BSN 225 HESI RN Specialty Fundamentals of Nursing Exam Prep Practice Questions with Rationales (Latest Update 2026/2027)...
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT - EXAM
BSN 225 HESI RN Specialty Fundamentals of
Nursing Exam Prep Practice Questions with
Rationales (Latest Update 2026/2027) | 100% Correct
75 100% 2026/2027
QUESTIONS VERIFIED ANSWERS EDITION
TOPICS COVERED
• Foundations of Nursing Practice • Medical-Surgical Nursing Fundamentals
• Health Assessment and Clinical Skills • Patient Safety and Professional Standards
• Pharmacology and Medication Administration • Clinical Decision Making
COVER PAGE - 1
, SECTION 1 | Foundations of Nursing Practice | Q1-Q15 | BSN 225 HESI RN Specialty Fundamentals of
A 68-year-old patient admitted for hip replacement surgery tells the nurse, I am worried I will
not be able to walk again after the operation. The nurse responds, I understand your concern.
Let me explain what the physical therapist will work on with you starting tomorrow. Which
therapeutic communication technique is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Offering false reassurance
B. Providing information
C. Giving advice
D. Changing the subject
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The nurse is providing factual information about the postoperative plan of care, which helps reduce anxiety by
addressing the patient's specific concern with accurate details. False reassurance would minimize the concern
without substance, while giving advice would tell the patient what to think rather than offering facts.
A nurse is caring for a 45-year-old patient who was just informed of a new cancer diagnosis.
The patient states, I cannot believe this is happening to me and stares silently at the wall.
According to Kubler-Ross, which stage of grief is this patient most likely experiencing?
A. Anger
B. Bargaining
C. Denial
D. Depression
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The patient's statement reflects disbelief and emotional shock, which are hallmark characteristics of the denial
stage of grief. In this stage, patients struggle to accept the reality of the diagnosis. Anger would involve blame or
hostility, while depression involves withdrawal and sadness.
A nurse enters the room of a 72-year-old patient and finds the patient sitting on the edge of
the bed, clutching the chest, and diaphoretic. The patient states, I feel like an elephant is
sitting on my chest. What is the first priority action the nurse should take?
A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG immediately
B. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin 0.4 mg
C. Call for assistance and activate the rapid response team
D. Assess vital signs and oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
When a patient exhibits signs of a potential life-threatening event such as acute coronary syndrome, the nurse's
first priority is to call for help and activate the rapid response team to ensure immediate advanced care. While
ECG and vital signs are important, they should not delay activation of the emergency response system.
BSN 225 HESI RN Specialty Fundamentals of Nursing Exam Prep Practice Questions with Rationales (Latest Update 2026/2027) | 100%
, A nursing student is preparing to administer morning medications to a group of patients on a
medical-surgical unit. The instructor asks the student to identify the first step of the nursing
process. Which response by the student demonstrates correct understanding?
A. Planning interventions based on patient goals
B. Implementing the planned nursing care
C. Assessing the patient to collect subjective and objective data
D. Evaluating the effectiveness of nursing actions
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Assessment is the first and foundational step of the nursing process (ADPIE: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning,
Implementation, Evaluation). All subsequent steps depend on accurate and thorough data collection. Without
proper assessment, nursing diagnoses and interventions may be inappropriate or ineffective.
A 34-year-old postoperative patient has an order for morphine 4 mg IV every 4 hours as
needed for pain. The nurse assesses the patient and finds a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per
minute, oxygen saturation of 88%, and the patient is difficult to arouse. What is the nurse's
priority action?
A. Administer naloxone 0.4 mg IV per protocol
B. Withhold the morphine and notify the provider immediately
C. Stimulate the patient and apply supplemental oxygen
D. Document the findings and continue to monitor every 15 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The patient exhibits signs of opioid-induced respiratory depression (respiratory rate below 12, hypoxemia,
decreased level of consciousness). The nurse must withhold the opioid and notify the provider immediately, as
administering another dose could be fatal. Naloxone may be needed but requires a provider order in most
settings.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a new ileostomy. The patient asks, Will I ever be able to
eat normally again? Which response by the nurse best demonstrates the concept of
patient-centered care?
A. You will need to follow a strict low-fiber diet for the rest of your life
B. Most people return to a fairly normal diet after healing, with some modifications. What
foods are you most concerned about?
C. Your doctor will discuss your diet restrictions with you at your follow-up appointment
D. You should avoid all raw vegetables and fruits to prevent blockage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Patient-centered care involves partnering with the patient, providing individualized information, and exploring the
patient's specific concerns. This response offers hope while acknowledging modifications, and invites the patient
to share personal priorities. The other responses are either overly restrictive, dismissive, or defer responsibility.
