HESI RN CRITICAL CARE Exam Questions
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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Question 1
Which vital sign best reflects tissue perfusion?
A. Temperature
B. Blood pressure
C. Oxygen saturation
D. Heart rate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Heart rate increases early in decreased perfusion states to maintain cardiac
output.
Question 2
Which organ is most sensitive to hypoxia?
A. Liver
B. Brain
C. Skin
D. Pancreas
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The brain requires continuous oxygen and is highly sensitive to hypoxia.
,Question 3
What is the normal adult respiratory rate?
A. 4–8 breaths/min
B. 8–10 breaths/min
C. 12–20 breaths/min
D. 22–30 breaths/min
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Normal respiratory rate in adults is 12–20 breaths per minute.
Question 4
Which artery is commonly used for ABG sampling?
A. Radial artery
B. Femoral vein
C. Brachial vein
D. Jugular vein
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The radial artery is preferred for arterial blood gas sampling due to accessibility
and collateral circulation.
Question 5
Which condition causes metabolic acidosis?
A. Vomiting
B. Diarrhea
C. Hyperventilation
D. Hypoventilation
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale:
Diarrhea causes bicarbonate loss, leading to metabolic acidosis.
Question 6
What does low oxygen saturation indicate?
A. Hyperoxia
B. Hypoxemia
C. Hypercapnia
D. Hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Low SpO₂ indicates reduced oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia).
Question 7
Which device delivers the highest oxygen concentration?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Simple mask
C. Non-rebreather mask
D. Venturi mask
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
A non-rebreather mask delivers the highest FiO₂ without intubation.
Question 8
Which acid-base imbalance is caused by hyperventilation?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
, C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Hyperventilation lowers CO₂, causing respiratory alkalosis.
Question 9
Which electrolyte imbalance is most life-threatening?
A. Mild hyponatremia
B. Severe hyperkalemia
C. Mild hypocalcemia
D. Mild hypochloremia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Hyperkalemia can cause fatal cardiac dysrhythmias.
Question 10
Which wave represents ventricular depolarization on ECG?
A. P wave
B. QRS complex
C. T wave
D. U wave
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization.
Question 11
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
Question 1
Which vital sign best reflects tissue perfusion?
A. Temperature
B. Blood pressure
C. Oxygen saturation
D. Heart rate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Heart rate increases early in decreased perfusion states to maintain cardiac
output.
Question 2
Which organ is most sensitive to hypoxia?
A. Liver
B. Brain
C. Skin
D. Pancreas
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The brain requires continuous oxygen and is highly sensitive to hypoxia.
,Question 3
What is the normal adult respiratory rate?
A. 4–8 breaths/min
B. 8–10 breaths/min
C. 12–20 breaths/min
D. 22–30 breaths/min
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Normal respiratory rate in adults is 12–20 breaths per minute.
Question 4
Which artery is commonly used for ABG sampling?
A. Radial artery
B. Femoral vein
C. Brachial vein
D. Jugular vein
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The radial artery is preferred for arterial blood gas sampling due to accessibility
and collateral circulation.
Question 5
Which condition causes metabolic acidosis?
A. Vomiting
B. Diarrhea
C. Hyperventilation
D. Hypoventilation
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale:
Diarrhea causes bicarbonate loss, leading to metabolic acidosis.
Question 6
What does low oxygen saturation indicate?
A. Hyperoxia
B. Hypoxemia
C. Hypercapnia
D. Hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Low SpO₂ indicates reduced oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia).
Question 7
Which device delivers the highest oxygen concentration?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Simple mask
C. Non-rebreather mask
D. Venturi mask
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
A non-rebreather mask delivers the highest FiO₂ without intubation.
Question 8
Which acid-base imbalance is caused by hyperventilation?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
, C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Hyperventilation lowers CO₂, causing respiratory alkalosis.
Question 9
Which electrolyte imbalance is most life-threatening?
A. Mild hyponatremia
B. Severe hyperkalemia
C. Mild hypocalcemia
D. Mild hypochloremia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Hyperkalemia can cause fatal cardiac dysrhythmias.
Question 10
Which wave represents ventricular depolarization on ECG?
A. P wave
B. QRS complex
C. T wave
D. U wave
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization.
Question 11
