Hesi Fundamentals Practice Exam
Questions and Explanations 2026
The nurse is assessing a client with dark skin who is in
Respiratory Distress. Which client response should the nurse
evaluate to determine cyanosis in this particular client?
A. Cyanosis in a client with dark skin is seen in the sclera
B. Abnormal skin color changes in a client with dark skin
cannot be determined
C. The lips and mucus membranes of a client with dark skin
are dusky in color
D. Blanching the soles of the feet in a client with dark skin
reveals cyanosis - Correct Answers ✅C. The lips and mucus
membranes of a client with dark skin are dusky in color
Causes of cyanosis include hypoxemia and decreased cardiac
output, which provides clues to respiratory status with
changes in skin color and mucous membranes. Cyanosis, a
late sign of hypoxemia, is best observed in tissue that has
superficial capillary supply, such as mucous membranes, the
conjunctiva, lips, palms, and under the tongue, which is
readily visible in dark skin
Which technique should the PN use to most accurately assess
a client's baseline BP during a routine health exam?
A. Measure the pressure in each arm while the client sits with
both arms supported at heart level
B. Calculate avg BP using readings obtained in both arms
,Hesi Fundamentals Practice Exam
Questions and Explanations 2026
C. Obtain BP first with client lying supine and then when
standing
D. Take additional measurements for readings with a 10 mm
Hg difference - Correct Answers ✅A. Measure the pressure
in each arm while the client sits with both arms supported at
heart level
BP should be taken initially in both arms while the client is
seated or supine with the arm bared, supported, and
positioned at the level of the heart
A client with gastroenteritis, nausea, and vomiting is
currently on Nothing by mouth (NPO) status. The healthcare
provider prescribes oral intake to be advanced as tolerated.
Which fluid should the practical nurse offer first?
A. Tea
B. Broth
C. Water
D. Soda - Correct Answers ✅C. Water
Water or ice chips are the first choices of clear fluids for
rehydration by mouth
An older client who is admitted to the hospital with
dehydration and electrolyte imbalance is confused and
,Hesi Fundamentals Practice Exam
Questions and Explanations 2026
incontinent of urine. Which action provides the best strategy
for the practical nurse (PN) to implement for the client's
incontinence?
A. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter
B. Apply absorbent incontinence pads
C. Restrict fluids after the evening meal
D. Establish a 2-hour voiding schedule - Correct Answers
✅D. Establish a 2-hour voiding schedule
A 2 hour voiding schedule is the best strategy for urinary
incontinence management b/c it provides the client who is
confused an opportunity to empty the bladder which
minimizes incontinence due to overfilling
Which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement
to reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections in a client
with an indwelling catheter?
A. Irrigate cath with sterile distilled water
B. Dilute an antiseptic solution in the perineal wash
C. Cleanse perineal area with soap and water BID and PRN
D. Apply an antibiotic ointment around urinary meatus BID -
Correct Answers ✅C. Cleanse perineal area with soap and
water BID and PRN
, Hesi Fundamentals Practice Exam
Questions and Explanations 2026
Daily perineal care BID and PRN should include cleansing of
the meatus and catheter junction with soap and water
A male client is upset with the healthcare provider's
recommendation that he should consent to an above-knee
amputation. He tells the practical nurse (PN), if they want to
cut off my leg, they should just shoot me instead. How should
the PN respond?
A. Ask the client how the surgery might effect his lifestyle
B. Offer to stay with the client wile he makes his decision
C. Express sympathy that there is no other choice possible
D. Explain how many others function well with a prosthesis -
Correct Answers ✅A. Ask the client how the surgery might
effect his lifestyle
Limb amputation alters body image and changes the client's
ADLs, work, and recreational activities, which triggers a
grieving process for the client. Determining the client's
perception of the procedure's impact on his lifestyle is
therapeutic and allows the client to explore and discuss
feelings
A client with cancer who has been taking opioid analgesics
for two years now requires increased doses to obtain pain
relief. he client expresses fear about becoming addicted to
Questions and Explanations 2026
The nurse is assessing a client with dark skin who is in
Respiratory Distress. Which client response should the nurse
evaluate to determine cyanosis in this particular client?
