2026
HESI RN Fundamentals Exit Exam 2026:
Comprehensive Review, Practice
Questions, and Test-Taking Strategies
The nurse is called to the waiting room of a pediatric clinic. The frantic mother states, "I think
my 4-month-old baby is choking!" What steps will the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)
A. Compress the chest once between the nipples with two fingers.
B. Note any obstruction or absence of breathing.
C. Deliver five backslaps between the shoulder blades.
D. Place the infant over the nurse's arm.
E. Perform a blind finger sweep.
Rationale: The nurse must first assess for airway obstruction and breathing. Proper positioning
over the arm allows gravity to assist in clearing the airway. Five back slaps are appropriate for a
choking infant. Chest thrusts, not compressions, are performed after back slaps. Blind finger
sweeps are contraindicated because they may push the object deeper into the airway.
Which fluid will the nurse select to administer with the prescribed blood transfusion?
A. 5% Dextrose and water
B. Normal saline
C. Lactated Ringers solution
D. 5% Dextrose and lactated ringers
Rationale: Normal saline is the only solution compatible with blood products. Dextrose-
containing solutions can cause hemolysis, and lactated Ringer’s can lead to clotting.
When assisting a client from the bed to a chair, which procedure is best for the nurse to follow?
A. Place the chair parallel to the bed, with its back toward the head of the bed and assist the
client in moving to the chair.
B. With the nurse's feet spread apart and knees aligned with the client's knees, stand and
pivot the client into the chair.
C. Assist the client to a standing position by gently lifting upward, underneath the axillae.
,2026
D. Stand beside the client, place the client's arms around the nurse's neck, and gently move the
client to the chair.
Rationale: This technique provides a wide base of support and stabilizes the client’s knees,
reducing the risk of falls and nurse injury. The other options increase the risk of nerve damage,
falls, or musculoskeletal injury.
How many mL will the nurse document on the client's intake and output record from the items
listed? _____ mL
1200 mL water
4-ounce container of gelatin
8 ounces of orange juice
355 mL can of soda
1 cup of soup
Correct Answer: 2155 mL
Rationale: Fluid intake totals 1200 mL (water) + 120 mL (gelatin) + 240 mL (orange juice) +
355 mL (soda) + 240 mL (soup) = 2155 mL.
The nurse observes a UAP taking a client's blood pressure in the lower extremity. Which
observation of this procedure requires the nurse to intervene?
A. The cuff wraps around the girth of the leg.
B. The UAP auscultates the popliteal pulse with the cuff on the lower leg.
C. The client is placed in a prone position.
D. The systolic reading is 20 mm Hg higher than the blood pressure in the client's arm.
Rationale: The cuff must be applied to the thigh when auscultating the popliteal artery. Lower-
leg placement is incorrect. Other observations reflect proper technique and expected findings.
During a clinic visit, the mother of a 7-year-old reports her child stays awake until midnight
playing and struggles to wake for school. Which assessment data should the nurse obtain?
A. The occurrence of any episodes of sleep apnea
B. The child's blood pressure, pulse, and respirations
C. Length of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep
D. Description of the family's home environment
,2026
Rationale: Environmental factors and bedtime routines commonly affect sleep in school-age
children. The other options do not address the likely cause of the problem.
The nurse identifies a potential for infection in a client with partial- and full-thickness burns.
What action has the highest priority to reduce infection risk?
A. Administration of plasma expanders
B. Use of careful handwashing technique
C. Application of a topical antibacterial cream
D. Limiting visitors
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the most effective method to prevent infection. Other measures may
help but do not surpass handwashing in effectiveness.
The nurse assesses a 2-year-old admitted for dehydration and notes the IV gravity rate has
slowed, though the site appears healthy. What should the nurse do next?
A. Apply a warm compress proximal to the site.
B. Check for kinks in the tubing and raise the IV pole.
C. Adjust the tape stabilizing the needle.
D. Flush with normal saline and recount the drop rate.
Rationale: Gravity flow depends on bag height and unobstructed tubing. These should be
assessed before more invasive interventions.
