HESI Fundamentals Exam Questions and
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
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1. A nurse is preparing to assess a client who reports abdominal
pain. Which action should the nurse perform first?
A. Palpate the abdomen
B. Ask the client to rate the pain
C. Inspect the abdomen
D. Auscultate the bowel sounds
Answer: C. Inspect the abdomen
Rationale: Physical assessment generally proceeds from inspection to
palpation, percussion, and auscultation, with exceptions such as
abdominal assessment. Inspection allows the nurse to observe contour,
symmetry, distention, skin changes, and other visible findings before
manipulating the abdomen.
, 2. A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Keep all four side rails raised
B. Place the bed in the lowest position
C. Keep the room completely dark at night
D. Encourage the client to ambulate independently
Answer: B. Place the bed in the lowest position
Rationale: Keeping the bed in the lowest position reduces the distance a
client could fall and promotes safety. Four raised side rails may be
considered a restraint in some circumstances, and clients at risk for falls
should receive appropriate assistance with mobility.
3. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client reporting chronic back pain rated 6/10
B. A client requesting assistance with bathing
C. A client with new-onset difficulty breathing
D. A client waiting for discharge instructions
Answer: C. A client with new-onset difficulty breathing
,Rationale: Airway and breathing take priority according to the ABC
framework. New-onset respiratory difficulty can indicate a potentially
life-threatening problem and requires immediate assessment.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client. Which
action best demonstrates adherence to medication safety
principles?
A. Ask another client to confirm the medication
B. Compare the medication with the prescription before administration
C. Prepare medications for several clients simultaneously
D. Leave an unidentified medication at the bedside
Answer: B. Compare the medication with the prescription before
administration
Rationale: Medication administration requires careful comparison of
the medication with the authorized prescription and verification of the
appropriate client, medication, dose, route, time, and other applicable
safety checks. Medications should never be left unidentified or prepared
in a manner that increases the risk of error.
, 5. A nurse is teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer.
Which instruction is correct?
A. Exhale forcefully into the device
B. Inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece
C. Use the device only when experiencing shortness of breath
D. Take several rapid breaths through the device
Answer: B. Inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece
Rationale: An incentive spirometer promotes lung expansion by
encouraging slow, deep inhalation. Regular use as prescribed can help
prevent complications associated with inadequate ventilation,
particularly after surgery or prolonged immobility.
6. Which nursing action is most effective for preventing the
transmission of infection?
A. Wearing gloves for every client interaction
B. Performing hand hygiene at appropriate times
C. Using antibiotics prophylactically for all clients
D. Keeping all clients in private rooms
Answer: B. Performing hand hygiene at appropriate times
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2027 Q&A| Instant Download
1. A nurse is preparing to assess a client who reports abdominal
pain. Which action should the nurse perform first?
A. Palpate the abdomen
B. Ask the client to rate the pain
C. Inspect the abdomen
D. Auscultate the bowel sounds
Answer: C. Inspect the abdomen
Rationale: Physical assessment generally proceeds from inspection to
palpation, percussion, and auscultation, with exceptions such as
abdominal assessment. Inspection allows the nurse to observe contour,
symmetry, distention, skin changes, and other visible findings before
manipulating the abdomen.
, 2. A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Keep all four side rails raised
B. Place the bed in the lowest position
C. Keep the room completely dark at night
D. Encourage the client to ambulate independently
Answer: B. Place the bed in the lowest position
Rationale: Keeping the bed in the lowest position reduces the distance a
client could fall and promotes safety. Four raised side rails may be
considered a restraint in some circumstances, and clients at risk for falls
should receive appropriate assistance with mobility.
3. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client reporting chronic back pain rated 6/10
B. A client requesting assistance with bathing
C. A client with new-onset difficulty breathing
D. A client waiting for discharge instructions
Answer: C. A client with new-onset difficulty breathing
,Rationale: Airway and breathing take priority according to the ABC
framework. New-onset respiratory difficulty can indicate a potentially
life-threatening problem and requires immediate assessment.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client. Which
action best demonstrates adherence to medication safety
principles?
A. Ask another client to confirm the medication
B. Compare the medication with the prescription before administration
C. Prepare medications for several clients simultaneously
D. Leave an unidentified medication at the bedside
Answer: B. Compare the medication with the prescription before
administration
Rationale: Medication administration requires careful comparison of
the medication with the authorized prescription and verification of the
appropriate client, medication, dose, route, time, and other applicable
safety checks. Medications should never be left unidentified or prepared
in a manner that increases the risk of error.
, 5. A nurse is teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer.
Which instruction is correct?
A. Exhale forcefully into the device
B. Inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece
C. Use the device only when experiencing shortness of breath
D. Take several rapid breaths through the device
Answer: B. Inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece
Rationale: An incentive spirometer promotes lung expansion by
encouraging slow, deep inhalation. Regular use as prescribed can help
prevent complications associated with inadequate ventilation,
particularly after surgery or prolonged immobility.
6. Which nursing action is most effective for preventing the
transmission of infection?
A. Wearing gloves for every client interaction
B. Performing hand hygiene at appropriate times
C. Using antibiotics prophylactically for all clients
D. Keeping all clients in private rooms
Answer: B. Performing hand hygiene at appropriate times
