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HESI Case Study: Management of a
Surgical Unit Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the first action the nurse manager should take when a postoperative client reports severe pain but has no orders for analgesia?✔✔Contact the surgeon immediately to obtain pain management orders.
A surgical nurse reports being assigned more patients than they can safely handle. What is the manager’s best action?✔✔Review staffing assignments and adjust workload to ensure safe client care.
When a client’s family is upset that their loved one has not been taken to surgery on time, what should the manager do first?✔✔Communicate with the surgical team to clarify delays and provide accurate updates to the family.
A nurse administers the wrong IV antibiotic to a surgical client but reports it immediately. What should the manager do? 1 / 4
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✔✔Ensure client safety, complete an incident report, and review prevention strategies.
A client is scheduled for surgery but has not signed a consent form. What should the nurse manager do?✔✔Notify the surgeon immediately to obtain informed consent before proceeding.
During a fire drill on the surgical unit, some staff members appear confused about their roles.What should the manager implement?✔✔Provide refresher training and clear role assignments for fire safety procedures.
A client returning from surgery has low blood pressure and is bleeding at the incision site. What is the manager’s immediate priority?✔✔Activate the rapid response team and ensure immediate intervention.
A nurse is caught documenting vital signs before they are taken. What should the nurse manager do?✔✔Counsel the nurse on the importance of accurate documentation and patient safety.
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Family members complain that postoperative teaching is inconsistent among staff. What should the manager implement?✔✔Standardize discharge and teaching protocols to ensure consistency.
A staff nurse refuses to wear protective equipment while caring for a client on isolation precautions. What should the manager do?✔✔Reinforce infection control policies and require compliance immediately.
A surgical client develops a pressure injury during hospitalization. What should the manager prioritize?✔✔Investigate contributing factors and implement unit-wide pressure injury prevention strategies.
Two nurses argue about client assignments in the hallway. What should the nurse manager do?✔✔Ask them to stop immediately and address the conflict privately.
A client scheduled for surgery has abnormal lab results, but the surgeon has not reviewed them.What should the manager do?✔✔Ensure the provider is notified before proceeding with surgery. 3 / 4
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Several medication errors have occurred during night shift on the surgical unit. What should the manager do first?✔✔Analyze error reports to identify patterns and provide targeted education.
A nurse new to the surgical unit appears overwhelmed by postoperative care responsibilities.What is the best action for the manager?✔✔Assign a mentor or preceptor to provide guidance and support.
Family members complain that staff are slow to respond to call lights. What should the manager do?✔✔Monitor response times and hold staff accountable for prompt attention.
A staff nurse reports feeling unsafe caring for an aggressive client. What is the manager’s priority?✔✔Ensure staff safety by implementing de-escalation protocols and providing support.
A nurse forgets to complete a postoperative assessment and documents it later as if it was done on time. What should the manager do?
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