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HESI Critical Care Exam Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
The nurse is caring for a patient on a ventilator. Which alarm requires immediate intervention?✔✔A. Low pressure alarm with disconnected tubing
- High pressure alarm with coughing
- High pressure alarm with secretions
- Low pressure alarm during suctioning
A patient with septic shock is started on norepinephrine. What is the nurse’s priority assessment?✔✔A. Blood pressure
- Urine output
- Respiratory rate
- Temperature
Which lab value is most concerning in a patient receiving heparin infusion?
- aPTT 70 seconds
✔✔B. Platelets 40,000 1 / 4
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- Hemoglobin 12
D. INR 1.2
A patient in atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response is most likely to receive which medication?
- Epinephrine
- Furosemide
- Atropine
✔✔B. Diltiazem
Which ECG finding requires immediate action?✔✔A. Ventricular fibrillation
- Sinus tachycardia
- First-degree AV block
- Atrial flutter
The nurse prepares to administer adenosine. What action is correct?✔✔A. Give rapid IV push followed by saline flush 2 / 4
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- Give slowly over 5 minutes
- Administer intramuscularly
- Dilute in 100 mL NS and infuse over 30 minutes
Which finding indicates effective treatment of increased intracranial pressure?
- Glasgow Coma Score decreased
- Blood pressure elevated
- Irregular respirations
✔✔B. Pupils equal and reactive
What is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity?✔✔A. Calcium gluconate
- Vitamin K
- Protamine sulfate
- Naloxone
The nurse is caring for a patient post-MI. Which medication reduces myocardial oxygen demand? 3 / 4
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✔✔A. Beta-blockers
- Loop diuretics
- Antibiotics
- Corticosteroids
A patient with ARDS is placed in the prone position. The purpose is to:
✔✔A. Improve oxygenation
- Reduce secretions
- Increase urine output
- Prevent aspiration
Which electrolyte abnormality is most likely to cause cardiac arrest?✔✔A. Hyperkalemia
- Hypocalcemia
- Hyponatremia
- Hypophosphatemia
A patient receiving propofol requires which nursing intervention?
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