RN HESI FUNDAMENTALS 2026 EXAM
PREP: 250+ MOST RECENTLY TESTED
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
& RATIONALES | FUNDAMENTALS OF
NURSING HESI EXAM PREP |MOST
RECENT!!]
Questions 1–10: Safety and Infection Control
Question 1:
The nurse observes a colleague preparing to administer a medication from a multi-
dose vial. Which action requires the nurse to intervene?
• A) Cleaning the rubber stopper with alcohol before withdrawing medication
• B) Using a new needle for each medication withdrawal
• C) Storing the opened vial at room temperature
• D) Dating the vial when opened
Correct Answer: C) Storing the opened vial at room temperature
Rationale: Multi-dose vials should be stored according to manufacturer
recommendations, typically in a refrigerator after opening unless otherwise specified.
Storing at room temperature can compromise sterility and medication efficacy. The
other options are correct practices: cleaning the stopper with alcohol, using a new
needle for each withdrawal, and dating the vial when opened are all appropriate
infection control measures.
Question 2:
A nurse is preparing a sterile field for a procedure. Which action would compromise
the sterile field?
• A) Opening the sterile package with the first flap away from the nurse
• B) Reaching over the sterile field to retrieve an additional supply
, • C) Holding the sterile package at chest level
• D) Placing only sterile items within the 1-inch border
Correct Answer: B) Reaching over the sterile field to retrieve an additional
supply
Rationale: Reaching over the sterile field contaminates it. If additional supplies are
needed, the nurse should go around the field or ask another person to assist.
Opening the sterile package with the first flap away, holding it at chest level, and
keeping a 1-inch border free are all correct sterile technique practices.
Question 3:
The nurse enters the room of a client with Clostridium difficile infection to administer
an IV antibiotic. The UAP is in the room cleaning the client's buttocks and states the
client has been incontinent with diarrhea. The UAP is wearing gloves but not a gown.
What action should the nurse implement first?
• A) Advise the UAP to put on a gown
• B) Observe the appearance of the diarrhea
• C) Hang the scheduled dose of antibiotic
• D) Assess the client's skin integrity
Correct Answer: A) Advise the UAP to put on a gown
Rationale: C. difficile requires contact precautions, which include wearing both
gloves and a gown. The UAP is at risk for contamination and spreading infection to
other clients. The nurse should first ensure proper PPE is worn before addressing
other concerns. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against C. difficile
spores; handwashing with soap and water is required.
Question 4:
A client is receiving a blood transfusion. Fifteen minutes after the transfusion begins,
the client reports chills and back pain. What is the nurse's priority action?
• A) Slow the infusion rate
• B) Stop the transfusion
• C) Administer an antihistamine
• D) Notify the healthcare provider
,Correct Answer: B) Stop the transfusion
Rationale: Chills and back pain are signs of a hemolytic transfusion reaction. The
priority is to stop the transfusion immediately to prevent further complications. The
healthcare provider should be notified after stopping the transfusion.
Question 5:
Which patient requires droplet precautions?
• A) Measles
• B) Influenza
• C) Tuberculosis
• D) Hepatitis B
Correct Answer: B) Influenza
Rationale: Influenza requires droplet precautions, which involve a mask and eye
protection within 3 feet of the patient. Measles and tuberculosis require airborne
precautions. Hepatitis B requires standard precautions with blood and body fluid
precautions.
Question 6:
When applying restraints to a client, which action is most appropriate?
• A) Apply restraints as a first-line intervention for confusion
• B) Tie restraints to the bed side rail
• C) Secure restraints with a quick-release knot
• D) Leave the restraints loose enough for client to slip out
Correct Answer: C) Secure restraints with a quick-release knot
Rationale: Restraints should be secured with a quick-release knot that can be easily
removed in an emergency. Restraints should never be a first-line intervention and
should only be used when less restrictive measures have failed. Restraints should be
tied to the bed frame, not the side rails, to prevent injury if the side rail is lowered.
Restraints should be snug but allow 1-2 finger widths of space to prevent circulation
impairment.
, Question 7:
Which measure is most effective in preventing falls in a hospitalized elderly client?
• A) Keeping the bed in the lowest position
• B) Placing the call light within reach
• C) Using bed alarms
• D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D) All of the above
Rationale: A comprehensive fall prevention approach includes keeping the bed in
the lowest position, ensuring the call light is within reach, using bed alarms for at-risk
patients, providing nonslip footwear, and keeping pathways clear. Multiple
interventions are more effective than any single measure.
Question 8:
The nurse sees a frayed electrical cord in a client's room. What is the next step?
• A) Use it carefully
• B) Report it and remove it from service
• C) Cover it with tape
• D) Ignore it
Correct Answer: B) Report it and remove it from service
Rationale: Frayed electrical cords present a serious fire and electrical shock hazard.
The nurse should immediately report the issue and remove the equipment from
service. Using it carefully, covering it with tape, or ignoring it are unsafe practices.
