CRITICAL CARE HESI EXIT EXAM 2
FLASHCARDS AND HIGH-YIELD TOPICS 2026
◉ The client is receiving an infusion of nitroglycerin 100 mg and 500
mL D5W at 6 mL/hr. How many mcg/min of nitroglycerin is
infusing? Answer: 20
◉ A client arrives in the ER complaining of pain. What description of
pain should prompt the nurse to suspect it originated in the
myocardium? Answer: Produces chest heaviness with left arm pain
◉ Four days ago a chest tube was inserted into the second
intercostal space of a client who has a pneumothorax. Today the
nurse notes that there is no fluctuation in the water-seal chamber of
the Pleuravac. Which intervention would be most appropriate for
the nurse to implement? Answer: Assess the clients breath sounds of
the affected lung
◉ In developing a care plan for a client that has a chest tube due to a
hemothorax, the nurse should recognize which intervention is
essential? Answer: Encourage the client to breathe deeply and cough
at frequent intervals
◉ A postoperative client is admitted the ICU with an inflated
pressure infuser containing solution of heparin 2 units/mL attached
, to an intraarterial cannula. Which finding indicated that the heparin
infusion has achieved its therapeutic use? Answer: Intra-arterial
cannula remain patent
◉ The nurse suspects that a client with a central venous catheter in
the left subclavian vein is experiencing an embolism. What signs and
symptoms are most indicative of this condition? Answer: Anxiety,
confusion, lightheadedness, and loss consciousness
◉ A female client has been in systole for 20 minutes. She is
intubated, and epinephrine (adrenaline) 1 mg and atropine sulfate 1
mg IV were administered, with no change in rhythm. What
intervention should the nurse implement? Answer: Bring members
of the family to a private area to discuss the desire to continue life
saving efforts
◉ The nurse is evaluating a clients central venous pressure reading
that are trending upwards. What nursing diagnosis is supported but
the pathophysiological mechanism most likely causing this increase?
Answer: Impaired cardiac output
◉ The high pressure alarm on a mechanical vent is alarming. What
intervention should the nurse implement immediately? Answer:
Auscultate bilaterally for breath sounds and confirm endotracheal
suctioning
FLASHCARDS AND HIGH-YIELD TOPICS 2026
◉ The client is receiving an infusion of nitroglycerin 100 mg and 500
mL D5W at 6 mL/hr. How many mcg/min of nitroglycerin is
infusing? Answer: 20
◉ A client arrives in the ER complaining of pain. What description of
pain should prompt the nurse to suspect it originated in the
myocardium? Answer: Produces chest heaviness with left arm pain
◉ Four days ago a chest tube was inserted into the second
intercostal space of a client who has a pneumothorax. Today the
nurse notes that there is no fluctuation in the water-seal chamber of
the Pleuravac. Which intervention would be most appropriate for
the nurse to implement? Answer: Assess the clients breath sounds of
the affected lung
◉ In developing a care plan for a client that has a chest tube due to a
hemothorax, the nurse should recognize which intervention is
essential? Answer: Encourage the client to breathe deeply and cough
at frequent intervals
◉ A postoperative client is admitted the ICU with an inflated
pressure infuser containing solution of heparin 2 units/mL attached
, to an intraarterial cannula. Which finding indicated that the heparin
infusion has achieved its therapeutic use? Answer: Intra-arterial
cannula remain patent
◉ The nurse suspects that a client with a central venous catheter in
the left subclavian vein is experiencing an embolism. What signs and
symptoms are most indicative of this condition? Answer: Anxiety,
confusion, lightheadedness, and loss consciousness
◉ A female client has been in systole for 20 minutes. She is
intubated, and epinephrine (adrenaline) 1 mg and atropine sulfate 1
mg IV were administered, with no change in rhythm. What
intervention should the nurse implement? Answer: Bring members
of the family to a private area to discuss the desire to continue life
saving efforts
◉ The nurse is evaluating a clients central venous pressure reading
that are trending upwards. What nursing diagnosis is supported but
the pathophysiological mechanism most likely causing this increase?
Answer: Impaired cardiac output
◉ The high pressure alarm on a mechanical vent is alarming. What
intervention should the nurse implement immediately? Answer:
Auscultate bilaterally for breath sounds and confirm endotracheal
suctioning
