HESI Med Surg 1 2026/2027 Questions and Verified Answers, 100% Guarantee Pass

HESI Med Surg 1

The nurse observes ventricular fibrillation on telemetry and, on entering the client's bathroom,
finds the client unconscious on the floor. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A.
Administer an antidysrhythmic medication.
B.
Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
C.
Defibrillate the client at 200 J.
D.
Assess the client's pulse oximetry. - ANSB.
Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Rationale:
Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening dysrhythmia, and CPR should be started immediately
(B). (A and C) are appropriate, but CPR is the priority action. The client is dying, and (D) does
not address the seriousness of this situation.

The nurse assesses a client who has been prescribed furosemide (Lasix) for cardiac disease.
Which electrocardiographic change would be a concern for a client taking a diuretic?
A.
Tall, spiked T waves
B.
A prolonged QT interval
C.
A widening QRS complex
D.
Presence of a U wave - ANSD.
Presence of a U wave

Rationale:
A U wave (D) is a positive deflection following the T wave and is often present with hypokalemia
(low potassium level). (A, B, and C) are all signs of hyperkalemia.

A 43-year-old homeless, malnourished female client with a history of alcoholism is transferred to
the ICU. She is placed on telemetry, and the rhythm strip shown is obtained. The nurse palpates
a heart rate of 160 beats/min, and the client's blood pressure is 90/54 mm Hg. Based on these
findings, which IV medication should the nurse administer?
A.
Amiodarone (Cordarone)
B.

,Magnesium sulfate
C.
Lidocaine (Xylocaine)
D.
Procainamide (Pronestyl) - ANSB.
Magnesium sulfate

Rationale:
Because the client has chronic alcoholism, she is likely to have hypomagnesemia. (B) is the
recommended drug for torsades de pointes, which is a form of polymorphic ventricular
tachycardia (VT) usually associated with a prolonged QT interval that occurs with
hypomagnesemia. (A and D) increase the QT interval, which can cause the torsades to worsen.
(C) is the antiarrhythmic of choice in most cases of drug-induced monomorphic VT, not
torsades.

When developing a discharge teaching plan for a client after the insertion of a permanent
pacemaker, the nurse writes a goal of "The client will verbalize symptoms of pacemaker failure."
Which behavior indicates that the goal has been met?
A.
The client demonstrates the procedures to change the rate of the pacemaker using a magnet.
B.
The client carries a card in his wallet stating the type and serial number of the pacemaker.
C.
The client tells the nurse that it is important to report redness and tenderness at the insertion
site.
D.
The client states that changes in the pulse and feelings of dizziness are significant changes. -
ANSD.
The client states that changes in the pulse and feelings of dizziness are significant changes.

Rationale:
Changes in pulse rate and/or rhythm may indicate pacer failure. Feelings of dizziness may be
caused by a decreased heart rate, leading to decreased cardiac output (D). The rate of a
pacemaker is not changed by a client, although the client may be familiar with this procedure as
explained by his health care provider (A). (B) is an important step in preparing the client for
discharge but does not demonstrate knowledge of the symptoms of pacer failure. (C) indicates
symptoms of possible incisional infection or irritation but do not indicate pacer failure.

The nurse teaches a client with type 2 diabetes nutritional strategies to decrease obesity. Which
food item(s) chosen by the client indicates understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
A.
White bread
B.
Salmon

, C.
Broccoli
D.
Whole milk
E.
Banana - ANSB
Salmon

C
Broccoli

E.
Banana

Rationale:
(B, C, and E) provide fresh fruits, lean meats and fish, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat
dairy products. All are recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and are a
part of the My Plate guidelines recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Whole milk (D) is high in fat and is not recommended by ADA. White bread is milled, a process
that removes the essential nutrients. It should be avoided for weight loss and is a poor choice
for the client with diabetes (A).

A client diagnosed with angina pectoris complains of chest pain while ambulating in the hallway.
Which action should the nurse implement first?
A.
Support the client to a sitting position.
B.
Ask the client to walk slowly back to the room.
C.
Administer a sublingual nitroglycerin tablet.
D.
Provide oxygen via nasal cannula. - ANSA.
Support the client to a sitting position.

Rationale:
The nurse should safely assist the client to a resting position (A) and then perform (C and D).
The client must cease all activity immediately, which will decrease the oxygen requirement of
the myocardial muscle. After these interventions are implemented, the client can be escorted
back to the room via wheelchair or stretcher (B).

After attending a class on reducing cancer risk factors, a client selects bran flakes with 2% milk
and orange slices from a breakfast menu. In evaluating the client's learning, the nurse affirms
that the client has made good choices and makes what additional recommendation?
A.