Question 9:
Proper disposal of sharps includes:
• A) Puncture-proof container
• B) Trash can
• C) Paper bag
• D) Leaving in tray
Correct Answer: A) Puncture-proof container
PREP: 250+ MOST RECENTLY TESTED
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
& RATIONALES | FUNDAMENTALS OF
NURSING HESI EXAM PREP |MOST
RECENT!!]
Questions 1–10: Safety and Infection Control
Question 1:
The nurse observes a colleague preparing to administer a medication from a multi-
dose vial. Which action requires the nurse to intervene?
• A) Cleaning the rubber stopper with alcohol before withdrawing medication
• B) Using a new needle for each medication withdrawal
• C) Storing the opened vial at room temperature
• D) Dating the vial when opened
Correct Answer: C) Storing the opened vial at room temperature
Rationale: Multi-dose vials should be stored according to manufacturer
recommendations, typically in a refrigerator after opening unless otherwise specified.
Storing at room temperature can compromise sterility and medication efficacy. The
other options are correct practices: cleaning the stopper with alcohol, using a new
needle for each withdrawal, and dating the vial when opened are all appropriate
infection control measures.
Question 2:
A nurse is preparing a sterile field for a procedure. Which action would compromise
the sterile field?
• A) Opening the sterile package with the first flap away from the nurse
• B) Reaching over the sterile field to retrieve an additional supply
, • C) Holding the sterile package at chest level
• D) Placing only sterile items within the 1-inch border
Correct Answer: B) Reaching over the sterile field to retrieve an additional
supply
Rationale: Reaching over the sterile field contaminates it. If additional supplies are
needed, the nurse should go around the field or ask another person to assist.
Opening the sterile package with the first flap away, holding it at chest level, and
keeping a 1-inch border free are all correct sterile technique practices.
Question 3:
The nurse enters the room of a client with Clostridium difficile infection to administer
an IV antibiotic. The UAP is in the room cleaning the client's buttocks and states the
client has been incontinent with diarrhea. The UAP is wearing gloves but not a gown.
What action should the nurse implement first?
• A) Advise the UAP to put on a gown
• B) Observe the appearance of the diarrhea
• C) Hang the scheduled dose of antibiotic
• D) Assess the client's skin integrity
Correct Answer: A) Advise the UAP to put on a gown
Rationale: C. difficile requires contact precautions, which include wearing both
gloves and a gown. The UAP is at risk for contamination and spreading infection to
other clients. The nurse should first ensure proper PPE is worn before addressing
other concerns. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against C. difficile
spores; handwashing with soap and water is required.
Question 4:
A client is receiving a blood transfusion. Fifteen minutes after the transfusion begins,
the client reports chills and back pain. What is the nurse's priority action?
• A) Slow the infusion rate
• B) Stop the transfusion
• C) Administer an antihistamine
• D) Notify the healthcare provider
,Correct Answer: B) Stop the transfusion
Rationale: Chills and back pain are signs of a hemolytic transfusion reaction. The
priority is to stop the transfusion immediately to prevent further complications. The
healthcare provider should be notified after stopping the transfusion.
Question 5:
Which patient requires droplet precautions?
• A) Measles
• B) Influenza
• C) Tuberculosis
• D) Hepatitis B
Correct Answer: B) Influenza
Rationale: Influenza requires droplet precautions, which involve a mask and eye
protection within 3 feet of the patient. Measles and tuberculosis require airborne
precautions. Hepatitis B requires standard precautions with blood and body fluid
precautions.
Question 6:
When applying restraints to a client, which action is most appropriate?
• A) Apply restraints as a first-line intervention for confusion
• B) Tie restraints to the bed side rail
• C) Secure restraints with a quick-release knot
• D) Leave the restraints loose enough for client to slip out
Correct Answer: C) Secure restraints with a quick-release knot
Rationale: Restraints should be secured with a quick-release knot that can be easily
removed in an emergency. Restraints should never be a first-line intervention and
should only be used when less restrictive measures have failed. Restraints should be
tied to the bed frame, not the side rails, to prevent injury if the side rail is lowered.
Restraints should be snug but allow 1-2 finger widths of space to prevent circulation
impairment.
, Question 7:
Which measure is most effective in preventing falls in a hospitalized elderly client?
• A) Keeping the bed in the lowest position
• B) Placing the call light within reach
• C) Using bed alarms
• D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D) All of the above
Rationale: A comprehensive fall prevention approach includes keeping the bed in
the lowest position, ensuring the call light is within reach, using bed alarms for at-risk
patients, providing nonslip footwear, and keeping pathways clear. Multiple
interventions are more effective than any single measure.
Question 8:
The nurse sees a frayed electrical cord in a client's room. What is the next step?
• A) Use it carefully
• B) Report it and remove it from service
• C) Cover it with tape
• D) Ignore it
Correct Answer: B) Report it and remove it from service
Rationale: Frayed electrical cords present a serious fire and electrical shock hazard.
The nurse should immediately report the issue and remove the equipment from
service. Using it carefully, covering it with tape, or ignoring it are unsafe practices.
Question 9:
Proper disposal of sharps includes:
• A) Puncture-proof container
• B) Trash can
• C) Paper bag
• D) Leaving in tray
Correct Answer: A) Puncture-proof container
