Med-Surg II HESI Exam – Set
One | Questions and Answers
with Rationales | GRADED A+
ASSURED SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive Rationales
Included
,The nurse is completing a health assessment of a 42-year- 2. tachycardia
old female with suspected Graves' Disease. The nurse
should assess this client for: Graves' disease, the most common type of thyrotoxicosis, is a state of
hypermetabolism. The increased metabolic rate generates heat and produces
1. anorexia tachycardia and fine muscle tremors. Anorexia is associated with hypothyroidism.
2. tachycardia Loss of weight, despite a good appetite and adequate caloric intake, is a common
3. weight gain feature of hyperthyroidism. Cold skin is associated with hypothyroidism.
4. cold skin
CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Analyze
When conducting a health history with a female client with 3. oligomenorrhea
thyrotoxicosis, the nurse should ask about which of the
following changes in the menstrual cycle? A change in the menstrual interval, diminished menstrual flow (oligomenorrhea), or
even the absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) may result from the hormonal
1. dysmenorrhea imbalances of thyrotoxicosis. Oligomenorrhea in women and decreased libido and
2. metrorrhagia impotence in men are common features of thyrotoxicosis. Dysmenorrhea is painful
3. oligomenorrhea menstruation. Metrorrhagia, blood loss between menstrual periods, is a symptom of
4. menorrhagia hypothyroidism. Menorrhagia, excessive bleeding during menstrual periods, is a
symptom of hypothyroidism.
CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Analyze
A 34-year-old female is diagnosed with hypothyroidism. 2. decreased energy and fatigue, 3. weight gain of 10 lbs (4.5 kg), 5. constipation,
The nurse should assess the client for which of the 6. menorrhagia
following? (Select all that apply.)
Clients with hypothyroidism exhibit symptoms indicating a lack of thyroid hormone.
1. rapid pulse Bradycardia, decreased energy and lethargy, memory problems, weight gain,
2. decreased energy and fatigue coarse hair, constipation, and menorrhagia are common signs and
3. weight gain of 10 lbs (4.5 kg) symptoms of hypothyroidism.
4. fine, thin hair with hair loss
5. constipation CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Analyze
6. menorrhagia.
Propylthiouracil (PTU) is prescribed for a client with 1. sore throat
Graves' disease. The nurse should teach the client to
immediately report which of the following? The most serious adverse effects of PTU are leukopenia and agranulocytosis,
which usually occur within the first 3 months of treatment. The client should be
1. sore throat taught to promptly report to the health care provider signs and symptoms of
2. painful, excessive menstruation infection, such as a sore throat and fever. Clients having a sore throat and fever
3. constipation should have an immediate white blood cell count and differential performed, and the
4. increased urine output drug must be withheld until
the results are obtained. Painful menstruation, constipation, and increased urine
output are not associated with PTU therapy.
CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Synthesize
A client with thyrotoxicosis says to the nurse, "I am so 2. "Your behavior is caused by the excess thyroid hormone in your system."
irritable. I am having
problems at work because I lose my temper very easily." A typical sign of thyrotoxicosis is irritability caused by the high levels of circulating
Which of the following responses by the nurse would give thyroid hormones in the body. This symptom decreases as the client responds to
the client the most accurate explanation of her behavior? therapy. Thyrotoxicosis does not cause confusion. The client may be worried about
her illness, and stress may influence her mood; however, irritability is a common
1. "Your behavior is caused by temporary confusion symptom of thyrotoxicosis and the client should be informed of that fact rather than
brought on by your illness." blamed.
2. "Your behavior is caused by the excess thyroid hormone
in your system." CN: Psychosocial integrity; CL: Synthesize
3. "Your behavior is caused by your worrying about the
seriousness of your illness."
4. "Your behavior is caused by the stress of trying to
manage a career and cope with illness."
, The nurse is evaluating a client with hyperthyroidism who 2. "I am able to sleep and rest at night."
is taking
Propylthiouracil (PTU) 100 mg/day in three divided doses PTU is a prototype of thioamide antithyroid drugs. It inhibits production of thyroid
for maintenance therapy. Which of the following hormones and peripheral conversion of T4 to the more active T3. A client taking this
statements from the client indicates the desired outcome of antithyroid drug should be able to sleep and rest well at night since the level of
the thyroid hormones is reduced in the blood. Excess energy throughout the day, loss of
drug? weight and perspiring through the day are symptoms of hyperthyroidism indicating
the drug has not produced its outcome.
