HEALTHSTREAM EXAMS SET 2026
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
FULL SOLUTION
●● A patient is experiencing a cardiogenic shock. The nurse understands
the goal of treatment focuses on increasing the:
Answer: Cardiac Output
●● The patient diagnosed with acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and
experiencing severe dehydration, sepsis, and pneumonia is now in the
polyureic stage of ATN. The most important nursing action is to:
Answer: Monitor electrolyte levels and signs of fluid depletion
●● The mechanically ventilated patient has increased respiratory rate
ranging from 12-24 and oxygen saturation decreased to 90% despite
oxygen increase to 100%. The patient assessment reveals basilar
crackles that were not previously present, high peak airway pressures,
and use of accessory muscles. Arterial blood gas reveals pH 7.50, pCO2
32, and pO2 49. Chest X-ray results are significant for diffuse ground
glass opacities. The patient is likely experiencing:
Answer: Acute respiratory distress syndrome
, ●● A patient is a victim of a motor vehicle accident and has closed chest
trauma. As you assess your patient, you notice that he has diminished
breath sounds. Your patient is most likely experiencing a:
Answer: pneumothorax.
●● Which drug is given first to a patient with pulseless electrical activity
(PEA)?
Answer: Epinephrine
●● What would be the most effective intervention to be ordered to treat
a hemodynamically unstable patient with third-degree heart block?
Answer: Transcutaneous pacing
●● You are caring for a patient with severe sepsis and third-degree heart
block. The patient is hypotensive. The treatment for this life-threatening
rhythm change includes:
Answer: Transcutaneous pacing
●● A patient assessment reveals distended neck veins, pulsus paradoxus,
and decreased systolic pressure. This assessment is most consistent with:
Answer: Cardiac tamponade
●● A mechanically ventilated patient from the OR is admitted to the
ICU following an MVA. The patient experienced head trauma and blunt
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
FULL SOLUTION
●● A patient is experiencing a cardiogenic shock. The nurse understands
the goal of treatment focuses on increasing the:
Answer: Cardiac Output
●● The patient diagnosed with acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and
experiencing severe dehydration, sepsis, and pneumonia is now in the
polyureic stage of ATN. The most important nursing action is to:
Answer: Monitor electrolyte levels and signs of fluid depletion
●● The mechanically ventilated patient has increased respiratory rate
ranging from 12-24 and oxygen saturation decreased to 90% despite
oxygen increase to 100%. The patient assessment reveals basilar
crackles that were not previously present, high peak airway pressures,
and use of accessory muscles. Arterial blood gas reveals pH 7.50, pCO2
32, and pO2 49. Chest X-ray results are significant for diffuse ground
glass opacities. The patient is likely experiencing:
Answer: Acute respiratory distress syndrome
, ●● A patient is a victim of a motor vehicle accident and has closed chest
trauma. As you assess your patient, you notice that he has diminished
breath sounds. Your patient is most likely experiencing a:
Answer: pneumothorax.
●● Which drug is given first to a patient with pulseless electrical activity
(PEA)?
Answer: Epinephrine
●● What would be the most effective intervention to be ordered to treat
a hemodynamically unstable patient with third-degree heart block?
Answer: Transcutaneous pacing
●● You are caring for a patient with severe sepsis and third-degree heart
block. The patient is hypotensive. The treatment for this life-threatening
rhythm change includes:
Answer: Transcutaneous pacing
●● A patient assessment reveals distended neck veins, pulsus paradoxus,
and decreased systolic pressure. This assessment is most consistent with:
Answer: Cardiac tamponade
●● A mechanically ventilated patient from the OR is admitted to the
ICU following an MVA. The patient experienced head trauma and blunt
