EVOLVE ELSEVIER HESI MED SURG
2026 TEST BANK| REAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
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 states that he will check his pulse each day
B) The client states that changes in the pulse and feelings of dizziness are significant changes
C) The client states that he will avoid large magnetic fields
D) The client states that he will notify the dentist about the pacemaker
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Symptoms of pacemaker failure include dizziness, weakness, chest pain, and
irregular heartbeat or changes in heart rate. Verbalizing awareness of pulse changes and dizziness
indicates understanding (B).
A 43-year-old homeless, malnourished female client with a history of alcoholism is transferred to
the ICU. She is placed on telemetry, and the rhythm strip shown is obtained. The nurse palpates a
heart rate of 160 beats/min, and the client's blood pressure is 90/54 mm Hg. Based on these
findings, which IV medication should the nurse administer?
A) Lidocaine
B) Atropine
C) Adenosine
D) Magnesium sulfate
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The scenario suggests ventricular tachycardia, often associated with
hypomagnesemia in malnourished alcoholics. Magnesium sulfate (D) is the treatment.
,The nurse assesses a postoperative client whose skin is cool, pale, and moist. The client is very
restless and has scant urine output. Oxygen is being administered at 2 L/min, and a saline lock is
in place. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A) Measure the urine specific gravity
B) Obtain IV fluids for infusion per protocol
C) Prepare for insertion of a central venous catheter
D) Auscultate the client's breath sounds
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Signs of hypovolemic shock require immediate IV fluids (B) to restore perfusion.
An older male client comes to the outpatient clinic complaining of pain in his left calf. The nurse
notices a reddened area on the calf of his right leg that is warm to the touch, and the nurse
suspects that the client may have thrombophlebitis. Which additional assessment is most
important for the nurse to perform?
A) Measure the client's calf
B) Obtain the client's blood pressure
C) Auscultate the client's breath sounds
D) Palpate the client's pedal pulses
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Thrombophlebitis risks pulmonary embolism; assess lungs (C) for PE signs.
The nurse is conducting an osteoporosis screening clinic at a health fair. What information
should the nurse provide to individuals who are at risk for osteoporosis? (Select all that apply.)
A) Encourage alcohol and smoking cessation
B) Suggest supplementing diet with vitamin E
C) Promote regular weight-bearing exercises
D) Implement a home safety plan to prevent falls
E) Propose a regular sleep pattern of 8 hours nightly
,Correct Answer: A, C, D
Explanation: Cessation of alcohol/smoking (A), weight-bearing exercise (C), and fall prevention
(D) reduce osteoporosis risk.
A 25-year-old client was admitted yesterday after a motor vehicle collision. Neurodiagnostic
studies have shown a basal skull fracture in the middle fossa. Assessment on admission revealed
both halo and Battle signs. Which new symptom indicates that the client is likely to be
experiencing a common life-threatening complication associated with a basal skull fracture?
A) Frequent position changes during the day
B) Oral temperature of 102° F
C) Cognitive changes
D) Bilateral wrist pain
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Fever (B) indicates infection like meningitis, common in basal fractures.
The nurse is caring for a client with a fractured right elbow. Which assessment finding has the
highest priority and requires immediate intervention?
A) Ecchymosis over the fractured site
B) Complaints of severe pain
C) Deep unrelenting pain in the right arm
D) Fingertips cool to touch
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Deep pain (C) suggests compartment syndrome, requiring urgent intervention.
The home health nurse is assessing a male client being treated for Parkinson's disease with
carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet). The nurse observes that he does not demonstrate any apparent
emotion when speaking and rarely blinks. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
A) Assess for other signs of depression
B) Recommend a referral to a psychologist
, C) Document the presence of these assessment findings
D) Notify the healthcare provider of the findings immediately
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Mask-like face and reduced blinking are typical in Parkinson's; document (C).
Based on the clinical manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, which nursing intervention would
be appropriate for a client who is newly diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome?
A) Monitor fluid intake and output
B) Encourage a low-sodium diet
C) Monitor blood glucose levels daily
D) Restrict protein intake
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hyperglycemia common; monitor glucose (C).
A client diagnosed with angina pectoris complains of chest pain while ambulating in the hallway.
Which action should the nurse implement first?
A) Support the client to a sitting position
B) Ask the client to walk slowly back to the room
C) Administer a sublingual nitroglycerin tablet
D) Provide oxygen via nasal cannula
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rest immediately (A) to reduce oxygen demand.
Seconal, 0.1 g PRN at bedtime, is prescribed for rest. The scored tablets are labeled grain 1.5 per
tablet. How many tablets should the nurse plan to administer?
