HESI - FUNDAMENTALS PRACTICE QUESTIONS EXAM
QUESTIONS CORRECT ANSWERS _2025 WELL UPDATED
The nurse is instructing a client in the proper use of a metered-dose inhaler. Which instruction
should the nurse provide the client to ensure the optimal benefits from the drug?
A. "Fill your lungs with air through your mouth and then compress the inhaler."
B. "Compress the inhaler while slowly breathing in through your mouth."
C. "Compress the inhaler while inhaling quickly through your nose."
D. "Exhale completely after compressing the inhaler and then inhale." - CORRECT
ANSWERS-B
Rationale: The medication should be inhaled through the mouth simultaneously with
compression of the inhaler. This will facilitate the desired destination of the aerosol medication
deep in the lungs for an optimal bronchodilation effect. Options A, C, and D do not allow for
deep lung penetration.
A 20-year-old female client with a noticeable body odor has refused to shower for the last 3
days. She states, "I have been told that it is harmful to bathe during my period." Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Accept and document the client's wish to refrain from bathing.
B. Offer to give the client a bed bath, avoiding the perineal area.
C. Obtain written brochures about menstruation to give to the client.
D. Teach the importance of personal hygiene during menstruation with the client. - CORRECT
ANSWERS-D
Rationale: Because a shower is most beneficial for the client in terms of hygiene, the client
should receive teaching first, respecting any personal beliefs such as cultural or spiritual values.
After client teaching, the client may still choose option A or B. Brochures reinforce the teaching.
While reviewing the side effects of a newly prescribed medication, a 72-year-old client notes
that one of the side effects is a reduction in sexual drive. Which is the best response by the
nurse?
A. "How will this affect your present sexual activity?"
B. "How active is your current sex life?"
C. "How has your sex life changed as you have become older?"
D. "Tell me about your sexual needs as an older adult." - CORRECT ANSWERS-A
,Rationale: Option A offers an open-ended question most relevant to the client's statement.
Option B does not offer the client the opportunity to express concerns. Options C and D are
even less relevant to the client's statement.
The nurse is using the Glasgow Coma Scale to perform a neurologic assessment. A comatose
client winces and pulls away from a painful stimulus. Which action should the nurse take next?
A. Document that the client responds to painful stimulus.
B. Observe the client's response to verbal stimulation.
C. Place the client on seizure precautions for 24 hours.
D. Report decorticate posturing to the health care provider - CORRECT ANSWERS-.A
Rationale: The client has demonstrated a purposeful response to pain, which should be
documented as such. Response to painful stimulus is assessed after response to verbal
stimulus, not before. There is no indication for placing the client on seizure precautions.
Reporting decorticate posturing to the health care provider is nonpurposeful movement.
The nurse plans to administer diazepam, 4 mg IV push, to a client with severe anxiety. How
many milliliters should the nurse administer? (Round to the nearest tenth.)
A. 0.2 mL
B. 0.8 mL
C. 1.25 mL
D. 2.0 mL - CORRECT ANSWERS-B
Rationale: (1 mL × 4 mg)/5 mg = 0.8 mL
The nurse prepares to insert a nasogastric tube in a client with hyperemesis who is awake and
alert. Which intervention(s) is(are) correct? (Select all that apply.)
A. Place the client in a high Fowler position.
B. Help the client assume a left side-lying position.
C. Measure the tube from the tip of the nose to the umbilicus.
D. Instruct the client to swallow after the tube has passed the pharynx.
E. Assist the client in extending the neck back so the tube may enter the larynx. - CORRECT
ANSWERS-A, D
Rationale:
,(A and D) are the correct steps to follow during nasogastric intubation. Only the unconscious or
obtunded client should be placed in a left side-lying position (B). The tube should be measured
from the tip of the nose to behind the ear and then from behind the ear to the xiphoid process
(C). The neck should only be extended back prior to the tube passing the pharynx and then the
client should be instructed to position the neck forward (E).
The nurse teaches the use of a gait belt to a male caregiver whose wife has right-sided
weakness and needs assistance with ambulation. The caregiver performs a return
demonstration of the skill. Which observation indicates that the caregiver has learned how to
perform this procedure correctly?
A. Standing on his wife's strong side, the caregiver is ready to hold the gait belt if any evidence
of weakness is observed.
B. Standing on his wife's weak side, the caregiver provides security by holding the gait belt from
the back.
C. Standing behind his wife, the caregiver provides balance by holding both sides of the gait
belt.
D. Standing slightly in front and to the right of his wife, the caregiver guides her forward by
gently pulling on the gait belt. - CORRECT ANSWERS-B
Rationale: His wife is most likely to lean toward the weak side and needs extra support on that
side and from the back to prevent falling. Options A, C, and D provide less security for her.
Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority when planning care for a client with an
indwelling urinary catheter?
