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Critical Care HESI Practice Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the first action for a patient with suspected sepsis?✔✔Obtain blood cultures and start broad-spectrum antibiotics.
What is the priority intervention for a patient experiencing anaphylaxis?✔✔Administer epinephrine.
What is the best indicator of adequate tissue perfusion in a critical care patient?✔✔Urine output.
What is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity?✔✔Calcium gluconate.
What should the nurse do if a patient develops sudden chest pain and shortness of breath after central line insertion?✔✔Suspect pneumothorax and notify provider. 1 / 3
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What is the primary treatment for cardiogenic shock?✔✔Administer inotropic agents such as dobutamine.
What is the priority nursing action for a patient with a sudden drop in oxygen saturation?✔✔Apply oxygen and assess airway patency.
What medication is commonly used to treat severe bradycardia in critical care?✔✔Atropine.
What should the nurse monitor closely in a patient receiving a continuous nitroprusside infusion?✔✔Blood pressure.
What is the antidote for opioid overdose in a critical care setting?✔✔Naloxone.
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing ventricular fibrillation?✔✔Initiate defibrillation immediately. 2 / 3
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What laboratory value is most important to monitor in a patient on heparin infusion?✔✔aPTT.
What is the expected finding in a patient with increased intracranial pressure?✔✔Widened pulse pressure.
What is the first action when a patient’s ventilator alarm signals low pressure?✔✔Check for disconnection of tubing.
What should the nurse do if a chest tube becomes dislodged from the patient?✔✔Cover the site with a sterile occlusive dressing.
What medication is used to reverse benzodiazepine overdose in critical care?✔✔Flumazenil.
What electrolyte imbalance is commonly seen in patients receiving loop diuretics?✔✔Hypokalemia.
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