MED-SURG II HESI 100 ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALE LATEST
2026 ALREADY GRADED A+ – COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND
WELLDETAILED ANSWERS | DETAILED
EXPLANATIONS AND RATIONALES | COMPLETE
EXAM PREPARATION STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE
QUESTIONS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
• *
•
CORE DOMAINS
• Perioperative Nursing and Postoperative Care
• Cardiovascular Disorders and Hemodynamic Management
• Respiratory Disorders and Oxygenation
• Neurological Disorders and Clinical Judgment
• Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Disorders
• Renal, Urinary, Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Disorders
• Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
• Hematologic, Oncologic, Immunologic, and Infectious Disorders
• Musculoskeletal, Integumentary, Emergency, and Critical Care Nursing
• Pharmacology, Patient Safety, Infection Control, and Professional Nursing Practice
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive assessment is designed to strengthen medical-surgical nursing
knowledge through multiple-choice questions that emphasize foundational concepts, clinical
application, prioritization, patient safety, assessment, interventions, and clinical judgment.
The questions integrate disease processes, expected findings, nursing management,
pharmacologic considerations, complications, and practical decision-making across major
adult-health systems. Each item contains four answer choices followed immediately by the
correct answer and a concise rationale. Learners should focus not only on identifying the
correct response but also on understanding the underlying pathophysiology and nursing
reasoning so that knowledge can be transferred to unfamiliar examination-style situations.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
PERIOPERATIVE NURSING
Question 1. A client scheduled for elective surgery reports having fever, productive cough,
and shortness of breath for the past 2 days. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Encourage the client to increase oral fluids
B. Notify the surgical team of the current respiratory symptoms
C. Administer the prescribed preoperative sedative
D. Continue the preparation because the symptoms are expected
Correct Answer: B. Notify the surgical team of the current respiratory symptoms
Explanation: An active respiratory infection can increase perioperative pulmonary
complications and may require postponement of elective surgery. The surgical team should
evaluate the client before anesthesia is administered.
Question 2. Which responsibility belongs primarily to the circulating nurse during an
operative procedure?
A. Maintaining the sterile field
B. Passing sterile instruments to the surgeon
C. Advocating for the client's safety and obtaining needed supplies
D. Performing the surgical procedure
Correct Answer: C. Advocating for the client's safety and obtaining needed supplies
Explanation: The circulating nurse works outside the sterile field, coordinates supplies,
documents care, verifies safety measures, and serves as an advocate for the client. The scrub
nurse maintains the sterile field and handles sterile instruments.
Question 3. A client is preparing to sign an informed-consent document but states, “I don't
understand what complications could occur.” What should the nurse do?
A. Explain all surgical risks independently
B. Ask the client to sign because the surgeon recommended surgery
C. Notify the provider responsible for explaining the procedure
D. Ask a family member to explain the procedure
Correct Answer: C. Notify the provider responsible for explaining the procedure
Explanation: The provider performing or directing the procedure is responsible for
explaining the procedure, expected benefits, significant risks, and alternatives. The nurse
,may witness the signature and verify understanding but should not substitute for the
provider's informed-consent discussion.
Question 4. Which postoperative intervention is most effective for reducing the risk of
atelectasis?
A. Restricting oral fluids
B. Encouraging incentive spirometry and deep breathing
C. Maintaining strict bed rest
D. Limiting coughing
Correct Answer: B. Encouraging incentive spirometry and deep breathing
Explanation: Deep breathing and incentive spirometry promote alveolar expansion and help
prevent postoperative atelectasis. Early mobilization and appropriate pain control also
support effective ventilation.
Question 5. A postoperative client suddenly develops tachycardia, hypotension, pallor, and
increasing abdominal drainage. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Hemorrhage
B. Constipation
C. Atelectasis
D. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: A. Hemorrhage
Explanation: Tachycardia, hypotension, pallor, and increased wound drainage can indicate
significant blood loss. The nurse should rapidly assess the client and notify the surgical team
while initiating prescribed emergency measures.
Question 6. Which assessment finding in a postoperative client requires the most immediate
intervention?
A. Incisional pain rated 5/10
B. Temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F)
C. Oxygen saturation of 86% with respiratory distress
D. Mild nausea after anesthesia
Correct Answer: C. Oxygen saturation of 86% with respiratory distress
, Explanation: Airway and breathing are immediate priorities. Significant hypoxemia with
respiratory distress can rapidly become life-threatening and requires prompt assessment
and intervention.
Question 7. A postoperative client coughs and the abdominal incision separates with
protrusion of abdominal organs. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Push the organs back into the abdominal cavity
B. Apply sterile saline-moistened dressings over the organs
C. Place the client in high-Fowler position
D. Encourage vigorous coughing
Correct Answer: B. Apply sterile saline-moistened dressings over the organs
Explanation: This describes evisceration, a surgical emergency. The exposed organs should
be protected with sterile saline-moistened dressings, and the surgical provider should be
notified immediately. The organs should never be manually replaced by the nurse.
Question 8. Which intervention helps prevent postoperative venous thromboembolism?
A. Keeping the client on prolonged bed rest
B. Placing pillows directly behind the knees
C. Encouraging early ambulation and prescribed compression therapy
D. Restricting leg movement
Correct Answer: C. Encouraging early ambulation and prescribed compression therapy
Explanation: Early ambulation improves venous circulation. Sequential compression devices,
antiembolism stockings, leg exercises, and prescribed anticoagulants may also be used
according to the client's condition.
