PN HESI Med Surg Exam Preparation
PN HESI MED SURG EXAM PREPARATION FOR 2025/2026 COMPLETE
150 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES
|ALREADY GRADED A+||BRAND NEW!!
A hospitalized client is receiving continuous nasogastric tube feedings at 90
mL/hour via a small-bore tube and an enteral infusion pump. Upon entering the
client’s room, which action should the practical nurse (PN) take first?
A) Auscultate the client’s breath sounds for a one minute.
B) Ensure the client’s head of bed is raised at least 30 degrees.
C) Check placement of the nasogastric tube.
D) Verify the prescribed feeding is hung.
B) Ensure the client’s head of bed is raised at least 30 degrees.
Rationale:
The 30 degrees is the minimum degree elevation of the head of the bed for a
client receiving continuous tube feedings to prevent aspiration.
The nurse is assisting with data collection for an older adult who is visiting the
health care provider today. Which signs and symptoms should the nurse report
to the health care provider as possible signs associated with colon cancer?
(Select all that apply.)
A) Rectal bleeding
B) Weight gain
C) Abdominal distention
D) Sensation that bowels are not evacuating completely
E) A diet high in vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, and kale
A) Rectal bleeding
1|Page
, PN HESI Med Surg Exam Preparation
C) Abdominal distention
D) Sensation that bowels are not evacuating completely
Rationale:
*Some signs and symptoms associated with colon cancer include:
> rectal bleeding
> abdominal distention
> sensation the bowels are not evacuating completely.
*A diet high in cauliflower, cabbage, and kale is associated with a reduced, not
increased, risk of colon cancer.
*A client who has colon cancer is more likely to have a weight loss rather than
weight gain.
A client diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed splints for night time
use. Which statement by the client demonstrates to the practical nurse (PN) an
accurate understanding of the use of the splints?
A) Prevention of deformities
B) Avoidance of joint trauma
C) Relief of joint inflammation
D) Improvement in joint strength
A) Prevention of deformities
Rationale:
Splints may be used at night by clients with rheumatoid arthritis to prevent
deformities caused by muscle spasms and contractures.
A client diagnosed with emphysema that is oxygen-dependent lives alone at
home and manages self-care with no difficulty. Which finding should prompt the
home health practical nurse to consult the registered nurse case manager?
2|Page
, PN HESI Med Surg Exam Preparation
A) A pulse oximetry reading of 91% on oxygen at 2 L/m.
B) A weight loss of 5 pounds since the last monthly home visit.
C) The client reports feeling as tired as at the last visit by the nurse.
D) Upon entering the home, the PN noticed dirty dishes and clothing scattered
around the home.
B) A weight loss of 5 pounds since the last monthly home visit.
Rationale:
A weight loss of 5 pounds in 1 month is a concern. Clients with COPD need
additional calorie intake because they are using up a lot from the energy they are
using to breath. The practical nurse needs to consult with the registered nurse
case manager for a nutrition consult.
A client asks the practical nurse what type of food is the best to eat reduce their
chances of getting colon cancer. Which type of foods should the PN suggest to
the client?
(Select all that apply.)
A) Red meats
B) Fruits and vegetables
C) Dairy products
D) Whole grains
E) Chicken and turkey
F) Protein shakes
B) Fruits and vegetables
D) Whole grains
Rationale:
3|Page
, PN HESI Med Surg Exam Preparation
According to the American Cancer Society, “studies suggest that fiber in the diet,
especially from whole grains, may lower colorectal cancer risk.”
The nurse has reinforced instructions to a client with diabetes mellitus on how
to self-monitor for symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse realizes
the instructions have been effective if the client can list which symptoms?
(Select all that apply.)
A) Fruity breath odor
B) Rapid, weak pulse
C) Cold, clammy skin
D) Extreme thirst
E) Urinary frequency
F) Protruding eyeballs
A) Fruity breath odor
B) Rapid, weak pulse
D) Extreme thirst
E) Urinary frequency
Rationale:
*Diabetic ketoacidosis is caused by a profound deficiency of insulin.
