HESI MEDICAL SURGICAL 2025/2026
EXAMINATION WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
The nurse is assessing a client with bacterial meningitis. Which assessment finding
indicates the client may have developed septic emboli?
A. Cyanosis of the fingertips.
B. Bradycardia and bradypnea.
C. Presence of S3 and S4 heart sounds.
D. 3+ pitting edema of the lower extremities. - ANSWER-A. Cyanosis of the
fingertips.
Septic emboli secondary to meningitis commonly lodge in the small arterioles of
the extremities, causing a decrease in circulation to the hands which may lead to
gangrene.
A 77-year-old female client is admitted to the hospital. She is confused, has no
appetite, is nauseated and vomiting, and is complaining of a headache. Her pulse
rate is 43 beats per minute. It is most important for the nurse to assess for which
finding?
A. Wearing dentures.
B. Use of aspirin prior to admit.
C. Prescribed nitroglycerin for chest pain.
D. Takes digitalis. - ANSWER-D. Takes digitalis.
, Although it is important to obtain a complete medication history, the symptoms
described are classic for digitalis toxicity, and assessment of this problem should
be made promptly. Elderly persons are particularly susceptible to digitalis
intoxication which manifests itself in such symptoms as anorexia, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and fatigue.
A 58-year-old client who has been post-menopausal for five years is concerned
about the risk for osteoporosis because her mother has the condition. Which
information should the nurse offer?
A. Osteoporosis is a progressive genetic disease with no effective treatment.
B. Calcium loss from bones can be slowed by increasing calcium intake and
exercise.
C. Estrogen replacement therapy should be started to prevent the progression
osteoporosis.
D. Low-dose corticosteroid treatment effectively halts the course of osteoporosis. -
ANSWER-B. Calcium loss from bones can be slowed by increasing calcium intake
and exercise.
Post-menopausal females are at risk for osteoporosis due to the cessation of
estrogen secretion, but a regimen including calcium, vitamin D, and weight-
bearing exercise can help prevent further bone loss.
A client with heart disease is on a continuous telemetry monitor and has developed
sinus bradycardia. In determining the possible cause of the bradycardia, the nurse
assesses the client's medication record. Which medication is most likely the cause
of the bradycardia?
A. Propanolol.
EXAMINATION WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
The nurse is assessing a client with bacterial meningitis. Which assessment finding
indicates the client may have developed septic emboli?
A. Cyanosis of the fingertips.
B. Bradycardia and bradypnea.
C. Presence of S3 and S4 heart sounds.
D. 3+ pitting edema of the lower extremities. - ANSWER-A. Cyanosis of the
fingertips.
Septic emboli secondary to meningitis commonly lodge in the small arterioles of
the extremities, causing a decrease in circulation to the hands which may lead to
gangrene.
A 77-year-old female client is admitted to the hospital. She is confused, has no
appetite, is nauseated and vomiting, and is complaining of a headache. Her pulse
rate is 43 beats per minute. It is most important for the nurse to assess for which
finding?
A. Wearing dentures.
B. Use of aspirin prior to admit.
C. Prescribed nitroglycerin for chest pain.
D. Takes digitalis. - ANSWER-D. Takes digitalis.
, Although it is important to obtain a complete medication history, the symptoms
described are classic for digitalis toxicity, and assessment of this problem should
be made promptly. Elderly persons are particularly susceptible to digitalis
intoxication which manifests itself in such symptoms as anorexia, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and fatigue.
A 58-year-old client who has been post-menopausal for five years is concerned
about the risk for osteoporosis because her mother has the condition. Which
information should the nurse offer?
A. Osteoporosis is a progressive genetic disease with no effective treatment.
B. Calcium loss from bones can be slowed by increasing calcium intake and
exercise.
C. Estrogen replacement therapy should be started to prevent the progression
osteoporosis.
D. Low-dose corticosteroid treatment effectively halts the course of osteoporosis. -
ANSWER-B. Calcium loss from bones can be slowed by increasing calcium intake
and exercise.
Post-menopausal females are at risk for osteoporosis due to the cessation of
estrogen secretion, but a regimen including calcium, vitamin D, and weight-
bearing exercise can help prevent further bone loss.
A client with heart disease is on a continuous telemetry monitor and has developed
sinus bradycardia. In determining the possible cause of the bradycardia, the nurse
assesses the client's medication record. Which medication is most likely the cause
of the bradycardia?
A. Propanolol.
