Title: HESI Medical-Surgical Nursing V2 Exam Review Version 2.pdf

HESI Medical-Surgical Nursing V2 Exam Review
(2026/2027 Edition)

Elsevier HESI Specialty Exit Exam | 150 Questions with
Answers & Italicized Rationales

v.m.u.g.o.@.g.m.a.i.l.c.o.m




Question 1
A patient with COPD is receiving 2 L/min of oxygen via nasal cannula. The patient's
respiratory rate drops from 24 to 10 breaths/min, and they appear drowsy. What is the
nurse's priority action?

 A) Increase the oxygen flow to 4 L/min
 B) Encourage the patient to take deep breaths
 C) Remove the oxygen and notify the provider immediately
 D) Document the findings and continue monitoring

Correct Answer: C

, Question 2
Which assessment finding indicates that a patient with a pneumothorax and a chest
tube is experiencing a complication?

 A) Intermittent bubbling in the water seal chamber
 B) Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
 C) Fluctuation (tidaling) in the water seal chamber with respiration
 D) 50 mL of serosanguinous drainage in the collection chamber

Correct Answer: B




Question 3
A patient is scheduled for a bronchoscopy. What is the most critical post-procedure
assessment before allowing oral intake?

 A) Breath sounds
 B) Gag reflex
 C) Oxygen saturation
 D) Level of consciousness

Correct Answer: B

, Question 4
The nurse is caring for a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which
intervention is most appropriate to improve oxygenation?

 A) Administer high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather
 B) Place the patient in the prone position
 C) Encourage frequent coughing and deep breathing
 D) Maintain the patient in a supine position

Correct Answer: B




Question 5
A patient with a pulmonary embolism (PE) suddenly becomes dyspneic and complains
of chest pain. What is the nurse's first action?

 A) Administer morphine for pain
 B) Elevate the head of the bed
 C) Start IV heparin infusion
 D) Obtain a 12-lead ECG

Correct Answer: B




Question 6
A patient with heart failure reports waking up at night gasping for air. How should the
nurse document this symptom?

,  A) Orthopnea
 B) Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)
 C) Dyspnea on exertion
 D) Cheyne-Stokes respiration

Correct Answer: B




Question 7
The nurse observes a rhythm strip showing no P waves, irregularly irregular QRS
complexes, and a rate of 110 bpm. What is the rhythm?

 A) Sinus tachycardia
 B) Atrial flutter
 C) Atrial fibrillation
 D) Ventricular tachycardia

Correct Answer: C




Question 8
A patient is 4 hours post-op from a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). The nurse
notes mediastinal chest tube drainage of 200 mL/hr. What is the priority action?

 A) Milk the chest tubes
 B) Document the finding as normal
 C) Notify the surgeon immediately