C488 HESI NURSING CRITICAL CARE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH RATIONALE 100% CORRECTLY/VERIFIED LATEST DOWNLOAD 2026 RATED A+

C488 HESI NURSING CRITICAL CARE
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALE 100%
CORRECTLY/VERIFIED LATEST
DOWNLOAD 2026 RATED A+

1. A patient with septic shock has a mean arterial pressure
(MAP) of 52 mmHg. What is the priority intervention?

 A. Administer vasopressors as prescribed
 B. Increase the IV fluid infusion rate
 C. Notify the healthcare provider
 D. Recheck the blood pressure in 15 minutes

Correct Answer: B. Increase the IV fluid infusion rate
Rationale: A MAP below 65 mmHg indicates inadequate organ
perfusion. In septic shock, fluid resuscitation is the priority—the
Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends 30 mL/kg of crystalloid.
Vasopressors are added if hypotension persists despite adequate
fluid resuscitation.




2. Which value is considered the minimum MAP needed to
perfuse vital organs?

,  A. 50 mmHg
 B. 55 mmHg
 C. 65 mmHg
 D. 80 mmHg

Correct Answer: C. 65 mmHg
Rationale: Most critically ill adults require a MAP of at least 65
mmHg to maintain adequate organ perfusion. Prolonged MAP
below 65 mmHg leads to organ ischemia and failure.




3. What is the normal range for central venous pressure
(CVP)?

 A. 0–2 mmHg
 B. 2–8 mmHg
 C. 8–15 mmHg
 D. 15–20 mmHg

Correct Answer: B. 2–8 mmHg
Rationale: Normal CVP is 2–8 mmHg. CVP reflects right atrial
pressure and is a measure of preload. Low CVP suggests
hypovolemia; high CVP suggests fluid overload or right heart
failure.




4. A patient with a pulmonary artery catheter has a PAWP of
22 mmHg. Which clinical finding should the nurse expect?

,  A. Dehydration
 B. Clinical signs of hypovolemia
 C. Bilateral crackles in the lungs
 D. Increased cardiac output

Correct Answer: C. Bilateral crackles in the lungs
Rationale: Normal PAWP is 6–12 mmHg. A PAWP of 22 mmHg
indicates elevated left ventricular filling pressure, suggesting fluid
overload or left-sided heart failure, which presents with
pulmonary congestion and crackles.




5. A patient with septic shock is most likely to exhibit which
hemodynamic pattern?

 A. Increased SVR and decreased CO
 B. Decreased SVR and increased CO
 C. Increased SVR and increased CO
 D. Normal SVR and decreased CO

Correct Answer: B. Decreased SVR and increased CO
Rationale: Early septic shock causes widespread vasodilation and
decreased systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Cardiac output (CO)
is often increased or normal in the hyperdynamic phase.




6. A patient with cardiogenic shock has a PAOP of 24 mmHg,
CI 1.6 L/min/m², and SVR 1400 dynes/sec/cm⁻⁵. Which
medication is most appropriate?

,  A. Dobutamine
 B. Norepinephrine
 C. Furosemide
 D. Nitroprusside

Correct Answer: A. Dobutamine
Rationale: Low cardiac index (<2.2 L/min/m²) with high SVR
(normal 800–1200) indicates decreased contractility with
vasoconstriction. Dobutamine increases contractility (positive
inotrope) and reduces afterload (vasodilation), improving cardiac
index.




7. A patient in hypovolemic shock has HR 130, BP 85/50, and
CVP 2 mmHg. After 2 L of lactated Ringer's, BP improves to
110/70 but HR remains 110. What is the next best action?

 A. Administer norepinephrine
 B. Give a third liter of fluids
 C. Start dopamine
 D. Obtain a stat echocardiogram

Correct Answer: B. Give a third liter of fluids
Rationale: Persistent tachycardia despite BP improvement may
indicate ongoing hypovolemia. CVP remains low (normal 2–6
mmHg), indicating continued need for fluid resuscitation.