HESI FUNDAMENTALS EXAM TEST BANK 2024 | ACCURATE
REAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWER |VERIFIED FOR |
GRADED A | LATEST UPDATE
While instructing a male client's wife in the performance of passive range-of-motion exercises tohis
contracted shoulder, the nurse observes that she is holding his arm above and below the elbow. What
nursing action should the nurse implement?
A. Acknowledge that she is supporting the arm correctly.
B. Encourage her to keep the joint covered to maintain warmth.
C. Reinforce the need to grip directly under the joint for better support.
D. Instruct her to grip directly over the joint for better motion.
The wife is performing the passive ROM correctly, therefore the nurse should acknowledge this
fact (A). The joint that is being exercised should be uncovered (B) while the rest of the body
should remain covered for warmth and privacy. (C and D) do not provide adequate support to the
joint while still allowing for joint movement.
Correct Answer: A
What is the most important reason for starting intravenous infusions in the upper extremities
rather than the lower extremities of adults?
A. It is more difficult to find a superficial vein in the feet and ankles.
B. A decreased flow rate could result in the formation of a thrombosis.
C. A cannulated extremity is more difficult to move when the leg or foot is used.
D. Veins are located deep in the feet and ankles, resulting in a more painful procedure.
Venous return is usually better in the upper extremities. Cannulation of the veins in the lower
extremities increases the risk of thrombus formation (B) which, if dislodged, could be life-
threatening. Superficial veins are often very easy (A) to find in the feet and legs. Handling a leg
or foot with an IV (C) is probably not any more difficult than handling an arm or hand. Even if
the nurse did believe moving a cannulated leg was more difficult, this is not the most important
reason for using the upper extremities. Pain (D) is not a consideration.
Correct Answer: B
The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) taking a client's blood pressure with
a cuff that is too small, but the blood pressure reading obtained is within the client's usual range.
What action is most important for the nurse to implement?
A. Tell the UAP to use a larger cuff at the next scheduled assessment.
,B. Reassess the client's blood pressure using a larger cuff.
C. Have the unit educator review this procedure with the UAPs.
D. Teach the UAP the correct technique for assessing blood pressure.
The most important action is to ensure that an accurate BP reading is obtained. The nurse should
reassess the BP with the correct size cuff (B). Reassessment should not be postponed (A).
Though (C and D) are likely indicated, these actions do not have the priority of (B).
Correct Answer: B
Twenty minutes after beginning a heat application, the client states that the heating pad no longer
feels warm enough. What is the best response by the nurse?
A. "That means you have derived the maximum benefit, and the heat can be removed."
B. "Your blood vessels are becoming dilated and removing the heat from the site."
C. "We will increase the temperature 5 degrees when the pad no longer feels warm."
D. "The body's receptors adapt over time as they are exposed to heat."
(D) describes thermal adaptation, which occurs 20 to 30 minutes after heat application. (A and
B) provide false information. (C) is not based on a knowledge of physiology and is an unsafe
action that may harm the client.
Correct Answer: D
The nurse is instructing a client with high cholesterol about diet and life style modification. What
comment from the client indicates that the teaching has been effective?
A. "If I exercise at least two times weekly for one hour, I will lower my cholesterol."
B. "I need to avoid eating proteins, including red meat."
C. "I will limit my intake of beef to 4 ounces per week."
D. "My blood level of low density lipoproteins needs to increase."
Limiting saturated fat from animal food sources to no more than 4 ounces per week (C) is an
important diet modification for lowering cholesterol. To be effective in reducing cholesterol, the
client should exercise 30 minutes per day, or at least 4 to 6 times per week (A). Red meat and all
proteins do not need to be eliminated (B) to lower cholesterol, but should be restricted to lean
cuts of red meat and smaller portions (2-ounce servings). The low density lipoproteins (D) need
to decrease rather than increase.
Correct Answer: C
The UAPs working on a chronic neuro unit ask the nurse to help them determine the safest way
to transfer an elderly client with left-sided weakness from the bed to the chair. What method
describes the correct transfer procedure for this client?
A. Place the chair at a right angle to the bed on the client's left side before moving.
,B. Assist the client to a standing position, then place the right hand on the armrest.