BSN 225 HESI RN Specialty Fundamentals of Nursing Exam Prep Practice Questions with Rationales (Latest Update 2026/2027) | 100%
, A nurse is delegating tasks to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) on a busy medical
unit. Which task is most appropriate for the nurse to delegate to the UAP?
A. Assessing a postoperative patient's surgical incision for signs of infection
B. Administering oral medications to a stable patient
C. Measuring and recording intake and output for all assigned patients
D. Teaching a newly diagnosed diabetic patient how to use a glucometer
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Measuring and recording intake and output is within the scope of UAP practice, as it involves routine data
collection without requiring clinical judgment or assessment skills. Assessment, medication administration, and
patient education require nursing licensure and clinical decision-making and cannot be delegated to UAP.
A 56-year-old patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is being discharged home
with a new prescription for home oxygen therapy at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula. The
nurse is providing discharge teaching. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for
further education?
A. I will keep the oxygen concentrator at least 5 feet away from any heat source
B. I can use a heated blanket while using my oxygen at night
C. I will check my oxygen tubing daily for kinks or cracks
D. I will not smoke or allow anyone to smoke near my oxygen equipment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Heated blankets, electric blankets, and space heaters are contraindicated near oxygen delivery systems
because they create a fire hazard. Oxygen supports combustion, and any heat source or electrical device can
ignite a fire. The patient must understand that only non-heated bedding should be used with supplemental
oxygen.
A nurse is developing a care plan for a patient who was admitted with dehydration and
weakness. Using Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which nursing intervention should be
prioritized first?
A. Encourage the patient to express feelings about the hospitalization
B. Ensure the patient receives adequate fluid replacement and nutrition
C. Provide a quiet environment to promote rest and sleep
D. Facilitate family visitation to support emotional needs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Maslow's hierarchy prioritizes physiologic needs (oxygen, fluids, nutrition, elimination) above all other needs.
Fluid replacement and nutrition address the patient's basic physiologic requirements for survival. Emotional
support, rest, and family visitation are important but fall under higher-level needs that are addressed after
physiologic stability.
BSN 225 HESI RN Specialty Fundamentals of Nursing Exam Prep Practice Questions with Rationales (Latest Update 2026/2027) | 100%
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT - EXAM
BSN 225 HESI RN Specialty Fundamentals of
Nursing Exam Prep Practice Questions with
Rationales (Latest Update 2026/2027) | 100% Correct
75 100% 2026/2027
QUESTIONS VERIFIED ANSWERS EDITION
TOPICS COVERED
• Foundations of Nursing Practice • Medical-Surgical Nursing Fundamentals
• Health Assessment and Clinical Skills • Patient Safety and Professional Standards
• Pharmacology and Medication Administration • Clinical Decision Making
COVER PAGE - 1
, SECTION 1 | Foundations of Nursing Practice | Q1-Q15 | BSN 225 HESI RN Specialty Fundamentals of
A 68-year-old patient admitted for hip replacement surgery tells the nurse, I am worried I will
not be able to walk again after the operation. The nurse responds, I understand your concern.
Let me explain what the physical therapist will work on with you starting tomorrow. Which
therapeutic communication technique is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Offering false reassurance
B. Providing information
C. Giving advice
D. Changing the subject
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The nurse is providing factual information about the postoperative plan of care, which helps reduce anxiety by
addressing the patient's specific concern with accurate details. False reassurance would minimize the concern
without substance, while giving advice would tell the patient what to think rather than offering facts.
A nurse is caring for a 45-year-old patient who was just informed of a new cancer diagnosis.
The patient states, I cannot believe this is happening to me and stares silently at the wall.
According to Kubler-Ross, which stage of grief is this patient most likely experiencing?
A. Anger
B. Bargaining
C. Denial
D. Depression
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The patient's statement reflects disbelief and emotional shock, which are hallmark characteristics of the denial
stage of grief. In this stage, patients struggle to accept the reality of the diagnosis. Anger would involve blame or
hostility, while depression involves withdrawal and sadness.
A nurse enters the room of a 72-year-old patient and finds the patient sitting on the edge of
the bed, clutching the chest, and diaphoretic. The patient states, I feel like an elephant is
sitting on my chest. What is the first priority action the nurse should take?
A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG immediately
B. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin 0.4 mg
C. Call for assistance and activate the rapid response team
D. Assess vital signs and oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
When a patient exhibits signs of a potential life-threatening event such as acute coronary syndrome, the nurse's
first priority is to call for help and activate the rapid response team to ensure immediate advanced care. While
ECG and vital signs are important, they should not delay activation of the emergency response system.
