Critical Care HESI Exam Practice Questions and Correct
Answers
Page 1 of 109
,Question 1
The nurse is caring for a client with end-stage liver disease who is actively dying. Some family members are tearful, while
other family members are arguing. Which professional should the nurse consult to help the family?
A.) Pastoral care services.
B.) Security.
C.) Health care provider.
D.) Bereavement counselor.
Correct Answer
A.) Pastoral care services.
End-of-life issues can place a strain on the family. The nurse should contact a pastoral care associate to assist with
spiritual and emotional needs of a family with a dying member.
Question 1
A client has developed A-Fib resulting in a ventricular rate of 150 bpm. The nurse should assess the client for which
effects of this cardiac occurrence? Select all that apply.
A. Dyspnea
B. Flat neck veins
C. Nausea & Vomiting
D. Chest pain or discomfort
E. Hypotension & dizziness
F. Hypertension & Headache
Correct Answer
A, D, E
Page 2 of 109
,Question 2
The nurse is applying EKG electrodes to a diaphoretic client. Which intervention should the nurse take to keep the
electrodes securely in place?
A. Secure the electrodes with adhesive tape
B. Place clear, transparent dressings over the electrodes
C. Apply lanolin to the skin before applying the electrodes
D. Cleanse the skin with alcohol before applying the electrodes
Correct Answer
D
*Alcohol dries the skin to promote adhesion
Question 3
A client experiencing a sudden onset of chest pain & dyspnea is diagnosed with a pulmonary embolus. The nurse
immediately implements which expected prescription for this client? Select all that apply.
A. Supplemental oxygen
B. High-Fowler's position
C. Semi-Fowler's position
D. Morphine Sulfate IV
E. Two tablets of acetaminophen with codeine
F. Meperidine hydrochloride IV
Correct Answer
A, C, D
*Semi-Fowler's position promotes optimal oxygenation
Page 3 of 109
, Question 4
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with pneumonia. When considering the client's safety, when will the nurse
plan to take the client for a short walk?
A. After the client eats lunch
B. After the client has a brief nap
C. After the client uses the metered-dose inhaler
D. After assessing the client's oxygen saturation
Correct Answer
C
Question 5
A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute bacterial pericarditis. Which nursing assessment findings
are associated with this form of heart disease? Select all that apply.
A. Fever
B. Leukopenia
C. Bradycardia
D. Pericardial friction rub
E. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
F. Precordial chest pain that intensifies in the supine position
Correct Answer
A, D, F
Page 4 of 109
Answers
Page 1 of 109
,Question 1
The nurse is caring for a client with end-stage liver disease who is actively dying. Some family members are tearful, while
other family members are arguing. Which professional should the nurse consult to help the family?
A.) Pastoral care services.
B.) Security.
C.) Health care provider.
D.) Bereavement counselor.
Correct Answer
A.) Pastoral care services.
End-of-life issues can place a strain on the family. The nurse should contact a pastoral care associate to assist with
spiritual and emotional needs of a family with a dying member.
Question 1
A client has developed A-Fib resulting in a ventricular rate of 150 bpm. The nurse should assess the client for which
effects of this cardiac occurrence? Select all that apply.
A. Dyspnea
B. Flat neck veins
C. Nausea & Vomiting
D. Chest pain or discomfort
E. Hypotension & dizziness
F. Hypertension & Headache
Correct Answer
A, D, E
Page 2 of 109
,Question 2
The nurse is applying EKG electrodes to a diaphoretic client. Which intervention should the nurse take to keep the
electrodes securely in place?
A. Secure the electrodes with adhesive tape
B. Place clear, transparent dressings over the electrodes
C. Apply lanolin to the skin before applying the electrodes
D. Cleanse the skin with alcohol before applying the electrodes
Correct Answer
D
*Alcohol dries the skin to promote adhesion
Question 3
A client experiencing a sudden onset of chest pain & dyspnea is diagnosed with a pulmonary embolus. The nurse
immediately implements which expected prescription for this client? Select all that apply.
A. Supplemental oxygen
B. High-Fowler's position
C. Semi-Fowler's position
D. Morphine Sulfate IV
E. Two tablets of acetaminophen with codeine
F. Meperidine hydrochloride IV
Correct Answer
A, C, D
*Semi-Fowler's position promotes optimal oxygenation
Page 3 of 109
, Question 4
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with pneumonia. When considering the client's safety, when will the nurse
plan to take the client for a short walk?
A. After the client eats lunch
B. After the client has a brief nap
C. After the client uses the metered-dose inhaler
D. After assessing the client's oxygen saturation
Correct Answer
C
Question 5
A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute bacterial pericarditis. Which nursing assessment findings
are associated with this form of heart disease? Select all that apply.
A. Fever
B. Leukopenia
C. Bradycardia
D. Pericardial friction rub
E. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
F. Precordial chest pain that intensifies in the supine position
Correct Answer
A, D, F
Page 4 of 109