*Some common characteristics include:
> a sweet, fruity breath odor
> a rapid weak pulse
> extreme thirst
> urinary frequency
> sunken-appearing eyeballs
4|Page
PN HESI MED SURG EXAM PREPARATION FOR 2025/2026 COMPLETE
150 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES
|ALREADY GRADED A+||BRAND NEW!!
A hospitalized client is receiving continuous nasogastric tube feedings at 90
mL/hour via a small-bore tube and an enteral infusion pump. Upon entering the
client’s room, which action should the practical nurse (PN) take first?
A) Auscultate the client’s breath sounds for a one minute.
B) Ensure the client’s head of bed is raised at least 30 degrees.
C) Check placement of the nasogastric tube.
D) Verify the prescribed feeding is hung.
B) Ensure the client’s head of bed is raised at least 30 degrees.
Rationale:
The 30 degrees is the minimum degree elevation of the head of the bed for a
client receiving continuous tube feedings to prevent aspiration.
The nurse is assisting with data collection for an older adult who is visiting the
health care provider today. Which signs and symptoms should the nurse report
to the health care provider as possible signs associated with colon cancer?
(Select all that apply.)
A) Rectal bleeding
B) Weight gain
C) Abdominal distention
D) Sensation that bowels are not evacuating completely
E) A diet high in vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, and kale
A) Rectal bleeding
1|Page
, PN HESI Med Surg Exam Preparation
C) Abdominal distention
D) Sensation that bowels are not evacuating completely
Rationale:
*Some signs and symptoms associated with colon cancer include:
> rectal bleeding
> abdominal distention
> sensation the bowels are not evacuating completely.
*A diet high in cauliflower, cabbage, and kale is associated with a reduced, not
increased, risk of colon cancer.
*A client who has colon cancer is more likely to have a weight loss rather than
weight gain.
A client diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed splints for night time
use. Which statement by the client demonstrates to the practical nurse (PN) an
accurate understanding of the use of the splints?
A) Prevention of deformities
B) Avoidance of joint trauma
C) Relief of joint inflammation
D) Improvement in joint strength
A) Prevention of deformities
Rationale:
Splints may be used at night by clients with rheumatoid arthritis to prevent
deformities caused by muscle spasms and contractures.
A client diagnosed with emphysema that is oxygen-dependent lives alone at
home and manages self-care with no difficulty. Which finding should prompt the
home health practical nurse to consult the registered nurse case manager?
2|Page
, PN HESI Med Surg Exam Preparation
A) A pulse oximetry reading of 91% on oxygen at 2 L/m.
B) A weight loss of 5 pounds since the last monthly home visit.
C) The client reports feeling as tired as at the last visit by the nurse.
D) Upon entering the home, the PN noticed dirty dishes and clothing scattered
around the home.
B) A weight loss of 5 pounds since the last monthly home visit.
Rationale:
A weight loss of 5 pounds in 1 month is a concern. Clients with COPD need
additional calorie intake because they are using up a lot from the energy they are
using to breath. The practical nurse needs to consult with the registered nurse
case manager for a nutrition consult.
A client asks the practical nurse what type of food is the best to eat reduce their
chances of getting colon cancer. Which type of foods should the PN suggest to
the client?
(Select all that apply.)
A) Red meats
B) Fruits and vegetables
C) Dairy products
D) Whole grains
E) Chicken and turkey
F) Protein shakes
B) Fruits and vegetables
D) Whole grains
Rationale:
3|Page
, PN HESI Med Surg Exam Preparation
According to the American Cancer Society, “studies suggest that fiber in the diet,
especially from whole grains, may lower colorectal cancer risk.”
The nurse has reinforced instructions to a client with diabetes mellitus on how
to self-monitor for symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse realizes
the instructions have been effective if the client can list which symptoms?
(Select all that apply.)
A) Fruity breath odor
B) Rapid, weak pulse
C) Cold, clammy skin
D) Extreme thirst
E) Urinary frequency
F) Protruding eyeballs
A) Fruity breath odor
B) Rapid, weak pulse
D) Extreme thirst
E) Urinary frequency
Rationale:
*Diabetic ketoacidosis is caused by a profound deficiency of insulin.
*Some common characteristics include:
> a sweet, fruity breath odor
> a rapid weak pulse
> extreme thirst
> urinary frequency
> sunken-appearing eyeballs
4|Page
