HESI RN Case Studies: Med Surg Practice Exam with
Detailed Rationales | 2025-2026 Updated Questions &
Answers | Graded A+
An Adult Client Who Is Hospitalized After Surgery Reports Sudden Onset Of Chest Pain And Dyspnea. The
Client Appears Anxious, Restless, And Mildly Cyanotic. The Nurse Should Further Assess The Client For
Which Condition?
A. Pulmonary Embolism.
B. Heart Failure.
C. Tuberculosis.
D. Bronchitis.
ANS: A. Pulmonary Embolism.
Post-Surgical Clients Are At An Increased Risk For Deep Vein Thrombosis (Dvt), Which May Result In
Pulmonary Embolism If The Clot Breaks Off And Travels To The Lungs. Signs And Symptoms Of
Pulmonary Embolism Include Chest Pain, Dyspnea, Anxiety, Restlessness, And - In Severe Cases -
Cyanosis.
Which Information Should The Nurse Obtain When Performing An Initial Assessment Of A Client Who
Presents To The Emergency Department With A Painful Ankle Injury? (Select All That Apply.)
A. Quality Of The Pain.
B. Signs Of Inflammation.
C. Ankle Range Of Motion.
D. Muscle Strength Testing.
E. Visible Deformities Of The Joint.
ANS: A,B,C,E
A. Quality Of The Pain.
B. Signs Of Inflammation.
C. Ankle Range Of Motion.
, E. Visible Deformities Of The Joint.
Initial Assessment Of A Joint Injury Is Performed To Determine The Extent Of The Damage. The Nurse's
Initial Assessment Of A Painful Ankle Injury Should Include Pain Quality, The Presence Of Deformities,
Evidence Of Inflammation, And Range Of Motion.
Which Description Of Pain Is Consistent With A Diagnosis Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
A. Joint Pain Is Worse In The Morning And Involves Symmetric Joints.
B. Joint Pain Is Better In The Morning And Worsens Throughout The Day.
C. Joint Pain Is Consistent Throughout The Day And Is Relieved By Pain Medication.
D. Joint Pain Is Worse During The Day And Involves Unilateral Joints.
ANS: A. Joint Pain Is Worse In The Morning And Involves Symmetric Joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Ra) Is An Autoimmune Disease That Causes Joint Pain And Swelling. Ra Is
Characterized By Pain That Is Worse When Arising And Involves Symmetric Joints.
Which Physical Assessment Finding Should The Nurse Anticipate In A Client With Long-Term
Gastroesophagealreflux Disease (Gerd)?
A. Hoarseness.
B. Dry Mouth.
C. Mouth Ulcers.
D. Weight Loss.
ANS: A. Hoarseness.
Dyspepsia And Regurgitation Are The Main Symptoms Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd);
However, Hoarseness Is One Of The Most Common Long-Term Symptoms Of Gerd Due To The Irritation
Of The Reflux Of Gastric Secretions.
Detailed Rationales | 2025-2026 Updated Questions &
Answers | Graded A+
An Adult Client Who Is Hospitalized After Surgery Reports Sudden Onset Of Chest Pain And Dyspnea. The
Client Appears Anxious, Restless, And Mildly Cyanotic. The Nurse Should Further Assess The Client For
Which Condition?
A. Pulmonary Embolism.
B. Heart Failure.
C. Tuberculosis.
D. Bronchitis.
ANS: A. Pulmonary Embolism.
Post-Surgical Clients Are At An Increased Risk For Deep Vein Thrombosis (Dvt), Which May Result In
Pulmonary Embolism If The Clot Breaks Off And Travels To The Lungs. Signs And Symptoms Of
Pulmonary Embolism Include Chest Pain, Dyspnea, Anxiety, Restlessness, And - In Severe Cases -
Cyanosis.
Which Information Should The Nurse Obtain When Performing An Initial Assessment Of A Client Who
Presents To The Emergency Department With A Painful Ankle Injury? (Select All That Apply.)
A. Quality Of The Pain.
B. Signs Of Inflammation.
C. Ankle Range Of Motion.
D. Muscle Strength Testing.
E. Visible Deformities Of The Joint.
ANS: A,B,C,E
A. Quality Of The Pain.
B. Signs Of Inflammation.
C. Ankle Range Of Motion.
, E. Visible Deformities Of The Joint.
Initial Assessment Of A Joint Injury Is Performed To Determine The Extent Of The Damage. The Nurse's
Initial Assessment Of A Painful Ankle Injury Should Include Pain Quality, The Presence Of Deformities,
Evidence Of Inflammation, And Range Of Motion.
Which Description Of Pain Is Consistent With A Diagnosis Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
A. Joint Pain Is Worse In The Morning And Involves Symmetric Joints.
B. Joint Pain Is Better In The Morning And Worsens Throughout The Day.
C. Joint Pain Is Consistent Throughout The Day And Is Relieved By Pain Medication.
D. Joint Pain Is Worse During The Day And Involves Unilateral Joints.
ANS: A. Joint Pain Is Worse In The Morning And Involves Symmetric Joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Ra) Is An Autoimmune Disease That Causes Joint Pain And Swelling. Ra Is
Characterized By Pain That Is Worse When Arising And Involves Symmetric Joints.
Which Physical Assessment Finding Should The Nurse Anticipate In A Client With Long-Term
Gastroesophagealreflux Disease (Gerd)?
A. Hoarseness.
B. Dry Mouth.
C. Mouth Ulcers.
D. Weight Loss.
ANS: A. Hoarseness.
Dyspepsia And Regurgitation Are The Main Symptoms Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd);
However, Hoarseness Is One Of The Most Common Long-Term Symptoms Of Gerd Due To The Irritation
Of The Reflux Of Gastric Secretions.
