HESI exam, covering a wide range of topics
(Anatomy & Physiology, Fundamentals,
Maternity, Pediatrics, Pharmacology, etc.),
complete with bolded questions, multiple
answers, and correct rationales in italics.
(2025-2026)
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a tuberculin skin test. Which of
the following injection techniques should the nurse use?
A. Subcutaneous
B. Intramuscular
C. Intradermal
D. Intravenous
*Rationale: C. Intradermal. The Mantoux tuberculin skin test requires
intradermal administration to create a visible wheal, allowing for accurate
reading of the test site 48-72 hours later.*
2. The nurse is teaching a client about the primary function of red
blood cells. The nurse knows the teaching is effective when the
client states:
A. "They fight infection."
B. "They carry oxygen to tissues."
C. "They form clots to stop bleeding."
D. "They produce antibodies."
Rationale: B. "They carry oxygen to tissues." Erythrocytes (RBCs)
contain hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and delivers it to
peripheral tissues.
3. When moving a client up in bed, which action protects the nurse
from injury?
A. Keeping feet together
,B. Bending at the waist
C. Raising the bed to waist level
D. Using a narrow base of support
Rationale: C. Raising the bed to waist level. This aligns with proper body
mechanics, bringing the client toward the nurse's center of gravity to
prevent strain and back injury.
4. A client has a new prescription for a low-sodium diet. Which food
choice by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. Grilled chicken breast
B. Canned vegetable soup
C. Steamed fresh broccoli
D. Baked potato
Rationale: B. Canned vegetable soup. Canned soups are notoriously high
in sodium as it is used as a preservative. Fresh or frozen vegetables without
added salt are better choices.
5. The nurse is caring for a client who is confused and trying to get
out of bed. The least restrictive intervention is to:
A. Apply a vest restraint.
B. Administer a sedative.
C. Move the client closer to the nurses' station.
D. Use bed alarms.
Rationale: D. Use bed alarms. Bed alarms are a safety measure that alerts
staff without physically or chemically restricting the client, making them the
least restrictive option.
6. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating vital
functions such as heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure?
A. Cerebrum
B. Cerebellum
C. Medulla oblongata
,D. Hypothalamus
Rationale: C. Medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata is located in the
brainstem and is the control center for cardiac, respiratory, and vasomotor
functions.
7. The exchange of gases between the alveoli and the bloodstream
occurs through which process?
A. Osmosis
B. Diffusion
C. Active transport
D. Filtration
Rationale: B. Diffusion. Oxygen and carbon dioxide move across the
alveolar-capillary membrane down their concentration gradients, a passive
process known as diffusion.
8. Which gland is known as the "master gland" of the endocrine
system?
A. Thyroid
B. Adrenal
C. Pancreas
D. Pituitary
Rationale: D. Pituitary. The pituitary gland secretes hormones that regulate
the functions of other endocrine glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal cortex,
and gonads.
9. Bile, which emulsifies fats, is produced by the:
A. Gallbladder
B. Liver
C. Stomach
D. Pancreas
Rationale: B. Liver. The liver produces bile. The gallbladder's role is to store
and concentrate bile, releasing it when fats enter the duodenum.
, 10. The mitral valve is located between which two chambers of the
heart?
A. Right atrium and right ventricle
B. Left atrium and left ventricle
C. Right ventricle and pulmonary artery
D. Left ventricle and aorta
Rationale: B. Left atrium and left ventricle. The mitral (or bicuspid) valve
prevents the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium
during systole.
11. A client is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Which food should the
nurse encourage the client to eat to prevent a common side effect?
A. Bananas and oranges
B. Cheese and yogurt
C. Lean meats and poultry
D. Whole wheat bread
Rationale: A. Bananas and oranges. Furosemide is a potassium-wasting
diuretic, which can lead to hypokalemia. Foods rich in potassium, like
bananas and oranges, should be encouraged.
12. The nurse should instruct a client taking an MAOI (Monoamine
Oxidase Inhibitor) to avoid which food?
