HESI Medical-Surgical Exam 2026 | Medical-
Surgical Nursing Practice Questions & Verified
Answers
1. Why is unrelieved leg pain rated at '10' a critical finding for a client with a comminuted
fracture?
UNRELIEVED LEG PAIN RATED AT '10' INDICATES SEVERE PAIN
THAT MAY SUGGEST COMPLICATIONS SUCH AS COMPARTMENT
SYNDROME OR INADEQUATE PAIN MANAGEMENT.
It shows that the client is experiencing normal post-operative
pain.
It suggests that the client may need more opioids.
It indicates that the fracture is healing properly.
2. In a scenario where a patient with a leg cast reports increasing paresthesia and
severe pain, what should be the nurse's immediate priority action?
Administer pain medication as prescribed.
Reassure the patient that paresthesia is normal after casting.
ASSESS THE CAST AND PERFORM A NEUROVASCULAR CHECK.
Contact the physician to schedule a follow-up appointment.
3. A patient with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is scheduled for a Transurethral
Resection of the Prostate (TURP). The patient asks the nurse how the procedure
works. Which of the following is the best response by the nurse?
,"THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES THE SURGICAL REMOVAL OF THE
INNER PORTION OF THE PROSTATE THROUGH AN ENDOSCOPE
INSERTED THROUGH THE URETHRA."
"The procedure involves the use of low-level radio frequencies to
destroy prostate tissue."
, "The procedure involves the use of a laser to break up the
prostate tissue."
"The procedure involves the insertion of a catheter into the
bladder to drain urine."
4. The spouse of a client discharged following a transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) calls a
clinic because the client continues to have pink-tinged urine 2 days after the procedure.
Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
"Bring him right into the clinic so that we can evaluate why his
urine is pink-tinged."
"THIS IS NORMAL. HIS URINE WILL BE PINK-TINGED FOR
SEVERAL DAYS AFTER THE PROCEDURE."
"His urine should be clear amber by now so there might be
bleeding. Increase his fluids.
"Is he eating more leafy green vegetables or taking any over-
the-counter medications?"
5. What does the presence of 'free air under the right diaphragm' on a chest x-ray
typically indicate?
POSSIBLE PERFORATION OF A HOLLOW ORGAN
Fluid accumulation in the lungs
Pneumonia
Normal anatomical variation
6. Why is a soft diet recommended for clients with trigeminal neuralgia?
A SOFT DIET MINIMIZES THE NEED FOR CHEWING, WHICH CAN
TRIGGER PAIN.
A soft diet is easier to prepare for the client.
, A soft diet prevents the client from gaining weight.
A soft diet helps in faster digestion of food.
7. What is the significance of flexion decorticate posturing in a neurological
assessment?
It is a sign of dehydration.
IT INDICATES SEVERE BRAIN INJURY OR DYSFUNCTION.
It shows normal neurological function.
It suggests a minor injury.
8. What reflex finding in a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus suggests peripheral
neuropathy?
Hyperactive reflexes at the knee.
Asymmetric reflex response.
Clonus noted at each ankle.
HYPOACTIVE REFLEXES AT THE ACHILLES TENDON.
9. Why is a hard, rigid abdomen considered a more urgent finding than other symptoms
in a patient with cholelithiasis?
A hard, rigid abdomen is less significant than jaundice in
assessing the patient's condition.
A hard, rigid abdomen is a common symptom of cholelithiasis
and usually resolves on its own.
Surgical Nursing Practice Questions & Verified
Answers
1. Why is unrelieved leg pain rated at '10' a critical finding for a client with a comminuted
fracture?
UNRELIEVED LEG PAIN RATED AT '10' INDICATES SEVERE PAIN
THAT MAY SUGGEST COMPLICATIONS SUCH AS COMPARTMENT
SYNDROME OR INADEQUATE PAIN MANAGEMENT.
It shows that the client is experiencing normal post-operative
pain.
It suggests that the client may need more opioids.
It indicates that the fracture is healing properly.
2. In a scenario where a patient with a leg cast reports increasing paresthesia and
severe pain, what should be the nurse's immediate priority action?
Administer pain medication as prescribed.
Reassure the patient that paresthesia is normal after casting.
ASSESS THE CAST AND PERFORM A NEUROVASCULAR CHECK.
Contact the physician to schedule a follow-up appointment.
3. A patient with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is scheduled for a Transurethral
Resection of the Prostate (TURP). The patient asks the nurse how the procedure
works. Which of the following is the best response by the nurse?
,"THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES THE SURGICAL REMOVAL OF THE
INNER PORTION OF THE PROSTATE THROUGH AN ENDOSCOPE
INSERTED THROUGH THE URETHRA."
"The procedure involves the use of low-level radio frequencies to
destroy prostate tissue."
, "The procedure involves the use of a laser to break up the
prostate tissue."
"The procedure involves the insertion of a catheter into the
bladder to drain urine."
4. The spouse of a client discharged following a transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) calls a
clinic because the client continues to have pink-tinged urine 2 days after the procedure.
Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
"Bring him right into the clinic so that we can evaluate why his
urine is pink-tinged."
"THIS IS NORMAL. HIS URINE WILL BE PINK-TINGED FOR
SEVERAL DAYS AFTER THE PROCEDURE."
"His urine should be clear amber by now so there might be
bleeding. Increase his fluids.
"Is he eating more leafy green vegetables or taking any over-
the-counter medications?"
5. What does the presence of 'free air under the right diaphragm' on a chest x-ray
typically indicate?
POSSIBLE PERFORATION OF A HOLLOW ORGAN
Fluid accumulation in the lungs
Pneumonia
Normal anatomical variation
6. Why is a soft diet recommended for clients with trigeminal neuralgia?
A SOFT DIET MINIMIZES THE NEED FOR CHEWING, WHICH CAN
TRIGGER PAIN.
A soft diet is easier to prepare for the client.
, A soft diet prevents the client from gaining weight.
A soft diet helps in faster digestion of food.
7. What is the significance of flexion decorticate posturing in a neurological
assessment?
It is a sign of dehydration.
IT INDICATES SEVERE BRAIN INJURY OR DYSFUNCTION.
It shows normal neurological function.
It suggests a minor injury.
8. What reflex finding in a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus suggests peripheral
neuropathy?
Hyperactive reflexes at the knee.
Asymmetric reflex response.
Clonus noted at each ankle.
HYPOACTIVE REFLEXES AT THE ACHILLES TENDON.
9. Why is a hard, rigid abdomen considered a more urgent finding than other symptoms
in a patient with cholelithiasis?
A hard, rigid abdomen is less significant than jaundice in
assessing the patient's condition.
A hard, rigid abdomen is a common symptom of cholelithiasis
and usually resolves on its own.
