HESI PN Medical-Surgical Proctored Exam
| 2025–2026 Latest Edition
Real Exam Questions and Verified Answers | 100%
Correct | Nursing Exams
Introduction
This resource includes the most current and fully verified questions with correct answers for
the HESI PN Medical-Surgical Proctored Exam, aligned with the 2025–2026 testing
standards. Content is structured according to the official HESI blueprint and reflects actual
exam scenarios faced by practical nursing candidates.
Topics Covered:
• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disorders
• Renal and Urinary System Conditions
• Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders
• Neurological and Musculoskeletal Issues
• Endocrine and Immune System Disorders
• Integumentary and Sensory Conditions
• Perioperative Care and Emergency Response
• Pharmacology and Medication Safety
• Clinical Judgment and Prioritization
• Patient Teaching and Legal/Ethical Responsibilities
All answers are clearly identified in bold and green to ensure efficient review and accuracy.
Exam Questions and Answers
Question 1
Question: A client with congestive heart failure reports increased dyspnea. What should the
practical nurse do first?
A) Encourage deep breathing exercises
B) Assess lung sounds
C) Administer a bronchodilator
D) Place in a supine position
Rationale: Assessing lung sounds detects fluid accumulation, a priority in heart failure.
Question 2
Question: A client with a urinary tract infection reports burning on urination. What should
the nurse teach?
A) Restrict fluid intake
B) Increase fluid intake
C) Avoid hygiene practices
D) Use alcohol-based wipes
Rationale: Increased fluid intake flushes bacteria from the urinary tract.
,Question 3
Question: A client with type 2 diabetes has a blood glucose of 300 mg/dL. Which symptom
is expected?
A) Bradycardia
B) Increased thirst
C) Hypoglycemia symptoms
D) Weight gain
Rationale: Hyperglycemia causes thirst due to osmotic diuresis.
Question 4
Question: A nurse is caring for a client post-appendectomy. What indicates a potential
complication?
A) Mild incisional pain
B) Fever and abdominal rigidity
C) Clear urine output
D) Stable vital signs
Rationale: Fever and abdominal rigidity suggest infection or peritonitis.
Question 5
Case Study: A 55-year-old client with pneumonia presents with fever, cough, and SpO2 of
90%. Labs: WBC 15,000/mm³.
Question: Which interventions should the nurse prioritize? Select all that apply.
A) Restrict fluids
B) Administer prescribed antibiotics
C) Provide supplemental oxygen
D) Encourage ambulation immediately
E) Encourage deep breathing exercises
Rationale: Antibiotics treat infection, oxygen addresses hypoxia, and deep breathing
prevents atelectasis. Fluid restriction and early ambulation are inappropriate.
Question 6
Question: A client with a new colostomy reports skin irritation around the stoma. What
should the nurse teach?
A) Use alcohol-based cleansers
B) Clean with mild soap and water
C) Ignore the irritation
D) Apply adhesive directly to irritated skin
Rationale: Gentle cleaning with mild soap prevents further skin breakdown.
Question 7
Question: A client with atrial fibrillation is on warfarin. Which teaching is most important?
A) Increase vitamin K intake
B) Report signs of bleeding
C) Skip doses if feeling well
D) Avoid regular monitoring
,Rationale: Warfarin increases bleeding risk, requiring monitoring for bleeding signs.
Question 8
Question: A client with chronic kidney disease reports muscle cramps. What should the
nurse assess?
A) Blood glucose
B) Electrolyte levels
C) Temperature
D) Weight
Rationale: Muscle cramps may indicate electrolyte imbalances in kidney disease.
Question 9
Question: A client with a history of stroke has difficulty swallowing. What should the nurse
do?
A) Offer thin liquids
B) Position upright and assess swallowing
C) Feed in a reclined position
D) Encourage rapid feeding
Rationale: Upright positioning and swallowing assessment reduce aspiration risk.
Question 10
Question: A client with a pressure ulcer needs care. Which intervention promotes healing?
