HESI Fundamentals Exam — Exam Questions
with Correct Answers (VerifiedAnswers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download PDF
1. A nurse is caring for a client with suspected pulmonary
tuberculosis. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Place the client in a private room and use a surgical mask.
B. Place the client in a negative-pressure room and wear an N95
respirator.
C. Place the client in a room with another client who has
pneumonia.
D. Use contact precautions and wear a gown and gloves.
Correct Answer: B. Place the client in a negative-pressure
room and wear an N95 respirator.
Tuberculosis is transmitted through airborne particles that can
remain suspended in the air. Airborne precautions include
placement in an appropriate negative-pressure room and use of
a fit-tested N95 respirator or equivalent respiratory protection
by healthcare personnel. A surgical mask alone does not provide
the required protection for the nurse.
,2. Which action by the nurse demonstrates correct hand
hygiene?
A. Wearing gloves instead of performing hand hygiene
B. Washing hands only when visibly soiled
C. Performing hand hygiene before and after client contact
D. Using hand sanitizer after every procedure regardless of
circumstances
Correct Answer: C. Performing hand hygiene before and after
client contact
Hand hygiene is one of the most important measures for
preventing transmission of infection. It should be performed
before and after client contact and at other appropriate points
during care. Gloves do not replace hand hygiene because
contamination can occur during glove removal and gloves may
have microscopic defects.
3. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
Which technique is required?
A. Medical asepsis
B. Clean technique
C. Surgical asepsis
D. Routine handwashing only
Correct Answer: C. Surgical asepsis
,Insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter requires sterile
technique because the catheter enters the urinary tract,
creating a direct pathway into a normally sterile area.
Maintaining sterility reduces the risk of introducing
microorganisms and developing a catheter-associated urinary
tract infection.
4. A postoperative client suddenly coughs and the abdominal
incision opens, exposing internal organs. What should the
nurse do first?
A. Push the organs back into the abdomen.
B. Apply a dry dressing over the wound.
C. Cover the exposed organs with sterile saline-moistened
dressings.
D. Place the client in high-Fowler position.
Correct Answer: C. Cover the exposed organs with sterile
saline-moistened dressings.
Wound dehiscence with protrusion of abdominal organs is an
emergency called evisceration. The exposed tissue must be
protected from drying and contamination by covering it with
sterile dressings moistened with sterile saline. The nurse should
not attempt to replace the organs. Positioning should generally
reduce tension on the abdominal wound while additional
emergency assistance is obtained.
, 5. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client requesting assistance with bathing
B. A client reporting sudden difficulty breathing
C. A client requesting a snack
D. A client waiting for routine discharge instructions
Correct Answer: B. A client reporting sudden difficulty
breathing
Airway and breathing problems take priority because
inadequate oxygenation can rapidly become life-threatening.
The nurse should assess the client's respiratory status
immediately and intervene according to the findings. Basic
needs and routine activities are important but are lower priority
than an acute threat to breathing.
6. Which finding is most concerning in a client who has
received a blood transfusion?
A. Mild hunger
B. Chills and sudden low back pain
C. Increased appetite
D. Slight fatigue before the transfusion
Correct Answer: B. Chills and sudden low back pain
with Correct Answers (VerifiedAnswers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download PDF
1. A nurse is caring for a client with suspected pulmonary
tuberculosis. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Place the client in a private room and use a surgical mask.
B. Place the client in a negative-pressure room and wear an N95
respirator.
C. Place the client in a room with another client who has
pneumonia.
D. Use contact precautions and wear a gown and gloves.
Correct Answer: B. Place the client in a negative-pressure
room and wear an N95 respirator.
Tuberculosis is transmitted through airborne particles that can
remain suspended in the air. Airborne precautions include
placement in an appropriate negative-pressure room and use of
a fit-tested N95 respirator or equivalent respiratory protection
by healthcare personnel. A surgical mask alone does not provide
the required protection for the nurse.
,2. Which action by the nurse demonstrates correct hand
hygiene?
A. Wearing gloves instead of performing hand hygiene
B. Washing hands only when visibly soiled
C. Performing hand hygiene before and after client contact
D. Using hand sanitizer after every procedure regardless of
circumstances
Correct Answer: C. Performing hand hygiene before and after
client contact
Hand hygiene is one of the most important measures for
preventing transmission of infection. It should be performed
before and after client contact and at other appropriate points
during care. Gloves do not replace hand hygiene because
contamination can occur during glove removal and gloves may
have microscopic defects.
3. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
Which technique is required?
A. Medical asepsis
B. Clean technique
C. Surgical asepsis
D. Routine handwashing only
Correct Answer: C. Surgical asepsis
,Insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter requires sterile
technique because the catheter enters the urinary tract,
creating a direct pathway into a normally sterile area.
Maintaining sterility reduces the risk of introducing
microorganisms and developing a catheter-associated urinary
tract infection.
4. A postoperative client suddenly coughs and the abdominal
incision opens, exposing internal organs. What should the
nurse do first?
A. Push the organs back into the abdomen.
B. Apply a dry dressing over the wound.
C. Cover the exposed organs with sterile saline-moistened
dressings.
D. Place the client in high-Fowler position.
Correct Answer: C. Cover the exposed organs with sterile
saline-moistened dressings.
Wound dehiscence with protrusion of abdominal organs is an
emergency called evisceration. The exposed tissue must be
protected from drying and contamination by covering it with
sterile dressings moistened with sterile saline. The nurse should
not attempt to replace the organs. Positioning should generally
reduce tension on the abdominal wound while additional
emergency assistance is obtained.
, 5. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client requesting assistance with bathing
B. A client reporting sudden difficulty breathing
C. A client requesting a snack
D. A client waiting for routine discharge instructions
Correct Answer: B. A client reporting sudden difficulty
breathing
Airway and breathing problems take priority because
inadequate oxygenation can rapidly become life-threatening.
The nurse should assess the client's respiratory status
immediately and intervene according to the findings. Basic
needs and routine activities are important but are lower priority
than an acute threat to breathing.
6. Which finding is most concerning in a client who has
received a blood transfusion?
A. Mild hunger
B. Chills and sudden low back pain
C. Increased appetite
D. Slight fatigue before the transfusion
Correct Answer: B. Chills and sudden low back pain
