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Herzing NSG 233 / NSG233 HESI
Exam 2026/2027 | Medical-Surgical
Nursing II |Q&A with Rationales
Grade A | Verified Solutions
Exam Structure:
Subject: Medical-Surgical Nursing
Source: NSG 233 HESI Exam Review (Herzing University)
Format: Short Answer and Fill-in-the-Blank
1. HIV CD4 count - pathology? Importance of the cells?
Correct Answer: An HIV CD4 count is a laboratory test that measures the
number of CD4 T-cells in a patient's blood. These cells play a crucial role in
the immune system and are targeted by the HIV virus.
Rationale:
1. *CD4 T-cells are a type of lymphocyte that coordinate the immune
response.*
2. HIV specifically infects and destroys CD4 cells, leading to
immunosuppression.
3. The CD4 count is a key indicator of immune function in HIV patients.
2. What info does the HIV count provide? What does it monitor?
Correct Answer: Provides information about the status of a patient's
immune system and helps to guide treatment decisions. It is used to
monitor the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of
antiretroviral therapy.
Rationale:
1. The CD4 count reflects the degree of immune suppression.
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2. It helps determine when to initiate prophylactic medications for
opportunistic infections.
3. Trends in CD4 count over time indicate response to antiretroviral
therapy (ART).
3. What does a low CD4 count indicate?
Correct Answer: A low CD4 count indicates that a patient's immune
system is severely compromised, making them more vulnerable to
opportunistic infections and other complications associated with HIV.
Rationale:
1. *A normal CD4 count ranges from 500 to 1500 cells/mm³.*
2. *A count below 200 cells/mm³ defines AIDS and indicates high risk
for opportunistic infections.*
4. What are the common sources of poisoning in the home?
Correct Answer: pesticides, medications, carbon monoxide, and lead
Rationale:
1. Household chemicals and pesticides are frequent sources of toxic
exposure.
2. Medications, especially when accessible to children, can cause
accidental overdose.
3. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas from faulty appliances.
4. Lead-based paint in older homes is a source of lead poisoning.
5. Poisoning s/s
Correct Answer: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, seizures,
and respiratory distress
Rationale:
1. Symptoms vary widely depending on the toxin.
2. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common with ingested poisons.
3. Neurological symptoms (confusion, seizures) indicate central nervous
system involvement.
4. Respiratory distress may occur from inhalation or metabolic effects.
6. What should you do in a poisoning situation?
Correct Answer: call the Poison Control Center or emergency services
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immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a
medical professional.
Rationale:
1. *Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) provides expert guidance.*
2. Inducing vomiting can cause further injury (aspiration, caustic injury).
3. Treatment depends on the specific poison and route of exposure.
7. AIDS-dementia
Correct Answer: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), is a
neurological disorder that affects individuals with advanced HIV infection.
Rationale:
1. HAND is caused by direct HIV infection of the brain and inflammation.
2. It ranges from mild cognitive impairment to severe dementia.
8. AIDS-dementia s/s
Correct Answer: cognitive impairment, memory loss, difficulty with
speech and motor skills, and behavioral changes
Rationale:
1. Symptoms result from damage to brain regions involved in cognition
and movement.
2. Behavioral changes can include apathy, irritability, and social
withdrawal.
9. AIDS-dementia tx?
Correct Answer: antiretroviral therapy to control the underlying HIV
infection, as well as medications to manage the symptoms of the
neurological disorder
Rationale:
1. Effective ART can prevent and sometimes reverse HAND.
2. Symptomatic treatment may include antipsychotics or antidepressants.
10. Heat stroke
Correct Answer: a medical emergency that occurs when the body's
temperature regulation system fails, resulting in a dangerously high body
temperature.
Rationale:
1. Core body temperature rises above 40°C (104°F).
Herzing NSG 233 / NSG233 HESI
Exam 2026/2027 | Medical-Surgical
Nursing II |Q&A with Rationales
Grade A | Verified Solutions
Exam Structure:
Subject: Medical-Surgical Nursing
Source: NSG 233 HESI Exam Review (Herzing University)
Format: Short Answer and Fill-in-the-Blank
1. HIV CD4 count - pathology? Importance of the cells?
Correct Answer: An HIV CD4 count is a laboratory test that measures the
number of CD4 T-cells in a patient's blood. These cells play a crucial role in
the immune system and are targeted by the HIV virus.
Rationale:
1. *CD4 T-cells are a type of lymphocyte that coordinate the immune
response.*
2. HIV specifically infects and destroys CD4 cells, leading to
immunosuppression.
3. The CD4 count is a key indicator of immune function in HIV patients.
2. What info does the HIV count provide? What does it monitor?
Correct Answer: Provides information about the status of a patient's
immune system and helps to guide treatment decisions. It is used to
monitor the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of
antiretroviral therapy.
Rationale:
1. The CD4 count reflects the degree of immune suppression.
, 2|Page
2. It helps determine when to initiate prophylactic medications for
opportunistic infections.
3. Trends in CD4 count over time indicate response to antiretroviral
therapy (ART).
3. What does a low CD4 count indicate?
Correct Answer: A low CD4 count indicates that a patient's immune
system is severely compromised, making them more vulnerable to
opportunistic infections and other complications associated with HIV.
Rationale:
1. *A normal CD4 count ranges from 500 to 1500 cells/mm³.*
2. *A count below 200 cells/mm³ defines AIDS and indicates high risk
for opportunistic infections.*
4. What are the common sources of poisoning in the home?
Correct Answer: pesticides, medications, carbon monoxide, and lead
Rationale:
1. Household chemicals and pesticides are frequent sources of toxic
exposure.
2. Medications, especially when accessible to children, can cause
accidental overdose.
3. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas from faulty appliances.
4. Lead-based paint in older homes is a source of lead poisoning.
5. Poisoning s/s
Correct Answer: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, seizures,
and respiratory distress
Rationale:
1. Symptoms vary widely depending on the toxin.
2. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common with ingested poisons.
3. Neurological symptoms (confusion, seizures) indicate central nervous
system involvement.
4. Respiratory distress may occur from inhalation or metabolic effects.
6. What should you do in a poisoning situation?
Correct Answer: call the Poison Control Center or emergency services
, 3|Page
immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a
medical professional.
Rationale:
1. *Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) provides expert guidance.*
2. Inducing vomiting can cause further injury (aspiration, caustic injury).
3. Treatment depends on the specific poison and route of exposure.
7. AIDS-dementia
Correct Answer: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), is a
neurological disorder that affects individuals with advanced HIV infection.
Rationale:
1. HAND is caused by direct HIV infection of the brain and inflammation.
2. It ranges from mild cognitive impairment to severe dementia.
8. AIDS-dementia s/s
Correct Answer: cognitive impairment, memory loss, difficulty with
speech and motor skills, and behavioral changes
Rationale:
1. Symptoms result from damage to brain regions involved in cognition
and movement.
2. Behavioral changes can include apathy, irritability, and social
withdrawal.
9. AIDS-dementia tx?
Correct Answer: antiretroviral therapy to control the underlying HIV
infection, as well as medications to manage the symptoms of the
neurological disorder
Rationale:
1. Effective ART can prevent and sometimes reverse HAND.
2. Symptomatic treatment may include antipsychotics or antidepressants.
10. Heat stroke
Correct Answer: a medical emergency that occurs when the body's
temperature regulation system fails, resulting in a dangerously high body
temperature.
Rationale:
1. Core body temperature rises above 40°C (104°F).
