HESI PN Med-Surg Test Bank (NGN-Style
Questions & Case Scenarios)2026-2027
Question 1
A client with a retinal detachment is scheduled for surgery. Which finding
would the nurse expect to assess?
A. A "curtain" or shadow across the visual field
B. Flashing lights and floaters
C. Sudden, painless loss of vision
D. A and B are both common symptoms
*Correct Answer: D. A and B are both common symptoms. *
Rationale: Retinal detachment typically presents with a sudden onset of
flashing lights (photopsia), floaters, and a shadow or curtain across the visual
field. Painless, sudden vision loss is more characteristic of central retinal
artery occlusion.
Question 2
The nurse is teaching a client with diabetes about preventing diabetic
retinopathy. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. "I only need to see an eye doctor if I have vision problems."
B. "I will keep my blood glucose levels within target range and have
annual eye exams."
C. "I can stop taking my diabetes medications once my vision improves."
D. "Diabetic retinopathy only occurs in type 1 diabetes."
*Correct Answer: B. "I will keep my blood glucose levels within target
range and have annual eye exams." *
,Rationale: Strict glycemic control and annual dilated eye exams are the
cornerstones of preventing diabetic retinopathy. Vision changes are often late
signs, and retinopathy can occur in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Question 3
A client with glaucoma is prescribed pilocarpine eye drops. Which side
effect should the nurse monitor for?
A. Mydriasis (pupil dilation)
B. Miosis (pupil constriction) and blurred vision
C. Tachycardia
D. Hyperglycemia
*Correct Answer: B. Miosis (pupil constriction) and blurred vision. *
Rationale: Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist that causes miosis (pupil
constriction), which can lead to blurred vision, especially in low light. It is
used to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma by improving aqueous
humor outflow.
Question 4
A client with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is being discharged.
Which teaching is most important?
A. "You should avoid all physical activity."
B. "You may benefit from low-vision aids and magnifying devices."
C. "Your vision will return to normal with treatment."
D. "You should stop driving immediately."
*Correct Answer: B. "You may benefit from low-vision aids and
magnifying devices." *
,Rationale: AMD causes central vision loss that is typically irreversible, but
low-vision aids and magnifying devices can help maintain independence and
quality of life. Driving cessation may be necessary depending on the degree
of vision loss.
Question 5
A client is diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye). Which
instruction should the nurse include?
A. "You can return to work or school immediately."
B. "Wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing towels or pillows."
C. "Apply a warm compress to the eye every 2 hours."
D. "You should cover the affected eye with a patch."
*Correct Answer: B. "Wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing
towels or pillows." *
Rationale: Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Hand hygiene and
avoiding sharing personal items are essential to prevent spread. Clients
should stay home until 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
Question 6
A client with cataracts is scheduled for surgery. Which finding would the
nurse expect?
A. Sudden, painful loss of vision
B. Gradual, painless blurring of vision and glare
C. Flashing lights and floaters
D. Eye pain and redness
*Correct Answer: B. Gradual, painless blurring of vision and glare. *
, Rationale: Cataracts cause gradual, painless blurring of vision, glare, and
difficulty with night vision. Sudden loss of vision is not characteristic of
cataracts. Flashing lights and floaters suggest retinal detachment.
Question 7
The nurse is assessing a client with Ménière's disease. Which finding would
the nurse expect?
A. Tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss
B. Painless vision changes
C. Itching and discharge
D. Headache and photophobia
*Correct Answer: A. Tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss. *
Rationale: Ménière's disease is characterized by the classic triad of tinnitus,
vertigo, and unilateral fluctuating hearing loss. Nausea and vomiting may
also occur during acute episodes.
Question 8
A client with otitis externa (swimmer's ear) is prescribed antibiotic ear
drops. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. "Place the drops directly into the ear canal without warming them."
B. "Warm the drops to body temperature and gently pull the ear up
and back."
C. "Insert a cotton ball firmly into the ear after instilling drops."
D. "Avoid getting water in the ear for 24 hours."
*Correct Answer: B. "Warm the drops to body temperature and gently
pull the ear up and back." *
Questions & Case Scenarios)2026-2027
Question 1
A client with a retinal detachment is scheduled for surgery. Which finding
would the nurse expect to assess?