BSN 225 HESI RN Specialty Fundamentals of Nursing Exam Prep Practice Questions with Rationales (Latest Update 2026/2027) | 100%
, A nursing student is preparing to administer morning medications to a group of patients on a
medical-surgical unit. The instructor asks the student to identify the first step of the nursing
process. Which response by the student demonstrates correct understanding?
A. Planning interventions based on patient goals
B. Implementing the planned nursing care
C. Assessing the patient to collect subjective and objective data
D. Evaluating the effectiveness of nursing actions
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Assessment is the first and foundational step of the nursing process (ADPIE: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning,
Implementation, Evaluation). All subsequent steps depend on accurate and thorough data collection. Without
proper assessment, nursing diagnoses and interventions may be inappropriate or ineffective.
A 34-year-old postoperative patient has an order for morphine 4 mg IV every 4 hours as
needed for pain. The nurse assesses the patient and finds a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per
minute, oxygen saturation of 88%, and the patient is difficult to arouse. What is the nurse's
priority action?
A. Administer naloxone 0.4 mg IV per protocol
B. Withhold the morphine and notify the provider immediately
C. Stimulate the patient and apply supplemental oxygen
D. Document the findings and continue to monitor every 15 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The patient exhibits signs of opioid-induced respiratory depression (respiratory rate below 12, hypoxemia,
decreased level of consciousness). The nurse must withhold the opioid and notify the provider immediately, as
administering another dose could be fatal. Naloxone may be needed but requires a provider order in most
settings.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a new ileostomy. The patient asks, Will I ever be able to
eat normally again? Which response by the nurse best demonstrates the concept of
patient-centered care?
A. You will need to follow a strict low-fiber diet for the rest of your life
B. Most people return to a fairly normal diet after healing, with some modifications. What
foods are you most concerned about?
C. Your doctor will discuss your diet restrictions with you at your follow-up appointment
D. You should avoid all raw vegetables and fruits to prevent blockage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Patient-centered care involves partnering with the patient, providing individualized information, and exploring the
patient's specific concerns. This response offers hope while acknowledging modifications, and invites the patient
to share personal priorities. The other responses are either overly restrictive, dismissive, or defer responsibility.
BSN 225 HESI RN Specialty Fundamentals of Nursing Exam Prep Practice Questions with Rationales (Latest Update 2026/2027) | 100%
, A nurse is delegating tasks to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) on a busy medical
unit. Which task is most appropriate for the nurse to delegate to the UAP?
A. Assessing a postoperative patient's surgical incision for signs of infection
B. Administering oral medications to a stable patient
C. Measuring and recording intake and output for all assigned patients
D. Teaching a newly diagnosed diabetic patient how to use a glucometer
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Measuring and recording intake and output is within the scope of UAP practice, as it involves routine data
collection without requiring clinical judgment or assessment skills. Assessment, medication administration, and
patient education require nursing licensure and clinical decision-making and cannot be delegated to UAP.
A 56-year-old patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is being discharged home
with a new prescription for home oxygen therapy at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula. The
nurse is providing discharge teaching. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for
further education?
A. I will keep the oxygen concentrator at least 5 feet away from any heat source
B. I can use a heated blanket while using my oxygen at night
C. I will check my oxygen tubing daily for kinks or cracks
D. I will not smoke or allow anyone to smoke near my oxygen equipment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Heated blankets, electric blankets, and space heaters are contraindicated near oxygen delivery systems
because they create a fire hazard. Oxygen supports combustion, and any heat source or electrical device can
ignite a fire. The patient must understand that only non-heated bedding should be used with supplemental
oxygen.
A nurse is developing a care plan for a patient who was admitted with dehydration and
weakness. Using Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which nursing intervention should be
prioritized first?
A. Encourage the patient to express feelings about the hospitalization
B. Ensure the patient receives adequate fluid replacement and nutrition
C. Provide a quiet environment to promote rest and sleep
D. Facilitate family visitation to support emotional needs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Maslow's hierarchy prioritizes physiologic needs (oxygen, fluids, nutrition, elimination) above all other needs.
Fluid replacement and nutrition address the patient's basic physiologic requirements for survival. Emotional
support, rest, and family visitation are important but fall under higher-level needs that are addressed after
physiologic stability.
BSN 225 HESI RN Specialty Fundamentals of Nursing Exam Prep Practice Questions with Rationales (Latest Update 2026/2027) | 100%
