HESI RN CRITICAL CARE ACTUAL
EXAMINATION TEST 2026 COMPLETE 350
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED CORRECT
ANSWERS
⩥ ARDS Characterized by? Answer: 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 #1. Answer: 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 #2: Interventions to prevent complications on mechanical
ventilation with ARDS. Answer: 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. Answer: 1. Exacerbation of
COPD. 2. Pneumonia. 3. TB. 4. Contusion. 5. Aspiration. 6. Inhaled
, toxins. 7. Emboli. 8. Drug overdose. 9. Fluid overload. 10. DIC. 11.
Shock
⩥ Nursing Assessment ARDS. Answer: 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. Answer: 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.
⩥ HESI Hint #3. Answer: Suction only when secretions are present
⩥ HESI Hint #4. Answer: Before drawing a sample for ABGs from the
radial artery, perform the Allen test to assess collateral circulation. The
Allen test ensures collateral circulation to the hand if thrombosis of the
radial artery should follow the puncture.
EXAMINATION TEST 2026 COMPLETE 350
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED CORRECT
ANSWERS
⩥ ARDS Characterized by? Answer: 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 #1. Answer: 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 #2: Interventions to prevent complications on mechanical
ventilation with ARDS. Answer: 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. Answer: 1. Exacerbation of
COPD. 2. Pneumonia. 3. TB. 4. Contusion. 5. Aspiration. 6. Inhaled
, toxins. 7. Emboli. 8. Drug overdose. 9. Fluid overload. 10. DIC. 11.
Shock
⩥ Nursing Assessment ARDS. Answer: 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. Answer: 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.
⩥ HESI Hint #3. Answer: Suction only when secretions are present
⩥ HESI Hint #4. Answer: Before drawing a sample for ABGs from the
radial artery, perform the Allen test to assess collateral circulation. The
Allen test ensures collateral circulation to the hand if thrombosis of the
radial artery should follow the puncture.