A) Massage the surrounding area
B) Keep the area moist and covered
C) Apply a dry dressing
D) Use a heating pad
Rationale: Moist, covered dressings promote healing of pressure ulcers.
Question 11
Question: A nurse is administering insulin to a client with diabetes. Which site is most
appropriate?
A) Upper arm
B) Abdomen
C) Thigh
D) Buttock
Rationale: The abdomen provides consistent absorption for insulin.
Question 12
Question: A client with COPD reports increased dyspnea. What should the nurse do first?
A) Encourage coughing
B) Assess oxygen saturation
C) Restrict fluids
D) Place in a supine position
Rationale: Assessing oxygen saturation guides interventions for dyspnea.
, Question 13
Question: A client with a history of heart failure reports weight gain. What should the nurse
do?
A) Encourage increased fluid intake
B) Notify the healthcare provider
C) Restrict all activity
D) Ignore the weight gain
Rationale: Weight gain may indicate fluid retention, requiring provider attention.
Question 14
Question: A nurse is caring for a client with a urinary catheter. What indicates a potential
infection?
A) Clear urine
B) Cloudy urine
C) Normal temperature
D) Increased appetite
Rationale: Cloudy urine suggests a urinary tract infection.
Question 15
Question: A client with a new tracheostomy reports coughing. What should the nurse do
first?
A) Suction immediately
B) Assess airway patency
C) Change the tracheostomy tube
D) Administer oxygen
Rationale: Assessing airway patency ensures the airway is clear.
Question 16
Question: A client with a history of seizures reports an aura. What should the nurse do?
A) Administer pain medication
B) Prepare for a possible seizure
C) Encourage ambulation
D) Ignore the report
Rationale: An aura often precedes a seizure, requiring preparation.
Question 17
Question: A nurse is teaching a client about preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which
is most effective?
A) Remain sedentary
B) Perform leg exercises regularly
C) Wear tight clothing
D) Avoid hydration
Rationale: Leg exercises promote circulation and prevent DVT.
| 2025–2026 Latest Edition
Real Exam Questions and Verified Answers | 100%
Correct | Nursing Exams
Introduction
This resource includes the most current and fully verified questions with correct answers for
the HESI PN Medical-Surgical Proctored Exam, aligned with the 2025–2026 testing
standards. Content is structured according to the official HESI blueprint and reflects actual
exam scenarios faced by practical nursing candidates.
Topics Covered:
• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disorders
• Renal and Urinary System Conditions
• Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders
• Neurological and Musculoskeletal Issues
• Endocrine and Immune System Disorders
• Integumentary and Sensory Conditions
• Perioperative Care and Emergency Response
• Pharmacology and Medication Safety
• Clinical Judgment and Prioritization
• Patient Teaching and Legal/Ethical Responsibilities
All answers are clearly identified in bold and green to ensure efficient review and accuracy.
Exam Questions and Answers
Question 1
Question: A client with congestive heart failure reports increased dyspnea. What should the
practical nurse do first?
A) Encourage deep breathing exercises
B) Assess lung sounds
C) Administer a bronchodilator
D) Place in a supine position
Rationale: Assessing lung sounds detects fluid accumulation, a priority in heart failure.
Question 2
Question: A client with a urinary tract infection reports burning on urination. What should
the nurse teach?
A) Restrict fluid intake
B) Increase fluid intake
C) Avoid hygiene practices
D) Use alcohol-based wipes
Rationale: Increased fluid intake flushes bacteria from the urinary tract.
,Question 3
Question: A client with type 2 diabetes has a blood glucose of 300 mg/dL. Which symptom
is expected?
A) Bradycardia
B) Increased thirst
C) Hypoglycemia symptoms
D) Weight gain
Rationale: Hyperglycemia causes thirst due to osmotic diuresis.
Question 4
Question: A nurse is caring for a client post-appendectomy. What indicates a potential
complication?
