HESI MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING TEST
COMPLETE PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS STUDY GUIDE
| GRADED A+ | GUARANTEED SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales Included
,The nurse is assessing a group of clients. Which clients C, D, E, F
are at greater risk for hypothermia or frostbite? (select all
that apply) clients with poor nutrition, fatigue, and multiple chronic illnesses are at greater risk
for hypothermia. Clients who smoke, consume alcohol, or have impaired
a. an older woman with hypertension peripheral circulation have a higher incidence of frostbite.
b. a young man with a body mass index of 42
c. a young many who has just consumed six martinis
d. an older man who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day
e. a young woman who is anorexic
f. a young woman who is diabetic
Which statement made by a nurse represents the need D
for further education regarding pain management in
older adult clients? There is no evidence to support the idea that older adult clients perceive pain any
differently than younger clients. The other statements are accurate regarding
a. older adults tend to report pain less often than older clients and pain.
younger adults
b. older clients usually have more experience with pain
than younger clients
c. older adults are at greatest risk for under treated pain
d. older clients have a different pain mechanism and do
not feel it as much
The nurse is working at a first aid booth for a spring C
training game on a hot day. A spectator comes in,
reporting that he is not feeling well. Vital signs are temp The spectator shows signs of heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. The
104.1 F, pulse 132 BPM, respirs 26 breaths/min, and blood spectator should be transported to the ED ASAP. The nurs should take actions to
pressure 106/66 mm Hg. He trips over his feet as the lower his body temp in teh meantime by removing his shirt and sponging his body
nurse leads him to a cot. What is the priory action of the with cool water. Lowering body temp by drinking cool fluids or taking
nurse? acetaminophen is not as effective in an emergency situation. The client needs to
be cooled quickly and is a priority for treatment
a. admin tylenol 650 mg orally
b. encourage rest, and reassess in 15 minutes
c. sponge the victim with cool water and remove his shirt
d. encourage drinking of cool water or sports drink
The client is receiving an IV of 60 mEq of potassium D
chloride ina 1000 mL solution of dextrose 5% in 0.45%
saline. The client states that the area around the IV site Potassium is a severe tissue irritant. The safest action is to discontinue the solution
burns. What intervention does the nurse perform first? that contains the potassium and discontinue the IV altogether, in which case the
client would need another site started. Assessing for a blood return may or may
a. assess for a blood return not be successful. The solution could be diluted (less potassium) and the rate
b. notify the physician could be slowed once it is determined that the needle is in the vein.
c. document the finding
d. stop the IV infusion
,A nurse is caring for an older adult client who lives alone. D
Which economic situation presents the most serious
problem for this client? Older adults on fixed incomes are unable to adjust their income to meet rising
costs associated with meeting basic needs
a. costs of creating a living will
b. stock market fluctuations
c. increased provider benefits
d. social security as the basis of income
Controlling pain is important to promoting wellness. A
Unrelieved pain has been associated with
Pain triggers a number of physiologic stress responses in the human body.
a. prolonged stress response and a cascade of harmful Unrelieved pain can prolong the stress response and produce a cascade of
effects system wide. harmful effects in all body systems. The stress response causes the endocrine
b. decreased tumor growth and longevity system to release excessive amounts of hormones, such as cortisol,
c. large tidal volumes and decreased lung capacity catecholamines, and glucagon. Insulin and testosterone levels decrease.
d. decreased carbohydrate, protein, and fat destruction Increased endocrine activity in turn initiates a number of metabolic processes, in
particular, accelerated carbohydrate, protein, and fat destruction, whcih can result
in weight loss, tachycardia, increased respiratory rate, shock, and even death. The
immune system is also affected by pain as demonstrated by research showing a
link between unrelieved pain and a higher incidence of nosocomial infections and
increased tumor growth. Large tidal volumes are not associated with pain while
decreased lung capacity is associated with unrelieved pain. Decreased tumor
growth and longevity are not associated with unrelieved pain. Decreased carbs,
protein, and fat are not associated with pain or stress response.