A. A "curtain" or shadow across the visual field
B. Flashing lights and floaters
C. Sudden, painless loss of vision
D. A and B are both common symptoms
*Correct Answer: D. A and B are both common symptoms. *
Rationale: Retinal detachment typically presents with a sudden onset of
flashing lights (photopsia), floaters, and a shadow or curtain across the visual
field. Painless, sudden vision loss is more characteristic of central retinal
artery occlusion.
Question 2
The nurse is teaching a client with diabetes about preventing diabetic
retinopathy. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. "I only need to see an eye doctor if I have vision problems."
B. "I will keep my blood glucose levels within target range and have
annual eye exams."
C. "I can stop taking my diabetes medications once my vision improves."
D. "Diabetic retinopathy only occurs in type 1 diabetes."
*Correct Answer: B. "I will keep my blood glucose levels within target
range and have annual eye exams." *
,Rationale: Strict glycemic control and annual dilated eye exams are the
cornerstones of preventing diabetic retinopathy. Vision changes are often late
signs, and retinopathy can occur in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Question 3
A client with glaucoma is prescribed pilocarpine eye drops. Which side
effect should the nurse monitor for?
A. Mydriasis (pupil dilation)
B. Miosis (pupil constriction) and blurred vision
C. Tachycardia
D. Hyperglycemia
*Correct Answer: B. Miosis (pupil constriction) and blurred vision. *
Rationale: Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist that causes miosis (pupil
constriction), which can lead to blurred vision, especially in low light. It is
used to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma by improving aqueous
humor outflow.
Question 4
A client with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is being discharged.
Which teaching is most important?
A. "You should avoid all physical activity."
B. "You may benefit from low-vision aids and magnifying devices."
C. "Your vision will return to normal with treatment."
D. "You should stop driving immediately."
*Correct Answer: B. "You may benefit from low-vision aids and
magnifying devices." *
,Rationale: AMD causes central vision loss that is typically irreversible, but
low-vision aids and magnifying devices can help maintain independence and
quality of life. Driving cessation may be necessary depending on the degree
of vision loss.
Question 5
A client is diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye). Which
instruction should the nurse include?
A. "You can return to work or school immediately."
B. "Wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing towels or pillows."
C. "Apply a warm compress to the eye every 2 hours."
D. "You should cover the affected eye with a patch."
*Correct Answer: B. "Wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing
towels or pillows." *
Rationale: Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Hand hygiene and
avoiding sharing personal items are essential to prevent spread. Clients
should stay home until 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
Question 6
A client with cataracts is scheduled for surgery. Which finding would the
nurse expect?
A. Sudden, painful loss of vision
B. Gradual, painless blurring of vision and glare
C. Flashing lights and floaters
D. Eye pain and redness
*Correct Answer: B. Gradual, painless blurring of vision and glare. *
, Rationale: Cataracts cause gradual, painless blurring of vision, glare, and
difficulty with night vision. Sudden loss of vision is not characteristic of
cataracts. Flashing lights and floaters suggest retinal detachment.
Question 7
The nurse is assessing a client with Ménière's disease. Which finding would
the nurse expect?
A. Tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss
B. Painless vision changes
C. Itching and discharge
D. Headache and photophobia
*Correct Answer: A. Tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss. *
Rationale: Ménière's disease is characterized by the classic triad of tinnitus,
vertigo, and unilateral fluctuating hearing loss. Nausea and vomiting may
also occur during acute episodes.
Question 8
A client with otitis externa (swimmer's ear) is prescribed antibiotic ear
drops. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. "Place the drops directly into the ear canal without warming them."
B. "Warm the drops to body temperature and gently pull the ear up
and back."
C. "Insert a cotton ball firmly into the ear after instilling drops."
D. "Avoid getting water in the ear for 24 hours."
*Correct Answer: B. "Warm the drops to body temperature and gently
pull the ear up and back." *
