HESI Medical-Surgical
Nursing Test 2026 |
Practice Questions,
Answers, Rationales &
Comprehensive Med-Surg
Review | Complete Ethics
Study Guide
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
,When describing patient education approaches, the nurse C. Informal teaching is individualized one on one teaching which represents the
educator would explain that informal teaching is an majority of patient education done by nurses that occurs when an intervention is
approach that explained or a question is answered. Group needs are often the focus of formal
patient education courses or classes. Informal teaching does not necessarily follow
a. follows formalized plans a specific formalized plan. It may be planned with specific content, but it is
b. has standardized content individualized responses to patient needs. Formal teaching involves the use of a
c. often occurs one-to-one curriculum/course plan with standardized content.
d. addresses group needs
A patient expresses a strong interest in returning to their C. Cognitive theorists believe that attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction
work, family, and hobbies after having a stroke. Which (ARCS) are the conditions that, when integrated, motivate someone to learn. Field
theory type would the nurse use to develop a plan of care theorists place significance on how achievement, power, the need for affiliation, and
for the best results of this patient's motivation style? avoidance motives influence individual behavior. Sociologic theories are not
involved in motivation.
a. field
b. biological
c. cognitive
d. sociologic
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 peripheral
a. an older woman with hypertension 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 for D
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 older
a. older adults tend to report pain less often than younger clients and pain.
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 104.1 F, The spectator shows signs of heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. The
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 acetaminophen
nurse? 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 not
a. assess for a blood return be successful. The solution could be diluted (less potassium) and the rate could be
b. notify the physician 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 harmful
effects system wide. effects in all body systems. The stress response causes the endocrine system to
b. decreased tumor growth and longevity release excessive amounts of hormones, such as cortisol, catecholamines, and
c. large tidal volumes and decreased lung capacity glucagon. Insulin and testosterone levels decrease. Increased endocrine activity in
d. decreased carbohydrate, protein, and fat destruction 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 hypoxia,
a. increasing the IV flow rate to 250 mL/hr causing confusion. Applying oxygen can reduce confusion, even if perfusion is still
b. applying oxygen by mask or nasal cannula less than optimum. Increasing the IV flow rate would increase perfusion. However,
c. placing the client in a high Fowler's position depending on the degree of dehydration, rehydrating the person too rapidly with IV
d. Measuring intake and output every four hours 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 and
c. older adult client with cognitive impairment cannot obtain fluids independently or cannot make his or her need for fluids known
d. younger adult client receiving hypertonic IV fluid 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 read
agent labels and to choose a salt substitute that does not contain potassium. NSAIDs
b. client with heart failure using a salt substitute 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 in
b. increased gastrointestinal motility 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 indicative
a. I will use a salt substitute when making and eating my of excessive fluid loss. The other statements are not indicative of practices that will
meals. 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.
Nursing Test 2026 |
Practice Questions,
Answers, Rationales &
Comprehensive Med-Surg
Review | Complete Ethics
Study Guide
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
,When describing patient education approaches, the nurse C. Informal teaching is individualized one on one teaching which represents the
educator would explain that informal teaching is an majority of patient education done by nurses that occurs when an intervention is
approach that explained or a question is answered. Group needs are often the focus of formal
patient education courses or classes. Informal teaching does not necessarily follow
a. follows formalized plans a specific formalized plan. It may be planned with specific content, but it is
b. has standardized content individualized responses to patient needs. Formal teaching involves the use of a
c. often occurs one-to-one curriculum/course plan with standardized content.
d. addresses group needs
A patient expresses a strong interest in returning to their C. Cognitive theorists believe that attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction
work, family, and hobbies after having a stroke. Which (ARCS) are the conditions that, when integrated, motivate someone to learn. Field
theory type would the nurse use to develop a plan of care theorists place significance on how achievement, power, the need for affiliation, and
for the best results of this patient's motivation style? avoidance motives influence individual behavior. Sociologic theories are not
involved in motivation.
a. field
b. biological
c. cognitive
d. sociologic
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 peripheral
a. an older woman with hypertension 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 for D
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 older
a. older adults tend to report pain less often than younger clients and pain.
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 104.1 F, The spectator shows signs of heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. The
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 acetaminophen
nurse? 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 not
a. assess for a blood return be successful. The solution could be diluted (less potassium) and the rate could be
b. notify the physician 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 harmful
effects system wide. effects in all body systems. The stress response causes the endocrine system to
b. decreased tumor growth and longevity release excessive amounts of hormones, such as cortisol, catecholamines, and
c. large tidal volumes and decreased lung capacity glucagon. Insulin and testosterone levels decrease. Increased endocrine activity in
d. decreased carbohydrate, protein, and fat destruction 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 hypoxia,
a. increasing the IV flow rate to 250 mL/hr causing confusion. Applying oxygen can reduce confusion, even if perfusion is still
b. applying oxygen by mask or nasal cannula less than optimum. Increasing the IV flow rate would increase perfusion. However,
c. placing the client in a high Fowler's position depending on the degree of dehydration, rehydrating the person too rapidly with IV
d. Measuring intake and output every four hours 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 and
c. older adult client with cognitive impairment cannot obtain fluids independently or cannot make his or her need for fluids known
d. younger adult client receiving hypertonic IV fluid 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 read
agent labels and to choose a salt substitute that does not contain potassium. NSAIDs
b. client with heart failure using a salt substitute 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 in
b. increased gastrointestinal motility 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 indicative
a. I will use a salt substitute when making and eating my of excessive fluid loss. The other statements are not indicative of practices that will
meals. 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.