Which intervention in a client with dehydration induced A
confusion is most likely to relieve the confusion? Dehydration most frequently leads to poor cerebra perfusion and cerebral
a. increasing the IV flow rate to 250 mL/hr hypoxia, causing confusion. Applying oxygen can reduce confusion, even if
b. applying oxygen by mask or nasal cannula perfusion is still less than optimum. Increasing the IV flow rate would increase
c. placing the client in a high Fowler's position perfusion. However, depending on the degree of dehydration, rehydrating the
d. Measuring intake and output every four hours person too rapidly with IV fluids can lead to cerebral edema.
Which client is at greatest risk for dehydration? C
a. younger adult client on bedrest Older adults, because they have less total body water than younger adults, are at
b. older adult client receiving hypotonic IV fluid greater risk for development of dehydration. Anyone who is cognitively impaired
c. older adult client with cognitive impairment and cannot obtain fluids independently or cannot make his or her need for fluids
d. younger adult client receiving hypertonic IV fluid known is at high risk for dehydration
A nurse is caring for several clients. Which client does the B
nurse assess most carefully for hyperkalemia?
Many salt substitutes are composed of potassium chloride. Heavy use cna
a. client with type 2 diabetes taking an oral anti-diabetic contribute to the development of hyperkalemia. The client should be taught to
agent read labels and to choose a salt substitute that does not contain potassium.
b. client with heart failure using a salt substitute NSAIDs promote the retention of sodium but not potassium.
c. client taking a thiazide diuretic for hypertension
d. client taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
daily
, An older adult client presents with signs and symptoms A
related to dig toxicity. Which age related change may
have contributed to this problem? Decreased renal blood flow and reduced glomerular filtration can result in slower
medication excretion time, potentially leading to toxic drug accumulation. Aging
a. decreased renal blood flow results in decreased total body water and gastrointestinal motility and an increase
b. increased gastrointestinal motility in the ratio of adipose tissue to lean body mass, but is not related to dig toxicity.
c. decreased ratio of adipose tissue to lean body mass
d. increased total body water
A client is being treated for dehydration. Which statement D
made by the client indicates understanding of this
condition? Because 1 L of water weighs 1 kg, change in body weight is a good measure of
excess fluid loss or fluid retention. Weight loss greater than 0.5 lb daily is
a. I will use a salt substitute when making and eating my indicative of excessive fluid loss. The other statements are not indicative of
meals. practices that will prevent dehydration.
b. I must drink a quart of water or other liquid each day.
c. I will not drink liquids after 6 PM so I won't have to get
up at night.
d. I will weigh myself each morning before I eat or drink.
The nurse notes that the handgrip of the client with A
hypokalemia has diminished since the previous
assessment one hour ago. Which intervention by the In a client with hypokkalemia, progressive skeletal muscle weakness is associated
nurse is the priority? with increasing severity of hypokalemia. The most life-threatening complication of
hypokalemia is respiratory insufficiency. It is imperative for the nurse to perform a
a. assess the client's respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth respiratory assessment first to make sure that the client is not in immediate
b. document findings and monitor the client jeopardy. Next, the nurse would call the health care provider to obtain orders for
c. measure the client's pulse and blood pressure potassium replacement.
d. call the health care provider
The physician orders Lasix (furosemide) 60 mg po every C
day for your patient. On hand you have Lasix 40 mg. How
many tablets will you give the patient? 60/40 (desired/have)
a. 3
b. 1
c. 1 1/2
d. 2 1/5
A client has been taught to restrict dietary sodium. Which C
food selection by the client indicates to the nurse that
teaching has been effective? Clients on restricted sodium diets generally should avoid processed, smoked, and
pickled foods and those with sauces and other condiments. Foods lowest in
a. a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup sodium include fish, poultry, and fresh produce. The chinese food likely would
b. Chinese take-out, including steamed rice have soy sauce, the tomato soup is processed, and the crackers are a snack food
c. a chicken leg, one slice of bread with butter, and - a category of foods often high in sodium.
