1 | Page
Critical Care HESI Questions and Correct
Answers
ARDS Characterized by: Ans: — 1. Hypoxemia that persists even
when 100% oxygen is given.
2. Decreased pulmonary compliance.
3. Dyspnea.
4. Non-cardiac-associated bilateral pulmonary edema.
5. Dense pulmonary infiltrates on radiography. No abnormal lung
sounds are present on auscultation because the edema of ARDS
occurs first in the interstitial spaces, not in the airways.
HESI Hint ARDS Ans: — ARDS is an unexpected, catastrophic
pulmonary complication occurring in a person with no previous
pulmonary problems. Clients are critically ill and are managed in
an ICU setting.
Mortality rate is high (50%)
HESI Hint- Interventions to prevent complications on mechanical
ventilation with ARDS Ans: — Elevate HOB to at least 30 degrees.
Assist with daily awakening ("sedation vacation").
Implement a comprehensive oral hygiene program.
Implement a comprehensive mobilization program.
Common causes of respiratory failure Ans: — 1. Exacerbation of
COPD.
2. Pneumonia.
3. TB.
4. Contusion.
5. Aspiration.
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6. Inhaled toxins.
7. Emboli.
8. Drug overdose.
9. Fluid overload.
10. DIC.
11. Shock
Nursing Assessment ARDS Ans: — A. dyspnea, hyperpnea, crackles
(or rales).
B. Intercostal retractions.
C. cyanosis, pallor
D. Hypoxemia: PO <50 mmHg with FiO2 >60%.
E. Diffuse pulmonary infiltrates seen on chest radiograph as
"white-out" appearance.
F. Verbalized anxiety, restlessness.
Nursing Plans and Interventions ARDS Ans: — A. Position client
for maximal lung expansion.
B. Monitor client for signs of hypoxemia and oxygen toxicity.
C. Monitor breath sounds for pneumothorax.
D. Provide emotional support to decrease anxiety and allow
ventilatory to "work" the lungs.
E. Monitor client hemodynamically with essential vital signs and
cardiac monitor.
F. Monitor arterial blood gases (ABGs) routinely.
G. Monitor vital organ status: CNS, LOC, renal system output, and
myocardium [apical pulse, BP]).
H. Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance.
I. Monitor metabolic status through routine lab work.
© 2025 All rights reserved
Critical Care HESI Questions and Correct
Answers
ARDS Characterized by: Ans: — 1. Hypoxemia that persists even
when 100% oxygen is given.
2. Decreased pulmonary compliance.
3. Dyspnea.
4. Non-cardiac-associated bilateral pulmonary edema.
5. Dense pulmonary infiltrates on radiography. No abnormal lung
sounds are present on auscultation because the edema of ARDS
occurs first in the interstitial spaces, not in the airways.
HESI Hint ARDS Ans: — ARDS is an unexpected, catastrophic
pulmonary complication occurring in a person with no previous
pulmonary problems. Clients are critically ill and are managed in
an ICU setting.
Mortality rate is high (50%)
HESI Hint- Interventions to prevent complications on mechanical
ventilation with ARDS Ans: — Elevate HOB to at least 30 degrees.
Assist with daily awakening ("sedation vacation").
Implement a comprehensive oral hygiene program.
Implement a comprehensive mobilization program.
Common causes of respiratory failure Ans: — 1. Exacerbation of
COPD.
2. Pneumonia.
3. TB.
4. Contusion.
5. Aspiration.
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
6. Inhaled toxins.
7. Emboli.
8. Drug overdose.
9. Fluid overload.
10. DIC.
11. Shock
Nursing Assessment ARDS Ans: — A. dyspnea, hyperpnea, crackles
(or rales).
B. Intercostal retractions.
C. cyanosis, pallor
D. Hypoxemia: PO <50 mmHg with FiO2 >60%.
E. Diffuse pulmonary infiltrates seen on chest radiograph as
"white-out" appearance.
F. Verbalized anxiety, restlessness.
Nursing Plans and Interventions ARDS Ans: — A. Position client
for maximal lung expansion.
B. Monitor client for signs of hypoxemia and oxygen toxicity.
C. Monitor breath sounds for pneumothorax.
D. Provide emotional support to decrease anxiety and allow
ventilatory to "work" the lungs.
E. Monitor client hemodynamically with essential vital signs and
cardiac monitor.
F. Monitor arterial blood gases (ABGs) routinely.
G. Monitor vital organ status: CNS, LOC, renal system output, and
myocardium [apical pulse, BP]).
H. Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance.
I. Monitor metabolic status through routine lab work.
© 2025 All rights reserved
