1
Med-Surg Hesi PN Questions with Correct
Answers | Updated (100% Correct Answers)
During a clinic visit, a client reports to the practical nurse (PN) that
they felt a solid mass in their breast during self-examination, but it
was not painful. What instruction should the PN reinforce with the
client?
A. Continue to monitor the mass until the next scheduled annual
exam.
B. Notify the PCP if the mass becomes soft or painful or starts to
drain.
C. Schedule an appointment with the PCP for evaluation
D. Breast masses are usually insignificant if they feel soft or are
easily moveable. Answer: c. Schedule an appointment with the
health care provider for evaluation.
A painless breast mass is an abnormal finding, and the PN should
instruct the client to obtain prompt medical evaluation.
The health care provider informed a client diagnosed with stage 4
liver cancer that the cancer has spread to their spine. The client
states to the practical nurse, "I have a cancer, but it is not
malignant." What is the best initial nursing action?
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,2
A. Encourage the client to attend a cancer education program
B. Perform a complete history and physical assessment
C. Ask the client to explain his understanding of the term
malignancy.
D. Offer the client emotional support to deal with the diagnosis
Submit Answer: c. Ask the client to explain his understanding of the
term malignancy.
The best initial action is to assess the client's knowledge of the term
malignancy when used to describe cancer. The client appears to
have inaccurate knowledge. Stage 4 cancer means the cancer has
spread (metastasized) from where it has started to another body
part.
A client diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Which intervention should the
practical nurse implement to help relieve joint pain and stiffness?
a. Encourage the client to perform weight-bearing exercises.
b. Teach the client how to perform range-of-motion exercises.
c. Explain the use of ice and massage for pain relief.
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,3
d. Instruct the client to take an analgesic before walking daily
Answer: d. Instruct the client to take an analgesic before walking
daily.
Adequate pain management is important for the success of an
exercise program. Keeping the joints active decreases pain, so taking
an analgesic and walking daily is likely to help decrease joint pain
and stiffness.
A client diagnosed with prostate cancer is prescribed radioactive
seed implantation (brachytherapy). What is the most important
nursing action for the practical nurse (PN) to do?
a. Follow radiation exposure precautions
b. Encourage regular meals
c. Collect all urine in sealed containers
d. Avoid touching the client. Answer: a. Follow radiation exposure
precautions.
Clients being treated for prostate cancer with brachytherapy
(radioactive seeds implant) should be placed on radiation exposure
precautions. The PN needs to follow the institution's protocols put
in place regarding the amount of time and distance needed to
prevent excessive exposure that would pose a hazard to others.
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 4
A client diagnosed with emphysema that is oxygen-dependent lives
alone at home and manages self-care with no difficulty. Which
finding should prompt the home health practical nurse to consult
the registered nurse case manager?
a. A pulse oximetry reading of 91% on oxygen at 2 L/m
b. A weight loss of 5 pounds since the last monthly home visit
c. The client reports feeling as tired as at the last visit by the nurse
d. Upon entering the home, the PN noticed dirty dishes and
clothing scattered around the home. Answer: b. A weight loss of 5
pounds since the last monthly home visit
A weight loss of 5 pounds in 1 month is a concern. Clients with
COPD need additional calorie intake because they are using up a lot
from the energy they are using to breath. The practical nurse needs
to consult with the registered nurse case manager for a nutrition
consult
The nurse has reinforced instructions to a client with diabetes
mellitus on how to self-monitor for symptoms of diabetic
ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse realizes the instructions have been
effective if the client can list which symptoms? (Select all that apply.)
a. Fruity breath odor
© 2025 All rights reserved
Med-Surg Hesi PN Questions with Correct
Answers | Updated (100% Correct Answers)
During a clinic visit, a client reports to the practical nurse (PN) that
they felt a solid mass in their breast during self-examination, but it
was not painful. What instruction should the PN reinforce with the
client?
A. Continue to monitor the mass until the next scheduled annual
exam.
B. Notify the PCP if the mass becomes soft or painful or starts to
drain.
C. Schedule an appointment with the PCP for evaluation
D. Breast masses are usually insignificant if they feel soft or are
easily moveable. Answer: c. Schedule an appointment with the
health care provider for evaluation.
A painless breast mass is an abnormal finding, and the PN should
instruct the client to obtain prompt medical evaluation.
The health care provider informed a client diagnosed with stage 4
liver cancer that the cancer has spread to their spine. The client
states to the practical nurse, "I have a cancer, but it is not
malignant." What is the best initial nursing action?
© 2025 All rights reserved
,2
A. Encourage the client to attend a cancer education program
B. Perform a complete history and physical assessment
C. Ask the client to explain his understanding of the term
malignancy.
D. Offer the client emotional support to deal with the diagnosis
Submit Answer: c. Ask the client to explain his understanding of the
term malignancy.
The best initial action is to assess the client's knowledge of the term
malignancy when used to describe cancer. The client appears to
have inaccurate knowledge. Stage 4 cancer means the cancer has
spread (metastasized) from where it has started to another body
part.
A client diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Which intervention should the
practical nurse implement to help relieve joint pain and stiffness?
a. Encourage the client to perform weight-bearing exercises.
b. Teach the client how to perform range-of-motion exercises.
c. Explain the use of ice and massage for pain relief.
© 2025 All rights reserved
,3
d. Instruct the client to take an analgesic before walking daily
Answer: d. Instruct the client to take an analgesic before walking
daily.
Adequate pain management is important for the success of an
exercise program. Keeping the joints active decreases pain, so taking
an analgesic and walking daily is likely to help decrease joint pain
and stiffness.
A client diagnosed with prostate cancer is prescribed radioactive
seed implantation (brachytherapy). What is the most important
nursing action for the practical nurse (PN) to do?
a. Follow radiation exposure precautions
b. Encourage regular meals
c. Collect all urine in sealed containers
d. Avoid touching the client. Answer: a. Follow radiation exposure
precautions.
Clients being treated for prostate cancer with brachytherapy
(radioactive seeds implant) should be placed on radiation exposure
precautions. The PN needs to follow the institution's protocols put
in place regarding the amount of time and distance needed to
prevent excessive exposure that would pose a hazard to others.
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 4
A client diagnosed with emphysema that is oxygen-dependent lives
alone at home and manages self-care with no difficulty. Which
finding should prompt the home health practical nurse to consult
the registered nurse case manager?
a. A pulse oximetry reading of 91% on oxygen at 2 L/m
b. A weight loss of 5 pounds since the last monthly home visit
c. The client reports feeling as tired as at the last visit by the nurse
d. Upon entering the home, the PN noticed dirty dishes and
clothing scattered around the home. Answer: b. A weight loss of 5
pounds since the last monthly home visit
A weight loss of 5 pounds in 1 month is a concern. Clients with
COPD need additional calorie intake because they are using up a lot
from the energy they are using to breath. The practical nurse needs
to consult with the registered nurse case manager for a nutrition
consult
The nurse has reinforced instructions to a client with diabetes
mellitus on how to self-monitor for symptoms of diabetic
ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse realizes the instructions have been
effective if the client can list which symptoms? (Select all that apply.)
a. Fruity breath odor
© 2025 All rights reserved
