2026 HESI
Critical Care Exam
(V1, V2 & V3 Exams)
(NGN-STYLE QUESTIONS & CASE “SCENARIOS”)
Pass the Exam with Confidence
This Document contains:
➢ (V1, V2 & V3 Exams)
➢ Each Version has 55 Qs & Ans
➢ multiple-choice format (A, B, C, D) with correct answers
➢ structured rationales.
➢ Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)-style.
➢ Some questions feature “case scenarios”
,Table of Contents
Critical Care Hesi Exam (V1) .................................................. 2
Critical Care Hesi Exam (V2) ................................................ 33
Critical Care Hesi Exam (V3) ................................................ 70
Critical Care Hesi Exam (V1)
### 1. The nurse is calculating fluid resuscitation for a young adult male who
was burned in a bloody accident at 1200 and is seen in the ER at 1400. The
healthcare provider determines that the client has burns over 30% of his body,
mainly over his arms and chest. Using the Parkland formula, the client is to
receive 7000 mL of fluid in 24 hours. Which goal should the nurse establish for
this client’s plan of care?
A) By 1800, the client will have received 3500 mL of fluid
B) By 2000, the client will have received 3500 mL of fluid
C) By 1400, the client will have received 7000 mL of fluid
D) By 0200, the client will have received 7000 mL of fluid
Correct Answer: B) By 2000, the client will have received 3500 mL of fluid
Rationale:
,The Parkland formula prescribes half of the total 24-hour fluid volume within the
first 8 hours post-burn, and the remainder over the next 16 hours. Since the burn
occurred at 1200, half (3500 mL) should be infused by 2000 (8 hours after injury).
This helps prevent hypovolemia and shock while avoiding fluid overload.
---
### 2. When caring for a client on a ventilator, which finding provides the
greatest indication that the client has an open airway?
A) Symmetrical chest rise with each ventilator breath
B) Bilateral breath sounds can be auscultated
C) Client follows commands during sedation pauses
D) Positive end-tidal CO₂ on capnography
Correct Answer: B) Bilateral breath sounds can be auscultated
Rationale:
Bilateral breath sounds confirm air movement through both lungs, indicating an
open airway. While symmetrical chest rise and capnography are important,
auscultation remains a primary bedside assessment for patency and lung
ventilation.
---
### 3. The nurse performs a prescribed neurological check at the beginning of
the shift on a client admitted with a subarachnoid brain attack (stroke). The
client’s Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is 9. What information is most important for
the nurse to determine?
A) The client’s current pupillary response
B) The client’s baseline motor strength
, C) The client’s previous GCS score
D) The presence of gag reflex
Correct Answer: C) The client’s previous GCS score
Rationale:
Knowing the client’s previous GCS score allows detection of neurological
deterioration or improvement. Trend data is critical in stroke management to
respond rapidly to changing neurological status.
---
### 4. An adult female with a history of type 1 diabetes has been vomiting for
48 hours and is admitted to the ICU with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which
assessment finding warrants immediate intervention?
A) Kussmaul respirations
B) Excessive thirst
C) Abdominal pain
D) Fruity odor on breath
Correct Answer: B) Excessive thirst
Rationale:
Excessive thirst indicates severe dehydration that requires rapid fluid replacement.
This symptom is a critical early sign needing immediate correction to prevent
shock and renal failure.
---
Critical Care Exam
(V1, V2 & V3 Exams)
(NGN-STYLE QUESTIONS & CASE “SCENARIOS”)
Pass the Exam with Confidence
This Document contains:
➢ (V1, V2 & V3 Exams)
➢ Each Version has 55 Qs & Ans
➢ multiple-choice format (A, B, C, D) with correct answers
➢ structured rationales.
➢ Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)-style.
➢ Some questions feature “case scenarios”
,Table of Contents
Critical Care Hesi Exam (V1) .................................................. 2
Critical Care Hesi Exam (V2) ................................................ 33
Critical Care Hesi Exam (V3) ................................................ 70
Critical Care Hesi Exam (V1)
### 1. The nurse is calculating fluid resuscitation for a young adult male who
was burned in a bloody accident at 1200 and is seen in the ER at 1400. The
healthcare provider determines that the client has burns over 30% of his body,
mainly over his arms and chest. Using the Parkland formula, the client is to
receive 7000 mL of fluid in 24 hours. Which goal should the nurse establish for
this client’s plan of care?
A) By 1800, the client will have received 3500 mL of fluid
B) By 2000, the client will have received 3500 mL of fluid
C) By 1400, the client will have received 7000 mL of fluid
D) By 0200, the client will have received 7000 mL of fluid
Correct Answer: B) By 2000, the client will have received 3500 mL of fluid
Rationale:
,The Parkland formula prescribes half of the total 24-hour fluid volume within the
first 8 hours post-burn, and the remainder over the next 16 hours. Since the burn
occurred at 1200, half (3500 mL) should be infused by 2000 (8 hours after injury).
This helps prevent hypovolemia and shock while avoiding fluid overload.
---
### 2. When caring for a client on a ventilator, which finding provides the
greatest indication that the client has an open airway?
A) Symmetrical chest rise with each ventilator breath
B) Bilateral breath sounds can be auscultated
C) Client follows commands during sedation pauses
D) Positive end-tidal CO₂ on capnography
Correct Answer: B) Bilateral breath sounds can be auscultated
Rationale:
Bilateral breath sounds confirm air movement through both lungs, indicating an
open airway. While symmetrical chest rise and capnography are important,
auscultation remains a primary bedside assessment for patency and lung
ventilation.
---
### 3. The nurse performs a prescribed neurological check at the beginning of
the shift on a client admitted with a subarachnoid brain attack (stroke). The
client’s Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is 9. What information is most important for
the nurse to determine?
A) The client’s current pupillary response
B) The client’s baseline motor strength
, C) The client’s previous GCS score
D) The presence of gag reflex
Correct Answer: C) The client’s previous GCS score
Rationale:
Knowing the client’s previous GCS score allows detection of neurological
deterioration or improvement. Trend data is critical in stroke management to
respond rapidly to changing neurological status.
---
### 4. An adult female with a history of type 1 diabetes has been vomiting for
48 hours and is admitted to the ICU with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which
assessment finding warrants immediate intervention?
A) Kussmaul respirations
B) Excessive thirst
C) Abdominal pain
D) Fruity odor on breath
Correct Answer: B) Excessive thirst
Rationale:
Excessive thirst indicates severe dehydration that requires rapid fluid replacement.
This symptom is a critical early sign needing immediate correction to prevent
shock and renal failure.
---
