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Hesi Nursing Critical Thinking Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A patient reports shortness of breath while lying flat. What is the best initial nursing action?
- Encourage deep breathing exercises
- Administer IV fluids
- Ask the patient to ambulate
✔✔B. Elevate the head of the bed
A nurse finds a patient’s IV has infiltrated. What should be done first?
- Apply a warm compress
- Reinsert IV in same arm
- Document and continue medication
✔✔B. Stop the infusion immediately
A patient refuses a medication that was prescribed. What should the nurse do first?✔✔A. Ask the patient for the reason of refusal
- Notify the physician immediately 1 / 3
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- Document the refusal only
- Hide the medication in food
While caring for a confused patient, the nurse sees them attempting to climb out of bed. What is the priority action?
- Restrain the patient’s arms
- Lower the bed to the ground
- Call security
✔✔B. Stay with the patient and ensure safety
A patient’s urine output is 20 mL/hr for the last 2 hours. What should the nurse do first?
- Document the finding
- Restrict fluids
- Administer a diuretic
✔✔B. Assess for signs of decreased perfusion
The nurse hears another nurse share patient details loudly in the hallway. What is the best action?
- Ignore the situation 2 / 3
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✔✔B. Remind the nurse about confidentiality
- Report directly to the family
- Post the rules on the wall
During a shift handoff, which information is most important?
- The patient’s family concerns
- Nurse’s personal opinion of patient behavior
- Patient’s social history
✔✔B. Current vital signs and recent changes
A nurse receives a new medication order. What is the first step before administration?✔✔A. Verify the order with the patient’s chart
- Check the drug manual
- Ask another nurse for advice
- Administer immediately
A patient reports severe chest pain. What is the nurse’s immediate action?✔✔A. Provide oxygen and assess vital signs
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