1. "I have excess energy throughout the day."
2. "I am able to sleep and rest at night." CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Evaluate.
3. "I have lost weight since taking this medication."
4. "I do perspire throughout the entire day."
The nurse should teach the client with Graves' disease to 3. Wearing dark-colored glasses.
prevent corneal
irritation from mild exophthalmos by: Treatment of mild ophthalmopathy that may accompany thyrotoxicosis includes
measures such as wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from corneal irritation.
1. Massaging the eyes at regular intervals. Treatment of ophthalmopathy should be performed in consultation with an
2. Instilling an ophthalmic anesthetic as prescribed. ophthalmologist. Massaging the eyes will not help to protect the cornea. An
3. Wearing dark-colored glasses. ophthalmic
4. Covering both eyes with moistened gauze pads. anesthetic is used to examine and possibly treat a painful eye, not protect the
cornea. Covering the eyes with moist gauze pads is not a satisfactory nursing
measure to protect
the eyes of a client with exophthalmos because treatment is not focused on
moisture to the eye but rather on protecting the cornea and optic nerve. In
exophthalmos, the retrobulbar connective tissues and extraocular muscle volume
are expanded because of fluid retention. The pressure is also increased.
CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Synthesize
A client with Graves' disease is treated with radioactive 4. "The RAI destroys thyroid tissue so that thyroid hormones are no longer
iodine (RAI) in the produced."
form of sodium iodide 131I. Which of the following
statements by the nurse will explain to the client how the Sodium iodide 131I destroys the thyroid follicular cells, and thyroid hormones are no
drug works? longer produced. RAI is commonly recommended for clients with Graves'
disease, especially the elderly. The treatment results in a "medical thyroidectomy."
1. "The RAI stabilizes the thyroid hormone levels before a RAI is given in lieu of surgery, not before surgery. RAI does not reduce uptake of
thyroidectomy." thyroxine.
2. "The RAI reduces uptake of thyroxine and thereby The outcome of giving RAI is the destruction of the thyroid follicular cells. It is
improves your condition." possible to slow the production of thyroid hormones with RAI.
3. "The RAI lowers the levels of thyroid hormones by
slowing your body's CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Synthesize
production of them."
4. "The RAI destroys thyroid tissue so that thyroid
hormones are no longer produced."
After treatment with radioactive iodine (RAI) in the form of 3. Take thyroxine replacement for the remainder of the client's life.
sodium iodide 131I, the nurse teaches the client to:
The client needs to be educated about the need for lifelong thyroid hormone
1. Monitor for signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. replacement. Permanent hypothyroidism is the major complication of RAI 131I
2. Rest for 1 week to prevent complications of the treatment. Lifelong medical follow-up and thyroid replacement are warranted. The
medication. client needs to
3. Take thyroxine replacement for the remainder of the monitor for signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. Resting for
client's life. 1 week is not necessary. Hypertension and tachycardia are signs of
4. Assess for hypertension and tachycardia resulting from hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism.
altered thyroid activity.
CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Synthesize
A client with a large goiter is scheduled for a subtotal 2. Reduce the vascularity of the thyroid gland.
thyroidectomy to treat thyrotoxicosis. Saturated solution of
potassium iodide (SSKI) is prescribed preoperatively for SSKI is frequently administered before a thyroidectomy because it helps decrease
the client. The expected outcome of using this drug is that the vascularity of the thyroid gland. A highly vascular thyroid gland is very friable, a
it helps: condition that presents a hazard during surgery. Preparation of the client for surgery
includes depleting the gland of thyroid hormone and decreasing vascularity.
