https://www.stuvia.com/user/profgoodluck
HESI PN Fundamentals Exam 2026/2027 | Actual
Exam-Style Questions with Complete Answers |
Practical Nurse Fundamentals | HESI Testing
Standards
HESI PN FUNDAMENTALS EXAM
(2026/2027)
Actual Exam with Complete Questions and Answers | Practical Nurse Fundamentals |
HESI Testing Standards
Overview
This 2026/2027 validated resource contains the complete HESI PN Fundamentals Exam with actual
exam-style questions and verified correct answers, aligned with the current HESI Practical Nursing
testing blueprint. Designed to support PN candidates preparing for comprehensive assessment in
fundamental nursing concepts, priority-setting, patient care skills, and safety principles.
Key Features
✓ Full-Length Fundamental Nursing Exam aligned with HESI PN format
✓ Patient Safety & Infection Control with clinical applications
✓ Basic Care, Vital Signs, Mobility, and Comfort Interventions
✓ Updated 2026/2027 Practical Nursing competencies
✓ Pharmacological Basics and Nursing Responsibilities
✓ Prioritization, Delegation, and Critical Thinking Scenarios
Content Domains
• Basic Nursing Skills & Patient Care
• Safety, Infection Control & Hygiene
• Vital Signs, Mobility, and Comfort Measures
• Health Promotion & Maintenance
• Pharmacological Basics for PN Students
• Communication, Documentation & Ethics
,Answer Format
Verified correct answers in green, including:
• Clinical reasoning explanations
• Fundamental nursing concept breakdowns
• Priority-setting and safe-practice rationales
• Scenario-based interpretations
Critical Updates 2026/2027
◆ NEW – Revised HESI critical thinking frameworks
◆ UPDATED – Safety, hygiene, and infection-control protocols
◆ REVISED – Medication basics, dosage concepts, and scope-of-practice notes
◆ MODIFIED – PN role expectations and care-delivery guidelines
An elderly client with a fractured left hip is on strict bedrest. Which nursing measure is essential
to the client's nursing care?
A. Massage any reddened areas for at least five minutes.
B. Encourage active range of motion exercises on extremities.
C. Position the client laterally, prone, and dorsally in sequence.
D. Gently lift the client when moving into a desired position.
D. Gently lift the client when moving into a desired position.
To avoid shearing forces when repositioning, the client should be lifted gently across a surface
(D). Reddened areas should not be massaged (A) since this may increase the damage to already
traumatized skin. To control pain and muscle spasms, active range of motion (B) may be limited
on the affected leg. The position described in (C) is contraindicated for a client with a fractured
left hip.
The nurse is administering medications through a nasogastric tube (NGT) which is connected to
suction. After ensuring correct tube placement, what action should the nurse take next?
A. Clamp the tube for 20 minutes.
B. Flush the tube with water.
C. Administer the medications as prescribed.
D. Crush the tablets and dissolve in sterile water.
B. Flush the tube with water.
The NGT should be flushed before, after and in between each medication administered (B). Once
all medications are administered, the NGT should be clamped for 20 minutes (A). (C and D) may
be implemented only after the tubing has been flushed.
,A client who is in hospice care complains of increasing amounts of pain. The healthcare provider
prescribes an analgesic every four hours as needed. Which action should the nurse implement?
A. Give an around-the-clock schedule for administration of analgesics.
B. Administer analgesic medication as needed when the pain is severe.
C. Provide medication to keep the client sedated and unaware of stimuli.
D. Offer a medication-free period so that the client can do daily activities.
A. Give an around-the-clock schedule for administration of analgesics.
The most effective management of pain is achieved using an around-the-clock schedule that
provides analgesic medications on a regular basis (A) and in a timely manner. Analgesics are less
effective if pain persists until it is severe, so an analgesic medication should be administered
before the client's pain peaks (B). Providing comfort is a priority for the client who is dying, but
sedation that impairs the client's ability to interact and experience the time before life ends
should be minimized (C). Offering a medication-free period allows the serum drug level to fall,
which is not an effective method to manage chronic pain (D).
