Med Surg HESI Exam 1 & 2
2026/2027 – Medical-Surgical
Nursing Questions, Answers &
Rationales Guaranteed Pass
(GRADED A+)
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which
assessment finding indicates worsening fluid overload?
A. Weight loss of 2 lb in 24 hours
B. Increased urine output
C. Crackles in both lung bases
D. Dry mucous membranes
Answer: C. Crackles in both lung bases
Rationale: Crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs, a
common sign of worsening heart failure and pulmonary
congestion.
Question 2
,A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
receiving oxygen therapy. Which oxygen saturation goal is most
appropriate?
A. 100%
B. 98%–100%
C. 88%–92%
D. Above 95%
Answer: C. 88%–92%
Rationale: Clients with COPD often require lower oxygen
saturation targets to prevent suppression of respiratory drive
while maintaining adequate oxygenation.
Question 3
Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely
for a client receiving intravenous heparin?
A. Hemoglobin
B. Platelet count
C. aPTT
D. Sodium level
Answer: C. aPTT
Rationale: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is used
to monitor the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of heparin
therapy.
,Question 4
A client with diabetes mellitus reports shakiness and sweating.
What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Check blood glucose level
B. Administer insulin
C. Encourage exercise
D. Restrict fluids
Answer: A. Check blood glucose level
Rationale: These symptoms suggest hypoglycemia. The nurse
should first assess blood glucose to confirm the condition and
guide treatment.
Question 5
Which finding is most concerning in a client 24 hours after
abdominal surgery?
A. Pain rated 4/10
B. Temperature of 101.8°F (38.8°C)
C. Mild incisional tenderness
D. Decreased appetite
Answer: B. Temperature of 101.8°F (38.8°C)
Rationale: A significant fever after surgery may indicate
infection and requires prompt evaluation.
, Question 6
A nurse is teaching a client about deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
prevention. Which intervention should be included?
A. Limit fluid intake
B. Maintain bed rest
C. Perform leg exercises regularly
D. Avoid ambulation
Answer: C. Perform leg exercises regularly
Rationale: Leg exercises improve venous return and reduce the
risk of clot formation.
Question 7
Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with
prolonged vomiting?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: B. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Vomiting causes loss of potassium-rich gastric
contents, often leading to hypokalemia.
Question 8
2026/2027 – Medical-Surgical
Nursing Questions, Answers &
Rationales Guaranteed Pass
(GRADED A+)
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which
assessment finding indicates worsening fluid overload?
A. Weight loss of 2 lb in 24 hours
B. Increased urine output
C. Crackles in both lung bases
D. Dry mucous membranes
Answer: C. Crackles in both lung bases
Rationale: Crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs, a
common sign of worsening heart failure and pulmonary
congestion.
Question 2
,A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
receiving oxygen therapy. Which oxygen saturation goal is most
appropriate?
A. 100%
B. 98%–100%
C. 88%–92%
D. Above 95%
Answer: C. 88%–92%
Rationale: Clients with COPD often require lower oxygen
saturation targets to prevent suppression of respiratory drive
while maintaining adequate oxygenation.
Question 3
Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely
for a client receiving intravenous heparin?
A. Hemoglobin
B. Platelet count
C. aPTT
D. Sodium level
Answer: C. aPTT
Rationale: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is used
to monitor the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of heparin
therapy.
,Question 4
A client with diabetes mellitus reports shakiness and sweating.
What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Check blood glucose level
B. Administer insulin
C. Encourage exercise
D. Restrict fluids
Answer: A. Check blood glucose level
Rationale: These symptoms suggest hypoglycemia. The nurse
should first assess blood glucose to confirm the condition and
guide treatment.
Question 5
Which finding is most concerning in a client 24 hours after
abdominal surgery?
A. Pain rated 4/10
B. Temperature of 101.8°F (38.8°C)
C. Mild incisional tenderness
D. Decreased appetite
Answer: B. Temperature of 101.8°F (38.8°C)
Rationale: A significant fever after surgery may indicate
infection and requires prompt evaluation.
, Question 6
A nurse is teaching a client about deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
prevention. Which intervention should be included?
A. Limit fluid intake
B. Maintain bed rest
C. Perform leg exercises regularly
D. Avoid ambulation
Answer: C. Perform leg exercises regularly
Rationale: Leg exercises improve venous return and reduce the
risk of clot formation.
Question 7
Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with
prolonged vomiting?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: B. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Vomiting causes loss of potassium-rich gastric
contents, often leading to hypokalemia.
Question 8