C. Have the client place the left foot next to the chair and pivot to the left before sitting.
D. Move the chair parallel to the right side of the bed, and stand the client on the right foot.
(D) uses the client's stronger side, the right side, for weight-bearing during the transfer, and is the
safest approach to take. (A, B, and C) are unsafe methods of transfer and include the use of poor
body mechanics by the caregiver.
Correct Answer: D
An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) places a client in a left lateral position prior to
administering a soap suds enema. Which instruction should the nurse provide the UAP?
A. Position the client on the right side of the bed in reverse Trendelenburg.
B. Fill the enema container with 1000 ml of warm water and 5 ml of castile soap.
C. Reposition in a Sim's position with the client's weight on the anterior ilium.
D. Raise the side rails on both sides of the bed and elevate the bed to waist level.
The left sided Sims' position allows the enema solution to follow the anatomical course of the
intestines and allows the best overall results, so the UAP should reposition the client in the Sims'
position, which distributes the client's weight to the anterior ilium (C). (A) is inaccurate. (B and
D) should be implemented once the client is positioned.
Correct Answer: C
A client who is a Jehovah's Witness is admitted to the nursing unit. Which concern should the
nurse have for planning care in terms of the client's beliefs?
A. Autopsy of the body is prohibited.
B. Blood transfusions are forbidden.
C. Alcohol use in any form is not allowed.
D. A vegetarian diet must be followed.
Blood transfusions are forbidden (B) in the Jehovah's Witness religion. Judaism prohibits (A).
Buddhism forbids the use of (C) and drugs. Many of these sects are vegetarian (D), but the direct
impact on nursing care is (B).
Correct Answer: B
The nurse observes that a male client has removed the covering from an ice pack applied to his
knee. What action should the nurse take first?
A. Observe the appearance of the skin under the ice pack.
B. Instruct the client regarding the need for the covering.
C. Reapply the covering after filling with fresh ice.
D. Ask the client how long the ice was applied to the skin.
, The first action taken by the nurse should be to assess the skin for any possible thermal injury
(A). If no injury to the skin has occurred, the nurse can take the other actions (B, C, and D) as
needed.
Correct Answer: A
The nurse mixes 50 mg of Nipride in 250 ml of D5W and plans to administer the solution at a
rate of 5 mcg/kg/min to a client weighing 182 pounds. Using a drip factor of 60 gtt/ml, how
many drops per minute should the client receive?
A. 31 gtt/min.
B. 62 gtt/min.
C. 93 gtt/min.
D. 124 gtt/min.
(D) is the correct calculation: Convert lbs to kg: 182/2.2 = 82.73 kg. Determine the dosage for
this client: 5 mcg × 82.73 = 413.65 mcg/min. Determine how many mcg are contained in 1 ml:
250/50,000 mcg = 200 mcg per ml. The client is to receive 413.65 mcg/min, and there are 200
mcg/ml; so the client is to receive 2.07ml per minute. With a drip factor of 60 gtt/ml, then 60 ×
2.07 = 124.28 gtt/min (D) OR, using dimensional analysis: gtt/min = 60 gtt/ml X 250 ml/50 mg
X 1 mg/1,000 mcg X 5 mcg/kg/min X 1 kg/2.2 lbs X 182 lbs.
Correct Answer: D
A hospitalized male client is receiving nasogastric tube feedings via a small-bore tube and a
continuous pump infusion. He reports that he had a bad bout of severe coughing a few minutes
ago, but feels fine now. What action is best for the nurse to take?
A. Record the coughing incident. No further action is required at this time.
B. Stop the feeding, explain to the family why it is being stopped, and notify the healthcare
provider.
C. After clearing the tube with 30 ml of air, check the pH of fluid withdrawn from the tube.
D. Inject 30 ml of air into the tube while auscultating the epigastrium for gurgling.
Coughing, vomiting, and suctioning can precipitate displacement of the tip of the small bore
feeding tube upward into the esophagus, placing the client at increased risk for aspiration.
Checking the sample of fluid withdrawn from the tube (after clearing the tube with 30 ml of air)
for acidic (stomach) or alkaline (intestine) values is a more sensitive method for these tubes, and
the nurse should assess tube placement in this way prior to taking any other action (C). (A and B)
are not indicated. The auscultating method (D) has been found to be unreliable for small-bore
feeding tubes.
