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Hesi Critical Thinking Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A client with diabetes reports feeling shaky, sweaty, and dizzy after skipping breakfast. What should the nurse do first?✔✔Give the client 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate and recheck blood glucose in 15 minutes
A client with congestive heart failure reports sudden shortness of breath and swelling in the legs.What is the nurse’s priority action?✔✔Assess vital signs, lung sounds, and oxygen saturation, and notify the healthcare provider
A postoperative client is confused, disoriented, and has a temperature of 102°F. What should the nurse assess first?✔✔Check for signs of infection, surgical site redness or drainage, and assess for sepsis
A client with a tracheostomy suddenly develops noisy, labored breathing. What is the first action the nurse should take?✔✔Suction the tracheostomy to clear the airway and assess oxygenation 1 / 3
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A client receiving IV morphine has a respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute and is somnolent.What should the nurse do immediately?✔✔Administer naloxone and support airway and breathing
A client with a nasogastric tube is receiving enteral feedings and becomes short of breath. What should the nurse do?✔✔Elevate the head of the bed to 30–45 degrees, stop the feeding, and assess for aspiration
A client with hypokalemia is prescribed potassium chloride. What is the safest way for the nurse to administer this medication?✔✔Administer orally with food or dilute and give IV slowly with continuous cardiac monitoring
A client with cirrhosis becomes confused and has flapping tremors of the hands. What complication should the nurse suspect?✔✔Hepatic encephalopathy, and the nurse should monitor ammonia levels and implement safety measures
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A client post-thyroidectomy reports tingling in the lips and fingers. What is the priority nursing action?✔✔Assess serum calcium levels and notify the healthcare provider for possible hypocalcemia
A client receiving total parenteral nutrition reports shortness of breath and chest pain. What should the nurse suspect?✔✔Air embolism and immediately clamp the line, place the client on the left side in Trendelenburg position, and notify the provider
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is experiencing increased dyspnea. What position will promote optimal breathing?✔✔High Fowler’s position with arms supported on pillows
A client on warfarin asks which foods to avoid. How should the nurse respond?✔✔Avoid foods high in vitamin K such as spinach, kale, and other dark leafy greens
A client with acute asthma is unable to speak full sentences and uses accessory muscles to breathe. What is the nurse’s immediate action?✔✔Administer prescribed bronchodilator, provide oxygen, and closely monitor respiratory status
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