Updated HESI RN Fundamentals 2026 with NGN |
Comprehensive Questions and Answers
Section 1: Safety & Infection Control)
1. A client on contact precautions for Clostridium difficile needs
transport to radiology. Which action is correct?
A) Place a surgical mask on the client.
B) Have the client wear clean gloves and a gown.
C) No precautions are needed for transport.
D) Only the transport personnel need PPE.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Contact precautions require the client to wear clean gloves
and a gown to prevent environmental contamination. C. diff is spore-
forming; alcohol hand rub is ineffective, so soap and water must be
used for hand hygiene .
2. Which finding indicates a need for a fire safety nurse to intervene?
A) Oxygen tank stored in a non-wheeled stand.
B) Electrical cord running under a bed’s wheel.
C) Fire extinguisher mounted near the exit.
D) Staff knows the RACE protocol.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cords under wheels can fray, creating a spark near oxygen.
Other options are safe .
3. A nurse uses a fire extinguisher on a small trash can fire. Which
action is correct?
A) Pull the pin, aim at the flames’ top, squeeze, sweep.
B) Pull the pin, aim at the base, squeeze, sweep.
C) Aim at the base, pull pin, squeeze, sweep.
D) Squeeze, aim at base, pull pin, sweep.
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct fire extinguisher technique is PASS: Pull the
pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to
side .
4. A client has a new diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Which
precautions are required?
A) Contact plus standard.
B) Droplet plus standard.
C) Airborne plus standard.
D) Protective environment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: TB requires airborne precautions (N95 mask, negative
pressure room). Droplet precautions are for flu/meningitis .
5. Which client is most at risk for a fall?
A) 45-year-old post-op day 2 with an epidural pain pump.
B) 78-year-old receiving IV furosemide and lorazepam.
C) 30-year-old with migraine on dim lights.
D) 60-year-old post-stroke with left-sided weakness using a cane.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Age (78), diuretic (urgency/frequency), and benzodiazepine
(sedation/confusion) multiply fall risk .
6. A nurse is applying restraints to a confused, pulling-at-tubes client.
Which action is incorrect?
A) Obtain a written provider order within 15 minutes of application.
B) Tie restraints to the bed frame, not side rail.
C) Remove restraints every 2 hours for ROM and toileting.
D) Document behavior leading to restraint use.
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A written provider order must be obtained immediately, not
within 15 minutes. Restraints are a last resort and require frequent
reassessment. Other actions are correct .
7. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter. Which
technique is correct for maintaining sterility?
A) Open the inner catheter package before applying sterile gloves.
B) Use clean gloves to handle the catheter if the outer package is intact.
C) Apply sterile gloves, then open the inner catheter package.
D) Open both the inner and outer packages before washing hands.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sterile gloves must be applied first to maintain the sterile
field when opening the inner package. Opening the inner package
before gloving contaminates the catheter .
8. Which statement indicates a nurse understands surgical asepsis?
A) "I can turn my back to the sterile field if no one is near."
B) "Sterile gloves can touch clean gloves during setup."
C) "The outer inch of the sterile drape is contaminated."
D) "Moisture on the sterile field is acceptable if it's saline."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The outer 1-inch border of a sterile drape is considered
contaminated due to handling. Turning your back to a sterile field,
touching sterile to clean, and moisture all break sterility .
9. A client is on seizure precautions. Which item should be kept at the
bedside?
A) Tongue blade.
B) Suction equipment.
, C) Soft wrist restraints.
D) IV lorazepam unlocked.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Suction is priority to maintain airway during the post-ictal
phase. Tongue blades are outdated and can cause injury .
10. A nurse is educating a family on home safety for an older adult
with dementia. Which is most important?
A) Remove scatter rugs.
B) Set water heater to 120°F (48.9°C).
C) Install grab bars in shower.
D) Use nightlights in hallway.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: All are important, but scald prevention (water heater temp)
reduces severe burn risk. Older adults have thinner skin .
11. Which finding in a client’s room violates a Joint Commission safety
goal?
A) Bed in lowest position.
B) Call light within reach.
C) Two side rails up on a bilateral hip replacement patient.
D) Non-skid slippers on feet.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Two side rails up can be considered a restraint if the patient
cannot lower them. Some facilities require only one or none unless
ordered .
12. A nurse is providing oral care to an unconscious client. Which
action is correct?
A) Use lemon-glycerin swabs to moisten lips.
