1
HESI Fundamentals Exam
V1–V3 – Actual Exam
Questions with 100% Correct
Answers and Clinical
Rationales
HESI Fundamentals Exam V1 – 2025/2026 Cycle
Question 1 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication via a nasogastric tube. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Crush the medication into a fine powder.
B. Check the placement of the nasogastric tube.
C. Flush the tube with 15 mL of water.
D. Mix the medication with apple juice.
Correct Answer: B. Check the placement of the nasogastric tube.
Rationale: Verifying nasogastric tube placement is critical to ensure the medication is delivered
into the stomach and not the lungs, preventing aspiration or other complications.
Question 2 (SATA):
Which interventions should the nurse include when caring for a patient with a new diagnosis of
Clostridium difficile infection? (Select all that apply.)
A. Initiate contact precautions.
B. Administer prescribed antibiotics.
C. Encourage a high-fiber diet.
D. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
E. Clean surfaces with bleach-based solutions.
Correct Answers: A. Initiate contact precautions., B. Administer prescribed antibiotics., E.
Clean surfaces with bleach-based solutions.
Rationale: Contact precautions prevent the spread of C. difficile. Antibiotics like vancomycin are
standard treatment. Bleach-based solutions are effective against C. difficile spores. Alcohol-
based sanitizers are ineffective against spores, and a high-fiber diet may exacerbate symptoms.
Question 3 (Multiple-Choice):
A patient reports difficulty sleeping due to anxiety. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “Try to relax and think of something pleasant.”
, 2
B. “Would you like to discuss what’s making you anxious?”
C. “I’ll ask the provider for a sleeping pill.”
D. “You should avoid caffeine before bed.”
**Correct Answer: B. Would you like to discuss what’s making you anxious?”
Rationale: Therapeutic communication encourages the patient to express concerns, addressing
the root cause of anxiety and promoting trust.
Question 4 (Multiple-Choice):
During the assessment phase of the nursing process, which action should the nurse prioritize?
A. Develop a care plan based on patient needs.
B. Collect subjective and objective data.
C. Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
D. Implement prescribed treatments.
Correct Answer: B. Collect subjective and objective data.
Rationale: The assessment phase involves gathering comprehensive data to inform subsequent
steps of the nursing process.
Question 5 (SATA):
A nurse is teaching a patient about fall prevention. Which instructions should be included?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Keep walkways clear of clutter.
B. Wear shoes with non-slip soles.
C. Avoid using handrails when ambulating.
D. Ensure adequate lighting in the home.
E. Place frequently used items within reach.
Correct Answers: A. Keep walkways clear of clutter., B. Wear shoes with non-slip soles., D.
Ensure adequate lighting in the home., E. Place frequently used items within reach.
Rationale: These measures reduce fall risks by addressing environmental hazards and promoting
safe mobility. Avoiding handrails increases fall risk.
Question 6 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is assisting a patient with ambulation after surgery. Which action best promotes patient
safety?
A. Allow the patient to ambulate independently.
B. Use a gait belt during ambulation.
C. Encourage the patient to walk quickly to build strength.
D. Provide a wheelchair for the patient to push.
Correct Answer: B. Use a gait belt during ambulation.
Rationale: A gait belt provides support and reduces the risk of falls, ensuring patient safety
during ambulation.
Question 7 (SATA):
Which actions should the nurse take when administering oxygen via nasal cannula? (Select all
that apply.)
A. Check the flow rate as prescribed.
B. Secure the cannula comfortably on the patient.
, 3
C. Place the cannula in the patient’s mouth.
D. Monitor for skin irritation around the ears and nose.
E. Ensure the oxygen source is full.
Correct Answers: A. Check the flow rate as prescribed., B. Secure the cannula comfortably
on the patient., D. Monitor for skin irritation around the ears and nose., E. Ensure the
oxygen source is full.
Rationale: These actions ensure effective oxygen delivery and patient comfort. The nasal
cannula is placed in the nostrils, not the mouth.
Question 8 (Multiple-Choice):
A patient asks the nurse, “Why do I need to take this medication?” What is the nurse’s best
response?
A. “It’s what the doctor ordered.”
B. “Let me explain how this medication will help you.”
C. “You’ll feel better if you take it.”
D. “I’ll get the doctor to explain it to you.”
**Correct Answer: B. Let me explain how this medication will help you.”
Rationale: This response promotes patient understanding and adherence through education,
fostering trust and autonomy.
Question 9 (Multiple-Choice):
In the implementation phase of the nursing process, what should the nurse do first?
A. Evaluate the patient’s response to interventions.
B. Document the care provided.
C. Perform the planned interventions.
D. Reassess the patient’s condition.
Correct Answer: C. Perform the planned interventions.
Rationale: The implementation phase involves carrying out the planned interventions to address
the patient’s needs.
Question 10 (SATA):
A nurse is preparing to change a sterile dressing. Which actions maintain sterility? (Select all that
apply.)