Question 9. A client receiving general anesthesia develops muscle rigidity, rapidly increasing
temperature, tachycardia, and rising carbon dioxide levels. Which complication is most
likely?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Malignant hyperthermia
C. Pulmonary edema
D. Hypovolemic shock
Correct Answer: B. Malignant hyperthermia
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALE LATEST
2026 ALREADY GRADED A+ – COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND
WELLDETAILED ANSWERS | DETAILED
EXPLANATIONS AND RATIONALES | COMPLETE
EXAM PREPARATION STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE
QUESTIONS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
• *
•
CORE DOMAINS
• Perioperative Nursing and Postoperative Care
• Cardiovascular Disorders and Hemodynamic Management
• Respiratory Disorders and Oxygenation
• Neurological Disorders and Clinical Judgment
• Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Disorders
• Renal, Urinary, Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Disorders
• Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
• Hematologic, Oncologic, Immunologic, and Infectious Disorders
• Musculoskeletal, Integumentary, Emergency, and Critical Care Nursing
• Pharmacology, Patient Safety, Infection Control, and Professional Nursing Practice
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive assessment is designed to strengthen medical-surgical nursing
knowledge through multiple-choice questions that emphasize foundational concepts, clinical
application, prioritization, patient safety, assessment, interventions, and clinical judgment.
The questions integrate disease processes, expected findings, nursing management,
pharmacologic considerations, complications, and practical decision-making across major
adult-health systems. Each item contains four answer choices followed immediately by the
correct answer and a concise rationale. Learners should focus not only on identifying the
correct response but also on understanding the underlying pathophysiology and nursing
reasoning so that knowledge can be transferred to unfamiliar examination-style situations.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
PERIOPERATIVE NURSING
Question 1. A client scheduled for elective surgery reports having fever, productive cough,
and shortness of breath for the past 2 days. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Encourage the client to increase oral fluids
B. Notify the surgical team of the current respiratory symptoms
C. Administer the prescribed preoperative sedative
D. Continue the preparation because the symptoms are expected
Correct Answer: B. Notify the surgical team of the current respiratory symptoms
Explanation: An active respiratory infection can increase perioperative pulmonary
complications and may require postponement of elective surgery. The surgical team should
evaluate the client before anesthesia is administered.
Question 2. Which responsibility belongs primarily to the circulating nurse during an
operative procedure?
A. Maintaining the sterile field
B. Passing sterile instruments to the surgeon
C. Advocating for the client's safety and obtaining needed supplies
D. Performing the surgical procedure
Correct Answer: C. Advocating for the client's safety and obtaining needed supplies
Explanation: The circulating nurse works outside the sterile field, coordinates supplies,
documents care, verifies safety measures, and serves as an advocate for the client. The scrub
nurse maintains the sterile field and handles sterile instruments.
Question 3. A client is preparing to sign an informed-consent document but states, “I don't
understand what complications could occur.” What should the nurse do?
A. Explain all surgical risks independently
B. Ask the client to sign because the surgeon recommended surgery
C. Notify the provider responsible for explaining the procedure
D. Ask a family member to explain the procedure
Correct Answer: C. Notify the provider responsible for explaining the procedure
Explanation: The provider performing or directing the procedure is responsible for
explaining the procedure, expected benefits, significant risks, and alternatives. The nurse
,may witness the signature and verify understanding but should not substitute for the
provider's informed-consent discussion.
Question 4. Which postoperative intervention is most effective for reducing the risk of
atelectasis?
A. Restricting oral fluids
B. Encouraging incentive spirometry and deep breathing
C. Maintaining strict bed rest
D. Limiting coughing
Correct Answer: B. Encouraging incentive spirometry and deep breathing
Explanation: Deep breathing and incentive spirometry promote alveolar expansion and help
prevent postoperative atelectasis. Early mobilization and appropriate pain control also
support effective ventilation.
Question 5. A postoperative client suddenly develops tachycardia, hypotension, pallor, and
increasing abdominal drainage. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Hemorrhage
B. Constipation
C. Atelectasis
D. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: A. Hemorrhage
Explanation: Tachycardia, hypotension, pallor, and increased wound drainage can indicate
significant blood loss. The nurse should rapidly assess the client and notify the surgical team
while initiating prescribed emergency measures.
Question 6. Which assessment finding in a postoperative client requires the most immediate
intervention?
A. Incisional pain rated 5/10
B. Temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F)
C. Oxygen saturation of 86% with respiratory distress
D. Mild nausea after anesthesia
Correct Answer: C. Oxygen saturation of 86% with respiratory distress
, Explanation: Airway and breathing are immediate priorities. Significant hypoxemia with
respiratory distress can rapidly become life-threatening and requires prompt assessment
and intervention.
Question 7. A postoperative client coughs and the abdominal incision separates with
protrusion of abdominal organs. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Push the organs back into the abdominal cavity
B. Apply sterile saline-moistened dressings over the organs
C. Place the client in high-Fowler position
D. Encourage vigorous coughing
Correct Answer: B. Apply sterile saline-moistened dressings over the organs
Explanation: This describes evisceration, a surgical emergency. The exposed organs should
be protected with sterile saline-moistened dressings, and the surgical provider should be
notified immediately. The organs should never be manually replaced by the nurse.
Question 8. Which intervention helps prevent postoperative venous thromboembolism?
A. Keeping the client on prolonged bed rest
B. Placing pillows directly behind the knees
C. Encouraging early ambulation and prescribed compression therapy
D. Restricting leg movement
Correct Answer: C. Encouraging early ambulation and prescribed compression therapy
Explanation: Early ambulation improves venous circulation. Sequential compression devices,
antiembolism stockings, leg exercises, and prescribed anticoagulants may also be used
according to the client's condition.
Question 9. A client receiving general anesthesia develops muscle rigidity, rapidly increasing
temperature, tachycardia, and rising carbon dioxide levels. Which complication is most
likely?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Malignant hyperthermia
C. Pulmonary edema
D. Hypovolemic shock
Correct Answer: B. Malignant hyperthermia
