HESI A2 - Critical Thinking Questions

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HESI A2 - Critical Thinking Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

A nurse has four patients to see first thing in the morning. Which patient should be seen first?

• Patient requesting discharge instructions

✔✔B. Patient with shortness of breath and O2 sat of 88%

• Patient asking for pain medication
• Patient waiting for a dressing change

A patient receiving a blood transfusion reports itching and chills. What should the nurse do first?✔✔A. Stop the transfusion

• Call the provider
• Give diphenhydramine
• Check the IV site

A nursing assistant reports a patient’s blood pressure is 80/50. What is the nurse’s best first action?

• Tell the assistant to recheck later 1 / 4

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✔✔B. Go assess the patient immediately

• Document the finding
• Call the provider without assessment

A patient reports chest pain while walking to the bathroom. What should the nurse do first?✔✔A. Assist the patient back to bed and apply oxygen

• Notify the physician
• Obtain a blood pressure
• Give the patient water

A nurse receives new orders for four patients. Which order should be questioned?

• Oxygen 2 L for COPD patient with dyspnea

✔✔B. High-salt diet for patient with heart failure

• Insulin for diabetic patient
• Antibiotics for pneumonia

A patient’s IV site is red, swollen, and painful. What should the nurse do first?✔✔A. Stop the infusion 2 / 4

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• Apply ice
• Flush the IV line
• Elevate the arm

A nurse finds a patient on the floor. What is the nurse’s first action?✔✔A. Assess the patient for injuries

• Call the provider
• Document the incident
• Notify the charge nurse

The nurse must delegate a task to the nursing assistant. Which task is appropriate?

• Administering medications

✔✔B. Taking vital signs

• Teaching about diet
• Assessing lung sounds

A patient is anxious and says, “I feel like I can’t breathe.” What should the nurse do first?✔✔A. Assess airway and breathing 3 / 4

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• Call the provider
• Document the complaint
• Give an anti-anxiety medication

Which patient is the highest priority?

• Patient with a temperature of 101°F

✔✔B. Patient with a blood pressure of 70/40

• Patient with pain 8/10
• Patient awaiting discharge

A nurse enters a patient’s room and finds the bed alarm sounding. The patient is standing and confused. What is the priority?✔✔A. Safely assist the patient back to bed

• Call for help
• Notify the provider
• Document the incident

A patient is scheduled for surgery and says, “I don’t understand the procedure.” What is the nurse’s best response?

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