HESI Critical Care Final Exam | Elsevier |2026/2027
Newest Exam| Questions and Correct Detailed
Answers | Complete Exam Preparation Material
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) - ANSWER-
-progressive disorder leading to acute respiratory failure
-exchange of O2 for CO2 in the lungs is inadequate for O2
consumption and CO2 production within the body's cells
Cardiopulmonary Arrest - ANSWER--Usually caused by MI
-Chest pain or discomfort with rest or activity, change in
previously stable angina, and angina not relieved by
nitroglycerin
-O2 necessary for survival
,Cardio. Arrest: HESI Hint - ANSWER--Questions focus on
CPR and prioritization of actions
Chest Pain in MI - ANSWER--"Crushing" chest pain; does
NOT typically resolve spontaneously within a few minutes
-Substernal or diffused
-Radiate to one or both shoulders and arms or neck to jaw,
or back
-Women and diabetics show atypical symptoms, such as
SOB, cold sweat, sudden fatigue, nausea, or
lightheadedness
,Fluid and Electrolyte Balance - ANSWER--Kidneys: control
filtering of waste products and returning nutrients and
electrolytes back to circulation
-Lungs: regulate O2 and CO2
-Heart: pumps blood, perfuses kidneys
-Adrenal glands: aldosteone, which retains Na and H2o,
increasing BP and K excretion
-Parathyroid glands: regulates Ca and P which influences
the bones
-Pituitary glands: ADH, causes body to retain H2O by
signaling kidneys to increase H20 when filtering blood
, Electrolytes: HESI Hint - ANSWER--K imbalances are
potentially life-threatening and must be corrected
immediately
-Low Mg levels are correlated with low K, especially with
use of diuretics
IV Patency - ANSWER-assessed q 72-96 hours
ROME - ANSWER-*Respiratory Opposite* (pH and PCO2
different), *Metabolic Equal* (pH and HCO3 same)
ECG Interpretations: HESI Hints - ANSWER-*T waves*
-Represent repolarization of the ventricles, so this is a
critical time in the heartbeat
Newest Exam| Questions and Correct Detailed
Answers | Complete Exam Preparation Material
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) - ANSWER-
-progressive disorder leading to acute respiratory failure
-exchange of O2 for CO2 in the lungs is inadequate for O2
consumption and CO2 production within the body's cells
Cardiopulmonary Arrest - ANSWER--Usually caused by MI
-Chest pain or discomfort with rest or activity, change in
previously stable angina, and angina not relieved by
nitroglycerin
-O2 necessary for survival
,Cardio. Arrest: HESI Hint - ANSWER--Questions focus on
CPR and prioritization of actions
Chest Pain in MI - ANSWER--"Crushing" chest pain; does
NOT typically resolve spontaneously within a few minutes
-Substernal or diffused
-Radiate to one or both shoulders and arms or neck to jaw,
or back
-Women and diabetics show atypical symptoms, such as
SOB, cold sweat, sudden fatigue, nausea, or
lightheadedness
,Fluid and Electrolyte Balance - ANSWER--Kidneys: control
filtering of waste products and returning nutrients and
electrolytes back to circulation
-Lungs: regulate O2 and CO2
-Heart: pumps blood, perfuses kidneys
-Adrenal glands: aldosteone, which retains Na and H2o,
increasing BP and K excretion
-Parathyroid glands: regulates Ca and P which influences
the bones
-Pituitary glands: ADH, causes body to retain H2O by
signaling kidneys to increase H20 when filtering blood
, Electrolytes: HESI Hint - ANSWER--K imbalances are
potentially life-threatening and must be corrected
immediately
-Low Mg levels are correlated with low K, especially with
use of diuretics
IV Patency - ANSWER-assessed q 72-96 hours
ROME - ANSWER-*Respiratory Opposite* (pH and PCO2
different), *Metabolic Equal* (pH and HCO3 same)
ECG Interpretations: HESI Hints - ANSWER-*T waves*
-Represent repolarization of the ventricles, so this is a
critical time in the heartbeat
