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HESI A2 Critical Thinking Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A patient refuses a prescribed medication. What is the nurse’s best initial response?✔✔Ask the patient to explain their concerns about the medication.
A client reports shortness of breath. What is the nurse’s first priority?✔✔Assess airway and breathing status.
A nurse finds a patient confused and trying to climb out of bed. What should the nurse do first?✔✔Ensure patient safety by staying with them and preventing falls.
If a patient is in pain but has no new orders, what should the nurse do?✔✔Assess the pain and notify the provider for further orders.
During handoff, the oncoming nurse does not seem to listen. What is the best action?✔✔Clearly restate important details and ensure understanding. 1 / 3
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A nurse notices a medication error in the chart but the patient has not received the drug. What should the nurse do?✔✔Report the error according to facility policy before administration.
A patient is upset and says, “No one cares about me here.” What is the best nursing response?✔✔Listen actively and acknowledge the patient’s feelings.
If a patient refuses a treatment because of cultural beliefs, what should the nurse do first?✔✔Respect the patient’s beliefs and explore alternative options.
The nurse observes another nurse not washing hands before care. What is the correct action?✔✔Remind the colleague to perform hand hygiene.
A client suddenly becomes unresponsive. What is the nurse’s immediate priority?✔✔Check responsiveness and call for help/activate emergency response.
A family member asks for confidential patient information. What should the nurse do? 2 / 3
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✔✔Explain that information cannot be shared without patient consent.
If a patient is at risk for pressure injuries, what is the nurse’s priority intervention?✔✔Reposition the patient regularly to reduce pressure.
A nurse feels unsure about a new skill. What is the best action?✔✔Seek guidance or supervision before performing the skill.
If a physician’s order seems unsafe, what should the nurse do first?✔✔Clarify the order with the provider before carrying it out.
A patient is crying during assessment. What is the best initial action?✔✔Offer emotional support and allow the patient to express feelings.
When a patient asks about a diagnosis the nurse does not know, what is the best response?✔✔Acknowledge not knowing and offer to find accurate information.
If a patient has difficulty understanding medication instructions, what should the nurse do?
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