A) Mild incisional pain
B) Fever and abdominal rigidity
C) Clear urine output
D) Stable vital signs
Rationale: Fever and abdominal rigidity suggest infection or peritonitis.
Question 5
Case Study: A 55-year-old client with pneumonia presents with fever, cough, and SpO2 of
90%. Labs: WBC 15,000/mm³.
Question: Which interventions should the nurse prioritize? Select all that apply.
A) Restrict fluids
B) Administer prescribed antibiotics
C) Provide supplemental oxygen
D) Encourage ambulation immediately
E) Encourage deep breathing exercises
Rationale: Antibiotics treat infection, oxygen addresses hypoxia, and deep breathing
prevents atelectasis. Fluid restriction and early ambulation are inappropriate.
Question 6
Question: A client with a new colostomy reports skin irritation around the stoma. What
should the nurse teach?
A) Use alcohol-based cleansers
B) Clean with mild soap and water
C) Ignore the irritation
D) Apply adhesive directly to irritated skin
Rationale: Gentle cleaning with mild soap prevents further skin breakdown.
Question 7
Question: A client with atrial fibrillation is on warfarin. Which teaching is most important?
A) Increase vitamin K intake
B) Report signs of bleeding
C) Skip doses if feeling well
D) Avoid regular monitoring
,Rationale: Warfarin increases bleeding risk, requiring monitoring for bleeding signs.
Question 8
Question: A client with chronic kidney disease reports muscle cramps. What should the
nurse assess?
A) Blood glucose
B) Electrolyte levels
C) Temperature
D) Weight
Rationale: Muscle cramps may indicate electrolyte imbalances in kidney disease.
Question 9
Question: A client with a history of stroke has difficulty swallowing. What should the nurse
do?
A) Offer thin liquids
B) Position upright and assess swallowing
C) Feed in a reclined position
D) Encourage rapid feeding
Rationale: Upright positioning and swallowing assessment reduce aspiration risk.
Question 10
Question: A client with a pressure ulcer needs care. Which intervention promotes healing?
A) Massage the surrounding area
B) Keep the area moist and covered
C) Apply a dry dressing
D) Use a heating pad
Rationale: Moist, covered dressings promote healing of pressure ulcers.
Question 11
Question: A nurse is administering insulin to a client with diabetes. Which site is most
appropriate?
A) Upper arm
B) Abdomen
C) Thigh
D) Buttock
Rationale: The abdomen provides consistent absorption for insulin.
Question 12
Question: A client with COPD reports increased dyspnea. What should the nurse do first?
A) Encourage coughing
B) Assess oxygen saturation
C) Restrict fluids
D) Place in a supine position
Rationale: Assessing oxygen saturation guides interventions for dyspnea.
, Question 13
Question: A client with a history of heart failure reports weight gain. What should the nurse
do?
A) Encourage increased fluid intake
B) Notify the healthcare provider
C) Restrict all activity
D) Ignore the weight gain
Rationale: Weight gain may indicate fluid retention, requiring provider attention.
Question 14
Question: A nurse is caring for a client with a urinary catheter. What indicates a potential
infection?
A) Clear urine
B) Cloudy urine
C) Normal temperature
D) Increased appetite
Rationale: Cloudy urine suggests a urinary tract infection.
Question 15
Question: A client with a new tracheostomy reports coughing. What should the nurse do
first?
A) Suction immediately
B) Assess airway patency
C) Change the tracheostomy tube
D) Administer oxygen
Rationale: Assessing airway patency ensures the airway is clear.
Question 16
Question: A client with a history of seizures reports an aura. What should the nurse do?
A) Administer pain medication
B) Prepare for a possible seizure
C) Encourage ambulation
D) Ignore the report
Rationale: An aura often precedes a seizure, requiring preparation.
Question 17
Question: A nurse is teaching a client about preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which
is most effective?
A) Remain sedentary
B) Perform leg exercises regularly
C) Wear tight clothing
D) Avoid hydration
Rationale: Leg exercises promote circulation and prevent DVT.