1. Slow progression of exophthalmos. SSKI does not decrease the progression of exophthalmos, and it does not decrease
2. Reduce the vascularity of the thyroid gland. the body's ability to store thyroxine or increase the body's ability to excrete
3. Decrease the body's ability to store thyroxine. thyroxine.
4. Increase the body's ability to excrete thyroxine.
CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Apply
One | Questions and Answers
with Rationales | GRADED A+
ASSURED SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive Rationales
Included
,The nurse is completing a health assessment of a 42-year- 2. tachycardia
old female with suspected Graves' Disease. The nurse
should assess this client for: Graves' disease, the most common type of thyrotoxicosis, is a state of
hypermetabolism. The increased metabolic rate generates heat and produces
1. anorexia tachycardia and fine muscle tremors. Anorexia is associated with hypothyroidism.
2. tachycardia Loss of weight, despite a good appetite and adequate caloric intake, is a common
3. weight gain feature of hyperthyroidism. Cold skin is associated with hypothyroidism.
4. cold skin
CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Analyze
When conducting a health history with a female client with 3. oligomenorrhea
thyrotoxicosis, the nurse should ask about which of the
following changes in the menstrual cycle? A change in the menstrual interval, diminished menstrual flow (oligomenorrhea), or
even the absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) may result from the hormonal
1. dysmenorrhea imbalances of thyrotoxicosis. Oligomenorrhea in women and decreased libido and
2. metrorrhagia impotence in men are common features of thyrotoxicosis. Dysmenorrhea is painful
3. oligomenorrhea menstruation. Metrorrhagia, blood loss between menstrual periods, is a symptom of
4. menorrhagia hypothyroidism. Menorrhagia, excessive bleeding during menstrual periods, is a
symptom of hypothyroidism.
CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Analyze
A 34-year-old female is diagnosed with hypothyroidism. 2. decreased energy and fatigue, 3. weight gain of 10 lbs (4.5 kg), 5. constipation,
The nurse should assess the client for which of the 6. menorrhagia
following? (Select all that apply.)
Clients with hypothyroidism exhibit symptoms indicating a lack of thyroid hormone.
1. rapid pulse Bradycardia, decreased energy and lethargy, memory problems, weight gain,
2. decreased energy and fatigue coarse hair, constipation, and menorrhagia are common signs and
3. weight gain of 10 lbs (4.5 kg) symptoms of hypothyroidism.
4. fine, thin hair with hair loss
5. constipation CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Analyze
6. menorrhagia.
Propylthiouracil (PTU) is prescribed for a client with 1. sore throat
Graves' disease. The nurse should teach the client to
immediately report which of the following? The most serious adverse effects of PTU are leukopenia and agranulocytosis,
which usually occur within the first 3 months of treatment. The client should be
1. sore throat taught to promptly report to the health care provider signs and symptoms of
2. painful, excessive menstruation infection, such as a sore throat and fever. Clients having a sore throat and fever
3. constipation should have an immediate white blood cell count and differential performed, and the
4. increased urine output drug must be withheld until
the results are obtained. Painful menstruation, constipation, and increased urine
output are not associated with PTU therapy.
CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Synthesize
A client with thyrotoxicosis says to the nurse, "I am so 2. "Your behavior is caused by the excess thyroid hormone in your system."
irritable. I am having
problems at work because I lose my temper very easily." A typical sign of thyrotoxicosis is irritability caused by the high levels of circulating
Which of the following responses by the nurse would give thyroid hormones in the body. This symptom decreases as the client responds to
the client the most accurate explanation of her behavior? therapy. Thyrotoxicosis does not cause confusion. The client may be worried about
her illness, and stress may influence her mood; however, irritability is a common
1. "Your behavior is caused by temporary confusion symptom of thyrotoxicosis and the client should be informed of that fact rather than
brought on by your illness." blamed.
2. "Your behavior is caused by the excess thyroid hormone
in your system." CN: Psychosocial integrity; CL: Synthesize
3. "Your behavior is caused by your worrying about the
seriousness of your illness."
4. "Your behavior is caused by the stress of trying to
manage a career and cope with illness."
, The nurse is evaluating a client with hyperthyroidism who 2. "I am able to sleep and rest at night."
is taking
Propylthiouracil (PTU) 100 mg/day in three divided doses PTU is a prototype of thioamide antithyroid drugs. It inhibits production of thyroid
for maintenance therapy. Which of the following hormones and peripheral conversion of T4 to the more active T3. A client taking this
statements from the client indicates the desired outcome of antithyroid drug should be able to sleep and rest well at night since the level of
the thyroid hormones is reduced in the blood. Excess energy throughout the day, loss of
drug? weight and perspiring through the day are symptoms of hyperthyroidism indicating
the drug has not produced its outcome.