Correct Answer: C
REAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWER |VERIFIED FOR |
GRADED A | LATEST UPDATE
While instructing a male client's wife in the performance of passive range-of-motion exercises tohis
contracted shoulder, the nurse observes that she is holding his arm above and below the elbow. What
nursing action should the nurse implement?
A. Acknowledge that she is supporting the arm correctly.
B. Encourage her to keep the joint covered to maintain warmth.
C. Reinforce the need to grip directly under the joint for better support.
D. Instruct her to grip directly over the joint for better motion.
The wife is performing the passive ROM correctly, therefore the nurse should acknowledge this
fact (A). The joint that is being exercised should be uncovered (B) while the rest of the body
should remain covered for warmth and privacy. (C and D) do not provide adequate support to the
joint while still allowing for joint movement.
Correct Answer: A
What is the most important reason for starting intravenous infusions in the upper extremities
rather than the lower extremities of adults?
A. It is more difficult to find a superficial vein in the feet and ankles.
B. A decreased flow rate could result in the formation of a thrombosis.
C. A cannulated extremity is more difficult to move when the leg or foot is used.
D. Veins are located deep in the feet and ankles, resulting in a more painful procedure.
Venous return is usually better in the upper extremities. Cannulation of the veins in the lower
extremities increases the risk of thrombus formation (B) which, if dislodged, could be life-
threatening. Superficial veins are often very easy (A) to find in the feet and legs. Handling a leg
or foot with an IV (C) is probably not any more difficult than handling an arm or hand. Even if
the nurse did believe moving a cannulated leg was more difficult, this is not the most important
reason for using the upper extremities. Pain (D) is not a consideration.
Correct Answer: B
The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) taking a client's blood pressure with
a cuff that is too small, but the blood pressure reading obtained is within the client's usual range.
What action is most important for the nurse to implement?
A. Tell the UAP to use a larger cuff at the next scheduled assessment.
,B. Reassess the client's blood pressure using a larger cuff.
C. Have the unit educator review this procedure with the UAPs.
D. Teach the UAP the correct technique for assessing blood pressure.
The most important action is to ensure that an accurate BP reading is obtained. The nurse should
reassess the BP with the correct size cuff (B). Reassessment should not be postponed (A).
Though (C and D) are likely indicated, these actions do not have the priority of (B).
Correct Answer: B
Twenty minutes after beginning a heat application, the client states that the heating pad no longer
feels warm enough. What is the best response by the nurse?
A. "That means you have derived the maximum benefit, and the heat can be removed."
B. "Your blood vessels are becoming dilated and removing the heat from the site."
C. "We will increase the temperature 5 degrees when the pad no longer feels warm."
D. "The body's receptors adapt over time as they are exposed to heat."
(D) describes thermal adaptation, which occurs 20 to 30 minutes after heat application. (A and
B) provide false information. (C) is not based on a knowledge of physiology and is an unsafe
action that may harm the client.
Correct Answer: D
The nurse is instructing a client with high cholesterol about diet and life style modification. What
comment from the client indicates that the teaching has been effective?
A. "If I exercise at least two times weekly for one hour, I will lower my cholesterol."
B. "I need to avoid eating proteins, including red meat."
C. "I will limit my intake of beef to 4 ounces per week."
D. "My blood level of low density lipoproteins needs to increase."
Limiting saturated fat from animal food sources to no more than 4 ounces per week (C) is an
important diet modification for lowering cholesterol. To be effective in reducing cholesterol, the
client should exercise 30 minutes per day, or at least 4 to 6 times per week (A). Red meat and all
proteins do not need to be eliminated (B) to lower cholesterol, but should be restricted to lean
cuts of red meat and smaller portions (2-ounce servings). The low density lipoproteins (D) need
to decrease rather than increase.
Correct Answer: C
The UAPs working on a chronic neuro unit ask the nurse to help them determine the safest way
to transfer an elderly client with left-sided weakness from the bed to the chair. What method
describes the correct transfer procedure for this client?
A. Place the chair at a right angle to the bed on the client's left side before moving.
,B. Assist the client to a standing position, then place the right hand on the armrest.
