HESI Med Surg Exam | Questions and
Verified Answers with Rationales| 100%
Correct| 2023/ 2024 New Update
Q: A 32-year-old female client complains of severe abdominal pain each month before her
menstrual period, painful intercourse, and painful defecation. Which additional history should
the nurse obtain that is consistent with the client’s complaints?
A. Frequent urinary tract infections.
B. Inability to get pregnant.
C. Premenstrual syndrome.
D. Chronic use of laxatives.
Answer:
B
Dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and difficulty or painful defecation are common symptoms of
endometriosis, which is the abnormal displacement of endometrial tissue in the dependent areas
of the pelvic peritoneum. A history of infertility is another common finding associated with
endometriosis.
Q: Two days postoperative, a male client reports aching pain in his left leg. The nurse assesses
redness and warmth on the lower left calf. Which intervention would be most helpful to this
client?
A. Apply sequential compression devices (SCDs) bilaterally.
B. Assess for a positive Homan’s sign in each leg.
C. Pad all bony prominences on the affected leg.
D. Advise the client to remain in bed with the leg elevated.
Answer:
D
For a client exhibiting symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a complication of immobility,
the initial care includes bedrest and elevation of the extremity.
Q: The registered nurse (RN) is assessing a male client who arrives at the clinic with severe
abdominal cramping, pain, tenesmus, and dehydration. The RN discovers that the client has had
14 to 20 loose stools with rectal bleeding. When taking the client’s medical history, which
information is most for the nurse to obtain?
A. Irritable bowel syndrome.
B. Diverticulitis.
C. Crohn’s disease.
D. Ulcerative colitis.
Answer:
D
The RN should ask the client if he has a history of ulcerative colitis, which is characterized by
severe abdominal cramping, pain, tenesmus, and dehydration.
Q: The nurse is receiving report from surgery about a client with a penrose drain who is to be
admitted to the postoperative unit. Before choosing a room for this client, which information is
most important for the nurse to obtain?
A. If suctioning will be needed for drainage of the wound.
B. If the family would prefer a private or semi-private room.
C. Prescription for removal of the drain.
D. If the client’s wound is infected.
Answer:
D
Penrose drains provide a sinus tract or opening and are often used to provide drainage of an
abscess. The fact that the client has a penrose drain should alert the nurse to the possibility that
the client is infected. To avoid contamination of another postoperative client, it is most for the
nurse to verify the condition of the wound and if infected, important to place client in a private
room.
Q: In preparing a discharge plan for a 22-year-old male client diagnosed with Buerger’s disease
(thromboangiitis obliterans), which referral is most important?
A. Genetic counseling.
B. Twelve-step recovery program.
C. Clinical nutritionist.
D. Smoking cessation program.
Answer:
D
Buerger’s disease is strongly related to smoking or the use of some other form of tobacco which
affects the circulation in the arms and legs leading to infection and gangrene and sometimes
amputation of the affected area. The most effective means of controlling symptoms and disease
progression is through smoking cessation. The cause of Buerger’s disease is unknown; a genetic
predisposition is possible, but unproven.
Q: The nurse is caring for a client with a stroke resulting in right-sided paresis and aphasia. The
client attempts to use the left hand for feeding and other self-care activities. The spouse becomes
frustrated and insists on doing everything for the client. Based on this data, which nursing
problem should the nurse document for this client?
A. Situational low self-esteem related to functional impairment and change in role function.
B. Disabled family coping related to dissonant coping style of significant person.
C. Interrupted family processes related to shift in health status of family member.
D. Risk for ineffective therapeutic regimen management related to complexity of care.
Answer:
B
A stroke affects the whole family and in this case the spouse probably thinks that she is helping
and needs to feel that she is contributing to the client’s care. Her help is noted as being
incongruent with attempts of self-care by the client thereby disabling family coping.
Q: Twenty four hours after a client returns from surgical gastric bypass, the registered nurse
(RN) observes large amounts of blood in the nasogastric tube (NGT) cannister. Which
assessment finding should the RN report as early signs of hypovolemic shock?
A. Faint pedal pulses.
B. Decrease in blood pressure.
C. Lethargy.
D. Slow breathing.
Answer:
C
One of the early signs of hypovolemic shock is changes in the client’s level of consciousness due
to the decrease perfusion to the brain which can manifests as lethargy or confusion.
Q: In assessing a client diagnosed with primary hyperaldosteronism, the nurse expects the
laboratory test results to indicate a decreased serum level of which substance?
A. Sodium.
B. Antidiuretic hormone.
C. Potassium.
D. Glucose.
Answer:
C
Clients with primary hyperaldosteronism exhibit a profound decline in the serum levels of
potassium (hypokalemia). Hypertension, along with the hypokalemia are the most prominent and
universal signs for this condition. If both of these findings are present, there is a 50% likelihood
the client will be diagnosed with hyperaldosteronism.
Q: Despite several eye surgeries, a 78-year-old client who lives alone has persistent vision
problems. The visiting nurse is discussing home safety hazards with the client. The nurse
suggests that the edges of the steps be painted which color?
A. Black.
B. White.
C. Light green.
D. Medium yellow.
Answer:
D
The color yellow is the easiest for a person with failing vision to see.