1. "I have excess energy throughout the day."
2. "I am able to sleep and rest at night." CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Evaluate.
3. "I have lost weight since taking this medication."
4. "I do perspire throughout the entire day."
The nurse should teach the client with Graves' disease to 3. Wearing dark-colored glasses.
prevent corneal
irritation from mild exophthalmos by: Treatment of mild ophthalmopathy that may accompany thyrotoxicosis includes
measures such as wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from corneal irritation.
1. Massaging the eyes at regular intervals. Treatment of ophthalmopathy should be performed in consultation with an
2. Instilling an ophthalmic anesthetic as prescribed. ophthalmologist. Massaging the eyes will not help to protect the cornea. An
3. Wearing dark-colored glasses. ophthalmic
4. Covering both eyes with moistened gauze pads. anesthetic is used to examine and possibly treat a painful eye, not protect the
cornea. Covering the eyes with moist gauze pads is not a satisfactory nursing
measure to protect
the eyes of a client with exophthalmos because treatment is not focused on
moisture to the eye but rather on protecting the cornea and optic nerve. In
exophthalmos, the retrobulbar connective tissues and extraocular muscle volume
are expanded because of fluid retention. The pressure is also increased.
CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Synthesize
A client with Graves' disease is treated with radioactive 4. "The RAI destroys thyroid tissue so that thyroid hormones are no longer
iodine (RAI) in the produced."
form of sodium iodide 131I. Which of the following
statements by the nurse will explain to the client how the Sodium iodide 131I destroys the thyroid follicular cells, and thyroid hormones are no
drug works? longer produced. RAI is commonly recommended for clients with Graves'
disease, especially the elderly. The treatment results in a "medical thyroidectomy."
1. "The RAI stabilizes the thyroid hormone levels before a RAI is given in lieu of surgery, not before surgery. RAI does not reduce uptake of
thyroidectomy." thyroxine.
2. "The RAI reduces uptake of thyroxine and thereby The outcome of giving RAI is the destruction of the thyroid follicular cells. It is
improves your condition." possible to slow the production of thyroid hormones with RAI.
3. "The RAI lowers the levels of thyroid hormones by
slowing your body's CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Synthesize
production of them."
4. "The RAI destroys thyroid tissue so that thyroid
hormones are no longer produced."
After treatment with radioactive iodine (RAI) in the form of 3. Take thyroxine replacement for the remainder of the client's life.
sodium iodide 131I, the nurse teaches the client to:
The client needs to be educated about the need for lifelong thyroid hormone
1. Monitor for signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. replacement. Permanent hypothyroidism is the major complication of RAI 131I
2. Rest for 1 week to prevent complications of the treatment. Lifelong medical follow-up and thyroid replacement are warranted. The
medication. client needs to
3. Take thyroxine replacement for the remainder of the monitor for signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. Resting for
client's life. 1 week is not necessary. Hypertension and tachycardia are signs of
4. Assess for hypertension and tachycardia resulting from hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism.
altered thyroid activity.
CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Synthesize
A client with a large goiter is scheduled for a subtotal 2. Reduce the vascularity of the thyroid gland.
thyroidectomy to treat thyrotoxicosis. Saturated solution of
potassium iodide (SSKI) is prescribed preoperatively for SSKI is frequently administered before a thyroidectomy because it helps decrease
the client. The expected outcome of using this drug is that the vascularity of the thyroid gland. A highly vascular thyroid gland is very friable, a
it helps: condition that presents a hazard during surgery. Preparation of the client for surgery
includes depleting the gland of thyroid hormone and decreasing vascularity.
1. Slow progression of exophthalmos. SSKI does not decrease the progression of exophthalmos, and it does not decrease
2. Reduce the vascularity of the thyroid gland. the body's ability to store thyroxine or increase the body's ability to excrete
3. Decrease the body's ability to store thyroxine. thyroxine.
4. Increase the body's ability to excrete thyroxine.
CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Apply