A. Wash hands before opening the sterile kit.
B. Place the sterile kit on a clean, dry surface.
C. Touch the inner surface of the sterile drape.
D. Use sterile gloves to handle dressings.
E. Open sterile packages toward the body.
Correct Answers: A. Wash hands before opening the sterile kit., B. Place the sterile kit on a
clean, dry surface., D. Use sterile gloves to handle dressings.
Rationale: These actions maintain a sterile field. Touching the inner surface of the drape or
opening packages toward the body risks contamination.
Question 11 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is caring for a patient with a new colostomy. Which observation requires immediate
intervention?
, 4
A. The stoma is pink and moist.
B. The skin around the stoma is red and irritated.
C. The patient reports mild discomfort.
D. The appliance is securely attached.
Correct Answer: B. The skin around the stoma is red and irritated.
Rationale: Red, irritated skin indicates potential skin breakdown or infection, requiring
immediate intervention to prevent complications.
Question 12 (SATA):
Which interventions should the nurse include when caring for a patient on droplet precautions?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Wear a surgical mask when within 3 feet of the patient.
B. Place the patient in a private room.
C. Use gloves for all patient contact.
D. Allow unrestricted visitor access.
E. Instruct the patient to cover their mouth when coughing.
Correct Answers: A. Wear a surgical mask when within 3 feet of the patient., B. Place the
patient in a private room., C. Use gloves for all patient contact., E. Instruct the patient to
cover their mouth when coughing.
Rationale: These actions prevent the spread of droplet-borne infections. Unrestricted visitor
access violates precaution protocols.
Question 13 (Multiple-Choice):
A patient with diabetes mellitus asks why they need to monitor their blood glucose. What is the
nurse’s best response?
A. “It’s part of your treatment plan.”
B. “Monitoring helps us adjust your treatment to keep your blood sugar stable.”
C. “You’ll get used to checking it daily.”
D. “The doctor will explain it during your next visit.”
**Correct Answer: B. Monitoring helps us adjust your treatment to keep your blood sugar
stable.”
Rationale: This response educates the patient on the purpose of monitoring, promoting
adherence and understanding.
Question 14 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is prioritizing care for multiple patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. A patient with a blood pressure of 130/82 mmHg.
B. A patient reporting chest pain and shortness of breath.
C. A patient scheduled for a dressing change in 30 minutes.
D. A patient requesting pain medication for a headache.
Correct Answer: B. A patient reporting chest pain and shortness of breath.
Rationale: Chest pain and shortness of breath may indicate a life-threatening condition,
requiring immediate assessment.
Question 15 (SATA):
A nurse is teaching a patient about preventing pressure ulcers. Which instructions should be
HESI Fundamentals Exam
V1–V3 – Actual Exam
Questions with 100% Correct
Answers and Clinical
Rationales
HESI Fundamentals Exam V1 – 2025/2026 Cycle
Question 1 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication via a nasogastric tube. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Crush the medication into a fine powder.
B. Check the placement of the nasogastric tube.
C. Flush the tube with 15 mL of water.
D. Mix the medication with apple juice.
Correct Answer: B. Check the placement of the nasogastric tube.
Rationale: Verifying nasogastric tube placement is critical to ensure the medication is delivered
into the stomach and not the lungs, preventing aspiration or other complications.
Question 2 (SATA):
Which interventions should the nurse include when caring for a patient with a new diagnosis of
Clostridium difficile infection? (Select all that apply.)
A. Initiate contact precautions.
B. Administer prescribed antibiotics.
C. Encourage a high-fiber diet.
D. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
E. Clean surfaces with bleach-based solutions.
Correct Answers: A. Initiate contact precautions., B. Administer prescribed antibiotics., E.
Clean surfaces with bleach-based solutions.
Rationale: Contact precautions prevent the spread of C. difficile. Antibiotics like vancomycin are
standard treatment. Bleach-based solutions are effective against C. difficile spores. Alcohol-
based sanitizers are ineffective against spores, and a high-fiber diet may exacerbate symptoms.
Question 3 (Multiple-Choice):
A patient reports difficulty sleeping due to anxiety. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “Try to relax and think of something pleasant.”
, 2
B. “Would you like to discuss what’s making you anxious?”
C. “I’ll ask the provider for a sleeping pill.”
D. “You should avoid caffeine before bed.”
**Correct Answer: B. Would you like to discuss what’s making you anxious?”
Rationale: Therapeutic communication encourages the patient to express concerns, addressing
the root cause of anxiety and promoting trust.
Question 4 (Multiple-Choice):
During the assessment phase of the nursing process, which action should the nurse prioritize?
A. Develop a care plan based on patient needs.
B. Collect subjective and objective data.
C. Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
D. Implement prescribed treatments.
Correct Answer: B. Collect subjective and objective data.
Rationale: The assessment phase involves gathering comprehensive data to inform subsequent
steps of the nursing process.
Question 5 (SATA):
A nurse is teaching a patient about fall prevention. Which instructions should be included?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Keep walkways clear of clutter.
B. Wear shoes with non-slip soles.
C. Avoid using handrails when ambulating.
D. Ensure adequate lighting in the home.
E. Place frequently used items within reach.
Correct Answers: A. Keep walkways clear of clutter., B. Wear shoes with non-slip soles., D.