steamed carrots
d. slices of ham and cheese on whole grain crackers
COMPLETE PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS STUDY GUIDE
| GRADED A+ | GUARANTEED SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales Included
,The nurse is assessing a group of clients. Which clients C, D, E, F
are at greater risk for hypothermia or frostbite? (select all
that apply) clients with poor nutrition, fatigue, and multiple chronic illnesses are at greater risk
for hypothermia. Clients who smoke, consume alcohol, or have impaired
a. an older woman with hypertension peripheral circulation have a higher incidence of frostbite.
b. a young man with a body mass index of 42
c. a young many who has just consumed six martinis
d. an older man who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day
e. a young woman who is anorexic
f. a young woman who is diabetic
Which statement made by a nurse represents the need D
for further education regarding pain management in
older adult clients? There is no evidence to support the idea that older adult clients perceive pain any
differently than younger clients. The other statements are accurate regarding
a. older adults tend to report pain less often than older clients and pain.
younger adults
b. older clients usually have more experience with pain
than younger clients
c. older adults are at greatest risk for under treated pain
d. older clients have a different pain mechanism and do
not feel it as much
The nurse is working at a first aid booth for a spring C
training game on a hot day. A spectator comes in,
reporting that he is not feeling well. Vital signs are temp The spectator shows signs of heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. The
104.1 F, pulse 132 BPM, respirs 26 breaths/min, and blood spectator should be transported to the ED ASAP. The nurs should take actions to
pressure 106/66 mm Hg. He trips over his feet as the lower his body temp in teh meantime by removing his shirt and sponging his body
nurse leads him to a cot. What is the priory action of the with cool water. Lowering body temp by drinking cool fluids or taking
nurse? acetaminophen is not as effective in an emergency situation. The client needs to
be cooled quickly and is a priority for treatment
a. admin tylenol 650 mg orally
b. encourage rest, and reassess in 15 minutes
c. sponge the victim with cool water and remove his shirt
d. encourage drinking of cool water or sports drink
The client is receiving an IV of 60 mEq of potassium D
chloride ina 1000 mL solution of dextrose 5% in 0.45%
saline. The client states that the area around the IV site Potassium is a severe tissue irritant. The safest action is to discontinue the solution
burns. What intervention does the nurse perform first? that contains the potassium and discontinue the IV altogether, in which case the
client would need another site started. Assessing for a blood return may or may
a. assess for a blood return not be successful. The solution could be diluted (less potassium) and the rate
b. notify the physician could be slowed once it is determined that the needle is in the vein.
c. document the finding
d. stop the IV infusion
,A nurse is caring for an older adult client who lives alone. D
Which economic situation presents the most serious
problem for this client? Older adults on fixed incomes are unable to adjust their income to meet rising
costs associated with meeting basic needs
a. costs of creating a living will
b. stock market fluctuations
c. increased provider benefits
d. social security as the basis of income
Controlling pain is important to promoting wellness. A
Unrelieved pain has been associated with
Pain triggers a number of physiologic stress responses in the human body.
a. prolonged stress response and a cascade of harmful Unrelieved pain can prolong the stress response and produce a cascade of
effects system wide. harmful effects in all body systems. The stress response causes the endocrine
b. decreased tumor growth and longevity system to release excessive amounts of hormones, such as cortisol,
c. large tidal volumes and decreased lung capacity catecholamines, and glucagon. Insulin and testosterone levels decrease.
d. decreased carbohydrate, protein, and fat destruction Increased endocrine activity in turn initiates a number of metabolic processes, in
particular, accelerated carbohydrate, protein, and fat destruction, whcih can result
in weight loss, tachycardia, increased respiratory rate, shock, and even death. The
immune system is also affected by pain as demonstrated by research showing a
link between unrelieved pain and a higher incidence of nosocomial infections and
increased tumor growth. Large tidal volumes are not associated with pain while
decreased lung capacity is associated with unrelieved pain. Decreased tumor
growth and longevity are not associated with unrelieved pain. Decreased carbs,
protein, and fat are not associated with pain or stress response.