A. Aged cheese and cured meats
B. Green leafy vegetables
C. Dairy products
D. Citrus fruits
Rationale: A. Aged cheese and cured meats. These foods are high in
(Anatomy & Physiology, Fundamentals,
Maternity, Pediatrics, Pharmacology, etc.),
complete with bolded questions, multiple
answers, and correct rationales in italics.
(2025-2026)
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a tuberculin skin test. Which of
the following injection techniques should the nurse use?
A. Subcutaneous
B. Intramuscular
C. Intradermal
D. Intravenous
*Rationale: C. Intradermal. The Mantoux tuberculin skin test requires
intradermal administration to create a visible wheal, allowing for accurate
reading of the test site 48-72 hours later.*
2. The nurse is teaching a client about the primary function of red
blood cells. The nurse knows the teaching is effective when the
client states:
A. "They fight infection."
B. "They carry oxygen to tissues."
C. "They form clots to stop bleeding."
D. "They produce antibodies."
Rationale: B. "They carry oxygen to tissues." Erythrocytes (RBCs)
contain hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and delivers it to
peripheral tissues.
3. When moving a client up in bed, which action protects the nurse
from injury?
A. Keeping feet together
,B. Bending at the waist
C. Raising the bed to waist level
D. Using a narrow base of support
Rationale: C. Raising the bed to waist level. This aligns with proper body
mechanics, bringing the client toward the nurse's center of gravity to
prevent strain and back injury.
4. A client has a new prescription for a low-sodium diet. Which food
choice by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. Grilled chicken breast
B. Canned vegetable soup
C. Steamed fresh broccoli
D. Baked potato
Rationale: B. Canned vegetable soup. Canned soups are notoriously high
in sodium as it is used as a preservative. Fresh or frozen vegetables without
added salt are better choices.
5. The nurse is caring for a client who is confused and trying to get
out of bed. The least restrictive intervention is to:
A. Apply a vest restraint.
B. Administer a sedative.
C. Move the client closer to the nurses' station.
D. Use bed alarms.
Rationale: D. Use bed alarms. Bed alarms are a safety measure that alerts
staff without physically or chemically restricting the client, making them the
least restrictive option.
6. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating vital
functions such as heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure?
A. Cerebrum
B. Cerebellum
C. Medulla oblongata
,D. Hypothalamus
Rationale: C. Medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata is located in the
brainstem and is the control center for cardiac, respiratory, and vasomotor
functions.
7. The exchange of gases between the alveoli and the bloodstream
occurs through which process?
A. Osmosis
B. Diffusion
C. Active transport
D. Filtration
Rationale: B. Diffusion. Oxygen and carbon dioxide move across the
alveolar-capillary membrane down their concentration gradients, a passive
process known as diffusion.
8. Which gland is known as the "master gland" of the endocrine
system?
A. Thyroid
B. Adrenal
C. Pancreas
D. Pituitary
Rationale: D. Pituitary. The pituitary gland secretes hormones that regulate
the functions of other endocrine glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal cortex,
and gonads.
9. Bile, which emulsifies fats, is produced by the:
A. Gallbladder
B. Liver
C. Stomach
D. Pancreas
Rationale: B. Liver. The liver produces bile. The gallbladder's role is to store
and concentrate bile, releasing it when fats enter the duodenum.
, 10. The mitral valve is located between which two chambers of the
heart?
A. Right atrium and right ventricle
B. Left atrium and left ventricle
C. Right ventricle and pulmonary artery
D. Left ventricle and aorta
Rationale: B. Left atrium and left ventricle. The mitral (or bicuspid) valve
prevents the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium
during systole.
11. A client is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Which food should the
nurse encourage the client to eat to prevent a common side effect?
A. Bananas and oranges
B. Cheese and yogurt
C. Lean meats and poultry
D. Whole wheat bread
Rationale: A. Bananas and oranges. Furosemide is a potassium-wasting
diuretic, which can lead to hypokalemia. Foods rich in potassium, like
bananas and oranges, should be encouraged.
12. The nurse should instruct a client taking an MAOI (Monoamine
Oxidase Inhibitor) to avoid which food?
A. Aged cheese and cured meats
B. Green leafy vegetables
C. Dairy products
D. Citrus fruits
Rationale: A. Aged cheese and cured meats. These foods are high in
