HESI RN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Exam
1. The client is being taught how to perform active range of motion (ROM) exercises. To exercise the hinge joints, which action should the client be instructed to perform?
- A. Tilt the pelvis forwards and backwards
- B. Bend the arm by flexing the ulnar to the humerus
- C. Turn the head to the right and left
- D. Extend the arm at the side and rotate it in circles
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Hinge joints, like the elbow, primarily allow movement in one direction, in this case, bending the arm. The correct action to exercise hinge joints is to bend the arm by flexing the ulnar to the humerus. This movement specifically targets the hinge joint and promotes its range of motion. Choices A, C, and D involve movements that do not specifically target hinge joints. Tilt the pelvis involves the ball-and-socket joints of the hip, turning the head involves the pivot joint of the neck, and extending the arm and rotating it in circles involve multiple joints including ball-and-socket and pivot joints.
2. While observing an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) providing a total bed bath for a confused and lethargic client, the nurse notes the UAP soaking the client’s foot in a basin of warm water placed on the bed. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Remove the basin of water from the client’s bed immediately
- B. Remind the UAP to dry between the client’s toes completely
- C. Advise the UAP that this procedure may lead to skin damage
- D. Add skin cream to the basin of water while the foot is soaking
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to remind the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to dry between the client’s toes completely. Failing to dry between the toes can lead to skin breakdown due to excessive moisture accumulation. Proper drying is essential to maintain skin integrity and prevent complications in the client's care. Removing the basin of water immediately may disrupt the care process and not address the root cause of the issue. Advising about potential skin damage is not as direct and actionable as reminding to dry between the toes. Adding skin cream to the water may not be appropriate without specific orders and can potentially worsen the situation by increasing moisture.
3. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with a diagnosis of pneumonia. Which assessment finding is most concerning?
- A. Coarse crackles in the lungs.
- B. Fever of 101.2°F (38.4°C).
- C. Productive cough with yellow sputum.
- D. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute (D) is most concerning because it indicates respiratory distress and requires immediate intervention. While coarse crackles (A), fever (B), and productive cough (C) are common findings in pneumonia, a high respiratory rate signifies a more severe condition that needs prompt attention to prevent respiratory failure. Monitoring the respiratory rate is crucial in assessing the severity of respiratory distress in pneumonia, as it can rapidly progress to respiratory failure if not managed promptly.
4. To avoid nerve injury, what location should the nurse select to administer a 3 mL IM injection?
- A. Ventrogluteal
- B. Outer upper quadrant of the buttock
- C. Two inches below the acromion process
- D. Vastus lateralis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is the preferred location for administering large volume IM injections to avoid nerve injury. This site is situated away from major nerves and blood vessels, reducing the risk of complications associated with injecting into other areas. The ventrogluteal site allows for deep muscle penetration and is recommended for injections over 2 mL in volume to ensure proper dispersion and absorption of the medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the outer upper quadrant of the buttock is not the recommended site for large volume injections, two inches below the acromion process is a location for a deltoid injection, and the vastus lateralis is typically used for smaller volume injections.
5. Prior to Mr. Landon undergoing a tracheostomy, what is the top nursing priority?
- A. Shaving the neck.
- B. Establishing a means of communication.
- C. Inserting a Foley catheter.
- D. Starting an IV.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Before Mr. Landon undergoes a tracheostomy, the top nursing priority is to establish a means of communication. This is essential to ensure that Mr. Landon can effectively communicate his needs during and after the procedure. Shaving the neck (Choice A) may be necessary for the tracheostomy but is not the top priority. Inserting a Foley catheter (Choice C) and starting an IV (Choice D) are important nursing interventions but are not the priority before a tracheostomy procedure, where communication is key for patient safety and comfort.
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