When assessing a client with wrist restraints, the nurse observes that the fingers on the right hand
are blue. What action should the nurse implement first?
A. Loosen the right wrist restraint.
B. Apply a pulse oximeter to the right hand.
C. Compare hand color bilaterally.
D. Palpate the right radial pulse.
A. Loosen the right wrist restraint.
The priority nursing action is to restore circulation by loosening the restraint (A), because blue
fingers (cyanosis) indicates decreased circulation. (C and D) are also important nursing
interventions, but do not have the priority of (A). Pulse oximetry (B) measures the saturation of
hemoglobin with oxygen and is not indicated in situations where the cyanosis is related to
mechanical compression (the restraints).
The nurse is assessing the nutritional status of several clients. Which client has the greatest
nutritional need for additional intake of protein?
A. A college-age track runner with a sprained ankle.
B. A lactating woman nursing her 3-day-old infant.
C. A school-aged child with Type 2 diabetes.
D. An elderly man being treated for a peptic ulcer.
B. A lactating woman nursing her 3-day-old infant.
A lactating woman (B) has the greatest need for additional protein intake. (A, C, and D) are all
conditions that require protein, but do not have the increased metabolic protein demands of
lactation.
A client is in the radiology department at 0900 when the prescription levofloxacin (Levaquin)
500 mg IV q24h is scheduled to be administered. The client returns to the unit at 1300. What is
the best intervention for the nurse to implement?
, A. Contact the healthcare provider and complete a medication variance form.
B. Administer the Levaquin at 1300 and resume the 0900 schedule in the morning.
C. Notify the charge nurse and complete an incident report to explain the missed dose.
D. Give the missed dose at 1300 and change the schedule to administer daily at 1300.
D. Give the missed dose at 1300 and change the schedule to administer daily at 1300.
To ensure that a therapeutic level of medication is maintained, the nurse should administer the
missed dose as soon as possible, and revise the administration schedule accordingly to prevent
dangerously increasing the level of the medication in the bloodstream (D). The nurse should
document the reason for the late dose, but (A and C) are not warranted. (B) could result in
increased blood levels of the drug.
While instructing a male client's wife in the performance of passive range-of-motion exercises to
his contracted shoulder, the nurse observes that she is holding his arm above and below the
elbow. What nursing action should the nurse implement?
A. Acknowledge that she is supporting the arm correctly.
B. Encourage her to keep the joint covered to maintain warmth.
C. Reinforce the need to grip directly under the joint for better support.
D. Instruct her to grip directly over the joint for better motion.
A. Acknowledge that she is supporting the arm correctly.
The wife is performing the passive ROM correctly, therefore the nurse should acknowledge this
fact (A). The joint that is being exercised should be uncovered (B) while the rest of the body
should remain covered for warmth and privacy. (C and D) do not provide adequate support to the
joint while still allowing for joint movement.
What is the most important reason for starting intravenous infusions in the upper extremities
rather than the lower extremities of adults?
A. It is more difficult to find a superficial vein in the feet and ankles.
B. A decreased flow rate could result in the formation of a thrombosis.
C. A cannulated extremity is more difficult to move when the leg or foot is used.
D. Veins are located deep in the feet and ankles, resulting in a more painful procedure.
B. A decreased flow rate could result in the formation of a thrombosis.
Venous return is usually better in the upper extremities. Cannulation of the veins in the lower
extremities increases the risk of thrombus formation (B) which, if dislodged, could be life-
threatening. Superficial veins are often very easy (A) to find in the feet and legs. Handling a leg
or foot with an IV (C) is probably not any more difficult than handling an arm or hand. Even if
the nurse did believe moving a cannulated leg was more difficult, this is not the most important
reason for using the upper extremities. Pain (D) is not a consideration.
The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) taking a client's blood pressure with
a cuff that is too small, but the blood pressure reading obtained is within the client's usual range.
