HESI Fundamentals Exam Test Bank – Updated
400 Questions with Rationales and Answers for
Nursing Students 2025-2026
1- An adult child of a dying client says to the nurse in the nursing home, "I am so upset
because my parent is always angry at me." The nurse's best initial response is "Your parent is:
Working through acceptance of the situation."
2- During the beginning phase of a therapeutic relationship, a clear understanding of
participants' roles is important because the client:
Needs to know what to expect from the relationship
3- The nurse is assessing a group of older adults. Which should the nurse consider to be least
likely to be affected by aging?
Strategies to handle stress
4- What is the primary purpose of evidence-based nursing (EBP)?
Using results from research to improve the outcome of nursing care
5-
A high-protein diet is recommended for a client recovering from a fracture. The nurse recalls
that the rationale for a high-protein diet is to
Promote cell growth and bone union
6-
Nursing actions for the older adult should include health education and promotion of self-
care. Which is most important when working with the older adult client?
Reinforcing the client's strengths and promoting reminiscing
7-
A nurse assesses the lungs of a client and auscultates soft, crackling, bubbling breath sounds
that are more obvious on inspiration. This assessment should be documented as:
Crackles
8-
A nurse hired to work in a metropolitan hospital provides services for a culturally diverse
population. One of the nurses on the unit says it is the nurses' responsibility to discourage
"these people" from bringing all that "home medicine stuff" to their family members. Which
response by the recently hired nurse is most appropriate?
You are right because they may have a negative impact on people's health.
9-
During a newborn assessment the nurse identifies that the temperature, pulse, respirations,
and other physical characteristics are within the expected range. The nurse records these
findings on the clinical record. Legally, how should the nurse's action be interpreted?
The nurse met the requirements set forth in the Nurse Practice Act.
10-
Which of the following legal defenses is the most important for a nurse to develop?
Accountability
,11-
A nurse applies a heating pad to a client's buttocks. Upon removal of the heating pad, the
nurse discovers that the client has received burns due to incorrect settings when the heating
pad was initiated. Which principle would legally apply?
The nurse could be held liable for the injury that occurred
12-
The plan of care for the client was to lose 7 pounds by the end of the month. The client only
lost 3 pounds. The nurse should:
Reevaluate the plan of care for appropriateness.
13-
When caring for a client with venous insufficiency, the nurse would implement which nursing
measure?
Elevate the client's legs above heart level.
14-
A nurse is teaching a client about gentamycin (Garamycin) that has been prescribed for a
severe infection. Which statement indicates to the nurse that the client needs further
teaching?
It is okay for me to stop taking this medication after a few days."\
15-
A nurse is assigned to change a central line dressing. The agency policy is to clean the site
with Betadine and then cleanse with alcohol. The nurse recently attended a conference that
presented information that alcohol should precede Betadine in a dressing change. In
addition, an article in a nursing journal stated that a new product was a more effective
antibacterial than alcohol and Betadine. The nurse has a sample of the new product. How
Should the nurse proceed?
Follow the agency's policy unless it is contradicted by a health care provider's prescription.
16-
While the nurse moves a client from a lying to standing position, the client experiences a
rapid drop in
blood pressure. The nurse would report this finding as:
Orthostatic hypotension
17-
A client experiences a muscle sprain of the ankle. When assessing the injury, the nurse
discovers that a hematoma is developing, edema is present and that the client reports
tenderness when the ankle is palpated. The nurse anticipates that the plan of care will
include the application of a(n):
Ice bag18- The professional obligation of a nurse to assume responsibility for actions is
referred to as:
Accountability
19-
The nurse prepares to give a prescribed capsule of hydroxyzine (Vistaril) to a client. The client
begins to vomit so the nurse holds the oral medication. The nurse has not opened the
,medication package. Proper and safe disposal of the capsule of hydroxyzine requires the
nurse to:
Return the capsule to the pharmacy
20-
When providing care for a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube, the nurse should take
measures to prevent what serious complication?
Aspiration pneumonia
21- The nurse is caring for a client admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). The nurse should monitor the results of which laboratory test to evaluate the client
for hypoxia?
Arterial blood gas
22-
A client with a leg prosthesis and a history of syncopal episodes is being admitted to the
hospital. When formulating the plan of care for this client, the nurse should include that the
client is at risk for:
Falls
23-
A 50-year-old client being seen for a routine physical asks why a stool specimen for occult
blood testing has been prescribed when there is no history of health problems. What is an
appropriate nursing response?
"It is performed routinely starting at your age as part of an assessment for colon cancer
24-
An adult child of a dying client says to the nurse in the nursing home, "I am so upset because
my parent is always angry at me." The nurse's best initial response is "Your parent is:
working through acceptance of the situation."
