HESI RN MED SURG VERSION A & VERSION B
2026 ACTUAL EXAM PREPARATION GUIDE
EACH EXAM CONTAINS 125 COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS GRADED A+
1
,The nurse is assessing a client with acute pancreatitis. Which finding requires the most
immediate intervention by the nurse?
A.
The client's amylase level is three times higher than the normal level.
B.
The client has a carpal spasm when taking a blood pressure.
C.
On a 1 to 10 scale, the client tells the nurse that her epigastric pain is at 7.
D.
The client states that she will continue to drink alcohol after going home. ANSWER >> B
The nurse is assessing a client with acute pancreatitis. Which finding requires the most
immediate intervention by the nurse?
Rationale:A positive Trousseau sign indicates hypocalcemia and always requires further
assessment and intervention, regardless of the cause (40% to 75% of those with acute
pancreatitis experience hypocalcemia, which can have serious, systemic effects). A key
diagnostic finding of pancreatitis is serum amylase and lipase levels that are two to five
times higher than the normal value. Severe boring pain is an expected symptom for this
diagnosis, but dealing with the hypocalcemia is a priority over administering an
analgesic. Long-term planning and teaching do not have the same immediate
importance as a positive Trousseau sign.
2
,A 55-year-old male client has been admitted to the hospital with a medical diagnosis of
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which risk factor is the most significant
in the development of this client's COPD?
A.
The client's father was diagnosed with COPD in his 50s.
B.
A close family member contracted tuberculosis last year.
C.
The client smokes one to two packs of cigarettes per day.
D.
The client has been 40 pounds overweight for 15 years. ANSWER >> C
Rationale:Smoking, considered to be a modifiable risk factor, is the most significant risk
factor for the development of COPD. The exact mechanism of genetic and hereditary
implications for the development of COPD is still under investigation, although exposure
to similar predisposing factors (e.g., smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke) may
increase the likelihood of COPD incidence among family members. Options B and D do
not exceed the risks associated with cigarette smoking in the development of COPD.
In assessing a client diagnosed with primary aldosteronism, the nurse expects the
laboratory test results to indicate a decreased serum level of which substance?
A.
3
, Sodium
B.
Phosphate
C.
Potassium
D.
Glucose ANSWER >> C
Rationale:Clients with primary aldosteronism exhibit a profound decline in serum levels
of potassium; hypokalemia; hypertension is the most prominent and universal sign. The
serum sodium level is normal or elevated, depending on the amount of water resorbed
with the sodium. Option B is influenced by parathyroid hormone (PTH). Option D is not
affected by primary aldosteronism.
The nurse is completing an admission interview for a client with Parkinson disease.
Which question will provide additional information about manifestations that the client is
likely to experience?
A.
"Have you ever experienced any paralysis of your arms or legs?"
B.
"Do you have frequent blackout spells?"
4
2026 ACTUAL EXAM PREPARATION GUIDE
EACH EXAM CONTAINS 125 COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS GRADED A+
1
,The nurse is assessing a client with acute pancreatitis. Which finding requires the most
immediate intervention by the nurse?
A.
The client's amylase level is three times higher than the normal level.
B.
The client has a carpal spasm when taking a blood pressure.
C.
On a 1 to 10 scale, the client tells the nurse that her epigastric pain is at 7.
D.
The client states that she will continue to drink alcohol after going home. ANSWER >> B
The nurse is assessing a client with acute pancreatitis. Which finding requires the most
immediate intervention by the nurse?
Rationale:A positive Trousseau sign indicates hypocalcemia and always requires further
assessment and intervention, regardless of the cause (40% to 75% of those with acute
pancreatitis experience hypocalcemia, which can have serious, systemic effects). A key
diagnostic finding of pancreatitis is serum amylase and lipase levels that are two to five
times higher than the normal value. Severe boring pain is an expected symptom for this
diagnosis, but dealing with the hypocalcemia is a priority over administering an
analgesic. Long-term planning and teaching do not have the same immediate
importance as a positive Trousseau sign.
2
,A 55-year-old male client has been admitted to the hospital with a medical diagnosis of
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which risk factor is the most significant
in the development of this client's COPD?
A.
The client's father was diagnosed with COPD in his 50s.
B.
A close family member contracted tuberculosis last year.
C.
The client smokes one to two packs of cigarettes per day.
D.
The client has been 40 pounds overweight for 15 years. ANSWER >> C
Rationale:Smoking, considered to be a modifiable risk factor, is the most significant risk
factor for the development of COPD. The exact mechanism of genetic and hereditary
implications for the development of COPD is still under investigation, although exposure
to similar predisposing factors (e.g., smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke) may
increase the likelihood of COPD incidence among family members. Options B and D do
not exceed the risks associated with cigarette smoking in the development of COPD.
In assessing a client diagnosed with primary aldosteronism, the nurse expects the
laboratory test results to indicate a decreased serum level of which substance?
A.
3
, Sodium
B.
Phosphate
C.
Potassium
D.
Glucose ANSWER >> C
Rationale:Clients with primary aldosteronism exhibit a profound decline in serum levels
of potassium; hypokalemia; hypertension is the most prominent and universal sign. The
serum sodium level is normal or elevated, depending on the amount of water resorbed
with the sodium. Option B is influenced by parathyroid hormone (PTH). Option D is not
affected by primary aldosteronism.
The nurse is completing an admission interview for a client with Parkinson disease.
Which question will provide additional information about manifestations that the client is
likely to experience?
A.
"Have you ever experienced any paralysis of your arms or legs?"
B.
"Do you have frequent blackout spells?"
4