What action is most important for the nurse to implement?
HESI PN Fundamentals Exam 2026/2027 | Actual
Exam-Style Questions with Complete Answers |
Practical Nurse Fundamentals | HESI Testing
Standards
HESI PN FUNDAMENTALS EXAM
(2026/2027)
Actual Exam with Complete Questions and Answers | Practical Nurse Fundamentals |
HESI Testing Standards
Overview
This 2026/2027 validated resource contains the complete HESI PN Fundamentals Exam with actual
exam-style questions and verified correct answers, aligned with the current HESI Practical Nursing
testing blueprint. Designed to support PN candidates preparing for comprehensive assessment in
fundamental nursing concepts, priority-setting, patient care skills, and safety principles.
Key Features
✓ Full-Length Fundamental Nursing Exam aligned with HESI PN format
✓ Patient Safety & Infection Control with clinical applications
✓ Basic Care, Vital Signs, Mobility, and Comfort Interventions
✓ Updated 2026/2027 Practical Nursing competencies
✓ Pharmacological Basics and Nursing Responsibilities
✓ Prioritization, Delegation, and Critical Thinking Scenarios
Content Domains
• Basic Nursing Skills & Patient Care
• Safety, Infection Control & Hygiene
• Vital Signs, Mobility, and Comfort Measures
• Health Promotion & Maintenance
• Pharmacological Basics for PN Students
• Communication, Documentation & Ethics
,Answer Format
Verified correct answers in green, including:
• Clinical reasoning explanations
• Fundamental nursing concept breakdowns
• Priority-setting and safe-practice rationales
• Scenario-based interpretations
Critical Updates 2026/2027
◆ NEW – Revised HESI critical thinking frameworks
◆ UPDATED – Safety, hygiene, and infection-control protocols
◆ REVISED – Medication basics, dosage concepts, and scope-of-practice notes
◆ MODIFIED – PN role expectations and care-delivery guidelines
An elderly client with a fractured left hip is on strict bedrest. Which nursing measure is essential
to the client's nursing care?
A. Massage any reddened areas for at least five minutes.
B. Encourage active range of motion exercises on extremities.
C. Position the client laterally, prone, and dorsally in sequence.
D. Gently lift the client when moving into a desired position.
D. Gently lift the client when moving into a desired position.
To avoid shearing forces when repositioning, the client should be lifted gently across a surface
(D). Reddened areas should not be massaged (A) since this may increase the damage to already
traumatized skin. To control pain and muscle spasms, active range of motion (B) may be limited
on the affected leg. The position described in (C) is contraindicated for a client with a fractured
left hip.
The nurse is administering medications through a nasogastric tube (NGT) which is connected to
suction. After ensuring correct tube placement, what action should the nurse take next?
A. Clamp the tube for 20 minutes.
B. Flush the tube with water.
C. Administer the medications as prescribed.
D. Crush the tablets and dissolve in sterile water.
B. Flush the tube with water.
The NGT should be flushed before, after and in between each medication administered (B). Once
all medications are administered, the NGT should be clamped for 20 minutes (A). (C and D) may
be implemented only after the tubing has been flushed.
,A client who is in hospice care complains of increasing amounts of pain. The healthcare provider
prescribes an analgesic every four hours as needed. Which action should the nurse implement?
A. Give an around-the-clock schedule for administration of analgesics.
B. Administer analgesic medication as needed when the pain is severe.
C. Provide medication to keep the client sedated and unaware of stimuli.
D. Offer a medication-free period so that the client can do daily activities.
A. Give an around-the-clock schedule for administration of analgesics.
The most effective management of pain is achieved using an around-the-clock schedule that
provides analgesic medications on a regular basis (A) and in a timely manner. Analgesics are less
effective if pain persists until it is severe, so an analgesic medication should be administered
before the client's pain peaks (B). Providing comfort is a priority for the client who is dying, but
sedation that impairs the client's ability to interact and experience the time before life ends
should be minimized (C). Offering a medication-free period allows the serum drug level to fall,
which is not an effective method to manage chronic pain (D).
