BSN 266 HESI Medical-Surgical
Exam: 300 Practice Questions &
Verified Answers (Nightingale
College) |100% Correct | Graded A
Endocrine Disorders
1. A client is newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The
nurse is educating the client about self-monitoring blood glucose
(SMBG) and hemoglobin A1C. Which statement by the client
indicates teaching has been effective?
• A. "I will use a lancing device on the center of my finger pad for a
drop of blood."
• B. "I will inform the healthcare provider (HCP) of my average
HbA1C results weekly."
• C. "I will wash my hands with warm soapy water before sticking my
finger."
• D. "I will document my HbA1C results from my SMBG monitor
every morning."
Correct Answer: C. Washing hands with warm soapy water before
testing helps ensure an accurate blood glucose reading by removing any
residue that could contaminate the sample . The side of the fingertip, not
the center, should be used to reduce pain .
2. A client who has developed acute kidney injury (AKI) due to an
aminoglycoside antibiotic has moved from the oliguric phase to the
,diuretic phase of AKI. Which parameters are most important for the
nurse to plan to carefully monitor?
• A. Elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• B. Side effects of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and intralipids
• C. Uremic irritation of mucous membranes and skin surfaces
• D. Hypovolemia and ECG Changes
Correct Answer: D. During the diuretic phase of AKI, the kidneys excrete
large amounts of fluid and electrolytes, which can lead to significant
hypovolemia and electrolyte imbalances. These imbalances can cause
life-threatening ECG changes .
3. The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the unit for possible
hyperthyroidism. Which activity-related symptom is most common
in clients with this condition?
• A. Restlessness
• B. Lethargy
• C. Decreased activity due to fatigue
• D. Hyperactivity
Correct Answer: D. Hyperactivity, along with restlessness and insomnia,
are common findings in hyperthyroidism due to the increased metabolic
rate. Fatigue and lethargy are more characteristic of hypothyroidism .
Respiratory Disorders
4. The nurse is teaching a client with COPD about pursed-lip
breathing. Which statement by the client indicates understanding?
• A. "I should breathe in through my mouth and out through my
nose."
• B. "This will help keep my airways open during exhalation."
• C. "I should do this only when I am short of breath."
• D. "This technique is not helpful for my condition."
,Correct Answer: B. Pursed-lip breathing prolongs exhalation, creating
positive pressure that helps keep the airways open and improves gas
exchange. Inhalation should be through the nose, exhalation through
pursed lips .
5. One day after a subtotal thyroidectomy, a client reports tingling
in the fingers and toes. What is the nurse’s immediate action?
• A. Administer IV calcium gluconate.
• B. Notify the physician immediately.
• C. Check the client’s respiratory rate and depth.
• D. Provide a warm blanket for comfort.
Correct Answer: B. Tingling in the extremities is a sign of hypocalcemia,
which can occur if the parathyroid glands are inadvertently removed or
damaged during thyroid surgery. Hypocalcemia can lead to tetany and
life-threatening laryngospasm. The healthcare provider should be
notified immediately to evaluate and treat this potentially serious
complication .
6. A client receives a prescription for ciprofloxacin 400 mg
intravenously. What is the most important action for the nurse to
take?
This question was found in the search results, but the answer choices
and correct answer were cut off . However, for IV ciprofloxacin, key
nursing actions include monitoring for infusion site reactions (phlebitis)
and ensuring the IV is administered over the prescribed time (typically 60
minutes).
7. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a transfusion of
packed red blood cells. The client develops itching and hives. What
action should the nurse take first?
• A. Slow the transfusion rate.
• B. Stop the transfusion.
, • C. Administer an antihistamine.
• D. Call the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer: B. Itching and hives are signs of a mild allergic
reaction. The first action is to stop the transfusion to prevent the reaction
from worsening, then notify the provider and follow further orders, such
as administering an antihistamine .
8. Which of the following foods is best for the nurse to recommend
to a client with a strong family history of colon and rectal cancers?
• A. Lean beef, salads, and baked potatoes
• B. Chicken, rice, and wheat products
• C. Potatoes, low-fat breads, and applesauce
• D. Oatmeal, raisins, and fruit with skin
Correct Answer: D. A diet high in fiber is associated with a lower risk of
colorectal cancer. Oatmeal, raisins, and fruits with skin are excellent
sources of dietary fiber .
9. A client is being discharged following a left eye cataract
extraction with a lens implant. Which instruction should the nurse
include in the discharge teaching?
• A. Administer a stool softener.
• B. Observe pupil response of the right eye.
• C. Turn, cough, and deep breathe every 2 hours.
• D. Sleep flat in a supine position.
Correct Answer: A. The client is often prescribed a stool softener post-
operatively to prevent straining during bowel movements. Straining can
increase intraocular pressure, which may compromise the surgical site .
