Critical Care HESI Questions and Correct
Answers
The nurses calculating fluid resuscitation for young adult male
who was burned in a bloody accident at 1200 and is seen in the ER
at 1400. The HCP determines that the client has burn over 30% of
his body, mainly over his arms and chest. Using the Parkland
formula for fluid resuscitation, the client is to receive 7000 mL of
fluid in 24 hours. Which goal should the nurse establish for this
clients plan of care? Ans: — By 2000, the client will have received
3500 mL of fluid
When caring for a client on a vent, which finding provides the
greatest indication that the client has an open airway? Ans: —
Bilateral breath sounds can be auscultated
The nurse performs a prescribed a neurological check at the
beginning of the shift on a client who was admitted with a
subarachnoid brain attack (Stroke). The client's GCS is 9. What
information is most important for the nurse to determine? Ans: —
The client's previous GCS score
An adult female with a history of type 1 diabetes has been
vomiting for the past 48 hours and is admitted to the ICU with
DKA. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention
by the nurse? Ans: — Excessive thirst
A client admitted to the ICU after a colon resection with the
formation of the loop colostomy. The nurse determines that the
clients abdominal dressing is clean and dry. Vital signs are: HR:
130, temperature: 100, BP: 88/65, and urine output of 10 mL/hr.
What interventions should the nurse implement? Ans: — Give a
500 mL IV fluid bolus challenge
A client is admitted with syncopal episodes related to a third
degree heart block. After the placement of a transcutaneous
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
pacemaker, the nurse observes several episodes the pacemaker
failure to sense. What action should the nurse take? Ans: —
Increase the sensitivity
A client is receiving CPR. After systole is confirmed in two leads
and sending the transcutaneous pacemaker, which IV medication
should be administered? Ans: — Epinephrine (adrenaline)
A client has a chest tube connected to a closed water seal drainage
system with suction. What equipment should the nurse always
have available at the clients bedside? Ans: — Occlusive dressing
Bretylium 1 mg/min via infusion is prescribed for a client and
ventricular tachycardia. The available solution is 500 mL D5W
contains bretylium 1 gram. The nurse should program the infusion
time to deliver how many mL/hr? Ans: — 30
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? Ans: — 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? Ans: — 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? Ans: — 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? Ans: — 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
© 2025 All rights reserved