HESI BSN Fundamentals (PDF) | (2026) Nursing
Exam Questions | Nursing Fundamentals
1. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary
catheter. Which action demonstrates the best sterile
technique?
A. Opening the sterile kit, then putting on sterile gloves
B. Placing the sterile field at waist level and opening the
outer flap away from the body
C. Using clean gloves to open the outer package of the
sterile kit
D. Pouring sterile solution onto the sterile field from 1 inch
above
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Using clean gloves to open the outer package
prevents contamination of the inner sterile kit. Option A is
incorrect—put on sterile gloves after opening the kit.
Option B is correct for sterile field placement but occurs
1
,after opening. Option D—pouring from 1 inch is too low
(should be 4–6 inches) and risks splash contamination.
2. A client falls in the hallway. After ensuring the client is
safe, what is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Complete an incident report
B. Notify the nursing supervisor
C. Assess the client for injury
D. Document the fall in the medical record
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority is always client assessment. Notify
provider and supervisor after assessment, then document.
Incident reports are factual, not part of the medical
record.
3. Which task can the nurse delegate to an unlicensed
assistive personnel (UAP)?
A. Suctioning a tracheostomy
B. Feeding a client with dysphagia using chin-tuck
maneuver
2
,C. Ambulating a stable postoperative client
D. Assessing a new surgical incision
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ambulating a stable client is within UAP scope.
Suctioning and assessment require licensed nursing
judgment. Feeding a dysphagic client requires swallowing
precautions assessment by the nurse first.
4. A client is placed in restraints. How often must the nurse
assess the client?
A. Every 15 minutes
B. Every 30 minutes
C. Every 1 hour
D. Every 2 hours
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: CMS guidelines require assessment every 15
minutes for safety, circulation, nutrition, hydration, and
elimination.
3
, 5. The nurse is teaching a client about home fire safety.
Which statement indicates understanding?
A. “I’ll keep my space heater on low at night.”
B. “I’ll replace my smoke detector batteries every year.”
C. “I’ll put my bed near the window in case I need to
escape.”
D. “I’ll use extension cords for my oxygen concentrator.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Smoke detector batteries should be replaced
annually; test monthly. Space heaters unattended
increase fire risk. Oxygen should never be near electrical
cords.
6. A nurse receives a verbal order from a physician over
the phone. What must the nurse do?
A. Have the physician come to the unit to sign within 24
hours
B. Repeat the order back and write “T.O.” (telephone
order)
4
Exam Questions | Nursing Fundamentals
1. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary
catheter. Which action demonstrates the best sterile
technique?
A. Opening the sterile kit, then putting on sterile gloves
B. Placing the sterile field at waist level and opening the
outer flap away from the body
C. Using clean gloves to open the outer package of the
sterile kit
D. Pouring sterile solution onto the sterile field from 1 inch
above
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Using clean gloves to open the outer package
prevents contamination of the inner sterile kit. Option A is
incorrect—put on sterile gloves after opening the kit.
Option B is correct for sterile field placement but occurs
1
,after opening. Option D—pouring from 1 inch is too low
(should be 4–6 inches) and risks splash contamination.
2. A client falls in the hallway. After ensuring the client is
safe, what is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Complete an incident report
B. Notify the nursing supervisor
C. Assess the client for injury
D. Document the fall in the medical record
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority is always client assessment. Notify
provider and supervisor after assessment, then document.
Incident reports are factual, not part of the medical
record.
3. Which task can the nurse delegate to an unlicensed
assistive personnel (UAP)?
A. Suctioning a tracheostomy
B. Feeding a client with dysphagia using chin-tuck
maneuver
2
,C. Ambulating a stable postoperative client
D. Assessing a new surgical incision
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ambulating a stable client is within UAP scope.
Suctioning and assessment require licensed nursing
judgment. Feeding a dysphagic client requires swallowing
precautions assessment by the nurse first.
4. A client is placed in restraints. How often must the nurse
assess the client?
A. Every 15 minutes
B. Every 30 minutes
C. Every 1 hour
D. Every 2 hours
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: CMS guidelines require assessment every 15
minutes for safety, circulation, nutrition, hydration, and
elimination.
3
, 5. The nurse is teaching a client about home fire safety.
Which statement indicates understanding?
A. “I’ll keep my space heater on low at night.”
B. “I’ll replace my smoke detector batteries every year.”
C. “I’ll put my bed near the window in case I need to
escape.”
D. “I’ll use extension cords for my oxygen concentrator.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Smoke detector batteries should be replaced
annually; test monthly. Space heaters unattended
increase fire risk. Oxygen should never be near electrical
cords.
6. A nurse receives a verbal order from a physician over
the phone. What must the nurse do?
A. Have the physician come to the unit to sign within 24
hours
B. Repeat the order back and write “T.O.” (telephone
order)
4
