MED-SURG HESI COMPREHENSIVE
TEST BANK QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS |GRADE A+| JUST RELEASED
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with an ABG of pH
7.30, PaCO2 55 mm Hg, and HCO3 28 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
B. Fully compensated metabolic alkalosis
C. Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
D. Partially compensated metabolic acidosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is acidic (<7.35), the PaCO2 is high (>45) indicating a
respiratory cause, and the HCO3 is elevated (>26), indicating the kidneys are attempting to
compensate, but the pH is not yet back to normal.
2. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse prioritize in a patient suspected of having
Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Hypotension and hyperkalemia
B. Hypertension and hyperglycemia
C. Weight loss and tachycardia
,D. Hyponatremia and decreased cortisol
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome involves excessive cortisol, leading to
sodium and water retention (hypertension) and increased gluconeogenesis
(hyperglycemia).
3. A patient is 24 hours post-thyroidectomy. The nurse notes the patient is complaining of
numbness and tingling in the fingertips and around the mouth. Which action is most
appropriate?
A. Check the patient’s potassium level
B. Assess for Trousseau’s sign
C. Administer a dose of levothyroxine
D. Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: These symptoms suggest hypocalcemia, a common complication
of thyroidectomy if the parathyroid glands are accidentally damaged or removed.
Trousseau’s sign tests for neuromuscular irritability associated with low calcium.
4. Which EKG change is most characteristic of hyperkalemia?
A. ST-segment depression
B. Tall, peaked T waves
, C. Prominent U waves
D. Prolonged QT interval
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia classically causes tall, peaked T waves. As levels
rise, it can lead to QRS widening and P-wave flattening.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient with Right-sided Heart Failure. Which assessment finding is
expected?
A. Crackles in the lungs
B. Orthopnea
C. Jugular venous distention (JVD)
D. Pulmonary edema
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Right-sided heart failure causes systemic congestion, leading to
JVD, peripheral edema, and hepatomegaly. Crackles and orthopnea are signs of Left-sided
heart failure.
6. During a sickle cell crisis, what is the primary nursing intervention?
A. Restrict fluids to prevent edema
B. Apply cold compresses to painful joints
C. Administer high-flow oxygen and IV hydration
TEST BANK QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS |GRADE A+| JUST RELEASED
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with an ABG of pH
7.30, PaCO2 55 mm Hg, and HCO3 28 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
B. Fully compensated metabolic alkalosis
C. Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
D. Partially compensated metabolic acidosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is acidic (<7.35), the PaCO2 is high (>45) indicating a
respiratory cause, and the HCO3 is elevated (>26), indicating the kidneys are attempting to
compensate, but the pH is not yet back to normal.
2. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse prioritize in a patient suspected of having
Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Hypotension and hyperkalemia
B. Hypertension and hyperglycemia
C. Weight loss and tachycardia
,D. Hyponatremia and decreased cortisol
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome involves excessive cortisol, leading to
sodium and water retention (hypertension) and increased gluconeogenesis
(hyperglycemia).
3. A patient is 24 hours post-thyroidectomy. The nurse notes the patient is complaining of
numbness and tingling in the fingertips and around the mouth. Which action is most
appropriate?
A. Check the patient’s potassium level
B. Assess for Trousseau’s sign
C. Administer a dose of levothyroxine
D. Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: These symptoms suggest hypocalcemia, a common complication
of thyroidectomy if the parathyroid glands are accidentally damaged or removed.
Trousseau’s sign tests for neuromuscular irritability associated with low calcium.
4. Which EKG change is most characteristic of hyperkalemia?
A. ST-segment depression
B. Tall, peaked T waves
, C. Prominent U waves
D. Prolonged QT interval
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia classically causes tall, peaked T waves. As levels
rise, it can lead to QRS widening and P-wave flattening.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient with Right-sided Heart Failure. Which assessment finding is
expected?
A. Crackles in the lungs
B. Orthopnea
C. Jugular venous distention (JVD)
D. Pulmonary edema
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Right-sided heart failure causes systemic congestion, leading to
JVD, peripheral edema, and hepatomegaly. Crackles and orthopnea are signs of Left-sided
heart failure.
6. During a sickle cell crisis, what is the primary nursing intervention?
A. Restrict fluids to prevent edema
B. Apply cold compresses to painful joints
C. Administer high-flow oxygen and IV hydration
