NUR 208: HESI FINAL (Latest 2026/2027 Update) Medical-Surgical &
Fundamentals | Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct (Verified Answers) –
Nursing Program
Subject: NUR 208 HESI Final – Post-operative Care, Nutrition, Ethics, Therapeutic
Communication, Death & Dying, Pharmacology, Legal Issues
Source: HESI Comprehensive Review / Nursing Fundamentals / Medical-Surgical Nursing
Format: Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale | 100% Verified
1: Three days following surgery, a male client observes his colostomy for the first time. He
becomes upset and tells the nurse that it is much bigger than he expected. What is the
best response by the RN?
Correct Answer: Instruct client that the stoma will become smaller when the swelling diminishes.
1. Post-operative edema causes temporary stoma enlargement; normal size returns in 6-8 weeks.
2. Providing factual reassurance reduces anxiety without false promises.
2: Which snack food is best for a client with myasthenia gravis who is at risk for altered
nutritional status?
Correct Answer: Chocolate pudding.
1. Myasthenia gravis causes dysphagia and fatigue; pudding requires less chewing effort.
2. Easy-to-swallow, nutrient-dense foods prevent aspiration and maintain energy.
3: After completing an assessment and determining that a client has a problem, which
action should the RN perform next?
Correct Answer: Determine the etiology of the problem.
1. Nursing process: Assessment → Diagnosis (identify etiology) → Planning → Implementation →
Evaluation.
2. Determining cause guides appropriate interventions.
4: On admission, a patient signs a living will that includes a DNR order. When the client
stops breathing, the RN performs CPR and revives the client. What legal issues could be
brought against the RN?
Correct Answer: Malpractice.
1. Performing CPR against valid DNR order violates patient autonomy and advanced directive.
2. Malpractice = breach of duty causing harm; DNR violation is actionable.
5: RN notices Hispanic parents of a toddler offering only broth on the clear liquid tray.
Gelatin, popsicles, juices remain untouched. What explanation is most appropriate for this
behavior?
Correct Answer: Hot remedies restore balance after surgery.
1. Many Hispanic cultures believe in "hot/cold" balance for health restoration.
2. Broth is considered a "hot" remedy; cold items may be avoided post-surgery.
, 6: Client with nursing diagnosis of spiritual distress. Which indicates to the nurse that a
desired outcome measure has been met?
Correct Answer: Accepts punishment from God is not related to illness.
1. Spiritual distress resolution involves reframing illness as not divine punishment.
2. Indicators: expressed peace, renewed faith practices, decreased distress.
7: Which food choice shows that a client understands a low sodium restriction?
Correct Answer: Skim milk, turkey salad, roll, and vanilla ice cream.
1. These items are naturally low in sodium compared to processed meats, canned soups, or salty
snacks.
2. Turkey salad prepared without added salt is appropriate.
8: Sub-Saharan African widowed immigrant woman lives with her deceased husband's
brother and his family. All members speak fluent English. Surgery recommended. Best
plan to obtain consent?
Correct Answer: Tell surgeon that the brother-in-law will decide after explanation of the proposed
surgery is provided to him and the widow.
1. In some African cultures, the male family head makes medical decisions.
2. Respect cultural hierarchy while ensuring informed consent from both parties.
9: When evaluating a patient's plan of care, RN determines desired outcome was not
achieved. Which action should the RN implement FIRST?
Correct Answer: Note which actions were NOT implemented.
1. First determine if planned interventions were actually performed.
2. Identify gaps before revising the plan.
10: Male client removed the covering from an ice pack applied to his knee. What action
should the RN take first?
Correct Answer: Observe appearance of the skin under the ice pack.
1. Ice without protective barrier can cause tissue damage, frostbite.
2. Assess for blanching, numbness, or blistering first.
11: Which assessment data should be collected to reflect total muscle mass in an
adolescent?
Correct Answer: Upper arm circumference.
1. Mid-upper arm circumference estimates muscle mass and fat stores.
2. BMI alone does not differentiate muscle from fat.
12: Client died. When the RN asks a family member about funeral arrangements, the
family member refuses to discuss the issue. RN most appropriate action?
Correct Answer: Remain with family member without discussing funeral arrangements.
