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Med-Surg HESI Real Exam 1 & 2 Test Bank |
Comprehensive 150-Question Medical-Surgical
Nursing Practice Examination with Verified Answers
and Detailed Rationales 2026–2027 | HESI Med-Surg
Exam Prep | Graded A+ | 100% Pass Guaranteed
Description: This comprehensive 150-question test bank is designed for
nursing students preparing for the Medical-Surgical HESI Exit Exam
(Versions 1 & 2). The assessment covers all major content areas
including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, renal,
neurological, musculoskeletal, and perioperative nursing care. Based on
actual HESI exam patterns and evidence-based practice, this exam tests
both foundational knowledge and clinical application expected of
competent medical-surgical nurses.
SECTION 1: QUESTIONS 1-50
Question 1
A patient with heart failure has an ejection fraction of 35%. This
indicates:
A) Diastolic heart failure
,2 | Page
B) Systolic heart failure
C) Normal cardiac function
D) Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Answer: B
Rationale: Ejection fraction (EF) measures the percentage of blood
leaving the heart each time it contracts. An EF below 40% indicates
systolic heart failure (HFrEF), where the heart muscle does not contract
effectively. Diastolic heart failure (HFpEF) typically has an EF of 50%
or higher. Normal EF is 55-70%.
---
Question 2
The nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) who is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min.
The patient's spouse asks why the oxygen flow is set so low. What is the
nurse's best response?
A) "Higher oxygen concentrations will cause the patient to stop
breathing."
B) "Low oxygen levels stimulate the hypoxic drive to breathe in these
patients."
C) "Higher oxygen concentrations are toxic to the lung tissue."
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D) "We are trying to prevent the patient from developing oxygen
dependence."
Answer: B
Rationale: In patients with chronic COPD, the chemoreceptors in the
brain become insensitive to high CO2 levels (hypercapnia). Instead, the
hypoxic drive (low O2) becomes the primary stimulus for respiration.
Administering high concentrations of oxygen can suppress this hypoxic
drive, leading to hypoventilation, respiratory failure, and even apnea.
The goal is to maintain SpO2 between 88-92%.
---
Question 3
A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of syndrome of inappropriate
antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse expect to find?
A) Polyuria and polydipsia
B) Hypernatremia and dry mucous membranes
C) Hyponatremia and concentrated urine
D) Hypotension and tachycardia
Answer: C
, 4 | Page
Rationale: SIADH involves the excessive release of antidiuretic
hormone (ADH), leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia
(low sodium). The urine becomes concentrated due to water
reabsorption. Polyuria and polydipsia are signs of Diabetes Insipidus.
Hypernatremia suggests dehydration. Hypotension is less common as the
patient retains fluid (euvolemic hyponatremia).
---
Question 4
The nurse is teaching a patient with a new ileostomy about diet. Which
food should the nurse instruct the patient to avoid to prevent
obstruction?
A) Bananas
B) Popcorn
C) Yogurt
D) White rice
Answer: B
Rationale: An ileostomy has a narrow lumen. High-fiber, hard-to-digest
foods like popcorn, nuts, corn, and seeds can cause an obstruction at the
stoma site. Bananas, yogurt, and white rice are generally low residue and
easier to digest.
Med-Surg HESI Real Exam 1 & 2 Test Bank |
Comprehensive 150-Question Medical-Surgical
Nursing Practice Examination with Verified Answers
and Detailed Rationales 2026–2027 | HESI Med-Surg
Exam Prep | Graded A+ | 100% Pass Guaranteed
Description: This comprehensive 150-question test bank is designed for
nursing students preparing for the Medical-Surgical HESI Exit Exam
(Versions 1 & 2). The assessment covers all major content areas
including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, renal,
neurological, musculoskeletal, and perioperative nursing care. Based on
actual HESI exam patterns and evidence-based practice, this exam tests
both foundational knowledge and clinical application expected of
competent medical-surgical nurses.
SECTION 1: QUESTIONS 1-50
Question 1
A patient with heart failure has an ejection fraction of 35%. This
indicates:
A) Diastolic heart failure
,2 | Page
B) Systolic heart failure
C) Normal cardiac function
D) Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Answer: B
Rationale: Ejection fraction (EF) measures the percentage of blood
leaving the heart each time it contracts. An EF below 40% indicates
systolic heart failure (HFrEF), where the heart muscle does not contract
effectively. Diastolic heart failure (HFpEF) typically has an EF of 50%
or higher. Normal EF is 55-70%.
---
Question 2
The nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) who is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min.
The patient's spouse asks why the oxygen flow is set so low. What is the
nurse's best response?
A) "Higher oxygen concentrations will cause the patient to stop
breathing."
B) "Low oxygen levels stimulate the hypoxic drive to breathe in these
patients."
C) "Higher oxygen concentrations are toxic to the lung tissue."
,3 | Page
D) "We are trying to prevent the patient from developing oxygen
dependence."
Answer: B
Rationale: In patients with chronic COPD, the chemoreceptors in the
brain become insensitive to high CO2 levels (hypercapnia). Instead, the
hypoxic drive (low O2) becomes the primary stimulus for respiration.
Administering high concentrations of oxygen can suppress this hypoxic
drive, leading to hypoventilation, respiratory failure, and even apnea.
The goal is to maintain SpO2 between 88-92%.
---
Question 3
A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of syndrome of inappropriate
antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse expect to find?
A) Polyuria and polydipsia
B) Hypernatremia and dry mucous membranes
C) Hyponatremia and concentrated urine
D) Hypotension and tachycardia
Answer: C
, 4 | Page
Rationale: SIADH involves the excessive release of antidiuretic
hormone (ADH), leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia
(low sodium). The urine becomes concentrated due to water
reabsorption. Polyuria and polydipsia are signs of Diabetes Insipidus.
Hypernatremia suggests dehydration. Hypotension is less common as the
patient retains fluid (euvolemic hyponatremia).
---
Question 4
The nurse is teaching a patient with a new ileostomy about diet. Which
food should the nurse instruct the patient to avoid to prevent
obstruction?
A) Bananas
B) Popcorn
C) Yogurt
D) White rice
Answer: B
Rationale: An ileostomy has a narrow lumen. High-fiber, hard-to-digest
foods like popcorn, nuts, corn, and seeds can cause an obstruction at the
stoma site. Bananas, yogurt, and white rice are generally low residue and
easier to digest.
