1
HESI Medical-Surgical Mastery: 200 Practice Questions
& Rationales Covering Cardiovascular, Respiratory,
Endocrine, Neurological, Renal, GI, Oncology,
Pharmacology, Perioperative Care, and Prioritization for
2026 Exam Success
HESI Medical-Surgical Exam: Comprehensive
Practice Questions with Rationales (2026
Edition)
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Q1. A client with heart failure has jugular
venous distention, 3+ pitting edema, and
crackles in the lung bases. Which medication
should the nurse prepare to administer first?
A) Digoxin
B) Metoprolol
C) Furosemide
D) Spironolactone
,2
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C) Furosemide
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that
rapidly reduces preload and relieves pulmonary
congestion. The client's symptoms indicate fluid
overload, and the priority is to remove excess
fluid. Digoxin and beta-blockers are chronic
therapies; spironolactone is a potassium-
sparing diuretic used as an adjunct .
Q2. A client with hypertension is prescribed
lisinopril (ACE inhibitor). Which adverse effect
should the nurse teach the client to report
immediately?
A) Dry cough
B) Dizziness
C) Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
D) Fatigue
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Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C) Swelling of
the lips, tongue, or face (angioedema)
Rationale: Angioedema is a life-threatening
adverse effect of ACE inhibitors that requires
immediate emergency care. Dry cough is a
common but non-life-threatening side effect.
Dizziness from first-dose hypotension can occur
but is not an emergency .
Q3. A client with atrial fibrillation is prescribed
warfarin. Which food should the nurse teach
the client to avoid?
A) Apples
B) Rice
C) Broccoli
D) Chicken
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C) Broccoli
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Rationale: Broccoli and other green leafy
vegetables are high in vitamin K, which
antagonizes warfarin's effect and can lower the
INR. While consistent intake is more important
than complete avoidance, large variations
should be avoided to maintain therapeutic
anticoagulation .
Q4. A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
is receiving a heparin IV infusion. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor to
evaluate therapeutic effect?
A) PT/INR
B) aPTT
C) Platelet count
D) Fibrinogen
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B) aPTT
(Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time)
HESI Medical-Surgical Mastery: 200 Practice Questions
& Rationales Covering Cardiovascular, Respiratory,
Endocrine, Neurological, Renal, GI, Oncology,
Pharmacology, Perioperative Care, and Prioritization for
2026 Exam Success
HESI Medical-Surgical Exam: Comprehensive
Practice Questions with Rationales (2026
Edition)
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Q1. A client with heart failure has jugular
venous distention, 3+ pitting edema, and
crackles in the lung bases. Which medication
should the nurse prepare to administer first?
A) Digoxin
B) Metoprolol
C) Furosemide
D) Spironolactone
,2
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C) Furosemide
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that
rapidly reduces preload and relieves pulmonary
congestion. The client's symptoms indicate fluid
overload, and the priority is to remove excess
fluid. Digoxin and beta-blockers are chronic
therapies; spironolactone is a potassium-
sparing diuretic used as an adjunct .
Q2. A client with hypertension is prescribed
lisinopril (ACE inhibitor). Which adverse effect
should the nurse teach the client to report
immediately?
A) Dry cough
B) Dizziness
C) Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
D) Fatigue
,3
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C) Swelling of
the lips, tongue, or face (angioedema)
Rationale: Angioedema is a life-threatening
adverse effect of ACE inhibitors that requires
immediate emergency care. Dry cough is a
common but non-life-threatening side effect.
Dizziness from first-dose hypotension can occur
but is not an emergency .
Q3. A client with atrial fibrillation is prescribed
warfarin. Which food should the nurse teach
the client to avoid?
A) Apples
B) Rice
C) Broccoli
D) Chicken
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C) Broccoli
, 4
Rationale: Broccoli and other green leafy
vegetables are high in vitamin K, which
antagonizes warfarin's effect and can lower the
INR. While consistent intake is more important
than complete avoidance, large variations
should be avoided to maintain therapeutic
anticoagulation .
Q4. A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
is receiving a heparin IV infusion. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor to
evaluate therapeutic effect?
A) PT/INR
B) aPTT
C) Platelet count
D) Fibrinogen
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B) aPTT
(Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time)
