BSN 246 HESI-RN Med-Surg Practice Exam 2026-2027 |
80 Questions with Detailed Rationales | Latest Updated
Version
This exam contains :
Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- HESI Exam Preparation
- NCLEX-RN Review
- Nursing School Study Guides
### Question 1
A client with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which finding
indicates digoxin toxicity?
A. Heart rate of 72 beats/min
B. Serum potassium of 4.0 mEq/L
C. Yellow-green halos around lights
D. Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Yellow-green halos around lights (xanthopsia) are a
classic sign of digoxin toxicity. Options A, B, and D are within normal
limits and do not indicate toxicity.
,---
### Question 2
The nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis. Which position
should the nurse encourage to minimize pain?
A. Lying flat in a supine position
B. Sitting upright and leaning forward
C. Lying on the right side with knees bent
D. Trendelenburg position
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Clients with acute pancreatitis often find relief by
sitting upright and leaning forward, which decreases tension on the
pancreas and reduces pain. Option A increases abdominal pressure.
Options C and D do not provide the same relief.
---
### Question 3
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a
respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min and oxygen saturation of 88%.
Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
B. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe
,C. Place the client in a high Fowler's position
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Positioning the client in high Fowler's position
promotes maximum lung expansion and improves ventilation. Option
A should be implemented with caution in COPD clients as high oxygen
levels can decrease respiratory drive. Option B is important but not
the priority. Option D should occur after implementing immediate
interventions.
---
### Question 4
The nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about dietary
modifications. Which food selection indicates the client understands
the teaching?
A. Canned vegetable soup
B. Fresh grilled salmon
C. Pickled cucumbers
D. Salted pretzels
**Correct Answer: B**
, **Rationale:** Fresh grilled salmon is low in sodium and high in
omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Options A,
C, and D are high in sodium and should be avoided by clients with
hypertension.
---
### Question 5
A client is admitted with suspected pulmonary embolism. Which
assessment finding is most consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Bradypnea and bradycardia
B. Sudden onset of pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea
C. Gradual onset of productive cough and fever
D. Pain relieved by leaning forward
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Sudden onset of pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea are
classic manifestations of pulmonary embolism. Option A is incorrect
as tachycardia and tachypnea are expected. Option C suggests
pneumonia. Option D is associated with pericarditis.
---
### Question 6
80 Questions with Detailed Rationales | Latest Updated
Version
This exam contains :
Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- HESI Exam Preparation
- NCLEX-RN Review
- Nursing School Study Guides
### Question 1
A client with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which finding
indicates digoxin toxicity?
A. Heart rate of 72 beats/min
B. Serum potassium of 4.0 mEq/L
C. Yellow-green halos around lights
D. Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Yellow-green halos around lights (xanthopsia) are a
classic sign of digoxin toxicity. Options A, B, and D are within normal
limits and do not indicate toxicity.
,---
### Question 2
The nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis. Which position
should the nurse encourage to minimize pain?
A. Lying flat in a supine position
B. Sitting upright and leaning forward
C. Lying on the right side with knees bent
D. Trendelenburg position
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Clients with acute pancreatitis often find relief by
sitting upright and leaning forward, which decreases tension on the
pancreas and reduces pain. Option A increases abdominal pressure.
Options C and D do not provide the same relief.
---
### Question 3
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a
respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min and oxygen saturation of 88%.
Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
B. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe
,C. Place the client in a high Fowler's position
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Positioning the client in high Fowler's position
promotes maximum lung expansion and improves ventilation. Option
A should be implemented with caution in COPD clients as high oxygen
levels can decrease respiratory drive. Option B is important but not
the priority. Option D should occur after implementing immediate
interventions.
---
### Question 4
The nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about dietary
modifications. Which food selection indicates the client understands
the teaching?
A. Canned vegetable soup
B. Fresh grilled salmon
C. Pickled cucumbers
D. Salted pretzels
**Correct Answer: B**
, **Rationale:** Fresh grilled salmon is low in sodium and high in
omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Options A,
C, and D are high in sodium and should be avoided by clients with
hypertension.
---
### Question 5
A client is admitted with suspected pulmonary embolism. Which
assessment finding is most consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Bradypnea and bradycardia
B. Sudden onset of pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea
C. Gradual onset of productive cough and fever
D. Pain relieved by leaning forward
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Sudden onset of pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea are
classic manifestations of pulmonary embolism. Option A is incorrect
as tachycardia and tachypnea are expected. Option C suggests
pneumonia. Option D is associated with pericarditis.
---
### Question 6
