HESI MED-SURG EXAM WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS 2025
GRADED A+
An elderly client diagnosed with dementia was admitted from a long-term
facility to the hospital two days ago. The client's children express concern
that their parent's confusion has gotten worse since being admitted. How
should the practical nurse (PN) respond?
a."It is to be expected that elderly people will experience progressive
confusion."
b."Confusion in an older person is expected with a relocation to new
surroundings."
c."The dementia is progressing rapidly, but we will do everything we can to
keep your parent safe."
d."The acute care staff is not as experienced as the long-term care staff at
dealing with dementia." ( correct answers ) b."Confusion in an older
person is expected with a relocation to new surroundings."
Rationale:Relocation often results in confusion among elderly clients and is
stressful for clients of all ages.
A client diagnosed with bacterial meningitis is admitted to the unit and is
prescribed neuro checks every 2 hours. Which manifestation would the
practical nurse monitor for that would provide the first indication of altered
neurological function?
a.Change in level of consciousness
,b.Increasing muscular weakness
c.Changes in pupil size bilaterally
d.Progressive nuchal rigidity ( correct answers ) a.Change in level of
consciousness
Rationale:A decrease or change in the level of consciousness is usually the
first indication of neurological deterioration.
The practical nurse is preparing a room for a client being admitted from the
Emergency Department with a diagnosis of new onset of seizures. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
a.Ensure there is an IV pump and it is functioning properly.
b.Set-up and check for functioning of a suction apparatus and oxygen
delivery system at bedside.
c.Placement of a padded tongue blade above the head of bed on wall.
d.Presence of the call button and television remote at the head of bed.
( correct answers ) b.Set-up and check for functioning of a suction
apparatus and oxygen delivery system at bedside.
Rationale:Maintaining the airway during a seizure is a priority for safety. The
practical nurse needs to ensure there is a functioning suction apparatus to
ensure airway clearance and an oxygen delivery system at bedside in the
event of a seizure.
A client has a serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L. Which findings should the
practical nurse report to the charge nurse? (Select all that apply.)
a.Muscle cramps
b.Diarrhea
c.Altered blood glucose level
d.Increased energy
, e.Abnormal heart rhythms
f.Increased anxiety ( correct answers ) a.Muscle cramps
e.Abnormal heart rhythms
Rationale:A normal potassium level ranges from 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (mmol/L).
Signs and symptoms of low potassium include muscle cramps and
dysrhythmias.
A client diagnosed with hypertension is prescribed a low-sodium diet. Which
food choices selected from the hospital's menu demonstrates to the PN that
the client understands their dietary restrictions?
a.Tossed salad, low-sodium dressing, bacon and tomato sandwich
b.New England clam chowder, no-salt crackers, fresh fruit salad
c.Skim milk, turkey salad, roll, vanilla ice cream
d.Macaroni and cheese, diet Coke, slice of cherry pie ( correct answers )
c.Skim milk, turkey salad, roll, vanilla ice cream
Rationale:The client's selection of skim milk, turkey salad, roll, and vanilla ice
cream, although containing some sodium, are considered low-sodium foods.
A plan of care for a 56-year-old client who has been diagnosed with
osteopenia has been developed. The plan is focused on preventing further
bone resorption and increasing bone mass. Which outcome statement should
be included in the plan of care?
a.The nurse practitioner will instruct the client on the use of alendronate.
b.The client will decrease the number of cigarettes smoked by 50% within 2
weeks.
c.The client will swim for 30 minutes three to four times per week for the
next 2 months.
CORRECT ANSWERS 2025
GRADED A+
An elderly client diagnosed with dementia was admitted from a long-term
facility to the hospital two days ago. The client's children express concern
that their parent's confusion has gotten worse since being admitted. How
should the practical nurse (PN) respond?
a."It is to be expected that elderly people will experience progressive
confusion."
b."Confusion in an older person is expected with a relocation to new
surroundings."
c."The dementia is progressing rapidly, but we will do everything we can to
keep your parent safe."
d."The acute care staff is not as experienced as the long-term care staff at
dealing with dementia." ( correct answers ) b."Confusion in an older
person is expected with a relocation to new surroundings."
Rationale:Relocation often results in confusion among elderly clients and is
stressful for clients of all ages.
A client diagnosed with bacterial meningitis is admitted to the unit and is
prescribed neuro checks every 2 hours. Which manifestation would the
practical nurse monitor for that would provide the first indication of altered
neurological function?
a.Change in level of consciousness
,b.Increasing muscular weakness
c.Changes in pupil size bilaterally
d.Progressive nuchal rigidity ( correct answers ) a.Change in level of
consciousness
Rationale:A decrease or change in the level of consciousness is usually the
first indication of neurological deterioration.
The practical nurse is preparing a room for a client being admitted from the
Emergency Department with a diagnosis of new onset of seizures. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
a.Ensure there is an IV pump and it is functioning properly.
b.Set-up and check for functioning of a suction apparatus and oxygen
delivery system at bedside.
c.Placement of a padded tongue blade above the head of bed on wall.
d.Presence of the call button and television remote at the head of bed.
( correct answers ) b.Set-up and check for functioning of a suction
apparatus and oxygen delivery system at bedside.
Rationale:Maintaining the airway during a seizure is a priority for safety. The
practical nurse needs to ensure there is a functioning suction apparatus to
ensure airway clearance and an oxygen delivery system at bedside in the
event of a seizure.
A client has a serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L. Which findings should the
practical nurse report to the charge nurse? (Select all that apply.)
a.Muscle cramps
b.Diarrhea
c.Altered blood glucose level
d.Increased energy
, e.Abnormal heart rhythms
f.Increased anxiety ( correct answers ) a.Muscle cramps
e.Abnormal heart rhythms
Rationale:A normal potassium level ranges from 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (mmol/L).
Signs and symptoms of low potassium include muscle cramps and
dysrhythmias.
A client diagnosed with hypertension is prescribed a low-sodium diet. Which
food choices selected from the hospital's menu demonstrates to the PN that
the client understands their dietary restrictions?
a.Tossed salad, low-sodium dressing, bacon and tomato sandwich
b.New England clam chowder, no-salt crackers, fresh fruit salad
c.Skim milk, turkey salad, roll, vanilla ice cream
d.Macaroni and cheese, diet Coke, slice of cherry pie ( correct answers )
c.Skim milk, turkey salad, roll, vanilla ice cream
Rationale:The client's selection of skim milk, turkey salad, roll, and vanilla ice
cream, although containing some sodium, are considered low-sodium foods.
A plan of care for a 56-year-old client who has been diagnosed with
osteopenia has been developed. The plan is focused on preventing further
bone resorption and increasing bone mass. Which outcome statement should
be included in the plan of care?
a.The nurse practitioner will instruct the client on the use of alendronate.
b.The client will decrease the number of cigarettes smoked by 50% within 2
weeks.
c.The client will swim for 30 minutes three to four times per week for the
next 2 months.
