CRITICAL CARE HESI EXAM TEST PAPER 2026
QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
● ARDS mortality rate: Answer: 50% (high)
● interventions to prevent complications of vented patients with ARDS:
Answer: elevate HOB to at least 30 degrees
sedation vacations
strict oral hygiene
implement mobilization program
● increased risk and mortality rate from ARDS in individuals who have
a history of _____________ Answer: alcohol abuse
● suction only when ______________ Answer: secretions are present
● before drawing a sample for ABGs from the radial artery, perform the
___________ to assess collateral circulation Answer: allen test
● infants and young adults __________ during expiration as respiratory
distress begins; this is how the body attempts to create a form of PEEP
Answer: grunts
,● a child in severe distress should be on what percent oxygen? Answer:
100
● signifies respiratory failure: Answer: PCO2 greater than 45
PO2 less than 60
((ON 50% OXYGEN))
● three most common symptoms of respiratory failure: Answer:
dyspnea/tachypnea
intercostal and sternal retractions
cyanosis
● early signs of shock: Answer: agitation and restlessness
(from cerebral hypoxia)
● all types of shock can lead to ___________ and result in
____________ Answer: SIRS
MODS
, ● if cardiogenic shock exists in the presence of pulmonary edema (i.e.,
from pump failure), how should you position the client to REDUCE
venous return? Answer: high-fowler with legs down
● IABP balloon should inflate during __________ Answer: diastole
(P wave spike on ECG)
● monitor IABP tubing for what? Answer: blood backup
● all vasopressor and vasodilator drugs are potent and dangerous and
require ______________ Answer: titration
● most common type of shock Answer: hypovolemic
● drug used for the treatment of DIC Answer: heparin
● lab values for DIC Answer: PT & PTT prolonged
decreased platelets
● how to correct acidosis: Answer: increase ventilation
● first drug used for an in-hospital cardiac arrest: Answer: epinephrine
QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
● ARDS mortality rate: Answer: 50% (high)
● interventions to prevent complications of vented patients with ARDS:
Answer: elevate HOB to at least 30 degrees
sedation vacations
strict oral hygiene
implement mobilization program
● increased risk and mortality rate from ARDS in individuals who have
a history of _____________ Answer: alcohol abuse
● suction only when ______________ Answer: secretions are present
● before drawing a sample for ABGs from the radial artery, perform the
___________ to assess collateral circulation Answer: allen test
● infants and young adults __________ during expiration as respiratory
distress begins; this is how the body attempts to create a form of PEEP
Answer: grunts
,● a child in severe distress should be on what percent oxygen? Answer:
100
● signifies respiratory failure: Answer: PCO2 greater than 45
PO2 less than 60
((ON 50% OXYGEN))
● three most common symptoms of respiratory failure: Answer:
dyspnea/tachypnea
intercostal and sternal retractions
cyanosis
● early signs of shock: Answer: agitation and restlessness
(from cerebral hypoxia)
● all types of shock can lead to ___________ and result in
____________ Answer: SIRS
MODS
, ● if cardiogenic shock exists in the presence of pulmonary edema (i.e.,
from pump failure), how should you position the client to REDUCE
venous return? Answer: high-fowler with legs down
● IABP balloon should inflate during __________ Answer: diastole
(P wave spike on ECG)
● monitor IABP tubing for what? Answer: blood backup
● all vasopressor and vasodilator drugs are potent and dangerous and
require ______________ Answer: titration
● most common type of shock Answer: hypovolemic
● drug used for the treatment of DIC Answer: heparin
● lab values for DIC Answer: PT & PTT prolonged
decreased platelets
● how to correct acidosis: Answer: increase ventilation
● first drug used for an in-hospital cardiac arrest: Answer: epinephrine
