Exit HESI: Critical Care Quiz And
Answers
Which conditions of clients who have been exposed to cold temperatures in a snowstorm put
them at a high risk of sustaining cold injuries? Select all that apply.
A. Dehydration
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Opioid medication use
D. A heavy smoker for years
E. Thyrotoxicosis - ANSB. Hypoglycemia
C. Opioid medication use
D. A heavy smoker for years
Hypoglycemia is a cause of hypothermia. Medications that suppress shivering, such as opioids,
can be a contributing factor for cold injury. Smokers have an increased risk of cold-related injury
because of the vasoconstrictive effects of nicotine. Dehydration is a metabolic cause of
hyperthermia. Thyrotoxicosis can make a client susceptible to hyperthermia.
After surgery, a client is extubated in the postanesthesia care unit. Which clinical manifestations
would the nurse expect if the client is experiencing acute respiratory distress? Select all that
apply.
A. Confusion
B. Hypocapnia
C. Tachycardia
D. Constricted pupils
E. Slow respiratory rate - ANSA. Confusion
B. Hypocapnia
C. Tachycardia
Inadequate cerebral oxygenation produces restlessness and confusion. Tachycardia occurs as
the body attempts to compensate for the lack of oxygen. A low carbon dioxide level in the blood
(hypocapnia) occurs with an increase in respiratory rate. The pupils dilate, not constrict, with
hypoxia. An elevated respiratory rate (tachypnea), not a slow respiratory rate (bradypnea),
occurs.
Which effect is seen in clients exposed to sarin?
A. Acute radiation syndrome
B. Paralysis of cardiac muscles
C. Burns and blisters on the skin
D. Paralysis of respiratory muscles - ANSD. Paralysis of respiratory muscles
, Sarin is a highly toxic nerve gas that can cause death within minutes of exposure. It acts by
paralyzing the respiratory muscles. Acute radiation syndrome is caused by a substantial
exposure to ionizing radiation; sarin is unrelated to ionizing radiation. Sarin causes paralysis of
respiratory muscles, not cardiac muscles. Burns and blisters on the skin are caused by mustard
gas.
Which clinical finding is the nurse most likely to identify when completing a history and physical
assessment of a client with complete heart block?
A. Syncope
B. Headache
C. Tachycardia
D. Hemiparesis - ANSA. Syncope
With complete atrioventricular block, the ventricles take over the pacemaker function in the
heart but at a much slower rate than that of the sinoatrial (SA) node. As a result, there is
decreased cerebral circulation, causing syncope. Headache is not related to heart block. The
heart rate usually is slow (not increased as in tachycardia) because the SA node does not
initiate the ventricular rhythm. Hemiparesis is associated with a stroke (cerebrovascular
accident).
Which conditions of the client with chronic pain who is on opioid treatment would the nurse
consider as the highest priority? Select all that apply.
A. Pruritus
B. Level 3 sedation
C. Constipation
D. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
E. Nausea and vomiting - ANSB. Level 3 sedation
D. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
Chronic use of opioids for pain may lead to constipation, nausea, vomiting, sedation, and
respiratory distress. The client with a level 3 of sedation has frequent drowsiness, arousals, and
episodes of sleep during conversation and needs immediate intervention. A respiratory rate of 8
breaths per minute leads to respiratory distress, which must be supported by adequate
oxygenation. Pruritus can be resolved slowly because it is less life threatening. Constipation can
be relieved by providing the client with a stimulant laxative and a stool softener. Nausea and
vomiting may be resolved by providing antiemetics to the client.
Which steps would the nurse take for managing an adolescent who sustained drug poisoning?
Select all that apply.
A. Induce gastric lavage.
B. Give ipecac syrup to the client.
C. Turn the head of the client to the side.
D. Empty the mouth to clean the residue of the drug.
Answers
Which conditions of clients who have been exposed to cold temperatures in a snowstorm put
them at a high risk of sustaining cold injuries? Select all that apply.
A. Dehydration
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Opioid medication use
D. A heavy smoker for years
E. Thyrotoxicosis - ANSB. Hypoglycemia
C. Opioid medication use
D. A heavy smoker for years
Hypoglycemia is a cause of hypothermia. Medications that suppress shivering, such as opioids,
can be a contributing factor for cold injury. Smokers have an increased risk of cold-related injury
because of the vasoconstrictive effects of nicotine. Dehydration is a metabolic cause of
hyperthermia. Thyrotoxicosis can make a client susceptible to hyperthermia.
After surgery, a client is extubated in the postanesthesia care unit. Which clinical manifestations
would the nurse expect if the client is experiencing acute respiratory distress? Select all that
apply.
A. Confusion
B. Hypocapnia
C. Tachycardia
D. Constricted pupils
E. Slow respiratory rate - ANSA. Confusion
B. Hypocapnia
C. Tachycardia
Inadequate cerebral oxygenation produces restlessness and confusion. Tachycardia occurs as
the body attempts to compensate for the lack of oxygen. A low carbon dioxide level in the blood
(hypocapnia) occurs with an increase in respiratory rate. The pupils dilate, not constrict, with
hypoxia. An elevated respiratory rate (tachypnea), not a slow respiratory rate (bradypnea),
occurs.
Which effect is seen in clients exposed to sarin?
A. Acute radiation syndrome
B. Paralysis of cardiac muscles
C. Burns and blisters on the skin
D. Paralysis of respiratory muscles - ANSD. Paralysis of respiratory muscles
, Sarin is a highly toxic nerve gas that can cause death within minutes of exposure. It acts by
paralyzing the respiratory muscles. Acute radiation syndrome is caused by a substantial
exposure to ionizing radiation; sarin is unrelated to ionizing radiation. Sarin causes paralysis of
respiratory muscles, not cardiac muscles. Burns and blisters on the skin are caused by mustard
gas.
Which clinical finding is the nurse most likely to identify when completing a history and physical
assessment of a client with complete heart block?
A. Syncope
B. Headache
C. Tachycardia
D. Hemiparesis - ANSA. Syncope
With complete atrioventricular block, the ventricles take over the pacemaker function in the
heart but at a much slower rate than that of the sinoatrial (SA) node. As a result, there is
decreased cerebral circulation, causing syncope. Headache is not related to heart block. The
heart rate usually is slow (not increased as in tachycardia) because the SA node does not
initiate the ventricular rhythm. Hemiparesis is associated with a stroke (cerebrovascular
accident).
Which conditions of the client with chronic pain who is on opioid treatment would the nurse
consider as the highest priority? Select all that apply.
A. Pruritus
B. Level 3 sedation
C. Constipation
D. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
E. Nausea and vomiting - ANSB. Level 3 sedation
D. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
Chronic use of opioids for pain may lead to constipation, nausea, vomiting, sedation, and
respiratory distress. The client with a level 3 of sedation has frequent drowsiness, arousals, and
episodes of sleep during conversation and needs immediate intervention. A respiratory rate of 8
breaths per minute leads to respiratory distress, which must be supported by adequate
oxygenation. Pruritus can be resolved slowly because it is less life threatening. Constipation can
be relieved by providing the client with a stimulant laxative and a stool softener. Nausea and
vomiting may be resolved by providing antiemetics to the client.
Which steps would the nurse take for managing an adolescent who sustained drug poisoning?
Select all that apply.
A. Induce gastric lavage.
B. Give ipecac syrup to the client.
C. Turn the head of the client to the side.
D. Empty the mouth to clean the residue of the drug.
