BSN 246 HESI-RN Med-Surg Exam 2026-2027 | Complete
Questions & Detailed Rationales | Latest Update
## Edition: 2026-2027 Updated Version
## Category: Nursing - Medical-Surgical Nursing
### Question 1
A client in the emergency department is bleeding profusely from a
gunshot wound to the abdomen. What action should the nurse
immediately take?
A. Place the client in a 45-degree Trendelenburg position to promote
cerebral blood flow.
B. Turn the client prone to place pressure on the abdominal wound to
help staunch the bleeding.
C. Maintain the client in a supine position to reduce diaphragmatic
pressure and visualize the wound.
D. Put the client on the right side to apply pressure to the liver and
spleen to stop hemorrhaging.
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Placing the client in a supine position reduces
diaphragmatic pressure, thereby enhancing oxygenation, and allows
for visualization of the abdominal wound. Option A compromises
diaphragmatic expansion and inhibits pressoreceptor activity. Option
B places the client at risk of evisceration of the abdominal wound and
,increased bleeding. Option D will not stop internal bleeding in the
liver and spleen caused by the gunshot wound.
---
### Question 2
The client is return demonstrating wrapping of the left limb
amputated above the knee. The nurse evaluates the client is starting
the wrapping method correctly when the client places the end of the
bandage at which point?
A. Around the waist
B. At the inner aspect of the left stump
C. At the outer aspect of the left stump
D. At the left groin area
**Correct Answer: A**
**Rationale:** The waist is the anchor point for the bandage for an
above-the-knee amputation.
---
### Question 3
A postoperative client receives a Schedule II opioid analgesic for pain.
Which assessment finding requires the most immediate intervention
by the nurse?
,A. Hypoactive bowel sounds with abdominal distention
B. Client reports continued pain of 8 on a 10-point scale
C. Respiratory rate of 12 breaths/min, with O2 saturation of 85%
D. Client reports nausea after receiving the medication
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Administration of a Schedule II opioid analgesic can
result in respiratory depression, which requires immediate
intervention by the nurse to prevent respiratory arrest. Options A, B,
and D require action by the nurse but are of less priority than option
C.
---
### Question 4
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.
**Correct Answer: D**
**Rationale:** Changes in pulse rate and/or rhythm may indicate
pacemaker failure. Feelings of dizziness may be caused by a decreased
heart rate, leading to decreased cardiac output. The rate of a
pacemaker is not changed by a client, although the client may be
familiar with this procedure as explained by the healthcare provider.
Option B is an important step in preparing the client for discharge but
does not demonstrate knowledge of the symptoms of pacemaker
failure. Option C indicates symptoms of possible incisional infection or
irritation but does not indicate pacemaker failure.
---
### Question 5
Which consideration is most important when the nurse is assigning a
room for a client being admitted with progressive systemic sclerosis
(scleroderma)?
A. Provide a room that can be kept warm.
B. Make sure that the room can be kept dark.
C. Keep the client close to the nursing unit.
D. Select a room that is visible from the nurses' desk.
**Correct Answer: A**
Questions & Detailed Rationales | Latest Update
## Edition: 2026-2027 Updated Version
## Category: Nursing - Medical-Surgical Nursing
### Question 1
A client in the emergency department is bleeding profusely from a
gunshot wound to the abdomen. What action should the nurse
immediately take?
A. Place the client in a 45-degree Trendelenburg position to promote
cerebral blood flow.
B. Turn the client prone to place pressure on the abdominal wound to
help staunch the bleeding.
C. Maintain the client in a supine position to reduce diaphragmatic
pressure and visualize the wound.
D. Put the client on the right side to apply pressure to the liver and
spleen to stop hemorrhaging.
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Placing the client in a supine position reduces
diaphragmatic pressure, thereby enhancing oxygenation, and allows
for visualization of the abdominal wound. Option A compromises
diaphragmatic expansion and inhibits pressoreceptor activity. Option
B places the client at risk of evisceration of the abdominal wound and
,increased bleeding. Option D will not stop internal bleeding in the
liver and spleen caused by the gunshot wound.
---
### Question 2
The client is return demonstrating wrapping of the left limb
amputated above the knee. The nurse evaluates the client is starting
the wrapping method correctly when the client places the end of the
bandage at which point?
A. Around the waist
B. At the inner aspect of the left stump
C. At the outer aspect of the left stump
D. At the left groin area
**Correct Answer: A**
**Rationale:** The waist is the anchor point for the bandage for an
above-the-knee amputation.
---
### Question 3
A postoperative client receives a Schedule II opioid analgesic for pain.
Which assessment finding requires the most immediate intervention
by the nurse?
,A. Hypoactive bowel sounds with abdominal distention
B. Client reports continued pain of 8 on a 10-point scale
C. Respiratory rate of 12 breaths/min, with O2 saturation of 85%
D. Client reports nausea after receiving the medication
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Administration of a Schedule II opioid analgesic can
result in respiratory depression, which requires immediate
intervention by the nurse to prevent respiratory arrest. Options A, B,
and D require action by the nurse but are of less priority than option
C.
---
### Question 4
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.
**Correct Answer: D**
**Rationale:** Changes in pulse rate and/or rhythm may indicate
pacemaker failure. Feelings of dizziness may be caused by a decreased
heart rate, leading to decreased cardiac output. The rate of a
pacemaker is not changed by a client, although the client may be
familiar with this procedure as explained by the healthcare provider.
Option B is an important step in preparing the client for discharge but
does not demonstrate knowledge of the symptoms of pacemaker
failure. Option C indicates symptoms of possible incisional infection or
irritation but does not indicate pacemaker failure.
---
### Question 5
Which consideration is most important when the nurse is assigning a
room for a client being admitted with progressive systemic sclerosis
(scleroderma)?
A. Provide a room that can be kept warm.
B. Make sure that the room can be kept dark.
C. Keep the client close to the nursing unit.
D. Select a room that is visible from the nurses' desk.
**Correct Answer: A**