When assessing a client with wrist restraints, the nurse observes that the fingers on the right hand
are blue. What action should the nurse implement first?
A. Loosen the right wrist restraint.
B. Apply a pulse oximeter to the right hand.
C. Compare hand color bilaterally.
D. Palpate the right radial pulse.
A. Loosen the right wrist restraint.
The priority nursing action is to restore circulation by loosening the restraint (A), because blue
fingers (cyanosis) indicates decreased circulation. (C and D) are also important nursing
interventions, but do not have the priority of (A). Pulse oximetry (B) measures the saturation of
hemoglobin with oxygen and is not indicated in situations where the cyanosis is related to
mechanical compression (the restraints).
The nurse is assessing the nutritional status of several clients. Which client has the greatest
nutritional need for additional intake of protein?
A. A college-age track runner with a sprained ankle.
B. A lactating woman nursing her 3-day-old infant.
C. A school-aged child with Type 2 diabetes.
D. An elderly man being treated for a peptic ulcer.
B. A lactating woman nursing her 3-day-old infant.
A lactating woman (B) has the greatest need for additional protein intake. (A, C, and D) are all
conditions that require protein, but do not have the increased metabolic protein demands of
lactation.
A client is in the radiology department at 0900 when the prescription levofloxacin (Levaquin)
500 mg IV q24h is scheduled to be administered. The client returns to the unit at 1300. What is
the best intervention for the nurse to implement?
, A. Contact the healthcare provider and complete a medication variance form.
B. Administer the Levaquin at 1300 and resume the 0900 schedule in the morning.
C. Notify the charge nurse and complete an incident report to explain the missed dose.
D. Give the missed dose at 1300 and change the schedule to administer daily at 1300.
D. Give the missed dose at 1300 and change the schedule to administer daily at 1300.
To ensure that a therapeutic level of medication is maintained, the nurse should administer the
missed dose as soon as possible, and revise the administration schedule accordingly to prevent
dangerously increasing the level of the medication in the bloodstream (D). The nurse should
document the reason for the late dose, but (A and C) are not warranted. (B) could result in
increased blood levels of the drug.
While instructing a male client's wife in the performance of passive range-of-motion exercises to
his contracted shoulder, the nurse observes that she is holding his arm above and below the
elbow. What nursing action should the nurse implement?
A. Acknowledge that she is supporting the arm correctly.
B. Encourage her to keep the joint covered to maintain warmth.
C. Reinforce the need to grip directly under the joint for better support.
D. Instruct her to grip directly over the joint for better motion.
A. Acknowledge that she is supporting the arm correctly.
The wife is performing the passive ROM correctly, therefore the nurse should acknowledge this
fact (A). The joint that is being exercised should be uncovered (B) while the rest of the body
should remain covered for warmth and privacy. (C and D) do not provide adequate support to the
joint while still allowing for joint movement.
What is the most important reason for starting intravenous infusions in the upper extremities
rather than the lower extremities of adults?
A. It is more difficult to find a superficial vein in the feet and ankles.
B. A decreased flow rate could result in the formation of a thrombosis.
C. A cannulated extremity is more difficult to move when the leg or foot is used.
D. Veins are located deep in the feet and ankles, resulting in a more painful procedure.
B. A decreased flow rate could result in the formation of a thrombosis.
Venous return is usually better in the upper extremities. Cannulation of the veins in the lower
extremities increases the risk of thrombus formation (B) which, if dislodged, could be life-
threatening. Superficial veins are often very easy (A) to find in the feet and legs. Handling a leg
or foot with an IV (C) is probably not any more difficult than handling an arm or hand. Even if
the nurse did believe moving a cannulated leg was more difficult, this is not the most important
reason for using the upper extremities. Pain (D) is not a consideration.
The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) taking a client's blood pressure with
a cuff that is too small, but the blood pressure reading obtained is within the client's usual range.
What action is most important for the nurse to implement?
