CRITICAL CARE HESI EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
COMPLETE VERIFIED 100% SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
ARDS Characterized by:
1. Hypoxemia that persists even when 100% oxygen is given.
2. Decreased pulmonary compliance.
3. Dyspnea.
4. Non-cardiac-associated bilateral pulmonary edema.
5. Dense pulmonary infiltrates on radiography. No abnormal lung sounds are present on
auscultation because the edema of ARDS occurs first in the interstitial spaces, not in
the airways.
HESI Hint ARDS
ARDS is an unexpected, catastrophic pulmonary complication occurring in a person
with no previous pulmonary problems. Clients are critically ill and are managed in an
ICU setting.
Mortality rate is high (50%)
HESI Hint- Interventions to prevent complications on mechanical ventilation with
ARDS
Elevate HOB to at least 30 degrees.
Assist with daily awakening ("sedation vacation").
Implement a comprehensive oral hygiene program.
Implement a comprehensive mobilization program.
Common causes of respiratory failure
1. Exacerbation of COPD.
2. Pneumonia.
3. TB.
4. Contusion.
, 5. Aspiration.
6. Inhaled toxins.
7. Emboli.
8. Drug overdose.
9. Fluid overload.
10. DIC.
11. Shock
Nursing Assessment ARDS
A. dyspnea, hyperpnea, crackles (or rales).
B. Intercostal retractions.
C. cyanosis, pallor
D. Hypoxemia: PO <50 mmHg with FiO2 >60%.
E. Diffuse pulmonary infiltrates seen on chest radiograph as "white-out" appearance.
F. Verbalized anxiety, restlessness.
Nursing Plans and Interventions ARDS
A. Position client for maximal lung expansion.
B. Monitor client for signs of hypoxemia and oxygen toxicity.
C. Monitor breath sounds for pneumothorax.
D. Provide emotional support to decrease anxiety and allow ventilatory to "work" the
lungs.
E. Monitor client hemodynamically with essential vital signs and cardiac monitor.
F. Monitor arterial blood gases (ABGs) routinely.
G. Monitor vital organ status: CNS, LOC, renal system output, and myocardium [apical
pulse, BP]).
H. Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance.
I. Monitor metabolic status through routine lab work.
HESI Hint Suctioning
Do not routinely suction; Suction only when secretions are present
HESI Hint Allen test
Before drawing a sample for ABGs from the radial artery, perform the Allen test to
assess collateral circulation.
COMPLETE VERIFIED 100% SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
ARDS Characterized by:
1. Hypoxemia that persists even when 100% oxygen is given.
2. Decreased pulmonary compliance.
3. Dyspnea.
4. Non-cardiac-associated bilateral pulmonary edema.
5. Dense pulmonary infiltrates on radiography. No abnormal lung sounds are present on
auscultation because the edema of ARDS occurs first in the interstitial spaces, not in
the airways.
HESI Hint ARDS
ARDS is an unexpected, catastrophic pulmonary complication occurring in a person
with no previous pulmonary problems. Clients are critically ill and are managed in an
ICU setting.
Mortality rate is high (50%)
HESI Hint- Interventions to prevent complications on mechanical ventilation with
ARDS
Elevate HOB to at least 30 degrees.
Assist with daily awakening ("sedation vacation").
Implement a comprehensive oral hygiene program.
Implement a comprehensive mobilization program.
Common causes of respiratory failure
1. Exacerbation of COPD.
2. Pneumonia.
3. TB.
4. Contusion.
, 5. Aspiration.
6. Inhaled toxins.
7. Emboli.
8. Drug overdose.
9. Fluid overload.
10. DIC.
11. Shock
Nursing Assessment ARDS
A. dyspnea, hyperpnea, crackles (or rales).
B. Intercostal retractions.
C. cyanosis, pallor
D. Hypoxemia: PO <50 mmHg with FiO2 >60%.
E. Diffuse pulmonary infiltrates seen on chest radiograph as "white-out" appearance.
F. Verbalized anxiety, restlessness.
Nursing Plans and Interventions ARDS
A. Position client for maximal lung expansion.
B. Monitor client for signs of hypoxemia and oxygen toxicity.
C. Monitor breath sounds for pneumothorax.
D. Provide emotional support to decrease anxiety and allow ventilatory to "work" the
lungs.
E. Monitor client hemodynamically with essential vital signs and cardiac monitor.
F. Monitor arterial blood gases (ABGs) routinely.
G. Monitor vital organ status: CNS, LOC, renal system output, and myocardium [apical
pulse, BP]).
H. Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance.
I. Monitor metabolic status through routine lab work.
HESI Hint Suctioning
Do not routinely suction; Suction only when secretions are present
HESI Hint Allen test
Before drawing a sample for ABGs from the radial artery, perform the Allen test to
assess collateral circulation.
