HESI LPN/PN FUNDAMENTALS ACTUAL EXAM NEWEST 2025
ACTUAL EXAM 160 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS
Question 1
An LPN/LVN is preparing to administer medication to a client. Which of the
following is the most important initial step the LPN/LVN should take?
A) Gather all necessary supplies.
B) Introduce themselves to the client.
C) Wash their hands.
D) Verify the client's identity using two identifiers.
E) Ask the client if they are ready for medication.
Correct Answer: D) Verify the client's identity using two identifiers.
Rationale: Before any intervention, especially medication
administration, verifying the client's identity using two identifiers
(e.g., name and date of birth) is the absolute priority to prevent
medication errors and ensure client safety.
Question 2
When assisting a client with ambulation, where should the LPN/LVN stand?
A) Directly in front of the client.
B) Slightly behind and to one side of the client, holding a gait belt.
C) Directly behind the client, pushing them.
D) Far away from the client to allow independence.
E) Holding both of the client's hands.
Correct Answer: B) Slightly behind and to one side of the client,
holding a gait belt.
Rationale: Standing slightly behind and to one side, while holding a
gait belt, allows the LPN/LVN to support the client if they lose their
balance, providing safety without impeding their natural movement.
This is a key fall prevention strategy.
Question 3
Which of the following vital signs indicates a client might be experiencing a
fever?
,A) Oral temperature of 36.5°C (97.7°F).
B) Axillary temperature of 37.0°C (98.6°F).
C) Rectal temperature of 38.8°C (101.8°F).
D) Tympanic temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F).
E) Oral temperature of 37.0°C (98.6°F).
Correct Answer: C) Rectal temperature of 38.8°C (101.8°F).
Rationale: A rectal temperature of 38.8°C (101.8°F) is significantly
above the normal range for any route and indicates a fever. Rectal
temperatures are typically 0.5-1°F (0.3-0.6°C) higher than oral.
Normal oral is around 37.0°C (98.6°F).
Question 4
A client with dysphagia is at increased risk for which of the following?
A) Diarrhea
B) Constipation
C) Aspiration
D) Dehydration
E) Urinary tract infection
Correct Answer: C) Aspiration
Rationale: Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing. Clients with dysphagia
are at high risk for aspiration, which occurs when food or liquid
enters the trachea and lungs, potentially leading to pneumonia. The
LPN/LVN must implement aspiration precautions.
Question 5
When measuring a client's blood pressure, the systolic reading represents:
A) The pressure when the heart is relaxing between beats.
B) The maximum pressure exerted on the arterial walls during ventricular
contraction.
C) The lowest pressure in the arteries.
D) The pressure when the blood vessels are fully dilated.
E) The pressure when the cuff is completely deflated.
,Correct Answer: B) The maximum pressure exerted on the arterial
walls during ventricular contraction.
Rationale: Systolic pressure is the peak pressure in the arteries when
the left ventricle contracts and ejects blood (systole). Diastolic
pressure is the minimum pressure when the heart is relaxed and
refilling (diastole).
Question 6
Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A) Client states, "I feel nauseous."
B) Client reports, "My head hurts."
C) Client's skin is cool and clammy.
D) Client says, "I'm tired."
E) Client reports, "I had a good night's sleep."
Correct Answer: C) Client's skin is cool and clammy.
Rationale: Objective data is information that can be observed,
measured, or verified by others (e.g., vital signs, skin condition, lab
results). Subjective data (like nausea or pain) is what the client tells
you they feel.
Question 7
When caring for a client with dementia, an LPN/LVN should:
A) Correct them immediately if they are confused.
B) Use a calm voice and simple, clear instructions.
C) Engage them in complex decision-making.
D) Change their routine frequently to stimulate memory.
E) Avoid eye contact to prevent agitation.
Correct Answer: B) Use a calm voice and simple, clear instructions.
Rationale: Clients with dementia benefit from a calm, predictable
environment and clear, simple communication. Correcting confusion
or frequent changes in routine can increase agitation and confusion.
Complex tasks are often overwhelming.
, Question 8
Which action is appropriate for an LPN/LVN when a client complains of pain?
A) Tell them to try to ignore it.
B) Document the complaint and continue with care.
C) Assess the pain level and location, and report findings to the RN.
D) Administer a prescribed pain medication without prior assessment.
E) Apply a cold compress without checking with the RN.
Correct Answer: C) Assess the pain level and location, and report
findings to the RN.
Rationale: The LPN/LVN's role is to assess the client's pain (level,
location, characteristics, what makes it better/worse) and then
report these findings to the RN, who will then make decisions
regarding medication administration or other interventions.
LPN/LVNs do not typically administer initial pain medications
without an RN's assessment or specific delegation, and certainly not
without their own assessment.
Question 9
What is the proper way to identify a client before providing any care or
administering medication?
A) Call them by name and wait for a response.
B) Check the client's room number.
C) Check the client's identification band against the medication
administration record (MAR) or care plan.
D) Ask the client's roommate for confirmation.
E) Look at the client's picture in the chart.
Correct Answer: C) Check the client's identification band against the
medication administration record (MAR) or care plan.
