EVOLVE ELSEVIER HESI MED SURG ACTUAL EXAM WITH 50 REAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH WELL-ELABORATED
RATIONALES/ EVOLVE HESI MEDICAL SURGICAL LATEST EXAM 2025
Question 1:
A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD). Which of the following findings should the nurse
expect?
A) Hyperventilation
B) Decreased breath sounds
C) Increased tactile fremitus
D) Clear lung sounds
Answer: B) Decreased breath sounds
Rationale:
In COPD, chronic inflammation and narrowing of the airways lead to a
reduction in airflow, causing decreased breath sounds. This is typically
due to the trapped air and reduced airflow in the lungs.
Hyperventilation (A) is uncommon in COPD; increased tactile fremitus
(C) and clear lung sounds (D) are not typically seen.
Question 2:
A nurse is caring for a client post-lumbar laminectomy. Which of the
following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
A) Administering pain medication
B) Encouraging deep breathing exercises
C) Monitoring for signs of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
D) Assisting the client to ambulate
,Answer: C) Monitoring for signs of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
Rationale:
Following a lumbar laminectomy, the most important priority is to
monitor for complications such as a CSF leak, which can occur if the
dural sac is punctured. Symptoms of a CSF leak include headache, clear
drainage from the surgical site, or a sudden drop in blood pressure. Pain
management (A), deep breathing exercises (B), and ambulation (D) are
also important but not the priority in the immediate post-operative
period.
Question 3:
A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes mellitus and reports feeling
lightheaded after exercising. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take first?
A) Provide the client with a carbohydrate snack
B) Administer an insulin injection
C) Monitor the client’s blood glucose level
D) Offer the client a glass of water
Answer: C) Monitor the client’s blood glucose level
Rationale:
When a client with diabetes feels lightheaded after exercise, the first
step is to monitor the blood glucose level. Hypoglycemia can occur after
exercise, and knowing the blood glucose level will guide appropriate
interventions, such as providing a carbohydrate snack (A) if
hypoglycemia is present.
Question 4:
, A nurse is caring for a client with a new diagnosis of heart failure. The
nurse teaches the client about dietary restrictions. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates a need for further
teaching?
A) "I will limit my salt intake."
B) "I will avoid eating processed foods."
C) "I should eat more foods high in potassium."
D) "I can eat as much sugar as I want."
Answer: D) "I can eat as much sugar as I want."
Rationale:
Clients with heart failure should manage their diet to control fluid
retention and overall health. While limiting salt (A), avoiding processed
foods (B), and consuming potassium-rich foods (C) are all correct, there
is no indication that they can eat excessive sugar. Excessive sugar can
contribute to weight gain and poor glycemic control, which can worsen
heart failure.
Question 5:
A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of hypertension and is
receiving an antihypertensive medication. Which of the following
assessments is most important to monitor?
A) Temperature
B) Heart rate
C) Blood pressure
D) Respiratory rate
Answer: C) Blood pressure
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH WELL-ELABORATED
RATIONALES/ EVOLVE HESI MEDICAL SURGICAL LATEST EXAM 2025
Question 1:
A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD). Which of the following findings should the nurse
expect?
A) Hyperventilation
B) Decreased breath sounds
C) Increased tactile fremitus
D) Clear lung sounds
Answer: B) Decreased breath sounds
Rationale:
In COPD, chronic inflammation and narrowing of the airways lead to a
reduction in airflow, causing decreased breath sounds. This is typically
due to the trapped air and reduced airflow in the lungs.
Hyperventilation (A) is uncommon in COPD; increased tactile fremitus
(C) and clear lung sounds (D) are not typically seen.
Question 2:
A nurse is caring for a client post-lumbar laminectomy. Which of the
following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
A) Administering pain medication
B) Encouraging deep breathing exercises
C) Monitoring for signs of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
D) Assisting the client to ambulate
,Answer: C) Monitoring for signs of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
Rationale:
Following a lumbar laminectomy, the most important priority is to
monitor for complications such as a CSF leak, which can occur if the
dural sac is punctured. Symptoms of a CSF leak include headache, clear
drainage from the surgical site, or a sudden drop in blood pressure. Pain
management (A), deep breathing exercises (B), and ambulation (D) are
also important but not the priority in the immediate post-operative
period.
Question 3:
A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes mellitus and reports feeling
lightheaded after exercising. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take first?
A) Provide the client with a carbohydrate snack
B) Administer an insulin injection
C) Monitor the client’s blood glucose level
D) Offer the client a glass of water
Answer: C) Monitor the client’s blood glucose level
Rationale:
When a client with diabetes feels lightheaded after exercise, the first
step is to monitor the blood glucose level. Hypoglycemia can occur after
exercise, and knowing the blood glucose level will guide appropriate
interventions, such as providing a carbohydrate snack (A) if
hypoglycemia is present.
Question 4:
, A nurse is caring for a client with a new diagnosis of heart failure. The
nurse teaches the client about dietary restrictions. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates a need for further
teaching?
A) "I will limit my salt intake."
B) "I will avoid eating processed foods."
C) "I should eat more foods high in potassium."
D) "I can eat as much sugar as I want."
Answer: D) "I can eat as much sugar as I want."
Rationale:
Clients with heart failure should manage their diet to control fluid
retention and overall health. While limiting salt (A), avoiding processed
foods (B), and consuming potassium-rich foods (C) are all correct, there
is no indication that they can eat excessive sugar. Excessive sugar can
contribute to weight gain and poor glycemic control, which can worsen
heart failure.
Question 5:
A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of hypertension and is
receiving an antihypertensive medication. Which of the following
assessments is most important to monitor?
A) Temperature
B) Heart rate
C) Blood pressure
D) Respiratory rate
Answer: C) Blood pressure