25-
A health care provider tells a client about the diagnosis of inoperable cancer and that the
client does not have long to live. After the health care provider leaves, the client says to the
nurse, "I feel fine. I probably only have the flu." The nurse determines that the client is in the
denial stage of grief. What should the nurse do to help meet the client's emotional needs?
Allow the denial and be available to discuss the situation with the client.
26-
The nurse has provided instructions about back safety to a client. Which client statement
indicates
understanding of the instructions?
"I should carry objects close to my body."
27-
The nurse teaching a health awareness class identifies which situation as being the highest
risk factor for the development of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Inactivity
28-
, A client is being admitted to a medical unit with a diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. The
nurse should assign the client to which type of room?
Negative airflow room
29-
A nurse is reviewing a client's plan of care. What is the determining factor in the revision of
the plan?
Effectiveness of the interventions
30-
A nurse who promotes freedom of choice for clients in decision-making best supports which
principle?
Autonomy
31-
The nurse is monitoring a client's hemoglobin level. The nurse recalls that the amount of
hemoglobin in the blood has what effect on oxygenation status?
A low hemoglobin level causes reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
32-
A client with hypothermia is brought to the emergency department. What treatment does
the nurse
anticipate?
Core rewarming with warm fluids
33-
A visitor says to the nurse, "Can I read my client's progress record? I am the sponsor from an
alcohol
recovery program." How should the nurse respond?
Do not allow the sponsor to review the record.
34-
Two nurses are planning to help a client with one-sided weakness to move up in bed. What
should the
nurses do to conform to a basic principle of body mechanics?
Position the nurses on either side of the bed with their feet apart, gather the pull sheet close
to the client, turn toward the head of the bed, and then move the client.
35-
In all states of the United States, what is the professional nurse's legal responsibility
regarding child abuse?
Report any suspected abuse to local law enforcement authorities.
36-
The hospital's policy requires two nurses to supervise the wasting of excess opioid solutions.
The nurse draws up the prescribed dose and then requests that another nurse witness
wasting of the remaining medication. The second nurse states that there is no time to
observe the wasting of the medication, enters the identification to serve as the witness, and
leaves the area. What is the appropriate action for the first nurse to take?
Cancel the process and ask another nurse to serve as the witness and to observe the wasting
of the medication.
400 Questions with Rationales and Answers for
Nursing Students 2025-2026
1- An adult child of a dying client says to the nurse in the nursing home, "I am so upset
because my parent is always angry at me." The nurse's best initial response is "Your parent is:
Working through acceptance of the situation."
2- During the beginning phase of a therapeutic relationship, a clear understanding of
participants' roles is important because the client:
Needs to know what to expect from the relationship
3- The nurse is assessing a group of older adults. Which should the nurse consider to be least
likely to be affected by aging?
Strategies to handle stress
4- What is the primary purpose of evidence-based nursing (EBP)?
Using results from research to improve the outcome of nursing care
5-
A high-protein diet is recommended for a client recovering from a fracture. The nurse recalls
that the rationale for a high-protein diet is to
Promote cell growth and bone union
6-
Nursing actions for the older adult should include health education and promotion of self-
care. Which is most important when working with the older adult client?
Reinforcing the client's strengths and promoting reminiscing
7-
A nurse assesses the lungs of a client and auscultates soft, crackling, bubbling breath sounds
that are more obvious on inspiration. This assessment should be documented as:
Crackles
8-
A nurse hired to work in a metropolitan hospital provides services for a culturally diverse
population. One of the nurses on the unit says it is the nurses' responsibility to discourage
"these people" from bringing all that "home medicine stuff" to their family members. Which
response by the recently hired nurse is most appropriate?
You are right because they may have a negative impact on people's health.
9-
During a newborn assessment the nurse identifies that the temperature, pulse, respirations,
and other physical characteristics are within the expected range. The nurse records these
findings on the clinical record. Legally, how should the nurse's action be interpreted?
The nurse met the requirements set forth in the Nurse Practice Act.
10-
Which of the following legal defenses is the most important for a nurse to develop?
Accountability
,11-
A nurse applies a heating pad to a client's buttocks. Upon removal of the heating pad, the
nurse discovers that the client has received burns due to incorrect settings when the heating
pad was initiated. Which principle would legally apply?
The nurse could be held liable for the injury that occurred
12-
The plan of care for the client was to lose 7 pounds by the end of the month. The client only
lost 3 pounds. The nurse should:
Reevaluate the plan of care for appropriateness.
13-
When caring for a client with venous insufficiency, the nurse would implement which nursing
measure?