B) Position client side-lying with head lowered.
Comprehensive Questions and Answers
Section 1: Safety & Infection Control)
1. A client on contact precautions for Clostridium difficile needs
transport to radiology. Which action is correct?
A) Place a surgical mask on the client.
B) Have the client wear clean gloves and a gown.
C) No precautions are needed for transport.
D) Only the transport personnel need PPE.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Contact precautions require the client to wear clean gloves
and a gown to prevent environmental contamination. C. diff is spore-
forming; alcohol hand rub is ineffective, so soap and water must be
used for hand hygiene .
2. Which finding indicates a need for a fire safety nurse to intervene?
A) Oxygen tank stored in a non-wheeled stand.
B) Electrical cord running under a bed’s wheel.
C) Fire extinguisher mounted near the exit.
D) Staff knows the RACE protocol.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cords under wheels can fray, creating a spark near oxygen.
Other options are safe .
3. A nurse uses a fire extinguisher on a small trash can fire. Which
action is correct?
A) Pull the pin, aim at the flames’ top, squeeze, sweep.
B) Pull the pin, aim at the base, squeeze, sweep.
C) Aim at the base, pull pin, squeeze, sweep.
D) Squeeze, aim at base, pull pin, sweep.
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct fire extinguisher technique is PASS: Pull the
pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to
side .
4. A client has a new diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Which
precautions are required?
A) Contact plus standard.
B) Droplet plus standard.
C) Airborne plus standard.
D) Protective environment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: TB requires airborne precautions (N95 mask, negative
pressure room). Droplet precautions are for flu/meningitis .
5. Which client is most at risk for a fall?
A) 45-year-old post-op day 2 with an epidural pain pump.
B) 78-year-old receiving IV furosemide and lorazepam.
C) 30-year-old with migraine on dim lights.
D) 60-year-old post-stroke with left-sided weakness using a cane.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Age (78), diuretic (urgency/frequency), and benzodiazepine
(sedation/confusion) multiply fall risk .
6. A nurse is applying restraints to a confused, pulling-at-tubes client.
Which action is incorrect?
A) Obtain a written provider order within 15 minutes of application.
B) Tie restraints to the bed frame, not side rail.
C) Remove restraints every 2 hours for ROM and toileting.
D) Document behavior leading to restraint use.
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A written provider order must be obtained immediately, not
within 15 minutes. Restraints are a last resort and require frequent
reassessment. Other actions are correct .
7. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter. Which
technique is correct for maintaining sterility?
A) Open the inner catheter package before applying sterile gloves.
B) Use clean gloves to handle the catheter if the outer package is intact.
C) Apply sterile gloves, then open the inner catheter package.
D) Open both the inner and outer packages before washing hands.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sterile gloves must be applied first to maintain the sterile
field when opening the inner package. Opening the inner package
before gloving contaminates the catheter .
8. Which statement indicates a nurse understands surgical asepsis?
A) "I can turn my back to the sterile field if no one is near."
B) "Sterile gloves can touch clean gloves during setup."
C) "The outer inch of the sterile drape is contaminated."
D) "Moisture on the sterile field is acceptable if it's saline."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The outer 1-inch border of a sterile drape is considered
contaminated due to handling. Turning your back to a sterile field,
touching sterile to clean, and moisture all break sterility .
9. A client is on seizure precautions. Which item should be kept at the
bedside?
A) Tongue blade.
B) Suction equipment.
, C) Soft wrist restraints.
D) IV lorazepam unlocked.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Suction is priority to maintain airway during the post-ictal
phase. Tongue blades are outdated and can cause injury .
10. A nurse is educating a family on home safety for an older adult
with dementia. Which is most important?
A) Remove scatter rugs.
B) Set water heater to 120°F (48.9°C).
C) Install grab bars in shower.
D) Use nightlights in hallway.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: All are important, but scald prevention (water heater temp)
reduces severe burn risk. Older adults have thinner skin .
11. Which finding in a client’s room violates a Joint Commission safety
goal?
A) Bed in lowest position.
B) Call light within reach.
C) Two side rails up on a bilateral hip replacement patient.
D) Non-skid slippers on feet.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Two side rails up can be considered a restraint if the patient
cannot lower them. Some facilities require only one or none unless
ordered .
12. A nurse is providing oral care to an unconscious client. Which
action is correct?
A) Use lemon-glycerin swabs to moisten lips.
B) Position client side-lying with head lowered.
