HESI PN FUNDAMENTALS EXAM (2025/2026)
Actual Exam with Complete Questions and Answers | Practical Nurse Fundamentals
| HESI Testing Standards
Overview
This 2025/2026 validated resource contains the complete HESI PN Fundamentals Exam
with actual questions and verified answers, directly aligned with current Elsevier HESI
testing standards. Essential for practical/vocational nursing students preparing for
fundamentals assessment and demonstrating competency in basic nursing principles, skills,
and patient care within PN scope of practice.
Key Features
✓ 55-Question Comprehensive Exam matching HESI PN testing format
✓ Nursing Process Applications with clinical judgment
✓ Basic Nursing Skills with safety protocols
✓ Updated 2025/2026 HESI PN standards
✓ Patient-Centered Care Focus with practical applications
Content Domains
• Nursing Process & Critical Thinking (12 Questions)
• Patient Safety & Infection Control (11 Questions)
• Basic Nursing Skills & Procedures (10 Questions)
• Medication Administration & Safety (9 Questions)
• Professional Communication (8 Questions)
• Legal & Ethical Principles (5 Questions)
Answer Format
Verified correct answers in bold green with:
• Nursing process step applications
• Safety protocol justifications
• Skill performance rationales
• Communication technique evaluations
Critical Updates 2025/2026
NEW - Enhanced infection prevention standards
UPDATED - Patient identification protocols
REVISED - Medication safety guidelines
MODIFIED - Documentation requirements
NURSING PROCESS & CRITICAL THINKING (Questions 1–12)
1. A PN clusters data noting bilateral crackles, +2 pitting edema, and 3 kg weight gain
over 24 h. These cues support which nursing diagnosis?
a) Activity intolerance
b) Excess fluid volume
, c) Ineffective airway clearance
d) Acute confusion
b) Excess fluid volume
Rationale: Classic signs of fluid overload guide goal setting (I&O, daily weights,
diuretics).
2. Which action represents evaluation in the nursing process for a PN?
a) Collecting admission vitals
b) Re-checking pain score 30 min after giving acetaminophen
c) Writing expected outcomes
d) Requesting physical therapy
b) Re-checking pain score 30 min after giving acetaminophen
Rationale: Measures effectiveness of intervention and determines need for plan
revision.
3. Post-op client suddenly complains of shortness of breath. PN’s priority is:
a) Finish medication pass
b) Assess respiratory rate & SpO₂, raise head of bed, call RN immediately
c) Reassure and leave
d) Document only
b) Assess respiratory rate & SpO₂, raise head of bed, call RN immediately
Rationale: ABC framework; rapid focused assessment + prompt escalation is within
PN scope.
4. PN is asked to perform initial assessment on a new admission. Appropriate action:
a) Complete full assessment independently
b) Obtain vital signs & basic focused data, then report to assigned RN for
comprehensive assessment
c) Refuse to see patient
d) Delegate to AP
b) Obtain vital signs & basic focused data, then report to assigned RN for
comprehensive assessment
Rationale: Comprehensive admission assessment is RN responsibility; PN
contributes data.
5. Which example shows appropriate delegation to AP by PN?
a) Ask AP to evaluate wound healing
b) Ask AP to record I&O and report any <30 mL/h
c) Ask AP to give IV push med
d) Ask AP to develop care plan
b) Ask AP to record I&O and report any <30 mL/h
Rationale: Recording output is routine, non-invasive, within AP scope if stable.
6. A confused elderly client repeatedly removes nasal cannula. PN applies soft mitt
restraints after:
a) Securing physician order and attempting less-restrictive measures
b) Tying to side-rails
c) Applying without order in emergency
d) Using rope
a) Securing physician order and attempting less-restrictive measures
Rationale: Least-restrictive intervention first; restraint requires order, monitoring,
timed release.
Actual Exam with Complete Questions and Answers | Practical Nurse Fundamentals
| HESI Testing Standards
Overview
This 2025/2026 validated resource contains the complete HESI PN Fundamentals Exam
with actual questions and verified answers, directly aligned with current Elsevier HESI
testing standards. Essential for practical/vocational nursing students preparing for
fundamentals assessment and demonstrating competency in basic nursing principles, skills,
and patient care within PN scope of practice.
Key Features
✓ 55-Question Comprehensive Exam matching HESI PN testing format
✓ Nursing Process Applications with clinical judgment
✓ Basic Nursing Skills with safety protocols
✓ Updated 2025/2026 HESI PN standards
✓ Patient-Centered Care Focus with practical applications
Content Domains
• Nursing Process & Critical Thinking (12 Questions)
• Patient Safety & Infection Control (11 Questions)
• Basic Nursing Skills & Procedures (10 Questions)
• Medication Administration & Safety (9 Questions)
• Professional Communication (8 Questions)
• Legal & Ethical Principles (5 Questions)
Answer Format
Verified correct answers in bold green with:
• Nursing process step applications
• Safety protocol justifications
• Skill performance rationales
• Communication technique evaluations
Critical Updates 2025/2026
NEW - Enhanced infection prevention standards
UPDATED - Patient identification protocols
REVISED - Medication safety guidelines
MODIFIED - Documentation requirements
NURSING PROCESS & CRITICAL THINKING (Questions 1–12)
1. A PN clusters data noting bilateral crackles, +2 pitting edema, and 3 kg weight gain
over 24 h. These cues support which nursing diagnosis?
a) Activity intolerance
b) Excess fluid volume
, c) Ineffective airway clearance
d) Acute confusion
b) Excess fluid volume
Rationale: Classic signs of fluid overload guide goal setting (I&O, daily weights,
diuretics).
2. Which action represents evaluation in the nursing process for a PN?
a) Collecting admission vitals
b) Re-checking pain score 30 min after giving acetaminophen
c) Writing expected outcomes
d) Requesting physical therapy
b) Re-checking pain score 30 min after giving acetaminophen
Rationale: Measures effectiveness of intervention and determines need for plan
revision.
3. Post-op client suddenly complains of shortness of breath. PN’s priority is:
a) Finish medication pass
b) Assess respiratory rate & SpO₂, raise head of bed, call RN immediately
c) Reassure and leave
d) Document only
b) Assess respiratory rate & SpO₂, raise head of bed, call RN immediately
Rationale: ABC framework; rapid focused assessment + prompt escalation is within
PN scope.
4. PN is asked to perform initial assessment on a new admission. Appropriate action:
a) Complete full assessment independently
b) Obtain vital signs & basic focused data, then report to assigned RN for
comprehensive assessment
c) Refuse to see patient
d) Delegate to AP
b) Obtain vital signs & basic focused data, then report to assigned RN for
comprehensive assessment
Rationale: Comprehensive admission assessment is RN responsibility; PN
contributes data.
5. Which example shows appropriate delegation to AP by PN?
a) Ask AP to evaluate wound healing
b) Ask AP to record I&O and report any <30 mL/h
c) Ask AP to give IV push med
d) Ask AP to develop care plan
b) Ask AP to record I&O and report any <30 mL/h
Rationale: Recording output is routine, non-invasive, within AP scope if stable.
6. A confused elderly client repeatedly removes nasal cannula. PN applies soft mitt
restraints after:
a) Securing physician order and attempting less-restrictive measures
b) Tying to side-rails
c) Applying without order in emergency
d) Using rope
a) Securing physician order and attempting less-restrictive measures
Rationale: Least-restrictive intervention first; restraint requires order, monitoring,
timed release.
