MED SURG 2025 HESI PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS VERIFIED PASSED A+ GUARANTEED
MED SURG 2025 HESI PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS VERIFIED PASSED A+
GUARANTEED
The nurse is assessing a 48-year-old client with a history of smoking during a routine clinic visit. The
client, who exercises regularly, reports having pain in the calf during exercise that disappears at rest.
Which of the following findings requires further evaluation?
1. Heart rate 57 bpm.
2. SpO2 of 94% on room air.
3. Blood pressure 134/82.
4. Ankle-brachial index of 0.65.
Correct Answer ✅: ✅: 4
An Ankle-Brachial Index of 0.65 suggests moderate arterial vascular disease in a client who is
experiencing intermittent claudication. A Doppler ultrasound is indicated for further evaluation. The
bradycardic heart rate is acceptable in an athletic client with a normal blood pressure. The SpO2 is
acceptable; the client has a smoking history
.
An overweight client taking warfarin (Coumadin) has dry skin due to decreased arterial blood flow.
What should the nurse instruct the client to do? Select all that apply.
1. Apply lanolin or petroleum jelly to intact skin.
2. Follow a reduced-calorie, reduced-fat diet.
3. Inspect the involved areas daily for new ulcerations.
4. Instruct the client to limit activities of daily living (ADLs).
5.Use an electric razor to shave
pg. 1
, MED SURG 2025 HESI PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS VERIFIED PASSED A+ GUARANTEED
Correct Answer ✅: 1,2,3,5
Maintaining skin integrity is important in preventing chronic ulcers and
infections. The client should be taught to inspect the skin on a daily basis. The client should reduce
weight to promote circulation; a diet lower in calories and fat is appropriate. Because the client is
receiving Coumadin, the client is at risk for bleeding from cuts. To decrease the risk of cuts, the nurse
should suggest that the client use an electric razor. The client with decreased arterial blood flow should
be encouraged to participate in ADLs. In fact, the client should be encouraged to consult an exercise
physiologist for an exercise program that enhances the aerobic capacity of the body.
A client with peripheral vascular disease has undergone a right femoral-popliteal bypass graft. The
blood pressure has decreased from 124/80 to 94/62. What should the nurse assess first?
1. IV fluid solution.
2. Pedal pulses.
3. Nasal cannula flow rate.
4. Capillary refill
Correct Answer ✅: 2
With each set of vital signs, the nurse should assess the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses. The
nurse needs to ensure adequate perfusion to the lower
extremity with the drop in blood pressure. IV fluids, nasal cannula setting, and capillary refill are
important to assess; however, priority is to determine the cause of drop in blood pressure and that
adequate perfusion through the new graft is maintained. The nurse is caring for a client with peripheral
artery disease who has recently been prescribed clopidogrel (Plavix). The nurse understands that more
teaching is necessary when the client states which of the following:
1. "I should not be surprised if I bruise easier or if my gums bleed a little whenbrushing my teeth."
pg. 2
, MED SURG 2025 HESI PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS VERIFIED PASSED A+ GUARANTEED
2. "It doesn't really matter if I take this medicine with or without food, whateverworks best for my
stomach."
3. "I should stop taking Plavix if it makes me feel weak and dizzy."
4. "The doctor prescribed this medicine to make my platelets less likely to stick together and help
prevent clots from forming."
Correct Answer ✅: 3
Weakness, dizziness, and headache are common adverse effects of Plavix and the client should report
these to the physician if they are problematic; in order to decrease risk of clot formation, Plavix must be
taken regularly and should not be stopped or taken intermittently. The main adverse effect of Plavix is
bleeding, which often occurs as increased bruising or bleeding when brushing teeth. Plavix is well
absorbed, and while food may help decrease potential gastrointestinal upset, Plavix may
be taken with or without food. Plavix is an antiplatelet agent used to prevent clot formation in clients
who have experienced or are at risk for myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, peripheral artery disease,
or acute coronary syndrome. A client is receiving Cilostazol (Pletal) for peripheral arterial disease
causing intermittent claudication. The nurse determines this medication is effective when the client
reports which of the following? 1. "I am having fewer aches and pains."