1. Allow family to grieve at their own pace; do not force planning.
2. Presence without pressure is therapeutic.
Fundamentals | Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct (Verified Answers) –
Nursing Program
Subject: NUR 208 HESI Final – Post-operative Care, Nutrition, Ethics, Therapeutic
Communication, Death & Dying, Pharmacology, Legal Issues
Source: HESI Comprehensive Review / Nursing Fundamentals / Medical-Surgical Nursing
Format: Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale | 100% Verified
1: Three days following surgery, a male client observes his colostomy for the first time. He
becomes upset and tells the nurse that it is much bigger than he expected. What is the
best response by the RN?
Correct Answer: Instruct client that the stoma will become smaller when the swelling diminishes.
1. Post-operative edema causes temporary stoma enlargement; normal size returns in 6-8 weeks.
2. Providing factual reassurance reduces anxiety without false promises.
2: Which snack food is best for a client with myasthenia gravis who is at risk for altered
nutritional status?
Correct Answer: Chocolate pudding.
1. Myasthenia gravis causes dysphagia and fatigue; pudding requires less chewing effort.
2. Easy-to-swallow, nutrient-dense foods prevent aspiration and maintain energy.
3: After completing an assessment and determining that a client has a problem, which
action should the RN perform next?
Correct Answer: Determine the etiology of the problem.
1. Nursing process: Assessment → Diagnosis (identify etiology) → Planning → Implementation →
Evaluation.
2. Determining cause guides appropriate interventions.
4: On admission, a patient signs a living will that includes a DNR order. When the client
stops breathing, the RN performs CPR and revives the client. What legal issues could be
brought against the RN?
Correct Answer: Malpractice.
1. Performing CPR against valid DNR order violates patient autonomy and advanced directive.
2. Malpractice = breach of duty causing harm; DNR violation is actionable.
5: RN notices Hispanic parents of a toddler offering only broth on the clear liquid tray.
Gelatin, popsicles, juices remain untouched. What explanation is most appropriate for this
behavior?
Correct Answer: Hot remedies restore balance after surgery.
1. Many Hispanic cultures believe in "hot/cold" balance for health restoration.
2. Broth is considered a "hot" remedy; cold items may be avoided post-surgery.
, 6: Client with nursing diagnosis of spiritual distress. Which indicates to the nurse that a
desired outcome measure has been met?
Correct Answer: Accepts punishment from God is not related to illness.
1. Spiritual distress resolution involves reframing illness as not divine punishment.
2. Indicators: expressed peace, renewed faith practices, decreased distress.
7: Which food choice shows that a client understands a low sodium restriction?
Correct Answer: Skim milk, turkey salad, roll, and vanilla ice cream.
1. These items are naturally low in sodium compared to processed meats, canned soups, or salty
snacks.
2. Turkey salad prepared without added salt is appropriate.
8: Sub-Saharan African widowed immigrant woman lives with her deceased husband's
brother and his family. All members speak fluent English. Surgery recommended. Best
plan to obtain consent?
Correct Answer: Tell surgeon that the brother-in-law will decide after explanation of the proposed
surgery is provided to him and the widow.
1. In some African cultures, the male family head makes medical decisions.
2. Respect cultural hierarchy while ensuring informed consent from both parties.
9: When evaluating a patient's plan of care, RN determines desired outcome was not
achieved. Which action should the RN implement FIRST?
Correct Answer: Note which actions were NOT implemented.
1. First determine if planned interventions were actually performed.
2. Identify gaps before revising the plan.
10: Male client removed the covering from an ice pack applied to his knee. What action
should the RN take first?
Correct Answer: Observe appearance of the skin under the ice pack.
1. Ice without protective barrier can cause tissue damage, frostbite.
2. Assess for blanching, numbness, or blistering first.
11: Which assessment data should be collected to reflect total muscle mass in an
adolescent?
Correct Answer: Upper arm circumference.
1. Mid-upper arm circumference estimates muscle mass and fat stores.
2. BMI alone does not differentiate muscle from fat.
12: Client died. When the RN asks a family member about funeral arrangements, the
family member refuses to discuss the issue. RN most appropriate action?
Correct Answer: Remain with family member without discussing funeral arrangements.
1. Allow family to grieve at their own pace; do not force planning.
2. Presence without pressure is therapeutic.