Rationale: The safest and most reliable way to identify a client is to
compare the information on their identification band (name, date of
birth) with the information on the MAR or care plan, using at least
ACTUAL EXAM 160 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS
Question 1
An LPN/LVN is preparing to administer medication to a client. Which of the
following is the most important initial step the LPN/LVN should take?
A) Gather all necessary supplies.
B) Introduce themselves to the client.
C) Wash their hands.
D) Verify the client's identity using two identifiers.
E) Ask the client if they are ready for medication.
Correct Answer: D) Verify the client's identity using two identifiers.
Rationale: Before any intervention, especially medication
administration, verifying the client's identity using two identifiers
(e.g., name and date of birth) is the absolute priority to prevent
medication errors and ensure client safety.
Question 2
When assisting a client with ambulation, where should the LPN/LVN stand?
A) Directly in front of the client.
B) Slightly behind and to one side of the client, holding a gait belt.
C) Directly behind the client, pushing them.
D) Far away from the client to allow independence.
E) Holding both of the client's hands.
Correct Answer: B) Slightly behind and to one side of the client,
holding a gait belt.
Rationale: Standing slightly behind and to one side, while holding a
gait belt, allows the LPN/LVN to support the client if they lose their
balance, providing safety without impeding their natural movement.
This is a key fall prevention strategy.
Question 3
Which of the following vital signs indicates a client might be experiencing a
fever?
,A) Oral temperature of 36.5°C (97.7°F).
B) Axillary temperature of 37.0°C (98.6°F).
C) Rectal temperature of 38.8°C (101.8°F).
D) Tympanic temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F).
E) Oral temperature of 37.0°C (98.6°F).
Correct Answer: C) Rectal temperature of 38.8°C (101.8°F).
Rationale: A rectal temperature of 38.8°C (101.8°F) is significantly
above the normal range for any route and indicates a fever. Rectal
temperatures are typically 0.5-1°F (0.3-0.6°C) higher than oral.
Normal oral is around 37.0°C (98.6°F).
Question 4
A client with dysphagia is at increased risk for which of the following?
A) Diarrhea
B) Constipation
C) Aspiration
D) Dehydration
E) Urinary tract infection
Correct Answer: C) Aspiration
Rationale: Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing. Clients with dysphagia
are at high risk for aspiration, which occurs when food or liquid
enters the trachea and lungs, potentially leading to pneumonia. The
LPN/LVN must implement aspiration precautions.
Question 5
When measuring a client's blood pressure, the systolic reading represents:
A) The pressure when the heart is relaxing between beats.
B) The maximum pressure exerted on the arterial walls during ventricular
contraction.
C) The lowest pressure in the arteries.
D) The pressure when the blood vessels are fully dilated.
E) The pressure when the cuff is completely deflated.
,Correct Answer: B) The maximum pressure exerted on the arterial
walls during ventricular contraction.
Rationale: Systolic pressure is the peak pressure in the arteries when
the left ventricle contracts and ejects blood (systole). Diastolic
pressure is the minimum pressure when the heart is relaxed and
refilling (diastole).
Question 6
Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A) Client states, "I feel nauseous."
B) Client reports, "My head hurts."
C) Client's skin is cool and clammy.
D) Client says, "I'm tired."
E) Client reports, "I had a good night's sleep."
Correct Answer: C) Client's skin is cool and clammy.
Rationale: Objective data is information that can be observed,
measured, or verified by others (e.g., vital signs, skin condition, lab
results). Subjective data (like nausea or pain) is what the client tells
you they feel.
Question 7
When caring for a client with dementia, an LPN/LVN should:
A) Correct them immediately if they are confused.
B) Use a calm voice and simple, clear instructions.
C) Engage them in complex decision-making.
D) Change their routine frequently to stimulate memory.
E) Avoid eye contact to prevent agitation.
Correct Answer: B) Use a calm voice and simple, clear instructions.
Rationale: Clients with dementia benefit from a calm, predictable
environment and clear, simple communication. Correcting confusion
or frequent changes in routine can increase agitation and confusion.
Complex tasks are often overwhelming.
, Question 8
Which action is appropriate for an LPN/LVN when a client complains of pain?
A) Tell them to try to ignore it.
B) Document the complaint and continue with care.
C) Assess the pain level and location, and report findings to the RN.
D) Administer a prescribed pain medication without prior assessment.
E) Apply a cold compress without checking with the RN.
Correct Answer: C) Assess the pain level and location, and report
findings to the RN.
Rationale: The LPN/LVN's role is to assess the client's pain (level,
location, characteristics, what makes it better/worse) and then
report these findings to the RN, who will then make decisions
regarding medication administration or other interventions.
LPN/LVNs do not typically administer initial pain medications
without an RN's assessment or specific delegation, and certainly not
without their own assessment.
Question 9
What is the proper way to identify a client before providing any care or
administering medication?
A) Call them by name and wait for a response.
B) Check the client's room number.
C) Check the client's identification band against the medication
administration record (MAR) or care plan.
D) Ask the client's roommate for confirmation.
E) Look at the client's picture in the chart.
Correct Answer: C) Check the client's identification band against the
medication administration record (MAR) or care plan.
Rationale: The safest and most reliable way to identify a client is to
compare the information on their identification band (name, date of
birth) with the information on the MAR or care plan, using at least