2. "I do not have headaches anymore."
3. "I am able to walk further without leg pain."
4. "My toes are turning grayish black in color."
Correct Answer ✅: 3
Cilostazol is indicated for management of intermittent claudication. Symptoms usually improve within 2
to 4 weeks of therapy. Intermittent claudication prevents clients from walking for long periods of time.
Cilostazol inhibits platelet aggregation induced by various stimuli and improving blood flow to the
muscles and allowing the client to walk long distances without pain. Peripheral arterial disease causes
pain mainly of the leg muscles. "Aches and pains" does not specify exactly where the pain is occurring.
Headaches may occur as a side effect of this drug, and the client should report this information to the
health care provider. Peripheral arterial disease causes decreased blood supply to the peripheral tissues
and may cause gangrene of the toes; the
pg. 3
, MED SURG 2025 HESI PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS VERIFIED PASSED A+ GUARANTEED
drug is effective when the toes are warm to the touch and the color of the toes is similar to the color of
the body.
The client admitted with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) asks the nurse why her legs hurt when she
walks. The nurse bases a response on the knowledge that the main characteristic of PVD is:
1. Decreased blood flow.
2. Increased blood flow.
3. Slow blood flow.
4. Thrombus formation.
Correct Answer ✅: 1
Decreased blood flow is a common characteristic of all PVD. When the
demand for oxygen to the working muscles becomes greater than the supply, pain is the outcome. Slow
blood flow throughout the circulatory system may suggest pump failure. Thrombus formation can result
from stasis or damage to the intima of the vessels. The nurse is planning care for a client who is
diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and has a history of heart failure. The nurse should
develop a plan of care that is based on the fact that the client may have a low tolerance for exercise
related to:
1. Decreased blood flow.
2. Increased blood flow.
3. Decreased pain.
4. Increased blood viscosity.
Correct Answer ✅: 1
A client with PVD and heart failure will experience decreased blood flow. In
this situation, low exercise tolerance (oxygen demand becomes greater than the oxygen
pg. 4
MED SURG 2025 HESI PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS VERIFIED PASSED A+
GUARANTEED
The nurse is assessing a 48-year-old client with a history of smoking during a routine clinic visit. The
client, who exercises regularly, reports having pain in the calf during exercise that disappears at rest.
Which of the following findings requires further evaluation?
1. Heart rate 57 bpm.
2. SpO2 of 94% on room air.
3. Blood pressure 134/82.
4. Ankle-brachial index of 0.65.
Correct Answer ✅: ✅: 4
An Ankle-Brachial Index of 0.65 suggests moderate arterial vascular disease in a client who is
experiencing intermittent claudication. A Doppler ultrasound is indicated for further evaluation. The
bradycardic heart rate is acceptable in an athletic client with a normal blood pressure. The SpO2 is
acceptable; the client has a smoking history
.
An overweight client taking warfarin (Coumadin) has dry skin due to decreased arterial blood flow.
What should the nurse instruct the client to do? Select all that apply.
1. Apply lanolin or petroleum jelly to intact skin.
2. Follow a reduced-calorie, reduced-fat diet.
3. Inspect the involved areas daily for new ulcerations.
4. Instruct the client to limit activities of daily living (ADLs).
5.Use an electric razor to shave
pg. 1
, MED SURG 2025 HESI PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS VERIFIED PASSED A+ GUARANTEED
Correct Answer ✅: 1,2,3,5
Maintaining skin integrity is important in preventing chronic ulcers and
infections. The client should be taught to inspect the skin on a daily basis. The client should reduce
weight to promote circulation; a diet lower in calories and fat is appropriate. Because the client is
receiving Coumadin, the client is at risk for bleeding from cuts. To decrease the risk of cuts, the nurse
should suggest that the client use an electric razor. The client with decreased arterial blood flow should
be encouraged to participate in ADLs. In fact, the client should be encouraged to consult an exercise
physiologist for an exercise program that enhances the aerobic capacity of the body.
