Hesi Nursing Critical Thinking Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

Hesi Nursing Critical Thinking Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified A patient reports shortness of breath while lying flat. What is the best initial nursing action? A. Encourage deep breathing exercises B. Elevate the head of the bed C. Administer IV fluids D. Ask the patient to ambulate A nurse finds a patient’s IV has infiltrated. What should be done first? A. Apply a warm compress B. Stop the infusion immediately C. Reinsert IV in same arm D. Document and continue medication A patient refuses a medication that was prescribed. What should the nurse do first? A. Ask the patient for the reason of refusal B. Notify the physician immediately 2 C. Document the refusal only D. Hide the medication in food While caring for a confused patient, the nurse sees them attempting to climb out of bed. What is the priority action? A. Restrain the patient’s arms B. Stay with the patient and ensure safety C. Lower the bed to the ground D. Call security A patient’s urine output is 20 mL/hr for the last 2 hours. What should the nurse do first? A. Document the finding B. Assess for signs of decreased perfusion C. Restrict fluids D. Administer a diuretic The nurse hears another nurse share patient details loudly in the hallway. What is the best action? A. Ignore the situation 3 B. Remind the nurse about confidentiality C. Report directly to the family D. Post the rules on the wall During a shift handoff, which information is most important? A. The patient’s family concerns B. Current vital signs and recent changes C. Nurse’s personal opinion of patient behavior D. Patient’s social history A nurse receives a new medication order. What is the first step before administration? A. Verify the order with the patient’s chart B. Check the drug manual C. Ask another nurse for advice D. Administer immediately A patient reports severe chest pain. What is the nurse’s immediate action? A. Provide oxygen and assess vital signs 4 B. Give water and rest C. Check the blood sugar D. Call dietary services A patient is due for surgery but expresses fear and hesitation. What should the nurse do first? A. Encourage the patient to express feelings B. Cancel the surgery C. Tell the patient not to worry D. Force the patient to sign the consent --- A patient’s blood glucose is 40 mg/dL, and they are awake but shaky. What should the nurse do? A. Give a fast-acting carbohydrate B. Call respiratory therapy C. Give insulin D. Restrict fluids 5 During a fire alarm in the hospital, what is the first nursing priority? A. Remove patients from immediate danger B. Extinguish the fire C. Call housekeeping D. Document the incident A patient vomits during oral medication administration. What should the nurse do first? A. Re-administer the medication B. Call the provider immediately C. Document the incident and assess the patient D. Ignore if it’s just a small amount A nurse is floating to a new unit and is assigned an unfamiliar procedure. What should the nurse do? A. Attempt the procedure to learn