The nurse manager instructs UAPs on preventing complications of immobility. Which action
should be included?
A. Perform range-of-motion exercises to prevent contractures.
B. Decrease fluid intake to prevent diarrhea.
C. Massage legs to reduce embolism occurrence.
D. Turn the client every shift.
Rationale: ROM exercises maintain joint mobility and prevent contractures. The other options
increase risk for complications such as dehydration, emboli, and pressure injuries.
The nurse administered 10 mg of diazepam preoperatively. What steps should the nurse take
next? (Select all that apply.)
, 2026
A. Place the client in a bed near the nurse’s station.
B. Instruct the client not to get out of bed.
C. Place the call bell within reach.
D. Raise side rails according to policy.
E. Assist the client to the bathroom.
Rationale: Diazepam causes sedation and increases fall risk. Safety measures are required.
Ambulation and close proximity to the nurse’s station are unnecessary.
A terminally ill client states, "Please help me die." What is the best nurse response?
A. Administer the maximum prescribed pain medication.
B. Talk with the client about thoughts and feelings about death.
C. Collaborate with the provider for antidepressants.
D. Refer to the ethics committee.
Rationale: The nurse must first assess the meaning behind the statement and explore the client’s
feelings. Other actions are premature without further assessment.
A nurse renders aid at a motor vehicle accident and later is sued for malpractice. Which
statement reflects the likely outcome?
A. The Patient’s Bill of Rights applies, so the nurse may lose.
B. The nurse’s license will likely be revoked.
C. The nurse is protected under the Good Samaritan Act.
D. The client will win due to negligence.
Rationale: The Good Samaritan Act protects healthcare professionals who provide reasonable
care in good faith during emergencies.
An older postoperative client given a barbiturate requests to use the bathroom. What is the
priority nursing action?
A. Assist the client to the bathroom and remain with them.
B. Ask a UAP to assist with a bedpan.
C. Ask whether the client needs to void or have a bowel movement.
D. Assess bladder distention.
Rationale: Barbiturates cause CNS depression and increase fall risk. Direct assistance ensures
safety, which is the priority.
HESI RN Fundamentals Exit Exam 2026:
Comprehensive Review, Practice
Questions, and Test-Taking Strategies
The nurse is called to the waiting room of a pediatric clinic. The frantic mother states, "I think
my 4-month-old baby is choking!" What steps will the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)
A. Compress the chest once between the nipples with two fingers.
B. Note any obstruction or absence of breathing.
C. Deliver five backslaps between the shoulder blades.
D. Place the infant over the nurse's arm.
E. Perform a blind finger sweep.
Rationale: The nurse must first assess for airway obstruction and breathing. Proper positioning
over the arm allows gravity to assist in clearing the airway. Five back slaps are appropriate for a
choking infant. Chest thrusts, not compressions, are performed after back slaps. Blind finger
sweeps are contraindicated because they may push the object deeper into the airway.
Which fluid will the nurse select to administer with the prescribed blood transfusion?
A. 5% Dextrose and water
B. Normal saline
C. Lactated Ringers solution
D. 5% Dextrose and lactated ringers
Rationale: Normal saline is the only solution compatible with blood products. Dextrose-
containing solutions can cause hemolysis, and lactated Ringer’s can lead to clotting.
When assisting a client from the bed to a chair, which procedure is best for the nurse to follow?
A. Place the chair parallel to the bed, with its back toward the head of the bed and assist the
client in moving to the chair.
B. With the nurse's feet spread apart and knees aligned with the client's knees, stand and
pivot the client into the chair.
C. Assist the client to a standing position by gently lifting upward, underneath the axillae.
,2026
D. Stand beside the client, place the client's arms around the nurse's neck, and gently move the
client to the chair.
Rationale: This technique provides a wide base of support and stabilizes the client’s knees,
reducing the risk of falls and nurse injury. The other options increase the risk of nerve damage,
falls, or musculoskeletal injury.
