,NSG 233 HESI Exam Medical-Surgical Nursing III Questions And
Answers 2026/2027 Herzing University
Q1. A client arrives in the emergency department after a motor vehicle
collision. Which assessment has the highest priority?
A) Obtain a detailed medication history.
B) Assess airway, breathing, and circulation.
C) Determine the client's last meal.
D) Obtain a complete psychosocial history.
Correct Answer: B) Assess airway, breathing, and circulation.
Rationale: The ABCs identify immediate life threats and take priority over
detailed history-taking in an unstable trauma client.
Q2. Which client should the emergency nurse assess first?
A) Client with a superficial hand laceration
B) Client with severe respiratory distress and cyanosis
C) Client with an uncomplicated ankle sprain
D) Client requesting a medication refill
Correct Answer: B) Client with severe respiratory distress and cyanosis
Rationale: Severe respiratory compromise is immediately life-threatening
and takes priority over stable injuries and nonurgent needs.
Q3. Which finding is characteristic of hypovolemic shock?
A) Hypotension, tachycardia, and cool clammy skin
B) Bradycardia, warm skin, and hypertension
C) Hypertension with bounding pulses
D) Increased urine output and warm extremities
Correct Answer: A) Hypotension, tachycardia, and cool clammy skin
Rationale: Loss of circulating volume triggers tachycardia and peripheral
vasoconstriction, followed by hypotension as shock worsens.
Q4. Which type of shock is caused by severe blood loss?
A) Cardiogenic shock
B) Neurogenic shock
C) Hypovolemic shock
D) Anaphylactic shock
Correct Answer: C) Hypovolemic shock
Rationale: Hypovolemic shock occurs when circulating blood or fluid volume
becomes insufficient to maintain tissue perfusion.
Q5. A client with hemorrhagic shock has a blood pressure of 78/42 mm Hg,
heart rate of 132/min, and cool skin. Which intervention should the nurse
, anticipate?
A) Rapid vascular access and fluid or blood replacement
B) Fluid restriction
C) Ambulation
D) Oral fluids only
Correct Answer: A) Rapid vascular access and fluid or blood replacement
Rationale: Severe hemorrhage requires prompt restoration of circulating
volume and control of the bleeding source.
Q6. Which assessment is the best indicator of renal perfusion during shock?
A) Urine output
B) Appetite
C) Skin temperature alone
D) Bowel sounds
Correct Answer: A) Urine output
Rationale: Decreased urine output can reflect reduced renal blood flow and
worsening systemic perfusion.
Q7. Which intervention is appropriate for a client with uncontrolled external
hemorrhage?
A) Apply direct pressure.
B) Massage the wound.
C) Encourage ambulation.
D) Remove clots repeatedly.
Correct Answer: A) Apply direct pressure.
Rationale: Firm direct pressure compresses injured vessels and is a primary
method of controlling external bleeding.
Q8. Which blood product primarily restores oxygen-carrying capacity after
major blood loss?
A) Fresh frozen plasma
B) Packed red blood cells
C) Platelets
D) Cryoprecipitate
Correct Answer: B) Packed red blood cells
Rationale: Packed red blood cells replace lost erythrocytes and restore
oxygen-carrying capacity.
Q9. Which type of shock results from severe cardiac pump failure?
A) Hypovolemic shock
B) Cardiogenic shock
C) Neurogenic shock
Answers 2026/2027 Herzing University
Q1. A client arrives in the emergency department after a motor vehicle
collision. Which assessment has the highest priority?
A) Obtain a detailed medication history.
B) Assess airway, breathing, and circulation.
C) Determine the client's last meal.
D) Obtain a complete psychosocial history.
Correct Answer: B) Assess airway, breathing, and circulation.
Rationale: The ABCs identify immediate life threats and take priority over
detailed history-taking in an unstable trauma client.
Q2. Which client should the emergency nurse assess first?
A) Client with a superficial hand laceration
B) Client with severe respiratory distress and cyanosis
C) Client with an uncomplicated ankle sprain
D) Client requesting a medication refill
Correct Answer: B) Client with severe respiratory distress and cyanosis
Rationale: Severe respiratory compromise is immediately life-threatening
and takes priority over stable injuries and nonurgent needs.
Q3. Which finding is characteristic of hypovolemic shock?
A) Hypotension, tachycardia, and cool clammy skin
B) Bradycardia, warm skin, and hypertension
C) Hypertension with bounding pulses
D) Increased urine output and warm extremities
Correct Answer: A) Hypotension, tachycardia, and cool clammy skin
Rationale: Loss of circulating volume triggers tachycardia and peripheral
vasoconstriction, followed by hypotension as shock worsens.
Q4. Which type of shock is caused by severe blood loss?
A) Cardiogenic shock
B) Neurogenic shock
C) Hypovolemic shock
D) Anaphylactic shock
Correct Answer: C) Hypovolemic shock
Rationale: Hypovolemic shock occurs when circulating blood or fluid volume
becomes insufficient to maintain tissue perfusion.
Q5. A client with hemorrhagic shock has a blood pressure of 78/42 mm Hg,
heart rate of 132/min, and cool skin. Which intervention should the nurse
, anticipate?
A) Rapid vascular access and fluid or blood replacement
B) Fluid restriction
C) Ambulation
D) Oral fluids only
Correct Answer: A) Rapid vascular access and fluid or blood replacement
Rationale: Severe hemorrhage requires prompt restoration of circulating
volume and control of the bleeding source.
Q6. Which assessment is the best indicator of renal perfusion during shock?
A) Urine output
B) Appetite
C) Skin temperature alone
D) Bowel sounds
Correct Answer: A) Urine output
Rationale: Decreased urine output can reflect reduced renal blood flow and
worsening systemic perfusion.
Q7. Which intervention is appropriate for a client with uncontrolled external
hemorrhage?
A) Apply direct pressure.
B) Massage the wound.
C) Encourage ambulation.
D) Remove clots repeatedly.
Correct Answer: A) Apply direct pressure.
Rationale: Firm direct pressure compresses injured vessels and is a primary
method of controlling external bleeding.
Q8. Which blood product primarily restores oxygen-carrying capacity after
major blood loss?
A) Fresh frozen plasma
B) Packed red blood cells
C) Platelets
D) Cryoprecipitate
Correct Answer: B) Packed red blood cells
Rationale: Packed red blood cells replace lost erythrocytes and restore
oxygen-carrying capacity.
Q9. Which type of shock results from severe cardiac pump failure?
A) Hypovolemic shock
B) Cardiogenic shock
C) Neurogenic shock
