HESI Fundamentals Exam 2026 — 100 Real Questions with Answers & Rationales

The HESI Fundamentals exam is one of the first major nursing assessments students face. Here are the most tested questions with verified answers and rationales for 2026. ## Most Tested HESI Fundamentals Topics **Safety & Infection Control** Q: When turning an immobile bedridden client without assistance, which action best ensures client safety? A: Put bed rails up on the side of bed opposite from the nurse. This prevents the client from falling while the nurse can only stand on one side. Q: The nurse identifies potential for infection in a client with second and third degree burns. What intervention has highest priority? A: Use of careful handwashing technique. Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent infection transmission. **Delegation & Assignment** Q: Which task can a nurse delegate to an assistive personnel (AP)? A: Reapplying a condom catheter for a client with urinary incontinence — this is a noninvasive routine procedure appropriate for delegation. Q: A client returning from surgery requires assessment. Which staff member should be assigned? A: RN — clients returning from surgery require assessment and establishment of a care plan, which is the RN scope of practice. **Elimination** Q: A client has not had a bowel movement in 2 days. Which intervention should the nurse implement first? A: Assess the clients medical record to determine his normal bowel pattern — always assess before intervening. **Respiratory** Q: A client with COPD is in semi-Fowlers position with O2 at 2L/min and develops dyspnea. What action should the nurse take first? A: Raise the head of the bed higher — positioning improves breathing before calling HCP or obtaining equipment. **Lab Values to Know for HESI Fundamentals** - Potassium: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L - Sodium: 135-145 mEq/L - Magnesium: 1.6-2.6 mEq/L - Phosphorus: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL - Calcium: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL - Glucose: 70-110 mg/dL - BUN: 10-20 mg/dL - Creatinine: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL ## Study Tips for HESI Fundamentals 1. Know Maslows hierarchy — physiological needs first 2. Know ABCs — airway, breathing, circulation 3. Always ASSESS before intervening 4. Know what can be delegated to AP vs LPN vs RN 5. Practice infection control principles — hand hygiene is always priority Browse verified HESI Fundamentals exam prep on Studyrift — instant PDF download from \$9.99!