A client with peripheral vascular disease has undergone a right femoral-popliteal bypass graft. The
blood pressure has decreased from 124/80 to 94/62. What should the nurse assess first?
1. IV fluid solution.
2. Pedal pulses.
3. Nasal cannula flow rate.
4. Capillary refill
Correct Answer ✅: 2
With each set of vital signs, the nurse should assess the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses. The
nurse needs to ensure adequate perfusion to the lower
extremity with the drop in blood pressure. IV fluids, nasal cannula setting, and capillary refill are
important to assess; however, priority is to determine the cause of drop in blood pressure and that
adequate perfusion through the new graft is maintained. The nurse is caring for a client with peripheral
artery disease who has recently been prescribed clopidogrel (Plavix). The nurse understands that more
teaching is necessary when the client states which of the following:
1. "I should not be surprised if I bruise easier or if my gums bleed a little whenbrushing my teeth."
pg. 2
, MED SURG 2025 HESI PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS VERIFIED PASSED A+ GUARANTEED
2. "It doesn't really matter if I take this medicine with or without food, whateverworks best for my
stomach."
3. "I should stop taking Plavix if it makes me feel weak and dizzy."
4. "The doctor prescribed this medicine to make my platelets less likely to stick together and help
prevent clots from forming."
Correct Answer ✅: 3
Weakness, dizziness, and headache are common adverse effects of Plavix and the client should report
these to the physician if they are problematic; in order to decrease risk of clot formation, Plavix must be
taken regularly and should not be stopped or taken intermittently. The main adverse effect of Plavix is
bleeding, which often occurs as increased bruising or bleeding when brushing teeth. Plavix is well
absorbed, and while food may help decrease potential gastrointestinal upset, Plavix may
be taken with or without food. Plavix is an antiplatelet agent used to prevent clot formation in clients
who have experienced or are at risk for myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, peripheral artery disease,
or acute coronary syndrome. A client is receiving Cilostazol (Pletal) for peripheral arterial disease
causing intermittent claudication. The nurse determines this medication is effective when the client
reports which of the following? 1. "I am having fewer aches and pains."
2. "I do not have headaches anymore."
3. "I am able to walk further without leg pain."
4. "My toes are turning grayish black in color."
Correct Answer ✅: 3
Cilostazol is indicated for management of intermittent claudication. Symptoms usually improve within 2
to 4 weeks of therapy. Intermittent claudication prevents clients from walking for long periods of time.
Cilostazol inhibits platelet aggregation induced by various stimuli and improving blood flow to the
muscles and allowing the client to walk long distances without pain. Peripheral arterial disease causes
pain mainly of the leg muscles. "Aches and pains" does not specify exactly where the pain is occurring.
Headaches may occur as a side effect of this drug, and the client should report this information to the
health care provider. Peripheral arterial disease causes decreased blood supply to the peripheral tissues
and may cause gangrene of the toes; the
pg. 3
, MED SURG 2025 HESI PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS VERIFIED PASSED A+ GUARANTEED
drug is effective when the toes are warm to the touch and the color of the toes is similar to the color of
the body.
The client admitted with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) asks the nurse why her legs hurt when she
walks. The nurse bases a response on the knowledge that the main characteristic of PVD is:
1. Decreased blood flow.
2. Increased blood flow.
3. Slow blood flow.
4. Thrombus formation.
Correct Answer ✅: 1
Decreased blood flow is a common characteristic of all PVD. When the
demand for oxygen to the working muscles becomes greater than the supply, pain is the outcome. Slow
blood flow throughout the circulatory system may suggest pump failure. Thrombus formation can result
from stasis or damage to the intima of the vessels. The nurse is planning care for a client who is
diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and has a history of heart failure. The nurse should
develop a plan of care that is based on the fact that the client may have a low tolerance for exercise
related to:
1. Decreased blood flow.
2. Increased blood flow.
3. Decreased pain.
4. Increased blood viscosity.
Correct Answer ✅: 1
A client with PVD and heart failure will experience decreased blood flow. In
this situation, low exercise tolerance (oxygen demand becomes greater than the oxygen
pg. 4