How many mL will the nurse document on the client's intake and output record from the items
listed? _____ mL
1200 mL water
4-ounce container of gelatin
8 ounces of orange juice
355 mL can of soda
1 cup of soup
Correct Answer: 2155 mL
Rationale: Fluid intake totals 1200 mL (water) + 120 mL (gelatin) + 240 mL (orange juice) +
355 mL (soda) + 240 mL (soup) = 2155 mL.
The nurse observes a UAP taking a client's blood pressure in the lower extremity. Which
observation of this procedure requires the nurse to intervene?
A. The cuff wraps around the girth of the leg.
B. The UAP auscultates the popliteal pulse with the cuff on the lower leg.
C. The client is placed in a prone position.
D. The systolic reading is 20 mm Hg higher than the blood pressure in the client's arm.
Rationale: The cuff must be applied to the thigh when auscultating the popliteal artery. Lower-
leg placement is incorrect. Other observations reflect proper technique and expected findings.
During a clinic visit, the mother of a 7-year-old reports her child stays awake until midnight
playing and struggles to wake for school. Which assessment data should the nurse obtain?
A. The occurrence of any episodes of sleep apnea
B. The child's blood pressure, pulse, and respirations
C. Length of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep
D. Description of the family's home environment
,2026
Rationale: Environmental factors and bedtime routines commonly affect sleep in school-age
children. The other options do not address the likely cause of the problem.
The nurse identifies a potential for infection in a client with partial- and full-thickness burns.
What action has the highest priority to reduce infection risk?
A. Administration of plasma expanders
B. Use of careful handwashing technique
C. Application of a topical antibacterial cream
D. Limiting visitors
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the most effective method to prevent infection. Other measures may
help but do not surpass handwashing in effectiveness.
The nurse assesses a 2-year-old admitted for dehydration and notes the IV gravity rate has
slowed, though the site appears healthy. What should the nurse do next?
A. Apply a warm compress proximal to the site.
B. Check for kinks in the tubing and raise the IV pole.
C. Adjust the tape stabilizing the needle.
D. Flush with normal saline and recount the drop rate.
Rationale: Gravity flow depends on bag height and unobstructed tubing. These should be
assessed before more invasive interventions.
The nurse manager instructs UAPs on preventing complications of immobility. Which action
should be included?
A. Perform range-of-motion exercises to prevent contractures.
B. Decrease fluid intake to prevent diarrhea.
C. Massage legs to reduce embolism occurrence.
D. Turn the client every shift.
Rationale: ROM exercises maintain joint mobility and prevent contractures. The other options
increase risk for complications such as dehydration, emboli, and pressure injuries.
The nurse administered 10 mg of diazepam preoperatively. What steps should the nurse take
next? (Select all that apply.)
, 2026
A. Place the client in a bed near the nurse’s station.
B. Instruct the client not to get out of bed.
C. Place the call bell within reach.
D. Raise side rails according to policy.
E. Assist the client to the bathroom.
Rationale: Diazepam causes sedation and increases fall risk. Safety measures are required.
Ambulation and close proximity to the nurse’s station are unnecessary.
A terminally ill client states, "Please help me die." What is the best nurse response?
A. Administer the maximum prescribed pain medication.
B. Talk with the client about thoughts and feelings about death.
C. Collaborate with the provider for antidepressants.
D. Refer to the ethics committee.
Rationale: The nurse must first assess the meaning behind the statement and explore the client’s
feelings. Other actions are premature without further assessment.
A nurse renders aid at a motor vehicle accident and later is sued for malpractice. Which
statement reflects the likely outcome?
A. The Patient’s Bill of Rights applies, so the nurse may lose.
B. The nurse’s license will likely be revoked.
C. The nurse is protected under the Good Samaritan Act.
D. The client will win due to negligence.
Rationale: The Good Samaritan Act protects healthcare professionals who provide reasonable
care in good faith during emergencies.
An older postoperative client given a barbiturate requests to use the bathroom. What is the
priority nursing action?
A. Assist the client to the bathroom and remain with them.
B. Ask a UAP to assist with a bedpan.
C. Ask whether the client needs to void or have a bowel movement.
D. Assess bladder distention.
Rationale: Barbiturates cause CNS depression and increase fall risk. Direct assistance ensures
safety, which is the priority.
