EVOLVE ELSEVIER HESI MED SURG ACTUAL EXAM WITH 150
REAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH WELL-
ELABORATED RATIONALES/ EVOLVE HESI MEDICAL SURGICAL
LATEST EXAM 2025-2026 .
what is an EMG?-ANSWER-an electromyogram
records/evaluates electrical activity of muscles during
contraction; used to differentiate between muscle dysfunction
and nerve dysfunction
they can be done IM (more common) or superficially
what teaching should be priority when a patient ingests a
contrast medium?-ANSWER-increase fluid intake to promote
elimination
initial stools may be white is barium was used, which is
normal until all the medium is evacuated
what is an MRI and what is an important nursing consideration
for them?-ANSWER-magnetic resonance imaging; uses
magnetism, radio waves and a computer to get cross sectional
images of body structures
**machine is loud and may exacerbate clostrophobia.
1|Page
,**a mild sedative may be given since stillness is important
**make sure NO METAL is present in room, in/on patient's
body.
what is ANA?-ANSWER-antinuclear antibodies: seen in
autoimmune diseases; these destroy the nucleus of cells.
present in RA, SLE, scleroderma etc.
what does the sed rate measure? (ESR)-ANSWER-measures the
rate at which RBCs settle out of unclotted blood.
will be INCREASED with acute infections, inflammatory
conditions, SLE, pregnancy, cancers, burns, RA and rheumatic
fever
will be DECREASED with sickle cell anemia, degenerative
arthritis, angina and factor V deficiency.
what is the importance of increased plasma uric acid?-
ANSWER-diagnostic for gout; its the end product in
metabolism of purines, and the kidneys normally secret it.
hyperuricemia occurs with poor kidney function, and or
excessive purine intake
2|Page
, what is the purpose of traction?-ANSWER-to reduce fractures,
lessen muscle spasms, relieve pain, correct deformities,
promote rest and allow for exercise
skin and skeletal is most common– manual is only used briefly
what is countertraction?-ANSWER-pulling force exerted
opposite of traction direction to patient from sliding
example includes elevating the foot of the bed so the patient
is at an angle (trandelenburg)
what is important to teach a patient in traction about
massaging or rubbing painful areas?-ANSWER-not to massage
calves of reddened areas to prevent possible clot from
dislodging
how can a nurse facilitate plaster cast drying?-ANSWER-turn
the patient from side to side q2h for the first 24 to 72 hours
DONT use fingertips to turn, only palms– finger tips can create
indentations in cast
what are important assessments for the nurse to make post
laminectomy?-ANSWER-CMS checks and bowel and bladder
function
3|Page
REAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH WELL-
ELABORATED RATIONALES/ EVOLVE HESI MEDICAL SURGICAL
LATEST EXAM 2025-2026 .
what is an EMG?-ANSWER-an electromyogram
records/evaluates electrical activity of muscles during
contraction; used to differentiate between muscle dysfunction
and nerve dysfunction
they can be done IM (more common) or superficially
what teaching should be priority when a patient ingests a
contrast medium?-ANSWER-increase fluid intake to promote
elimination
initial stools may be white is barium was used, which is
normal until all the medium is evacuated
what is an MRI and what is an important nursing consideration
for them?-ANSWER-magnetic resonance imaging; uses
magnetism, radio waves and a computer to get cross sectional
images of body structures
**machine is loud and may exacerbate clostrophobia.
1|Page
,**a mild sedative may be given since stillness is important
**make sure NO METAL is present in room, in/on patient's
body.
what is ANA?-ANSWER-antinuclear antibodies: seen in
autoimmune diseases; these destroy the nucleus of cells.
present in RA, SLE, scleroderma etc.
what does the sed rate measure? (ESR)-ANSWER-measures the
rate at which RBCs settle out of unclotted blood.
will be INCREASED with acute infections, inflammatory
conditions, SLE, pregnancy, cancers, burns, RA and rheumatic
fever
will be DECREASED with sickle cell anemia, degenerative
arthritis, angina and factor V deficiency.
what is the importance of increased plasma uric acid?-
ANSWER-diagnostic for gout; its the end product in
metabolism of purines, and the kidneys normally secret it.
hyperuricemia occurs with poor kidney function, and or
excessive purine intake
2|Page
, what is the purpose of traction?-ANSWER-to reduce fractures,
lessen muscle spasms, relieve pain, correct deformities,
promote rest and allow for exercise
skin and skeletal is most common– manual is only used briefly
what is countertraction?-ANSWER-pulling force exerted
opposite of traction direction to patient from sliding
example includes elevating the foot of the bed so the patient
is at an angle (trandelenburg)
what is important to teach a patient in traction about
massaging or rubbing painful areas?-ANSWER-not to massage
calves of reddened areas to prevent possible clot from
dislodging
how can a nurse facilitate plaster cast drying?-ANSWER-turn
the patient from side to side q2h for the first 24 to 72 hours
DONT use fingertips to turn, only palms– finger tips can create
indentations in cast
what are important assessments for the nurse to make post
laminectomy?-ANSWER-CMS checks and bowel and bladder
function
3|Page