A. Cyanosis in a client with dark skin is seen in the sclera
B. Abnormal skin color changes in a client with dark skin
cannot be determined
C. The lips and mucus membranes of a client with dark skin
are dusky in color
D. Blanching the soles of the feet in a client with dark skin
reveals cyanosis - Correct Answers ✅C. The lips and mucus
membranes of a client with dark skin are dusky in color
Causes of cyanosis include hypoxemia and decreased cardiac
output, which provides clues to respiratory status with
changes in skin color and mucous membranes. Cyanosis, a
late sign of hypoxemia, is best observed in tissue that has
superficial capillary supply, such as mucous membranes, the
conjunctiva, lips, palms, and under the tongue, which is
readily visible in dark skin
Which technique should the PN use to most accurately assess
a client's baseline BP during a routine health exam?
A. Measure the pressure in each arm while the client sits with
both arms supported at heart level
B. Calculate avg BP using readings obtained in both arms
,Hesi Fundamentals Practice Exam
Questions and Explanations 2026
C. Obtain BP first with client lying supine and then when
standing
D. Take additional measurements for readings with a 10 mm
Hg difference - Correct Answers ✅A. Measure the pressure
in each arm while the client sits with both arms supported at
heart level
BP should be taken initially in both arms while the client is
seated or supine with the arm bared, supported, and
positioned at the level of the heart
A client with gastroenteritis, nausea, and vomiting is
currently on Nothing by mouth (NPO) status. The healthcare
provider prescribes oral intake to be advanced as tolerated.
Which fluid should the practical nurse offer first?
A. Tea
B. Broth
C. Water
D. Soda - Correct Answers ✅C. Water
Water or ice chips are the first choices of clear fluids for
rehydration by mouth
An older client who is admitted to the hospital with
dehydration and electrolyte imbalance is confused and
,Hesi Fundamentals Practice Exam
Questions and Explanations 2026
incontinent of urine. Which action provides the best strategy
for the practical nurse (PN) to implement for the client's
incontinence?
A. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter
B. Apply absorbent incontinence pads
C. Restrict fluids after the evening meal
D. Establish a 2-hour voiding schedule - Correct Answers
✅D. Establish a 2-hour voiding schedule
A 2 hour voiding schedule is the best strategy for urinary
incontinence management b/c it provides the client who is
confused an opportunity to empty the bladder which
minimizes incontinence due to overfilling
Which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement
to reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections in a client
with an indwelling catheter?
A. Irrigate cath with sterile distilled water
B. Dilute an antiseptic solution in the perineal wash
C. Cleanse perineal area with soap and water BID and PRN
D. Apply an antibiotic ointment around urinary meatus BID -
Correct Answers ✅C. Cleanse perineal area with soap and
water BID and PRN
, Hesi Fundamentals Practice Exam
Questions and Explanations 2026
Daily perineal care BID and PRN should include cleansing of
the meatus and catheter junction with soap and water
A male client is upset with the healthcare provider's
recommendation that he should consent to an above-knee
amputation. He tells the practical nurse (PN), if they want to
cut off my leg, they should just shoot me instead. How should
the PN respond?
A. Ask the client how the surgery might effect his lifestyle
B. Offer to stay with the client wile he makes his decision
C. Express sympathy that there is no other choice possible
D. Explain how many others function well with a prosthesis -
Correct Answers ✅A. Ask the client how the surgery might
effect his lifestyle
Limb amputation alters body image and changes the client's
ADLs, work, and recreational activities, which triggers a
grieving process for the client. Determining the client's
perception of the procedure's impact on his lifestyle is
therapeutic and allows the client to explore and discuss
feelings
A client with cancer who has been taking opioid analgesics
for two years now requires increased doses to obtain pain
relief. he client expresses fear about becoming addicted to