C. Have the client place the left foot next to the chair and pivot to the left before sitting.
D. Move the chair parallel to the right side of the bed, and stand the client on the right foot.
(D) uses the client's stronger side, the right side, for weight-bearing during the transfer, and is the
safest approach to take. (A, B, and C) are unsafe methods of transfer and include the use of poor
body mechanics by the caregiver.
Correct Answer: D
An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) places a client in a left lateral position prior to
administering a soap suds enema. Which instruction should the nurse provide the UAP?
A. Position the client on the right side of the bed in reverse Trendelenburg.
B. Fill the enema container with 1000 ml of warm water and 5 ml of castile soap.
C. Reposition in a Sim's position with the client's weight on the anterior ilium.
D. Raise the side rails on both sides of the bed and elevate the bed to waist level.
The left sided Sims' position allows the enema solution to follow the anatomical course of the
intestines and allows the best overall results, so the UAP should reposition the client in the Sims'
position, which distributes the client's weight to the anterior ilium (C). (A) is inaccurate. (B and
D) should be implemented once the client is positioned.
Correct Answer: C
A client who is a Jehovah's Witness is admitted to the nursing unit. Which concern should the
nurse have for planning care in terms of the client's beliefs?
A. Autopsy of the body is prohibited.
B. Blood transfusions are forbidden.
C. Alcohol use in any form is not allowed.
D. A vegetarian diet must be followed.
Blood transfusions are forbidden (B) in the Jehovah's Witness religion. Judaism prohibits (A).
Buddhism forbids the use of (C) and drugs. Many of these sects are vegetarian (D), but the direct
impact on nursing care is (B).
Correct Answer: B
The nurse observes that a male client has removed the covering from an ice pack applied to his
knee. What action should the nurse take first?
A. Observe the appearance of the skin under the ice pack.
B. Instruct the client regarding the need for the covering.
C. Reapply the covering after filling with fresh ice.
D. Ask the client how long the ice was applied to the skin.
, The first action taken by the nurse should be to assess the skin for any possible thermal injury
(A). If no injury to the skin has occurred, the nurse can take the other actions (B, C, and D) as
needed.
Correct Answer: A
The nurse mixes 50 mg of Nipride in 250 ml of D5W and plans to administer the solution at a
rate of 5 mcg/kg/min to a client weighing 182 pounds. Using a drip factor of 60 gtt/ml, how
many drops per minute should the client receive?
A. 31 gtt/min.
B. 62 gtt/min.
C. 93 gtt/min.
D. 124 gtt/min.
(D) is the correct calculation: Convert lbs to kg: 182/2.2 = 82.73 kg. Determine the dosage for
this client: 5 mcg × 82.73 = 413.65 mcg/min. Determine how many mcg are contained in 1 ml:
250/50,000 mcg = 200 mcg per ml. The client is to receive 413.65 mcg/min, and there are 200
mcg/ml; so the client is to receive 2.07ml per minute. With a drip factor of 60 gtt/ml, then 60 ×
2.07 = 124.28 gtt/min (D) OR, using dimensional analysis: gtt/min = 60 gtt/ml X 250 ml/50 mg
X 1 mg/1,000 mcg X 5 mcg/kg/min X 1 kg/2.2 lbs X 182 lbs.
Correct Answer: D
A hospitalized male client is receiving nasogastric tube feedings via a small-bore tube and a
continuous pump infusion. He reports that he had a bad bout of severe coughing a few minutes
ago, but feels fine now. What action is best for the nurse to take?
A. Record the coughing incident. No further action is required at this time.
B. Stop the feeding, explain to the family why it is being stopped, and notify the healthcare
provider.
C. After clearing the tube with 30 ml of air, check the pH of fluid withdrawn from the tube.
D. Inject 30 ml of air into the tube while auscultating the epigastrium for gurgling.
Coughing, vomiting, and suctioning can precipitate displacement of the tip of the small bore
feeding tube upward into the esophagus, placing the client at increased risk for aspiration.
Checking the sample of fluid withdrawn from the tube (after clearing the tube with 30 ml of air)
for acidic (stomach) or alkaline (intestine) values is a more sensitive method for these tubes, and
the nurse should assess tube placement in this way prior to taking any other action (C). (A and B)
are not indicated. The auscultating method (D) has been found to be unreliable for small-bore
feeding tubes.
Correct Answer: C
