HESI CRITICAL CARE EXAM 2026 COMPLETE
CRITICAL CARE NURSING EXAM PREPARATION
AND PRACTICE READINESS NOTES
◉ Pneumatic Antishock Garment.
Answer: An inflatable device that covers the legs and abdomen; used
to splint the lower extremities or pelvis, or to control bleeding in the
lower extremities or pelvis.
- used for intraperitoneal hemorrhage
◉ What is the expected ABG of a pulmonary embolism?.
Answer: Tachypnea and tachycardia--> respiratory alkalosis
◉ A client is brought to the emergency department following a
motor vehicle accident. Initial assessment reveals that the client is
unconscious with a blood pressure of 165/73 mmHg, HR 50 bpm,
RR 8 and irregular, temperature of 103 F. What do you suspect is
happening?.
Answer: The findings reveal Cushing's Triad (hypertension with
widening pulse pressure, bradycardia and bradypnea); this indicates
increased ICP
◉ Symptoms of Right Ventricular Hypertrophy.
,Answer: fatigue, swelling, weakness, chest pain, SOB, dizziness
◉ The nurse is caring for a client who is being weaned from
mechanical ventilation. Which assessment finding indicates that the
client is ready to the the endotracheal tube removed?.
Answer: - pulse ox: 98% with a T piece
- evidence of reversal of the underlying cause of respiratory failure
-PEEP <8 and FiO2 <0.50
- hemodynamic stability
- ability to initiate an inspiratory effort.
◉ A client with ARDS was endotracheally intubated and transferred
to the ICU 12 hours ago. Upon assessment, the nurse notes bilateral
rales and diminished breath sounds in the right middle lobe and
bilateral lower lobes, as well as bluish nail beds. Based on the
client's presentation, which actions should be taken?.
Answer: - Place the patient in prone position
- administer prescribed Lasix
◉ Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure.
Answer: placed in the pulmonary artery to indirectly measure left
atrial pressure; 4-12
◉ Norepinephrine (Levophed).
, Answer: - Uses: treatment of severe hypotension and shock
-MOA: increase blood pressure and cardiac output by stimulating
alpha-adrenergic receptors in the blood vessels to cause
*vasoconstriction*
◉ Sodium Nitroprusside (Nitropress).
Answer: Very potent vasodilator
*drug of choice for hypotensive emergencies
- nitrO--> vessels dilate like the O
◉ The nurse suspects that a client with ESKD has developed uremic
syndrome. What did the nurse assess to support this clinical
determination?.
Answer: pericardial friction rub; increased bleeding; hepatic
encephalopathy, asterixis, peripheral neuroapthy
◉ Neurological degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons
resulting in muscle atrophy, fasciculations, hyperreflexia and
spasticity is called:.
Answer: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
◉ When should stomas be emptied?.
Answer: before meals or 2 hours after eating
CRITICAL CARE NURSING EXAM PREPARATION
AND PRACTICE READINESS NOTES
◉ Pneumatic Antishock Garment.
Answer: An inflatable device that covers the legs and abdomen; used
to splint the lower extremities or pelvis, or to control bleeding in the
lower extremities or pelvis.
- used for intraperitoneal hemorrhage
◉ What is the expected ABG of a pulmonary embolism?.
Answer: Tachypnea and tachycardia--> respiratory alkalosis
◉ A client is brought to the emergency department following a
motor vehicle accident. Initial assessment reveals that the client is
unconscious with a blood pressure of 165/73 mmHg, HR 50 bpm,
RR 8 and irregular, temperature of 103 F. What do you suspect is
happening?.
Answer: The findings reveal Cushing's Triad (hypertension with
widening pulse pressure, bradycardia and bradypnea); this indicates
increased ICP
◉ Symptoms of Right Ventricular Hypertrophy.
,Answer: fatigue, swelling, weakness, chest pain, SOB, dizziness
◉ The nurse is caring for a client who is being weaned from
mechanical ventilation. Which assessment finding indicates that the
client is ready to the the endotracheal tube removed?.
Answer: - pulse ox: 98% with a T piece
- evidence of reversal of the underlying cause of respiratory failure
-PEEP <8 and FiO2 <0.50
- hemodynamic stability
- ability to initiate an inspiratory effort.
◉ A client with ARDS was endotracheally intubated and transferred
to the ICU 12 hours ago. Upon assessment, the nurse notes bilateral
rales and diminished breath sounds in the right middle lobe and
bilateral lower lobes, as well as bluish nail beds. Based on the
client's presentation, which actions should be taken?.
Answer: - Place the patient in prone position
- administer prescribed Lasix
◉ Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure.
Answer: placed in the pulmonary artery to indirectly measure left
atrial pressure; 4-12
◉ Norepinephrine (Levophed).
, Answer: - Uses: treatment of severe hypotension and shock
-MOA: increase blood pressure and cardiac output by stimulating
alpha-adrenergic receptors in the blood vessels to cause
*vasoconstriction*
◉ Sodium Nitroprusside (Nitropress).
Answer: Very potent vasodilator
*drug of choice for hypotensive emergencies
- nitrO--> vessels dilate like the O
◉ The nurse suspects that a client with ESKD has developed uremic
syndrome. What did the nurse assess to support this clinical
determination?.
Answer: pericardial friction rub; increased bleeding; hepatic
encephalopathy, asterixis, peripheral neuroapthy
◉ Neurological degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons
resulting in muscle atrophy, fasciculations, hyperreflexia and
spasticity is called:.
Answer: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
◉ When should stomas be emptied?.
Answer: before meals or 2 hours after eating
