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 deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
in the left leg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Apply warm compresses to the affected leg.
B) Elevate the affected leg above the level of the heart.
C) Massage the affected leg to promote circulation.
D) Perform range-of-motion exercises on the affected leg.
Answer: B) Elevate the affected leg above the level of the heart.
Rationale: Elevating the leg above the heart level helps reduce swelling
and improves venous return. Massaging the leg, applying warm
compresses, and performing range-of-motion exercises could dislodge
the clot and increase the risk of pulmonary embolism.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative after a hip
replacement surgery. Which of the following findings indicates a
complication?
A) A slight increase in the pulse rate
B) Incisional redness and warmth
C) Pain in the affected leg when ambulating
D) A change in mental status
Answer: D) A change in mental status
Rationale: A change in mental status can indicate a serious
complication, such as a stroke or a significant infection. The other
,options are common findings that may not indicate an immediate
complication.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is receiving
furosemide (Lasix). The nurse should monitor for which of the
following electrolyte imbalances?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Hypokalemia
C) Hypercalcemia
D) Hypocalcemia
Answer: B) Hypokalemia
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of
potassium, which can lead to hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels
is crucial to avoid complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.
4. A nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about lifestyle
changes to control blood pressure. Which of the following statements
by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?
A) "I will increase my intake of sodium to help control my blood
pressure."
B) "I will try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week."
C) "I can still drink alcohol in moderation, but I should avoid caffeine."
D) "I will focus on eating a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet."
Answer: B) "I will try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the
week."
Rationale: Regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of exercise most
days, helps lower blood pressure. Reducing sodium intake, limiting
, alcohol, and maintaining a balanced diet are also important, but the
other options are not fully aligned with guidelines for hypertension
management.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes mellitus who has a blood
glucose level of 55 mg/dL. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take first?
A) Administer 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate.
B) Give the client a dose of insulin.
C) Offer the client a glass of water.
D) Prepare to administer an intravenous glucose solution.
Answer: A) Administer 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate.
Rationale: A blood glucose level of 55 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia.
The first action is to administer a fast-acting carbohydrate (e.g., glucose
tablets or juice) to quickly raise blood sugar levels. Insulin should not be
given during hypoglycemia.
6. A nurse is providing care for a client with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor for which of the
following signs of respiratory distress?
A) Tachypnea
B) Bradypnea
C) Hypotension
D) Bradycardia
Answer: A) Tachypnea
Rationale: Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) is a sign of respiratory
distress, especially in patients with COPD. Hypotension, bradycardia,
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 deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
in the left leg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Apply warm compresses to the affected leg.
B) Elevate the affected leg above the level of the heart.
C) Massage the affected leg to promote circulation.
D) Perform range-of-motion exercises on the affected leg.
Answer: B) Elevate the affected leg above the level of the heart.
Rationale: Elevating the leg above the heart level helps reduce swelling
and improves venous return. Massaging the leg, applying warm
compresses, and performing range-of-motion exercises could dislodge
the clot and increase the risk of pulmonary embolism.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative after a hip
replacement surgery. Which of the following findings indicates a
complication?
A) A slight increase in the pulse rate
B) Incisional redness and warmth
C) Pain in the affected leg when ambulating
D) A change in mental status
Answer: D) A change in mental status
Rationale: A change in mental status can indicate a serious
complication, such as a stroke or a significant infection. The other
,options are common findings that may not indicate an immediate
complication.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is receiving
furosemide (Lasix). The nurse should monitor for which of the
following electrolyte imbalances?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Hypokalemia
C) Hypercalcemia
D) Hypocalcemia
Answer: B) Hypokalemia
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of
potassium, which can lead to hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels
is crucial to avoid complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.
4. A nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about lifestyle
changes to control blood pressure. Which of the following statements
by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?
A) "I will increase my intake of sodium to help control my blood
pressure."
B) "I will try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week."
C) "I can still drink alcohol in moderation, but I should avoid caffeine."
D) "I will focus on eating a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet."
Answer: B) "I will try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the
week."
Rationale: Regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of exercise most
days, helps lower blood pressure. Reducing sodium intake, limiting
, alcohol, and maintaining a balanced diet are also important, but the
other options are not fully aligned with guidelines for hypertension
management.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes mellitus who has a blood
glucose level of 55 mg/dL. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take first?
A) Administer 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate.
B) Give the client a dose of insulin.
C) Offer the client a glass of water.
D) Prepare to administer an intravenous glucose solution.
Answer: A) Administer 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate.
Rationale: A blood glucose level of 55 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia.
The first action is to administer a fast-acting carbohydrate (e.g., glucose
tablets or juice) to quickly raise blood sugar levels. Insulin should not be
given during hypoglycemia.
6. A nurse is providing care for a client with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor for which of the
following signs of respiratory distress?
A) Tachypnea
B) Bradypnea
C) Hypotension
D) Bradycardia
Answer: A) Tachypnea
Rationale: Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) is a sign of respiratory
distress, especially in patients with COPD. Hypotension, bradycardia,
