2026/2027 HESI RN FUNDAMENTALS EXAM 1 & 2 STUDY GUIDE WITH ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ALREADY GRADED A+. 100% Verified Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
Core Domains
Safety and Infection Control
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity
Basic Care and Comfort
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Reduction of Risk Potential
Physiological Adaptation
Professional Nursing Practice and Leadership
Introduction
This comprehensive practice assessment is designed to evaluate foundational nursing knowledge and clinical
reasoning skills as required for the HESI RN Fundamentals Examination. The assessment covers safety and
infection control, health promotion, psychosocial integrity, basic care and comfort, pharmacology, reduction of
risk potential, and physiological adaptation. Candidates will demonstrate their ability to apply nursing concepts,
prioritize patient care, recognize clinical changes, and implement evidence-based interventions. The assessment
emphasizes patient safety, critical thinking, and professional judgment in diverse healthcare settings. Successful
completion requires integration of theoretical knowledge with clinical application in fundamental nursing
practice.
,SECTION ONE
Questions 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female patient. Which of the following actions
is most important to prevent a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)?
A. Using sterile technique during insertion
B. Securing the catheter to the patient's thigh
C. Using the smallest catheter size possible
D. Collecting a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity
🟢 Correct Answer:
A. Using sterile technique during insertion
🔴 RATIONALE:
Using sterile technique during insertion is the most important action to prevent CAUTI, as it prevents the
introduction of microorganisms into the bladder. Securing the catheter (B) prevents trauma but does not
,directly prevent infection. Using the smallest catheter size (C) minimizes trauma but is secondary to sterile
technique. Collecting a urine specimen (D) is not a preventive measure.
Question 2
A patient is receiving enteral feedings through a nasogastric (NG) tube. Which of the following actions should
the nurse take to verify correct tube placement before administering the feeding?
A. Auscultate for air sounds over the epigastric area
B. Measure the pH of aspirated gastric contents
C. Check the external length of the tube
D. Observe for bubbling at the tube end
🟢 Correct Answer:
B. Measure the pH of aspirated gastric contents
🔴 RATIONALE:
Measuring the pH of aspirated gastric contents is the most reliable method to verify NG tube placement in the
stomach. Gastric aspirate typically has a pH of 5.5 or less. Auscultation (A) is no longer recommended as the
sole method for placement verification. Checking external length (C) is not a definitive confirmation method.
Observing for bubbling (D) is not a standard method for placement verification.
, Question 3
A patient with a history of falls is being discharged home. Which of the following instructions should the nurse
include to reduce the risk of falls?
A. "Use throw rugs to prevent slipping on hardwood floors."
B. "Wear shoes with non-skid soles when walking."
C. "Keep the lights dim to avoid glare."
D. "Use a step stool to reach high shelves."
🟢 Correct Answer:
B. "Wear shoes with non-skid soles when walking."
🔴 RATIONALE:
Wearing shoes with non-skid soles reduces the risk of falls by improving traction. Throw rugs (A) increase fall
risk and should be removed. Lights should be bright (C), not dim, to improve visibility. Step stools (D) increase
fall risk and should be avoided.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a patient who is 2 days post-operative following abdominal surgery. The patient reports
pain at the surgical site rated 7 on a 0-10 scale. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
ALREADY GRADED A+. 100% Verified Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
Core Domains
Safety and Infection Control
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity
Basic Care and Comfort
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Reduction of Risk Potential
Physiological Adaptation
Professional Nursing Practice and Leadership
Introduction
This comprehensive practice assessment is designed to evaluate foundational nursing knowledge and clinical
reasoning skills as required for the HESI RN Fundamentals Examination. The assessment covers safety and
infection control, health promotion, psychosocial integrity, basic care and comfort, pharmacology, reduction of
risk potential, and physiological adaptation. Candidates will demonstrate their ability to apply nursing concepts,
prioritize patient care, recognize clinical changes, and implement evidence-based interventions. The assessment
emphasizes patient safety, critical thinking, and professional judgment in diverse healthcare settings. Successful
completion requires integration of theoretical knowledge with clinical application in fundamental nursing
practice.
,SECTION ONE
Questions 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female patient. Which of the following actions
is most important to prevent a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)?
A. Using sterile technique during insertion
B. Securing the catheter to the patient's thigh
C. Using the smallest catheter size possible
D. Collecting a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity
🟢 Correct Answer:
A. Using sterile technique during insertion
🔴 RATIONALE:
Using sterile technique during insertion is the most important action to prevent CAUTI, as it prevents the
introduction of microorganisms into the bladder. Securing the catheter (B) prevents trauma but does not
,directly prevent infection. Using the smallest catheter size (C) minimizes trauma but is secondary to sterile
technique. Collecting a urine specimen (D) is not a preventive measure.
Question 2
A patient is receiving enteral feedings through a nasogastric (NG) tube. Which of the following actions should
the nurse take to verify correct tube placement before administering the feeding?
A. Auscultate for air sounds over the epigastric area
B. Measure the pH of aspirated gastric contents
C. Check the external length of the tube
D. Observe for bubbling at the tube end
🟢 Correct Answer:
B. Measure the pH of aspirated gastric contents
🔴 RATIONALE:
Measuring the pH of aspirated gastric contents is the most reliable method to verify NG tube placement in the
stomach. Gastric aspirate typically has a pH of 5.5 or less. Auscultation (A) is no longer recommended as the
sole method for placement verification. Checking external length (C) is not a definitive confirmation method.
Observing for bubbling (D) is not a standard method for placement verification.
, Question 3
A patient with a history of falls is being discharged home. Which of the following instructions should the nurse
include to reduce the risk of falls?
A. "Use throw rugs to prevent slipping on hardwood floors."
B. "Wear shoes with non-skid soles when walking."
C. "Keep the lights dim to avoid glare."
D. "Use a step stool to reach high shelves."
🟢 Correct Answer:
B. "Wear shoes with non-skid soles when walking."
🔴 RATIONALE:
Wearing shoes with non-skid soles reduces the risk of falls by improving traction. Throw rugs (A) increase fall
risk and should be removed. Lights should be bright (C), not dim, to improve visibility. Step stools (D) increase
fall risk and should be avoided.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a patient who is 2 days post-operative following abdominal surgery. The patient reports
pain at the surgical site rated 7 on a 0-10 scale. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
