HESI Medical-Surgical Nursing
Exam Prep 2026
Questions And Answers | Comprehensive Review
| Detailed Rationales | Latest 2026 Instant Pdf
Download | Graded A+
This Exam contains 100 Questions And Answers With Verified
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Prep Latest 2026/2027 Update
,Section 1: Cardiovascular Disorders (Questions 1–15)
1. A nurse is assessing a client with heart failure. Which
finding is an early indication of decreased cardiac output?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular vein distention
C. Decreased urine output
D. Dyspnea on exertion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Decreased cardiac output reduces renal perfusion,
leading to decreased urine output. This is often an early sign.
Peripheral edema and JVD indicate fluid overload (later signs).
Dyspnea on exertion is a sign of pulmonary congestion but not
the earliest sign of decreased CO.
2. A client with unstable angina is prescribed nitroglycerin
sublingual. The nurse instructs the client to take up to three
doses at 5-minute intervals. When should the client call
911?
A. After the first dose if pain is not relieved
B. After the second dose if pain persists
C. After the third dose if pain continues
D. Immediately upon experiencing chest pain
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Standard protocol: take one nitroglycerin tablet
sublingually every 5 minutes for up to three doses. If chest pain
is not relieved after the third dose, emergency services should
be activated. Option A is incorrect because the first dose may
provide relief.
3. Which laboratory value is most important to monitor in a
client receiving furosemide (Lasix) for heart failure?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum potassium
C. Serum calcium
D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium
wasting. Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias,
especially in clients taking digoxin. Monitoring potassium is
critical.
4. A nurse is caring for a client 4 hours after a cardiac
catheterization via the right femoral artery. The client
reports numbness and tingling in the right foot. What is the
priority action?
, A. Elevate the head of the bed.
B. Assess the right pedal pulses.
C. Apply warm compresses to the groin.
D. Encourage ankle exercises.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Numbness/tingling may indicate arterial
insufficiency or thrombus formation. The nurse must
immediately assess distal pulses, color, temperature, and
sensation. This is a potential complication requiring prompt
intervention.
5. A client with hypertension is prescribed
hydrochlorothiazide. Which statement by the client
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will take this medication in the morning."
B. "I should eat bananas and oranges daily."
C. "I will monitor my blood pressure at home."
D. "I can stop the medication when my blood pressure is
normal."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Antihypertensive medications are typically taken
lifelong to maintain blood pressure control. Stopping when BP
Exam Prep 2026
Questions And Answers | Comprehensive Review
| Detailed Rationales | Latest 2026 Instant Pdf
Download | Graded A+
This Exam contains 100 Questions And Answers With Verified
Rationales. Nclex - exam style | Complete Test Bank | Exam
Prep Latest 2026/2027 Update
,Section 1: Cardiovascular Disorders (Questions 1–15)
1. A nurse is assessing a client with heart failure. Which
finding is an early indication of decreased cardiac output?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular vein distention
C. Decreased urine output
D. Dyspnea on exertion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Decreased cardiac output reduces renal perfusion,
leading to decreased urine output. This is often an early sign.
Peripheral edema and JVD indicate fluid overload (later signs).
Dyspnea on exertion is a sign of pulmonary congestion but not
the earliest sign of decreased CO.
2. A client with unstable angina is prescribed nitroglycerin
sublingual. The nurse instructs the client to take up to three
doses at 5-minute intervals. When should the client call
911?
A. After the first dose if pain is not relieved
B. After the second dose if pain persists
C. After the third dose if pain continues
D. Immediately upon experiencing chest pain
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Standard protocol: take one nitroglycerin tablet
sublingually every 5 minutes for up to three doses. If chest pain
is not relieved after the third dose, emergency services should
be activated. Option A is incorrect because the first dose may
provide relief.
3. Which laboratory value is most important to monitor in a
client receiving furosemide (Lasix) for heart failure?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum potassium
C. Serum calcium
D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium
wasting. Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias,
especially in clients taking digoxin. Monitoring potassium is
critical.
4. A nurse is caring for a client 4 hours after a cardiac
catheterization via the right femoral artery. The client
reports numbness and tingling in the right foot. What is the
priority action?
, A. Elevate the head of the bed.
B. Assess the right pedal pulses.
C. Apply warm compresses to the groin.
D. Encourage ankle exercises.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Numbness/tingling may indicate arterial
insufficiency or thrombus formation. The nurse must
immediately assess distal pulses, color, temperature, and
sensation. This is a potential complication requiring prompt
intervention.
5. A client with hypertension is prescribed
hydrochlorothiazide. Which statement by the client
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will take this medication in the morning."
B. "I should eat bananas and oranges daily."
C. "I will monitor my blood pressure at home."
D. "I can stop the medication when my blood pressure is
normal."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Antihypertensive medications are typically taken
lifelong to maintain blood pressure control. Stopping when BP