Elevate the client's legs above heart level.
14-
A nurse is teaching a client about gentamycin (Garamycin) that has been prescribed for a
severe infection. Which statement indicates to the nurse that the client needs further
teaching?
It is okay for me to stop taking this medication after a few days."\
15-
A nurse is assigned to change a central line dressing. The agency policy is to clean the site
with Betadine and then cleanse with alcohol. The nurse recently attended a conference that
presented information that alcohol should precede Betadine in a dressing change. In
addition, an article in a nursing journal stated that a new product was a more effective
antibacterial than alcohol and Betadine. The nurse has a sample of the new product. How
Should the nurse proceed?
Follow the agency's policy unless it is contradicted by a health care provider's prescription.
16-
While the nurse moves a client from a lying to standing position, the client experiences a
rapid drop in
blood pressure. The nurse would report this finding as:
Orthostatic hypotension
17-
A client experiences a muscle sprain of the ankle. When assessing the injury, the nurse
discovers that a hematoma is developing, edema is present and that the client reports
tenderness when the ankle is palpated. The nurse anticipates that the plan of care will
include the application of a(n):
Ice bag18- The professional obligation of a nurse to assume responsibility for actions is
referred to as:
Accountability
19-
The nurse prepares to give a prescribed capsule of hydroxyzine (Vistaril) to a client. The client
begins to vomit so the nurse holds the oral medication. The nurse has not opened the
,medication package. Proper and safe disposal of the capsule of hydroxyzine requires the
nurse to:
Return the capsule to the pharmacy
20-
When providing care for a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube, the nurse should take
measures to prevent what serious complication?
Aspiration pneumonia
21- The nurse is caring for a client admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). The nurse should monitor the results of which laboratory test to evaluate the client
for hypoxia?
Arterial blood gas
22-
A client with a leg prosthesis and a history of syncopal episodes is being admitted to the
hospital. When formulating the plan of care for this client, the nurse should include that the
client is at risk for:
Falls
23-
A 50-year-old client being seen for a routine physical asks why a stool specimen for occult
blood testing has been prescribed when there is no history of health problems. What is an
appropriate nursing response?
"It is performed routinely starting at your age as part of an assessment for colon cancer
24-
An adult child of a dying client says to the nurse in the nursing home, "I am so upset because
my parent is always angry at me." The nurse's best initial response is "Your parent is:
working through acceptance of the situation."
25-
A health care provider tells a client about the diagnosis of inoperable cancer and that the
client does not have long to live. After the health care provider leaves, the client says to the
nurse, "I feel fine. I probably only have the flu." The nurse determines that the client is in the
denial stage of grief. What should the nurse do to help meet the client's emotional needs?
Allow the denial and be available to discuss the situation with the client.
26-
The nurse has provided instructions about back safety to a client. Which client statement
indicates
understanding of the instructions?
"I should carry objects close to my body."
27-
The nurse teaching a health awareness class identifies which situation as being the highest
risk factor for the development of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Inactivity
28-
, A client is being admitted to a medical unit with a diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. The
nurse should assign the client to which type of room?
Negative airflow room
29-
A nurse is reviewing a client's plan of care. What is the determining factor in the revision of
the plan?
Effectiveness of the interventions
30-
A nurse who promotes freedom of choice for clients in decision-making best supports which
principle?
Autonomy
31-
The nurse is monitoring a client's hemoglobin level. The nurse recalls that the amount of
hemoglobin in the blood has what effect on oxygenation status?
A low hemoglobin level causes reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
32-
A client with hypothermia is brought to the emergency department. What treatment does
the nurse
anticipate?
Core rewarming with warm fluids
33-
A visitor says to the nurse, "Can I read my client's progress record? I am the sponsor from an
alcohol
recovery program." How should the nurse respond?
Do not allow the sponsor to review the record.
34-
Two nurses are planning to help a client with one-sided weakness to move up in bed. What
should the
nurses do to conform to a basic principle of body mechanics?
Position the nurses on either side of the bed with their feet apart, gather the pull sheet close
to the client, turn toward the head of the bed, and then move the client.
35-
In all states of the United States, what is the professional nurse's legal responsibility
regarding child abuse?
Report any suspected abuse to local law enforcement authorities.
36-
The hospital's policy requires two nurses to supervise the wasting of excess opioid solutions.
The nurse draws up the prescribed dose and then requests that another nurse witness
wasting of the remaining medication. The second nurse states that there is no time to
observe the wasting of the medication, enters the identification to serve as the witness, and
leaves the area. What is the appropriate action for the first nurse to take?
Cancel the process and ask another nurse to serve as the witness and to observe the wasting
of the medication.
