HESI LPN TO ADN ENTRANCE EXAM
MOBILITY FOCUS 2026/2027
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE WITH
VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SAFE
PATIENT HANDLING COMPETENCY
ASSESSMENT
Overview:
• This document contains 300 verified exam-style questions with vertically
spaced options, bolded correct answers, and detailed EXPERT RATIONALE for
every correct option.
• Use it as a self-assessment tool—attempt each question, review the EXPERT
RATIONALE, and revisit weak areas to build competency in safe patient handling
and mobility.
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to transfer a patient with left-sided weakness from the
bed to a wheelchair. Which action demonstrates safe patient handling?
Option A: Stand on the patient’s weak side to provide support during the transfer.
Option B: Use a gait belt and pivot technique while standing on the patient’s strong
side.
Option C: Place the wheelchair at a 90-degree angle to the bed on the patient’s left
side.
Option D: Lift the patient under the axillae to reduce strain on the nurse’s back.
Correct Answer: Option B – Use a gait belt and pivot technique while standing
on the patient’s strong side.
EXPERT RATIONALE: Standing on the strong side allows the nurse to support the
patient’s weaker side effectively. A gait belt provides a secure grip, and the pivot
technique reduces shear and friction. Lifting under the axillae can cause nerve
,damage and is unsafe. The wheelchair should be placed at a 45-degree angle, not
90 degrees, to facilitate easier pivoting.
Question 2
Which assessment finding indicates that a patient is ready for ambulation
with a walker after hip surgery?
Option A: The patient can bear 50% weight on the operative leg without pain.
Option B: The patient demonstrates strong upper body strength and can follow
verbal commands.
Option C: The patient’s blood pressure drops from 140/90 to 100/60 when sitting
upright.
Option D: The patient reports dizziness only when turning the head quickly.
Correct Answer: Option B – The patient demonstrates strong upper body
strength and can follow verbal commands.
EXPERT RATIONALE: Ambulation with a walker requires adequate upper extremity
strength to support body weight and the cognitive ability to follow step-by-step
instructions. Weight-bearing status must be prescribed by the provider; 50% weight
bearing may not be appropriate for all hip surgeries. Orthostatic hypotension (drop
in BP) and dizziness are contraindications for ambulation until resolved.
Question 3
A patient with a spinal cord injury at T6 level is being log-rolled for a bed bath.
What is the primary purpose of maintaining spinal alignment during this
procedure?
Option A: To prevent autonomic dysreflexia.
Option B: To avoid shearing forces on the skin.
Option C: To reduce the risk of further vertebral displacement or cord damage.
Option D: To make the patient more comfortable during the bath.
,Correct Answer: Option C – To reduce the risk of further vertebral
displacement or cord damage.
EXPERT RATIONALE: Log-rolling maintains the spine in a neutral, straight position,
preventing twisting or bending that could displace unstable vertebrae or injure the
spinal cord. While preventing shearing and autonomic dysreflexia are important,
the primary goal is neurological protection.
Question 4
When using a mechanical ceiling lift to transfer a bariatric patient, which
action is essential for safe operation?
Option A: Attach the sling to the lift hooks at the lowest setting to minimize swing.
Option B: Ensure the sling is fully unfolded and positioned according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Option C: Lift the patient as high as possible to clear the bed rail quickly.
Option D: Move the lift with the patient suspended at maximum height to save
time.
Correct Answer: Option B – Ensure the sling is fully unfolded and positioned
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
EXPERT RATIONALE: Proper sling placement prevents skin breakdown, falls, and
equipment malfunction. Lifting too high or moving with the patient suspended
increases fall risk and instability. The sling should be attached at the correct
settings, and the patient should be lifted just high enough to clear the surface.
Question 5
A nurse observes a colleague dragging a patient up in bed by pulling the
patient’s arms. What is the best immediate action by the nurse?
Option A: Report the colleague to the nursing supervisor after the shift.
, Option B: Intervene immediately and demonstrate the use of a friction-reducing
sheet.
Option C: Ignore the action since the patient appears comfortable.
Option D: Ask the patient if they feel any pain during the repositioning.
Correct Answer: Option B – Intervene immediately and demonstrate the use
of a friction-reducing sheet.
EXPERT RATIONALE: Dragging by the arms causes shear forces, skin tears, and
shoulder injury. Patient safety requires immediate intervention. The nurse should
correct the action on the spot and educate on proper technique. Waiting to report
or ignoring the action delays patient protection.
Question 6
Which patient would most benefit from a sit-to-stand lift during mobility
assistance?
Option A: A patient who is completely bedridden and unable to assist.
Option B: A patient who can bear weight on both legs but cannot stand
independently.
Option C: A patient with a pelvic fracture who is on strict bed rest.
Option D: A patient with a below-knee amputation on the left side.
Correct Answer: Option B – A patient who can bear weight on both legs but
cannot stand independently.
EXPERT RATIONALE: Sit-to-stand lifts are designed for patients who have
weight-bearing capacity but lack the strength or balance to stand alone. Bedridden
patients need full-body lifts, and pelvic fractures or unilateral amputations may
require specialized devices.