Cardiovascular & Hematologic Disorders
Exam: 300 Practice Questions &
Verified Answers (Nightingale
College) |100% Correct | Graded A
Endocrine Disorders
1. A client is newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The
nurse is educating the client about self-monitoring blood glucose
(SMBG) and hemoglobin A1C. Which statement by the client
indicates teaching has been effective?
• A. "I will use a lancing device on the center of my finger pad for a
drop of blood."
• B. "I will inform the healthcare provider (HCP) of my average
HbA1C results weekly."
• C. "I will wash my hands with warm soapy water before sticking my
finger."
• D. "I will document my HbA1C results from my SMBG monitor
every morning."
Correct Answer: C. Washing hands with warm soapy water before
testing helps ensure an accurate blood glucose reading by removing any
residue that could contaminate the sample . The side of the fingertip, not
the center, should be used to reduce pain .
2. A client who has developed acute kidney injury (AKI) due to an
aminoglycoside antibiotic has moved from the oliguric phase to the
,diuretic phase of AKI. Which parameters are most important for the
nurse to plan to carefully monitor?
• A. Elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• B. Side effects of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and intralipids
• C. Uremic irritation of mucous membranes and skin surfaces
• D. Hypovolemia and ECG Changes
Correct Answer: D. During the diuretic phase of AKI, the kidneys excrete
large amounts of fluid and electrolytes, which can lead to significant
hypovolemia and electrolyte imbalances. These imbalances can cause
life-threatening ECG changes .
3. The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the unit for possible
hyperthyroidism. Which activity-related symptom is most common
in clients with this condition?
• A. Restlessness
• B. Lethargy
• C. Decreased activity due to fatigue
• D. Hyperactivity
Correct Answer: D. Hyperactivity, along with restlessness and insomnia,
are common findings in hyperthyroidism due to the increased metabolic
rate. Fatigue and lethargy are more characteristic of hypothyroidism .
Respiratory Disorders
4. The nurse is teaching a client with COPD about pursed-lip
breathing. Which statement by the client indicates understanding?
• A. "I should breathe in through my mouth and out through my
nose."
• B. "This will help keep my airways open during exhalation."
• C. "I should do this only when I am short of breath."
• D. "This technique is not helpful for my condition."
,Correct Answer: B. Pursed-lip breathing prolongs exhalation, creating
positive pressure that helps keep the airways open and improves gas
exchange. Inhalation should be through the nose, exhalation through
pursed lips .
5. One day after a subtotal thyroidectomy, a client reports tingling
in the fingers and toes. What is the nurse’s immediate action?
• A. Administer IV calcium gluconate.
• B. Notify the physician immediately.
• C. Check the client’s respiratory rate and depth.
• D. Provide a warm blanket for comfort.
Correct Answer: B. Tingling in the extremities is a sign of hypocalcemia,
which can occur if the parathyroid glands are inadvertently removed or
damaged during thyroid surgery. Hypocalcemia can lead to tetany and
life-threatening laryngospasm. The healthcare provider should be
notified immediately to evaluate and treat this potentially serious
complication .
6. A client receives a prescription for ciprofloxacin 400 mg
intravenously. What is the most important action for the nurse to
take?
This question was found in the search results, but the answer choices
and correct answer were cut off . However, for IV ciprofloxacin, key
nursing actions include monitoring for infusion site reactions (phlebitis)
and ensuring the IV is administered over the prescribed time (typically 60
minutes).
7. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a transfusion of
packed red blood cells. The client develops itching and hives. What
action should the nurse take first?
• A. Slow the transfusion rate.
• B. Stop the transfusion.
, • C. Administer an antihistamine.
• D. Call the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer: B. Itching and hives are signs of a mild allergic
reaction. The first action is to stop the transfusion to prevent the reaction
from worsening, then notify the provider and follow further orders, such
as administering an antihistamine .
8. Which of the following foods is best for the nurse to recommend
to a client with a strong family history of colon and rectal cancers?
• A. Lean beef, salads, and baked potatoes
• B. Chicken, rice, and wheat products
• C. Potatoes, low-fat breads, and applesauce
• D. Oatmeal, raisins, and fruit with skin
Correct Answer: D. A diet high in fiber is associated with a lower risk of
colorectal cancer. Oatmeal, raisins, and fruits with skin are excellent
sources of dietary fiber .
9. A client is being discharged following a left eye cataract
extraction with a lens implant. Which instruction should the nurse
include in the discharge teaching?
• A. Administer a stool softener.
• B. Observe pupil response of the right eye.
• C. Turn, cough, and deep breathe every 2 hours.
• D. Sleep flat in a supine position.
Correct Answer: A. The client is often prescribed a stool softener post-
operatively to prevent straining during bowel movements. Straining can
increase intraocular pressure, which may compromise the surgical site .
Cardiovascular & Hematologic Disorders
