 12-20
breaths per minute. The other vital signs are all within normal limits: temperature
37.2°C is normal, pulse 68 is normal (60-100 bpm), BP 128/82 is normal, and O2
saturation 96% is normal.
,QUESTION 2
When communicating with a patient who is hard of hearing, which nursing
action is most appropriate?
A) Speak louder and faster to ensure they hear you
B) Face the patient directly, speak clearly, and allow time for response
C) Write all information down so they can read it
D) Use hand signals exclusively to communicate
E) Ask family members to repeat everything you say
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Face the patient directly, speak clearly, and allow time
for response
EXPERT RATIONALE: Facing the patient directly allows them to read lips and
observe non-verbal communication. Speaking clearly at a normal pace (not too fast)
and pausing for understanding promotes effective communication. Speaking
louder can distort speech, writing everything down is impractical and strips the
patient of independence, hand signals alone are incomplete, and relying on family
members bypasses direct patient communication and confidentiality.
QUESTION 3
A patient is newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 2. Which statement
by the patient indicates the need for additional teaching?
A) "I will check my blood sugar before meals and at bedtime"
B) "Type 2 diabetes means my pancreas doesn't make any insulin"
C) "I need to follow a consistent diet and exercise plan"
D) "I should monitor my feet daily for any sores"
E) "I will take my medication as prescribed"
,CORRECT ANSWER: B) "Type 2 diabetes means my pancreas doesn't make any
insulin"
EXPERT RATIONALE: This statement is incorrect and requires teaching. In type 2
diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin, but the body's cells cannot use it
effectively (insulin resistance), or the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the pancreas producing little to no insulin. All
other statements demonstrate correct understanding of diabetes management
including blood glucose monitoring, dietary consistency, foot care, and medication
adherence.
QUESTION 4
Which action should the nurse take first when a patient reports chest pain?
A) Administer oxygen immediately
B) Place the patient in a supine position
C) Assess the characteristics of the pain using the OPQRST method
D) Notify the physician immediately
E) Obtain a 12-lead ECG
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Assess the characteristics of the pain using the OPQRST
method
EXPERT RATIONALE: Assessment is the first step in the nursing process. Using
OPQRST (Onset, Provocation/Palliation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Timing)
provides essential information about the pain that helps determine the urgency
and type of intervention needed. While oxygen, ECG, and physician notification may
be needed, assessment guides these actions. Placing a patient with chest pain in
supine position may not be appropriate without first understanding the nature of
the pain.
QUESTION 5
, A nurse is explaining infection control procedures to a group of nursing
students. Which statement about standard precautions is most accurate?
A) Standard precautions are only necessary when caring for patients with known
infections
B) Standard precautions should be used with all patients regardless of their
infection status
C) Gloves are the only piece of personal protective equipment necessary
D) Hand hygiene is only required after patient contact
E) Masks are optional when working within 6 feet of patients
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Standard precautions should be used with all patients
regardless of their infection status
EXPERT RATIONALE: Standard precautions are designed to be used with all
patients at all times because the infection status of patients may be unknown. This
approach assumes all body fluids are potentially infectious. Standard precautions
include proper hand hygiene, appropriate use of PPE based on the task, respiratory
hygiene, and safe injection practices. Using them only with known infections or
using only gloves is insufficient. Hand hygiene is required before and after patient
contact, and masks should be used appropriately based on risk of exposure.
QUESTION 6
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a patient experiencing
nausea and vomiting?
A) Encourage the patient to eat large meals to maintain nutrition
B) Position the patient upright and provide small, frequent sips of clear fluids
C) Administer all medications at regular scheduled times regardless of nausea
D) Keep the room bright and allow strong odors to stimulate appetite
E) Restrict all fluid intake until vomiting stops completely
Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales
for Nursing Exam Success
EVOLVE HESI FUNDAMENTALS TEST BANK 2026 | PRACTICE QUESTIONS,
ANSWERS & EXPERT RATIONALE FOR NURSING EXAM SUCCESS
• This test bank contains carefully curated practice questions designed to mirror the
actual HESI Fundamentals entrance exam, covering essential nursing concepts and
foundational knowledge needed for success in nursing programs and clinical
practice.
• Study this material by reviewing each question carefully, attempting to answer
before checking the EXPERT RATIONALE, and focusing on understanding the "why"
behind each correct answer to build solid foundational knowledge for your nursing
career.
