Critical Care HESI Practice Questions

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Critical Care HESI Practice Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

A client on mechanical ventilation develops sudden tachycardia and hypotension. What is the first action the nurse should take?

• Increase oxygen flow

✔✔B. Assess for tension pneumothorax

• Administer sedative
• Notify the provider

A client with septic shock has a central line. Which assessment is most critical?

• Heart rate and respiratory rate

✔✔B. Signs of infection at the insertion site

• Capillary refill
• Skin turgor

A client receiving norepinephrine develops chest pain and pallor at the IV site. What is the nurse’s priority intervention? 1 / 4

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• Slow the infusion

✔✔B. Stop the infusion and apply phentolamine

• Call the provider
• Apply cold compress

A client is post-cardiac arrest. Which intervention takes priority?

• Administer prescribed analgesics
• Monitor urine output

✔✔C. Maintain airway and oxygenation

• Encourage family visitation

A client with ARDS is on high PEEP. Which finding requires immediate attention?

• Oxygen saturation 92%

✔✔B. Sudden drop in blood pressure

• Mild anxiety
• Low urine output

A client is on continuous sedation with propofol. Which lab should the nurse monitor closely? 2 / 4

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• Sodium
• Potassium

✔✔C. Triglycerides

• Calcium

A client has a pulmonary artery catheter in place. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• Pulmonary artery pressure 18 mmHg

✔✔B. Sudden dampened waveform

• Heart rate 88 bpm
• SpO2 95%

A client in shock is receiving IV fluids. Which finding indicates fluid overload?

• Blood pressure 90/60 mmHg
• Urine output 50 mL/hr

✔✔C. Crackles in lungs

• Dry mucous membranes
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A client with elevated ICP is being monitored. Which action is most important to prevent further increases?

• Keep head of bed flat

✔✔B. Elevate head of bed 30 degrees

• Encourage coughing
• Limit analgesics

A client with acute pancreatitis is admitted to the ICU. Which lab finding requires immediate notification of the provider?

• Serum amylase 250 U/L

✔✔B. Serum calcium 6.5 mg/dL

• WBC 12,000/mm³
• Blood glucose 140 mg/dL

A client on a ventilator develops sudden cyanosis and decreased breath sounds on the right side.What is the nurse’s priority action?

• Increase oxygen flow

✔✔B. Assess for pneumothorax and notify provider

• Suction the ET tube
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