Which intervention in a client with dehydration induced A
confusion is most likely to relieve the confusion? Dehydration most frequently leads to poor cerebra perfusion and cerebral
a. increasing the IV flow rate to 250 mL/hr hypoxia, causing confusion. Applying oxygen can reduce confusion, even if
b. applying oxygen by mask or nasal cannula perfusion is still less than optimum. Increasing the IV flow rate would increase
c. placing the client in a high Fowler's position perfusion. However, depending on the degree of dehydration, rehydrating the
d. Measuring intake and output every four hours person too rapidly with IV fluids can lead to cerebral edema.
Which client is at greatest risk for dehydration? C
a. younger adult client on bedrest Older adults, because they have less total body water than younger adults, are at
b. older adult client receiving hypotonic IV fluid greater risk for development of dehydration. Anyone who is cognitively impaired
c. older adult client with cognitive impairment and cannot obtain fluids independently or cannot make his or her need for fluids
d. younger adult client receiving hypertonic IV fluid known is at high risk for dehydration
A nurse is caring for several clients. Which client does the B
nurse assess most carefully for hyperkalemia?
Many salt substitutes are composed of potassium chloride. Heavy use cna
a. client with type 2 diabetes taking an oral anti-diabetic contribute to the development of hyperkalemia. The client should be taught to
agent read labels and to choose a salt substitute that does not contain potassium.
b. client with heart failure using a salt substitute NSAIDs promote the retention of sodium but not potassium.
c. client taking a thiazide diuretic for hypertension
d. client taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
daily
, An older adult client presents with signs and symptoms A
related to dig toxicity. Which age related change may
have contributed to this problem? Decreased renal blood flow and reduced glomerular filtration can result in slower
medication excretion time, potentially leading to toxic drug accumulation. Aging
a. decreased renal blood flow results in decreased total body water and gastrointestinal motility and an increase
b. increased gastrointestinal motility in the ratio of adipose tissue to lean body mass, but is not related to dig toxicity.
c. decreased ratio of adipose tissue to lean body mass
d. increased total body water
A client is being treated for dehydration. Which statement D
made by the client indicates understanding of this
condition? Because 1 L of water weighs 1 kg, change in body weight is a good measure of
excess fluid loss or fluid retention. Weight loss greater than 0.5 lb daily is
a. I will use a salt substitute when making and eating my indicative of excessive fluid loss. The other statements are not indicative of
meals. practices that will prevent dehydration.
b. I must drink a quart of water or other liquid each day.
c. I will not drink liquids after 6 PM so I won't have to get
up at night.
d. I will weigh myself each morning before I eat or drink.
The nurse notes that the handgrip of the client with A
hypokalemia has diminished since the previous
assessment one hour ago. Which intervention by the In a client with hypokkalemia, progressive skeletal muscle weakness is associated
nurse is the priority? with increasing severity of hypokalemia. The most life-threatening complication of
hypokalemia is respiratory insufficiency. It is imperative for the nurse to perform a
a. assess the client's respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth respiratory assessment first to make sure that the client is not in immediate
b. document findings and monitor the client jeopardy. Next, the nurse would call the health care provider to obtain orders for
c. measure the client's pulse and blood pressure potassium replacement.
d. call the health care provider
The physician orders Lasix (furosemide) 60 mg po every C
day for your patient. On hand you have Lasix 40 mg. How
many tablets will you give the patient? 60/40 (desired/have)
a. 3
b. 1
c. 1 1/2
d. 2 1/5
A client has been taught to restrict dietary sodium. Which C
food selection by the client indicates to the nurse that
teaching has been effective? Clients on restricted sodium diets generally should avoid processed, smoked, and
pickled foods and those with sauces and other condiments. Foods lowest in
a. a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup sodium include fish, poultry, and fresh produce. The chinese food likely would
b. Chinese take-out, including steamed rice have soy sauce, the tomato soup is processed, and the crackers are a snack food
c. a chicken leg, one slice of bread with butter, and - a category of foods often high in sodium.
steamed carrots
d. slices of ham and cheese on whole grain crackers
