EVOLVE ELSEVIER HESI MED SURG ACTUAL EXAM WITH 50 REAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH WELL-ELABORATED
RATIONALES/ EVOLVE HESI MEDICAL SURGICAL LATEST EXAM 2025
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a nasogastric (NG) tube in
place for gastric decompression. Which of the following actions should
the nurse take to prevent complications?
A. Irrigate the NG tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hours
B. Monitor the client for nausea and vomiting
C. Check the pH of the gastric aspirate every 12 hours
D. Position the client flat in bed to prevent aspiration
Answer: B. Monitor the client for nausea and vomiting
Rationale: A client with an NG tube for gastric decompression can
experience complications like nausea, vomiting, and aspiration.
Monitoring the client for these signs is a priority to identify any early
problems. The tube should also be irrigated to maintain patency, but
monitoring for nausea and vomiting takes precedence for immediate
safety.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 days postoperative after a
cholecystectomy. The client reports pain at the surgical site and has a
temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C). Which of the following actions
should the nurse take?
A. Administer acetaminophen as prescribed
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Encourage the client to drink fluids
D. Obtain a wound culture
,Answer: A. Administer acetaminophen as prescribed
Rationale: A mild fever and pain after surgery are expected as part of
the postoperative recovery process. Administering acetaminophen can
help manage pain and fever. A temperature of 100.2°F does not indicate
an infection that requires immediate notification of the provider.
3. A nurse is teaching a client about managing hypertension with
lifestyle modifications. Which of the following statements by the
client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will increase my daily sodium intake to 3,500 mg."
B. "I will exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week."
C. "I should avoid drinking alcohol altogether."
D. "I will reduce my fiber intake to 10 g per day."
Answer: B. "I will exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week."
Rationale: Regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of exercise most
days, is an effective way to manage hypertension. Sodium intake should
be limited to no more than 2,300 mg per day for most adults, and
alcohol should be consumed in moderation, not avoided altogether.
Adequate fiber intake should be about 25-30 g per day for heart health.
4. A nurse is providing dietary instructions to a client with chronic
kidney disease. Which of the following dietary modifications should
the nurse recommend?
A. Increase potassium intake
B. Increase protein intake
C. Restrict sodium intake
D. Increase calcium intake
, Answer: C. Restrict sodium intake
Rationale: Clients with chronic kidney disease need to restrict sodium
intake to prevent fluid retention and manage blood pressure. Potassium
intake may need to be restricted, depending on the client's serum
potassium levels. Protein intake may need to be reduced in later stages
of kidney disease. Calcium should be monitored but typically does not
need to be increased.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with a left-sided stroke. Which of the
following assessments should the nurse prioritize?
A. Assessing the client's speech
B. Assessing the client's ability to swallow
C. Checking the client's blood glucose levels
D. Monitoring the client's respiratory rate
Answer: A. Assessing the client's speech
Rationale: A left-sided stroke typically affects the right side of the body
and can impair language and speech. Therefore, the nurse should
prioritize assessing speech, as this is an important indicator of
neurological function. While swallowing, glucose levels, and respiratory
rate are important, speech is most directly impacted by a left-sided
stroke.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral
nutrition (TPN). Which of the following is the priority assessment?
A. Daily weight
B. Blood glucose levels
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH WELL-ELABORATED
RATIONALES/ EVOLVE HESI MEDICAL SURGICAL LATEST EXAM 2025
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a nasogastric (NG) tube in
place for gastric decompression. Which of the following actions should
the nurse take to prevent complications?
A. Irrigate the NG tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hours
B. Monitor the client for nausea and vomiting
C. Check the pH of the gastric aspirate every 12 hours
D. Position the client flat in bed to prevent aspiration
Answer: B. Monitor the client for nausea and vomiting
Rationale: A client with an NG tube for gastric decompression can
experience complications like nausea, vomiting, and aspiration.
Monitoring the client for these signs is a priority to identify any early
problems. The tube should also be irrigated to maintain patency, but
monitoring for nausea and vomiting takes precedence for immediate
safety.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 days postoperative after a
cholecystectomy. The client reports pain at the surgical site and has a
temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C). Which of the following actions
should the nurse take?
A. Administer acetaminophen as prescribed
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Encourage the client to drink fluids
D. Obtain a wound culture
,Answer: A. Administer acetaminophen as prescribed
Rationale: A mild fever and pain after surgery are expected as part of
the postoperative recovery process. Administering acetaminophen can
help manage pain and fever. A temperature of 100.2°F does not indicate
an infection that requires immediate notification of the provider.
3. A nurse is teaching a client about managing hypertension with
lifestyle modifications. Which of the following statements by the
client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will increase my daily sodium intake to 3,500 mg."
B. "I will exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week."
C. "I should avoid drinking alcohol altogether."
D. "I will reduce my fiber intake to 10 g per day."
Answer: B. "I will exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week."
Rationale: Regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of exercise most
days, is an effective way to manage hypertension. Sodium intake should
be limited to no more than 2,300 mg per day for most adults, and
alcohol should be consumed in moderation, not avoided altogether.
Adequate fiber intake should be about 25-30 g per day for heart health.
4. A nurse is providing dietary instructions to a client with chronic
kidney disease. Which of the following dietary modifications should
the nurse recommend?
A. Increase potassium intake
B. Increase protein intake
C. Restrict sodium intake
D. Increase calcium intake
, Answer: C. Restrict sodium intake
Rationale: Clients with chronic kidney disease need to restrict sodium
intake to prevent fluid retention and manage blood pressure. Potassium
intake may need to be restricted, depending on the client's serum
potassium levels. Protein intake may need to be reduced in later stages
of kidney disease. Calcium should be monitored but typically does not
need to be increased.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with a left-sided stroke. Which of the
following assessments should the nurse prioritize?
A. Assessing the client's speech
B. Assessing the client's ability to swallow
C. Checking the client's blood glucose levels
D. Monitoring the client's respiratory rate
Answer: A. Assessing the client's speech
Rationale: A left-sided stroke typically affects the right side of the body
and can impair language and speech. Therefore, the nurse should
prioritize assessing speech, as this is an important indicator of
neurological function. While swallowing, glucose levels, and respiratory
rate are important, speech is most directly impacted by a left-sided
stroke.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral
nutrition (TPN). Which of the following is the priority assessment?
A. Daily weight
B. Blood glucose levels
