MED-SURG HESI STUDY GUIDE 2025-2026
1. The nurse is assessing a healthy young adult during an annual physical examination. Which
assessment technique should the nurse implement when palpating the abdominal aorta?
Deep palpation above and to the left of the umbilicus.
2. A client has been diagnosed with bilateral lower lobe atelectasis. Which percussion sound
should the nurse expect to hear when percussing over the client's lower lobes? Dull, thud-like.
3. During a client's routine well-woman physical exam, the nurse examines the breasts. Which
assessment technique should the nurse implement to evaluate for any abnormal lumps?
With both arms at client's side, lift one arm and palpate the axilla.
4. The nurse uses a tongue depressor to assess a client's mouth. Which structure should the nurse
be able to visualize? Pharynx.
5. Which term should the nurse use to document the condition of a client who reports waking up
frequently during the night to urinate? Nocturia.
6. As a part of a routine health assessment, the nurse assesses the kidneys as part of the
abdominal assessment. Which assessment finding should the nurse conclude is normal when
palpating the client's right kidney? A round smooth mass that slides between the fingers.
7. A client presents with a rash along the occipital area of the hairline and reports intense itching.
How should the nurse begin the objective part of the examination?
Inspect the scalp looking for nits.
8. During a health history interview, a male client reports that he smokes cigarettes and does not
plan to quit. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?
Calculate the client's pack year history.
9. The nurse is assessing a postmenopausal client who has a bmi of 32. The client has a chest
measurement of 42 inches, a waist measurement of 45 inches, and a hip measurement of 50
inches. What important message should the nurse explain to the client to promote health
promotion?
"a waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women puts one at higher risk for type 2
diabetes and heart disease."
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10.a client reports lower abdominal pain and a feeling of pressure in the bladder.
Which assessment finding indicates acute urinary retention? Dull sound
percussed over bladder.
11.which procedure should the nurse use to assess for a pulse deficit? Measure the apical pulse
and compare it to the peripheral pulse.
12.the nurse palpates a weak pedal pulse in the client's right foot. Which assessment findings should
the nurse document that are consistent with diminished peripheral circulation? (select all that
apply.) Diminished hair on legs. Skin cool to touch.
13.the nurse performs a physical assessment on an older female client. Which change from the prior
exam may be an indication of osteoporosis? Height reduction of 1.5 inches.
14.the nurse is completing a physical exam on an adult client. Which thyroid finding is considered
normal? Gland is usually not visible on inspection.
15.the nurse is assessing a client who reports having shoulder pain. Which sign is the best indicator
of a rotator cuff tear? Inability to slowly lower the arm when abducted.
16.a client reports a recent onset of nausea and vomiting. What subjective information is important
for the nurse to ascertain? Ask whether the client has been in a foreign country recently.
17.during the interview portion of the health assessment, a nurse notes the person's posture,
physical appearance, and ability to converse. How should the nurse document these findings?
Objective.
18.while conducting an interview to obtain a health history, the nurse notices that the client pauses
frequently and looks at the nurse expectantly. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
Sit quietly to allow the client to respond comfortably.
19.the nurse observes peristaltic movement in the left lower quadrant of a client's abdomen. Which
further assessment of the area should the nurse perform? Observe the direction of movement.
20.the nurse performs the weber and rinne tests to assess which cranial nerve?
Viii.
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