A) 0.5 tablet
B) 1 tablet
C) 1.5 tablets
2026 TEST BANK| REAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
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 states that he will check his pulse each day
B) The client states that changes in the pulse and feelings of dizziness are significant changes
C) The client states that he will avoid large magnetic fields
D) The client states that he will notify the dentist about the pacemaker
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Symptoms of pacemaker failure include dizziness, weakness, chest pain, and
irregular heartbeat or changes in heart rate. Verbalizing awareness of pulse changes and dizziness
indicates understanding (B).
A 43-year-old homeless, malnourished female client with a history of alcoholism is transferred to
the ICU. She is placed on telemetry, and the rhythm strip shown is obtained. The nurse palpates a
heart rate of 160 beats/min, and the client's blood pressure is 90/54 mm Hg. Based on these
findings, which IV medication should the nurse administer?
A) Lidocaine
B) Atropine
C) Adenosine
D) Magnesium sulfate
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The scenario suggests ventricular tachycardia, often associated with
hypomagnesemia in malnourished alcoholics. Magnesium sulfate (D) is the treatment.
,The nurse assesses a postoperative client whose skin is cool, pale, and moist. The client is very
restless and has scant urine output. Oxygen is being administered at 2 L/min, and a saline lock is
in place. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A) Measure the urine specific gravity
B) Obtain IV fluids for infusion per protocol
C) Prepare for insertion of a central venous catheter
D) Auscultate the client's breath sounds
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Signs of hypovolemic shock require immediate IV fluids (B) to restore perfusion.
An older male client comes to the outpatient clinic complaining of pain in his left calf. The nurse
notices a reddened area on the calf of his right leg that is warm to the touch, and the nurse
suspects that the client may have thrombophlebitis. Which additional assessment is most
important for the nurse to perform?
A) Measure the client's calf
B) Obtain the client's blood pressure
C) Auscultate the client's breath sounds
D) Palpate the client's pedal pulses
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Thrombophlebitis risks pulmonary embolism; assess lungs (C) for PE signs.
The nurse is conducting an osteoporosis screening clinic at a health fair. What information
should the nurse provide to individuals who are at risk for osteoporosis? (Select all that apply.)
A) Encourage alcohol and smoking cessation
B) Suggest supplementing diet with vitamin E
C) Promote regular weight-bearing exercises
D) Implement a home safety plan to prevent falls
E) Propose a regular sleep pattern of 8 hours nightly
,Correct Answer: A, C, D
Explanation: Cessation of alcohol/smoking (A), weight-bearing exercise (C), and fall prevention
(D) reduce osteoporosis risk.
A 25-year-old client was admitted yesterday after a motor vehicle collision. Neurodiagnostic
studies have shown a basal skull fracture in the middle fossa. Assessment on admission revealed
both halo and Battle signs. Which new symptom indicates that the client is likely to be
experiencing a common life-threatening complication associated with a basal skull fracture?
A) Frequent position changes during the day
B) Oral temperature of 102° F
C) Cognitive changes
D) Bilateral wrist pain
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Fever (B) indicates infection like meningitis, common in basal fractures.
The nurse is caring for a client with a fractured right elbow. Which assessment finding has the
highest priority and requires immediate intervention?
A) Ecchymosis over the fractured site
B) Complaints of severe pain
C) Deep unrelenting pain in the right arm
D) Fingertips cool to touch
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Deep pain (C) suggests compartment syndrome, requiring urgent intervention.
The home health nurse is assessing a male client being treated for Parkinson's disease with
carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet). The nurse observes that he does not demonstrate any apparent
emotion when speaking and rarely blinks. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
A) Assess for other signs of depression
B) Recommend a referral to a psychologist
, C) Document the presence of these assessment findings
D) Notify the healthcare provider of the findings immediately
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Mask-like face and reduced blinking are typical in Parkinson's; document (C).
Based on the clinical manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, which nursing intervention would
be appropriate for a client who is newly diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome?
A) Monitor fluid intake and output
B) Encourage a low-sodium diet
C) Monitor blood glucose levels daily
D) Restrict protein intake
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hyperglycemia common; monitor glucose (C).
A client diagnosed with angina pectoris complains of chest pain while ambulating in the hallway.
Which action should the nurse implement first?
A) Support the client to a sitting position
B) Ask the client to walk slowly back to the room
C) Administer a sublingual nitroglycerin tablet
D) Provide oxygen via nasal cannula
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rest immediately (A) to reduce oxygen demand.
Seconal, 0.1 g PRN at bedtime, is prescribed for rest. The scored tablets are labeled grain 1.5 per
tablet. How many tablets should the nurse plan to administer?
A) 0.5 tablet
B) 1 tablet
C) 1.5 tablets