Ensure adequate lighting in the home., E. Place frequently used items within reach.
Rationale: These measures reduce fall risks by addressing environmental hazards and promoting
safe mobility. Avoiding handrails increases fall risk.
Question 6 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is assisting a patient with ambulation after surgery. Which action best promotes patient
safety?
A. Allow the patient to ambulate independently.
B. Use a gait belt during ambulation.
C. Encourage the patient to walk quickly to build strength.
D. Provide a wheelchair for the patient to push.
Correct Answer: B. Use a gait belt during ambulation.
Rationale: A gait belt provides support and reduces the risk of falls, ensuring patient safety
during ambulation.
Question 7 (SATA):
Which actions should the nurse take when administering oxygen via nasal cannula? (Select all
that apply.)
A. Check the flow rate as prescribed.
B. Secure the cannula comfortably on the patient.
, 3
C. Place the cannula in the patient’s mouth.
D. Monitor for skin irritation around the ears and nose.
E. Ensure the oxygen source is full.
Correct Answers: A. Check the flow rate as prescribed., B. Secure the cannula comfortably
on the patient., D. Monitor for skin irritation around the ears and nose., E. Ensure the
oxygen source is full.
Rationale: These actions ensure effective oxygen delivery and patient comfort. The nasal
cannula is placed in the nostrils, not the mouth.
Question 8 (Multiple-Choice):
A patient asks the nurse, “Why do I need to take this medication?” What is the nurse’s best
response?
A. “It’s what the doctor ordered.”
B. “Let me explain how this medication will help you.”
C. “You’ll feel better if you take it.”
D. “I’ll get the doctor to explain it to you.”
**Correct Answer: B. Let me explain how this medication will help you.”
Rationale: This response promotes patient understanding and adherence through education,
fostering trust and autonomy.
Question 9 (Multiple-Choice):
In the implementation phase of the nursing process, what should the nurse do first?
A. Evaluate the patient’s response to interventions.
B. Document the care provided.
C. Perform the planned interventions.
D. Reassess the patient’s condition.
Correct Answer: C. Perform the planned interventions.
Rationale: The implementation phase involves carrying out the planned interventions to address
the patient’s needs.
Question 10 (SATA):
A nurse is preparing to change a sterile dressing. Which actions maintain sterility? (Select all that
apply.)
A. Wash hands before opening the sterile kit.
B. Place the sterile kit on a clean, dry surface.
C. Touch the inner surface of the sterile drape.
D. Use sterile gloves to handle dressings.
E. Open sterile packages toward the body.
Correct Answers: A. Wash hands before opening the sterile kit., B. Place the sterile kit on a
clean, dry surface., D. Use sterile gloves to handle dressings.
Rationale: These actions maintain a sterile field. Touching the inner surface of the drape or
opening packages toward the body risks contamination.
Question 11 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is caring for a patient with a new colostomy. Which observation requires immediate
intervention?
, 4
A. The stoma is pink and moist.
B. The skin around the stoma is red and irritated.
C. The patient reports mild discomfort.
D. The appliance is securely attached.
Correct Answer: B. The skin around the stoma is red and irritated.
Rationale: Red, irritated skin indicates potential skin breakdown or infection, requiring
immediate intervention to prevent complications.
Question 12 (SATA):
Which interventions should the nurse include when caring for a patient on droplet precautions?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Wear a surgical mask when within 3 feet of the patient.
B. Place the patient in a private room.
C. Use gloves for all patient contact.
D. Allow unrestricted visitor access.
E. Instruct the patient to cover their mouth when coughing.
Correct Answers: A. Wear a surgical mask when within 3 feet of the patient., B. Place the
patient in a private room., C. Use gloves for all patient contact., E. Instruct the patient to
cover their mouth when coughing.
Rationale: These actions prevent the spread of droplet-borne infections. Unrestricted visitor
access violates precaution protocols.
Question 13 (Multiple-Choice):
A patient with diabetes mellitus asks why they need to monitor their blood glucose. What is the
nurse’s best response?
A. “It’s part of your treatment plan.”
B. “Monitoring helps us adjust your treatment to keep your blood sugar stable.”
C. “You’ll get used to checking it daily.”
D. “The doctor will explain it during your next visit.”
**Correct Answer: B. Monitoring helps us adjust your treatment to keep your blood sugar
stable.”
Rationale: This response educates the patient on the purpose of monitoring, promoting
adherence and understanding.
Question 14 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is prioritizing care for multiple patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. A patient with a blood pressure of 130/82 mmHg.
B. A patient reporting chest pain and shortness of breath.
C. A patient scheduled for a dressing change in 30 minutes.
D. A patient requesting pain medication for a headache.
Correct Answer: B. A patient reporting chest pain and shortness of breath.
Rationale: Chest pain and shortness of breath may indicate a life-threatening condition,
requiring immediate assessment.
Question 15 (SATA):
A nurse is teaching a patient about preventing pressure ulcers. Which instructions should be
