HESI MEDICAL-SURGICAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
*
,CORE DOMAINS
*
Cardiovascular Nursing
Respiratory Nursing
Gastrointestinal & Hepatic Nursing
Endocrine Nursing
Renal & Urinary Nursing
Neurological Nursing
Musculoskeletal Nursing
Preoperative & Postoperative Care
,Fluid, Electrolyte & Acid-Base Balance
Pharmacology & Medication Safety
*
INTRODUCTION
*
This exam assesses critical knowledge and clinical decision-making
skills essential for medical-surgical nursing practice. It evaluates
your ability to apply foundational theory, regulatory compliance,
ethics, and professional standards in real-world patient scenarios.
The multiple-choice and scenario-based structure emphasizes prioritization,
nursing interventions, and critical thinking required for safe, effective
care of adult patients with acute and chronic medical-surgical conditions.
Success requires mastery of disease pathophysiology, treatment protocols,
and evidence-based nursing actions across all major body systems.
*
, SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A 65-year-old patient with chronic heart failure presents with sudden worsening of shortness of breath, crackles
bilaterally in the lungs, and oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. Which intervention should the nurse
prioritize first?
A. Administer oral beta-blockers
B. Place the patient in high Fowler’s position
C. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram
D. Start IV furosemide infusion
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Placing the patient in high Fowler’s position immediately improves lung expansion and
reduces venous return, decreasing pulmonary congestion. This is the first priority in acute pulmonary edema
before administering medications or obtaining diagnostic tests.
Question 2
Which laboratory finding is most concerning for a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus who reports increased
fatigue and blurry vision?
A. Glucose 180 mg/dL
B. HbA1c 7.8%
C. Potassium 3.2 mEq/L
D. Creatinine 1.8 mg/dL
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
*
,CORE DOMAINS
*
Cardiovascular Nursing
Respiratory Nursing
Gastrointestinal & Hepatic Nursing
Endocrine Nursing
Renal & Urinary Nursing
Neurological Nursing
Musculoskeletal Nursing
Preoperative & Postoperative Care
,Fluid, Electrolyte & Acid-Base Balance
Pharmacology & Medication Safety
*
INTRODUCTION
*
This exam assesses critical knowledge and clinical decision-making
skills essential for medical-surgical nursing practice. It evaluates
your ability to apply foundational theory, regulatory compliance,
ethics, and professional standards in real-world patient scenarios.
The multiple-choice and scenario-based structure emphasizes prioritization,
nursing interventions, and critical thinking required for safe, effective
care of adult patients with acute and chronic medical-surgical conditions.
Success requires mastery of disease pathophysiology, treatment protocols,
and evidence-based nursing actions across all major body systems.
*
, SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A 65-year-old patient with chronic heart failure presents with sudden worsening of shortness of breath, crackles
bilaterally in the lungs, and oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. Which intervention should the nurse
prioritize first?
A. Administer oral beta-blockers
B. Place the patient in high Fowler’s position
C. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram
D. Start IV furosemide infusion
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Placing the patient in high Fowler’s position immediately improves lung expansion and
reduces venous return, decreasing pulmonary congestion. This is the first priority in acute pulmonary edema
before administering medications or obtaining diagnostic tests.
Question 2
Which laboratory finding is most concerning for a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus who reports increased
fatigue and blurry vision?
A. Glucose 180 mg/dL
B. HbA1c 7.8%
C. Potassium 3.2 mEq/L
D. Creatinine 1.8 mg/dL
