Page 1 of 193
HESI Med Surg Exit Exam V2 COMPLETE QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026-2027 LATEST UPDATE
THIS YEAR
QUESTION: The nurse is obtaining the admission history for a client with suspected peptic ulcer
disease (PUD). Which subjective data reported by the client supports this disease process?
A Severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea after eating spicy foods.
B Frequent use of chewable and liquid antacids for indigestion.
C Upper mid abdominal pain described as gnawing and burning.
D Marked loss of weight and appetite over the last 3 or 4 months - ANSWER-C Upper mid
abdominal pain described as gnawing and burning.
Peptic ulcer disease involves the formation of open sores in the lining of the stomach or the
duodenum. The characteristic symptom of PUD is abdominal pain, typically located in the upper
mid abdomen. This pain is often described as gnawing, burning, or aching in nature. The pain
may occur shortly after eating, especially when the stomach is empty (gastric ulcer), or it may
occur 2-3 hours after eating, typically at night (duodenal ulcer).
,Page 2 of 193
QUESTION: A client with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is preparing for discharge following
a transurethral needle ablation (TUNA). Which information should the nurse include in the
discharge instructions?
A Restrict physical activities.
B Use incentive spirometer.
C Report when hematuria becomes pink tinged.
D Monitor urinary stream for decrease in output. - ANSWER-D Monitor urinary stream for
decrease in output.
After TUNA, clients need to be vigilant about their urinary output because a decrease can
indicate complications such as re-obstruction, which is a significant concern following the
procedure. Monitoring urinary stream is essential for detecting potential issues early, making
this the best choice for discharge instructions.
QUESTION: The nurse is caring for a client receiving thrombolytic therapy following an acute
myocardial infarction (MI). Which nursing problem should the nurse identify as priority for this
client?
A Risk for injury related to effects of thrombolysis.
,Page 3 of 193
B Activity intolerance related to ischemia.
C Ineffective breathing pattern related to adverse drug effects.
D Deficient knowledge related to a new medication regimen. - ANSWER-A Risk for injury related
to effects of thrombolysis.
Clients receiving thrombolytic therapy are at an increased risk of bleeding, which can manifest
as internal bleeding, hemorrhage at vascular access sites, gastrointestinal bleeding, or
intracranial bleeding. The nurse's priority is to closely monitor the client for signs and
symptoms of bleeding, such as sudden onset or worsening of headache, changes in level of
consciousness, hematuria, melena, ecchymosis, or hematoma formation.
QUESTION: The nurse is caring for a client who had an appendectomy 4 hours ago. Which
finding requires immediate action by the nurse?
A High-pitched sound heard upon inspiration.
B Apical heart rate of 100 to 110 beats/minute.
C Redness and edema noted at the incision site.
D Pain rating of 8 on a scale of 0 to 10. - ANSWER-A High-pitched sound heard upon inspiration.
, Page 4 of 193
A high-pitched sound heard upon inspiration, known as a "stridor," can indicate airway
obstruction or respiratory distress. In the postoperative period following an appendectomy,
airway patency and adequate ventilation are essential for the client's oxygenation and recovery
Lactulose was prescribed two days ago for a client who was recently diagnosed with hepatic
encephalopathy. The client is confused and experiencing frequent loose stools. Laboratory
findings show an elevated serum ammonia (NH) level of 220 μg/dL (157.1 μmol/dL). Which
action should the nurse take? Reference Range: Ammonia [10 to 80 μg/dL (6 to 47 μmol/L)]
A Hold the next dose of lactulose.
B Continue the prescribed dose of lactulose.
C Replace total volume voided with oral or IV fluids.
D Report the number of diarrhea stools to the healthcare provider (HCP). - ANSWER-B Continue
the prescribed dose of lactulose.
Lactulose works by acidifying the colonic contents, which promotes the conversion of ammonia
(NH3) to ammonium (NH4+). Ammonium is less readily absorbed from the colon into the
bloodstream, reducing systemic ammonia levels. This action helps alleviate the neurotoxic
effects of ammonia on the brain, thereby improving neurological symptoms associated with
hepatic encephalopathy
HESI Med Surg Exit Exam V2 COMPLETE QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026-2027 LATEST UPDATE
THIS YEAR
QUESTION: The nurse is obtaining the admission history for a client with suspected peptic ulcer
disease (PUD). Which subjective data reported by the client supports this disease process?
A Severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea after eating spicy foods.
B Frequent use of chewable and liquid antacids for indigestion.
C Upper mid abdominal pain described as gnawing and burning.
D Marked loss of weight and appetite over the last 3 or 4 months - ANSWER-C Upper mid
abdominal pain described as gnawing and burning.
Peptic ulcer disease involves the formation of open sores in the lining of the stomach or the
duodenum. The characteristic symptom of PUD is abdominal pain, typically located in the upper
mid abdomen. This pain is often described as gnawing, burning, or aching in nature. The pain
may occur shortly after eating, especially when the stomach is empty (gastric ulcer), or it may
occur 2-3 hours after eating, typically at night (duodenal ulcer).
,Page 2 of 193
QUESTION: A client with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is preparing for discharge following
a transurethral needle ablation (TUNA). Which information should the nurse include in the
discharge instructions?
A Restrict physical activities.
B Use incentive spirometer.
C Report when hematuria becomes pink tinged.
D Monitor urinary stream for decrease in output. - ANSWER-D Monitor urinary stream for
decrease in output.
After TUNA, clients need to be vigilant about their urinary output because a decrease can
indicate complications such as re-obstruction, which is a significant concern following the
procedure. Monitoring urinary stream is essential for detecting potential issues early, making
this the best choice for discharge instructions.
QUESTION: The nurse is caring for a client receiving thrombolytic therapy following an acute
myocardial infarction (MI). Which nursing problem should the nurse identify as priority for this
client?
A Risk for injury related to effects of thrombolysis.
,Page 3 of 193
B Activity intolerance related to ischemia.
C Ineffective breathing pattern related to adverse drug effects.
D Deficient knowledge related to a new medication regimen. - ANSWER-A Risk for injury related
to effects of thrombolysis.
Clients receiving thrombolytic therapy are at an increased risk of bleeding, which can manifest
as internal bleeding, hemorrhage at vascular access sites, gastrointestinal bleeding, or
intracranial bleeding. The nurse's priority is to closely monitor the client for signs and
symptoms of bleeding, such as sudden onset or worsening of headache, changes in level of
consciousness, hematuria, melena, ecchymosis, or hematoma formation.
QUESTION: The nurse is caring for a client who had an appendectomy 4 hours ago. Which
finding requires immediate action by the nurse?
A High-pitched sound heard upon inspiration.
B Apical heart rate of 100 to 110 beats/minute.
C Redness and edema noted at the incision site.
D Pain rating of 8 on a scale of 0 to 10. - ANSWER-A High-pitched sound heard upon inspiration.
, Page 4 of 193
A high-pitched sound heard upon inspiration, known as a "stridor," can indicate airway
obstruction or respiratory distress. In the postoperative period following an appendectomy,
airway patency and adequate ventilation are essential for the client's oxygenation and recovery
Lactulose was prescribed two days ago for a client who was recently diagnosed with hepatic
encephalopathy. The client is confused and experiencing frequent loose stools. Laboratory
findings show an elevated serum ammonia (NH) level of 220 μg/dL (157.1 μmol/dL). Which
action should the nurse take? Reference Range: Ammonia [10 to 80 μg/dL (6 to 47 μmol/L)]
A Hold the next dose of lactulose.
B Continue the prescribed dose of lactulose.
C Replace total volume voided with oral or IV fluids.
D Report the number of diarrhea stools to the healthcare provider (HCP). - ANSWER-B Continue
the prescribed dose of lactulose.
Lactulose works by acidifying the colonic contents, which promotes the conversion of ammonia
(NH3) to ammonium (NH4+). Ammonium is less readily absorbed from the colon into the
bloodstream, reducing systemic ammonia levels. This action helps alleviate the neurotoxic
effects of ammonia on the brain, thereby improving neurological symptoms associated with
hepatic encephalopathy
