HESI 1 Questions and Answers

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HESI 1 Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

A patient is admitted with dehydration and low blood pressure. What is the nurse’s first action?

• Start oral fluids
• Notify the provider

✔✔C. Assess vital signs and level of consciousness

• Prepare for discharge

A patient reports shortness of breath and chest tightness. What is the priority action?

• Encourage deep breathing exercises
• Obtain a sputum sample

✔✔C. Assess oxygen saturation and apply oxygen as prescribed

• Administer pain medication

A patient is scheduled for surgery and asks why they must be NPO. What is the best response?

• “It doesn’t matter if you eat”

✔✔B. “Fasting reduces the risk of aspiration during anesthesia” 1 / 4

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• “It will help you heal faster”
• “The doctor prefers it this way”

A client is prescribed a new antihypertensive. What should the nurse monitor first?

• Temperature
• Respiratory rate

✔✔C. Blood pressure and heart rate

• Urine output

A patient develops redness and drainage at the surgical site. What is the first nursing action?

• Cover with a dressing

✔✔B. Notify the provider and monitor the wound

• Administer antibiotics immediately
• Ignore and continue routine care

A patient reports dizziness when standing. What should the nurse do first?

• Encourage the patient to walk slowly
• Document the complaint 2 / 4

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✔✔C. Assist the patient to sit or lie down and assess vital signs

• Administer diuretics

A patient is scheduled for a blood transfusion and has a history of reactions. What should the nurse do first?

• Start the transfusion slowly
• Monitor vital signs every hour

✔✔C. Verify history and ensure pre-medication is administered if ordered

• Proceed with standard protocol

A patient is confused and attempting to get out of bed unassisted. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?

• Give a sedative
• Let them ambulate

✔✔C. Implement fall precautions and stay with the patient

• Restrain the patient immediately

A patient reports severe pain postoperatively. What should the nurse do first? 3 / 4

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• Administer a sedative

✔✔B. Assess pain location, intensity, and characteristics

• Document the complaint
• Notify the physician without assessment

A patient is prescribed a diuretic. What should the nurse assess before administration?✔✔A. Potassium level

• Temperature
• Blood sugar
• Oxygen saturation

A child presents with a high fever and seizure activity. What is the first nursing action?

• Give acetaminophen

✔✔B. Ensure safety and maintain airway during seizure

• Call for lab tests
• Allow the seizure to pass without intervention

A patient has a heart rate of 40 bpm and is symptomatic. What should the nurse do?

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