A. Self-care deficit
B. Functional incontinence
C. Fluid volume deficit
D. High risk for infection - CORRECT ANSWERS-D
Rationale: Indwelling urinary catheters are a major source of infection. Options A and B are both
problems that may require an indwelling catheter. Option C is not affected by an indwelling
catheter.
A client has a nursing diagnosis of Altered sleep patterns related to nocturia. Which client
instruction is important for the nurse to provide?
A. Decrease intake of fluids after the evening meal.
B. Drink a glass of cranberry juice every day.
C. Drink a glass of warm decaffeinated beverage at bedtime.
, D. Consult the health care provider about a sleeping pill. - CORRECT ANSWERS-A
Rationale: Nocturia is urination during the night. Option A is helpful to decrease the production
of urine, thus decreasing the need to void at night. Option B helps prevent bladder infections.
Option C may promote sleep, but the fluid will contribute to nocturia. Option D may result in
urinary incontinence if the client is sedated and does not awaken to void.
When performing sterile wound care in the acute care setting, the nurse obtains a bottle of
normal saline from the bedside table that is labeled "opened" and dated 48 hours prior to the
current date. Which is the best action for the nurse to take?
A. Use the normal saline solution once more and then discard.
B. Obtain a new sterile syringe to draw up the labeled saline solution.
C. Use the saline solution and then relabel the bottle with the current date.
D. Discard the saline solution and obtain a new unopened bottle. - CORRECT ANSWERS-
D
Rationale: Solutions labeled as opened within 24 hours may be used for clean procedures, but
only newly opened solutions are considered sterile. This solution is not newly opened and is out
of date, so it should be discarded. Options A, B, and C describe incorrect procedures.
Based on the nursing diagnosis of risk for infection, which intervention is best for the nurse to
implement when providing care for an older incontinent client?
A. Maintain standard precautions.
B. Initiate contact isolation measures.
C. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
D. Instruct client in the use of adult diapers. - CORRECT ANSWERS-A
Rationale: The best action to decrease the risk of infection in vulnerable clients is handwashing.
Option B is not necessary unless the client has an infection. Option C increases the risk of
infection. Option D does not reduce the risk of infection.
When taking a client's blood pressure, the nurse is unable to distinguish the point at which the
first sound was heard. Which is the best action for the nurse to take?
A. Deflate the cuff completely and immediately reattempt the reading.
B. Reinflate the cuff completely and leave it inflated for 90 to 110 seconds before taking the
second reading.
C. Deflate the cuff to zero and wait 30 to 60 seconds before reattempting the reading.
QUESTIONS CORRECT ANSWERS _2025 WELL UPDATED
The nurse is instructing a client in the proper use of a metered-dose inhaler. Which instruction
should the nurse provide the client to ensure the optimal benefits from the drug?
A. "Fill your lungs with air through your mouth and then compress the inhaler."
B. "Compress the inhaler while slowly breathing in through your mouth."
C. "Compress the inhaler while inhaling quickly through your nose."
D. "Exhale completely after compressing the inhaler and then inhale." - CORRECT
ANSWERS-B
Rationale: The medication should be inhaled through the mouth simultaneously with
compression of the inhaler. This will facilitate the desired destination of the aerosol medication
deep in the lungs for an optimal bronchodilation effect. Options A, C, and D do not allow for
deep lung penetration.
A 20-year-old female client with a noticeable body odor has refused to shower for the last 3
days. She states, "I have been told that it is harmful to bathe during my period." Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Accept and document the client's wish to refrain from bathing.
B. Offer to give the client a bed bath, avoiding the perineal area.
C. Obtain written brochures about menstruation to give to the client.
D. Teach the importance of personal hygiene during menstruation with the client. - CORRECT
ANSWERS-D
Rationale: Because a shower is most beneficial for the client in terms of hygiene, the client
should receive teaching first, respecting any personal beliefs such as cultural or spiritual values.
After client teaching, the client may still choose option A or B. Brochures reinforce the teaching.
While reviewing the side effects of a newly prescribed medication, a 72-year-old client notes
that one of the side effects is a reduction in sexual drive. Which is the best response by the
nurse?
A. "How will this affect your present sexual activity?"
B. "How active is your current sex life?"
C. "How has your sex life changed as you have become older?"
D. "Tell me about your sexual needs as an older adult." - CORRECT ANSWERS-A
,Rationale: Option A offers an open-ended question most relevant to the client's statement.
Option B does not offer the client the opportunity to express concerns. Options C and D are
even less relevant to the client's statement.
The nurse is using the Glasgow Coma Scale to perform a neurologic assessment. A comatose
client winces and pulls away from a painful stimulus. Which action should the nurse take next?
A. Document that the client responds to painful stimulus.
B. Observe the client's response to verbal stimulation.
C. Place the client on seizure precautions for 24 hours.
D. Report decorticate posturing to the health care provider - CORRECT ANSWERS-.A
Rationale: The client has demonstrated a purposeful response to pain, which should be
documented as such. Response to painful stimulus is assessed after response to verbal
stimulus, not before. There is no indication for placing the client on seizure precautions.