QUESTION 1
A nurse is assessing a patient's vital signs during admission. Which vital sign
finding requires immediate intervention?
A) Temperature 37.2°C (98.9°F)
B) Pulse 68 beats per minute
C) Respirations 28 per minute and shallow
D) Blood pressure 128/82 mmHg
E) Oxygen saturation 96% on room air
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Respirations 28 per minute and shallow
EXPERT RATIONALE: Shallow respirations at 28 per minute indicate tachypnea and
inadequate ventilation, which requires immediate intervention to ensure adequate
oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination. A normal respiratory rate is 12-20
breaths per minute. The other vital signs are all within normal limits: temperature
37.2°C is normal, pulse 68 is normal (60-100 bpm), BP 128/82 is normal, and O2
saturation 96% is normal.
,QUESTION 2
When communicating with a patient who is hard of hearing, which nursing
action is most appropriate?
A) Speak louder and faster to ensure they hear you
B) Face the patient directly, speak clearly, and allow time for response
C) Write all information down so they can read it
D) Use hand signals exclusively to communicate
E) Ask family members to repeat everything you say
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Face the patient directly, speak clearly, and allow time
for response
EXPERT RATIONALE: Facing the patient directly allows them to read lips and
observe non-verbal communication. Speaking clearly at a normal pace (not too fast)
and pausing for understanding promotes effective communication. Speaking
louder can distort speech, writing everything down is impractical and strips the
patient of independence, hand signals alone are incomplete, and relying on family
members bypasses direct patient communication and confidentiality.
QUESTION 3
A patient is newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 2. Which statement
by the patient indicates the need for additional teaching?
A) "I will check my blood sugar before meals and at bedtime"
B) "Type 2 diabetes means my pancreas doesn't make any insulin"
C) "I need to follow a consistent diet and exercise plan"
D) "I should monitor my feet daily for any sores"
E) "I will take my medication as prescribed"
,CORRECT ANSWER: B) "Type 2 diabetes means my pancreas doesn't make any
insulin"
EXPERT RATIONALE: This statement is incorrect and requires teaching. In type 2
diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin, but the body's cells cannot use it
effectively (insulin resistance), or the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the pancreas producing little to no insulin. All
other statements demonstrate correct understanding of diabetes management
including blood glucose monitoring, dietary consistency, foot care, and medication
adherence.
QUESTION 4
Which action should the nurse take first when a patient reports chest pain?
A) Administer oxygen immediately
B) Place the patient in a supine position
C) Assess the characteristics of the pain using the OPQRST method
D) Notify the physician immediately
E) Obtain a 12-lead ECG
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Assess the characteristics of the pain using the OPQRST
method
EXPERT RATIONALE: Assessment is the first step in the nursing process. Using
OPQRST (Onset, Provocation/Palliation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Timing)
provides essential information about the pain that helps determine the urgency
and type of intervention needed. While oxygen, ECG, and physician notification may
be needed, assessment guides these actions. Placing a patient with chest pain in
supine position may not be appropriate without first understanding the nature of
the pain.
QUESTION 5
, A nurse is explaining infection control procedures to a group of nursing
students. Which statement about standard precautions is most accurate?
A) Standard precautions are only necessary when caring for patients with known
infections
B) Standard precautions should be used with all patients regardless of their
infection status
C) Gloves are the only piece of personal protective equipment necessary
D) Hand hygiene is only required after patient contact
E) Masks are optional when working within 6 feet of patients
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Standard precautions should be used with all patients
regardless of their infection status
EXPERT RATIONALE: Standard precautions are designed to be used with all
patients at all times because the infection status of patients may be unknown. This
approach assumes all body fluids are potentially infectious. Standard precautions
include proper hand hygiene, appropriate use of PPE based on the task, respiratory
hygiene, and safe injection practices. Using them only with known infections or
using only gloves is insufficient. Hand hygiene is required before and after patient
contact, and masks should be used appropriately based on risk of exposure.
QUESTION 6
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a patient experiencing
nausea and vomiting?
A) Encourage the patient to eat large meals to maintain nutrition
B) Position the patient upright and provide small, frequent sips of clear fluids
C) Administer all medications at regular scheduled times regardless of nausea
D) Keep the room bright and allow strong odors to stimulate appetite
E) Restrict all fluid intake until vomiting stops completely