MOBILITY FOCUS 2026/2027
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE WITH
VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SAFE
PATIENT HANDLING COMPETENCY
ASSESSMENT
Overview:
• This document contains 300 verified exam-style questions with vertically
spaced options, bolded correct answers, and detailed EXPERT RATIONALE for
every correct option.
• Use it as a self-assessment tool—attempt each question, review the EXPERT
RATIONALE, and revisit weak areas to build competency in safe patient handling
and mobility.
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to transfer a patient with left-sided weakness from the
bed to a wheelchair. Which action demonstrates safe patient handling?
Option A: Stand on the patient’s weak side to provide support during the transfer.
Option B: Use a gait belt and pivot technique while standing on the patient’s strong
side.
Option C: Place the wheelchair at a 90-degree angle to the bed on the patient’s left
side.
Option D: Lift the patient under the axillae to reduce strain on the nurse’s back.
Correct Answer: Option B – Use a gait belt and pivot technique while standing
on the patient’s strong side.
EXPERT RATIONALE: Standing on the strong side allows the nurse to support the
patient’s weaker side effectively. A gait belt provides a secure grip, and the pivot
technique reduces shear and friction. Lifting under the axillae can cause nerve
,damage and is unsafe. The wheelchair should be placed at a 45-degree angle, not
90 degrees, to facilitate easier pivoting.
Question 2
Which assessment finding indicates that a patient is ready for ambulation
with a walker after hip surgery?
Option A: The patient can bear 50% weight on the operative leg without pain.
Option B: The patient demonstrates strong upper body strength and can follow
verbal commands.
Option C: The patient’s blood pressure drops from 140/90 to 100/60 when sitting
upright.
Option D: The patient reports dizziness only when turning the head quickly.
Correct Answer: Option B – The patient demonstrates strong upper body
strength and can follow verbal commands.
EXPERT RATIONALE: Ambulation with a walker requires adequate upper extremity
strength to support body weight and the cognitive ability to follow step-by-step
instructions. Weight-bearing status must be prescribed by the provider; 50% weight
bearing may not be appropriate for all hip surgeries. Orthostatic hypotension (drop
in BP) and dizziness are contraindications for ambulation until resolved.
Question 3
A patient with a spinal cord injury at T6 level is being log-rolled for a bed bath.
What is the primary purpose of maintaining spinal alignment during this
procedure?
Option A: To prevent autonomic dysreflexia.
Option B: To avoid shearing forces on the skin.
Option C: To reduce the risk of further vertebral displacement or cord damage.
Option D: To make the patient more comfortable during the bath.
,Correct Answer: Option C – To reduce the risk of further vertebral
displacement or cord damage.
EXPERT RATIONALE: Log-rolling maintains the spine in a neutral, straight position,
preventing twisting or bending that could displace unstable vertebrae or injure the
spinal cord. While preventing shearing and autonomic dysreflexia are important,
the primary goal is neurological protection.
Question 4
When using a mechanical ceiling lift to transfer a bariatric patient, which
action is essential for safe operation?
Option A: Attach the sling to the lift hooks at the lowest setting to minimize swing.
Option B: Ensure the sling is fully unfolded and positioned according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Option C: Lift the patient as high as possible to clear the bed rail quickly.
Option D: Move the lift with the patient suspended at maximum height to save
time.
Correct Answer: Option B – Ensure the sling is fully unfolded and positioned
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
EXPERT RATIONALE: Proper sling placement prevents skin breakdown, falls, and
equipment malfunction. Lifting too high or moving with the patient suspended
increases fall risk and instability. The sling should be attached at the correct
settings, and the patient should be lifted just high enough to clear the surface.
Question 5
A nurse observes a colleague dragging a patient up in bed by pulling the
patient’s arms. What is the best immediate action by the nurse?
Option A: Report the colleague to the nursing supervisor after the shift.
, Option B: Intervene immediately and demonstrate the use of a friction-reducing
sheet.
Option C: Ignore the action since the patient appears comfortable.
Option D: Ask the patient if they feel any pain during the repositioning.
Correct Answer: Option B – Intervene immediately and demonstrate the use
of a friction-reducing sheet.
EXPERT RATIONALE: Dragging by the arms causes shear forces, skin tears, and
shoulder injury. Patient safety requires immediate intervention. The nurse should
correct the action on the spot and educate on proper technique. Waiting to report
or ignoring the action delays patient protection.
Question 6
Which patient would most benefit from a sit-to-stand lift during mobility
assistance?
Option A: A patient who is completely bedridden and unable to assist.
Option B: A patient who can bear weight on both legs but cannot stand
independently.
Option C: A patient with a pelvic fracture who is on strict bed rest.
Option D: A patient with a below-knee amputation on the left side.
Correct Answer: Option B – A patient who can bear weight on both legs but
cannot stand independently.
EXPERT RATIONALE: Sit-to-stand lifts are designed for patients who have
weight-bearing capacity but lack the strength or balance to stand alone. Bedridden
patients need full-body lifts, and pelvic fractures or unilateral amputations may
require specialized devices.