Reporting decorticate posturing to the health care provider is nonpurposeful movement.
The nurse plans to administer diazepam, 4 mg IV push, to a client with severe anxiety. How
many milliliters should the nurse administer? (Round to the nearest tenth.)
A. 0.2 mL
B. 0.8 mL
C. 1.25 mL
D. 2.0 mL - CORRECT ANSWERS-B
Rationale: (1 mL × 4 mg)/5 mg = 0.8 mL
The nurse prepares to insert a nasogastric tube in a client with hyperemesis who is awake and
alert. Which intervention(s) is(are) correct? (Select all that apply.)
A. Place the client in a high Fowler position.
B. Help the client assume a left side-lying position.
C. Measure the tube from the tip of the nose to the umbilicus.
D. Instruct the client to swallow after the tube has passed the pharynx.
E. Assist the client in extending the neck back so the tube may enter the larynx. - CORRECT
ANSWERS-A, D
Rationale:
,(A and D) are the correct steps to follow during nasogastric intubation. Only the unconscious or
obtunded client should be placed in a left side-lying position (B). The tube should be measured
from the tip of the nose to behind the ear and then from behind the ear to the xiphoid process
(C). The neck should only be extended back prior to the tube passing the pharynx and then the
client should be instructed to position the neck forward (E).
The nurse teaches the use of a gait belt to a male caregiver whose wife has right-sided
weakness and needs assistance with ambulation. The caregiver performs a return
demonstration of the skill. Which observation indicates that the caregiver has learned how to
perform this procedure correctly?
A. Standing on his wife's strong side, the caregiver is ready to hold the gait belt if any evidence
of weakness is observed.
B. Standing on his wife's weak side, the caregiver provides security by holding the gait belt from
the back.
C. Standing behind his wife, the caregiver provides balance by holding both sides of the gait
belt.
D. Standing slightly in front and to the right of his wife, the caregiver guides her forward by
gently pulling on the gait belt. - CORRECT ANSWERS-B
Rationale: His wife is most likely to lean toward the weak side and needs extra support on that
side and from the back to prevent falling. Options A, C, and D provide less security for her.
Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority when planning care for a client with an
indwelling urinary catheter?
A. Self-care deficit
B. Functional incontinence
C. Fluid volume deficit
D. High risk for infection - CORRECT ANSWERS-D
Rationale: Indwelling urinary catheters are a major source of infection. Options A and B are both
problems that may require an indwelling catheter. Option C is not affected by an indwelling
catheter.
A client has a nursing diagnosis of Altered sleep patterns related to nocturia. Which client
instruction is important for the nurse to provide?
A. Decrease intake of fluids after the evening meal.
B. Drink a glass of cranberry juice every day.
C. Drink a glass of warm decaffeinated beverage at bedtime.
, D. Consult the health care provider about a sleeping pill. - CORRECT ANSWERS-A
Rationale: Nocturia is urination during the night. Option A is helpful to decrease the production
of urine, thus decreasing the need to void at night. Option B helps prevent bladder infections.
Option C may promote sleep, but the fluid will contribute to nocturia. Option D may result in
urinary incontinence if the client is sedated and does not awaken to void.
When performing sterile wound care in the acute care setting, the nurse obtains a bottle of
normal saline from the bedside table that is labeled "opened" and dated 48 hours prior to the
current date. Which is the best action for the nurse to take?
A. Use the normal saline solution once more and then discard.
B. Obtain a new sterile syringe to draw up the labeled saline solution.
C. Use the saline solution and then relabel the bottle with the current date.
D. Discard the saline solution and obtain a new unopened bottle. - CORRECT ANSWERS-
D
Rationale: Solutions labeled as opened within 24 hours may be used for clean procedures, but
only newly opened solutions are considered sterile. This solution is not newly opened and is out
of date, so it should be discarded. Options A, B, and C describe incorrect procedures.
Based on the nursing diagnosis of risk for infection, which intervention is best for the nurse to
implement when providing care for an older incontinent client?
A. Maintain standard precautions.
B. Initiate contact isolation measures.
C. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
D. Instruct client in the use of adult diapers. - CORRECT ANSWERS-A
Rationale: The best action to decrease the risk of infection in vulnerable clients is handwashing.
Option B is not necessary unless the client has an infection. Option C increases the risk of
infection. Option D does not reduce the risk of infection.
When taking a client's blood pressure, the nurse is unable to distinguish the point at which the
first sound was heard. Which is the best action for the nurse to take?
A. Deflate the cuff completely and immediately reattempt the reading.
B. Reinflate the cuff completely and leave it inflated for 90 to 110 seconds before taking the
second reading.
C. Deflate the cuff to zero and wait 30 to 60 seconds before reattempting the reading.
