HESI CAT Exam
Original Exam Mastery 2026
100 Original Practice Questions • Answers • Rationales • High-Yield Review
This independently authored study guide is designed for HESI-style preparation. It does not reproduce actual HESI
CAT questions, answer keys, proprietary Elsevier content, or the paid Stuvia document.
Important format note
HESI assessments can be configured by schools and programs. The current Elsevier HESI Admission Assessment
(A²) materials describe customizable subject selection and multiple exam versions; this guide therefore emphasizes
transferable health-science reasoning rather than claiming to mirror a specific institution's CAT blueprint.
HESI CAT — Original Exam Mastery 2026 Page 1
, Topic Map
1. Comprehensive Assessment & Clinical Judgment — 10 questions
2. Mathematics, Ratios & Dosage Calculations — 10 questions
3. Reading Comprehension & Reasoning — 10 questions
4. Vocabulary & Medical Terminology — 10 questions
5. Grammar & Written Communication — 10 questions
6. Biology & Cellular Science — 10 questions
7. Chemistry — 10 questions
8. Anatomy & Physiology — 10 questions
9. High-Yield Nursing & Health Sciences — 10 questions
10. Integrated CAT-Style Practice — 10 questions
HESI CAT — Original Exam Mastery 2026 Page 2
, 1. Comprehensive Assessment & Clinical Judgment
1. A patient reports crushing chest pressure radiating to the jaw with diaphoresis. What is the priority
interpretation?
A. Possible acute coronary syndrome
B. Expected indigestion
C. Minor musculoskeletal pain
D. Normal stress response
Answer: A
Rationale: The symptom cluster is concerning for myocardial ischemia. On a CAT-style nursing item, recognize potentially
life-threatening findings before less urgent explanations.
2. A client with asthma suddenly has severe dyspnea and difficulty speaking full sentences. Which finding is
most concerning?
A. Silent or markedly diminished breath sounds
B. Mild nasal congestion
C. Occasional cough
D. Normal respiratory rate
Answer: A
Rationale: A silent chest can indicate critically reduced airflow and impending respiratory failure.
3. Which assessment finding should generally be addressed first in an unstable patient?
A. Airway compromise
B. Chronic mild back pain
C. Long-standing seasonal allergies
D. Stable dietary preference
Answer: A
Rationale: Use ABC priorities: an immediately threatened airway can rapidly become fatal.
4. A patient becomes confused and hypotensive after major blood loss. Which physiologic problem is most
likely?
A. Inadequate tissue perfusion
B. Excess cerebral oxygen delivery
C. Increased circulating volume
D. Isolated hyperventilation
Answer: A
Rationale: Blood loss reduces circulating volume and venous return, decreasing cardiac output and tissue perfusion.
HESI CAT — Original Exam Mastery 2026 Page 3
Original Exam Mastery 2026
100 Original Practice Questions • Answers • Rationales • High-Yield Review
This independently authored study guide is designed for HESI-style preparation. It does not reproduce actual HESI
CAT questions, answer keys, proprietary Elsevier content, or the paid Stuvia document.
Important format note
HESI assessments can be configured by schools and programs. The current Elsevier HESI Admission Assessment
(A²) materials describe customizable subject selection and multiple exam versions; this guide therefore emphasizes
transferable health-science reasoning rather than claiming to mirror a specific institution's CAT blueprint.
HESI CAT — Original Exam Mastery 2026 Page 1
, Topic Map
1. Comprehensive Assessment & Clinical Judgment — 10 questions
2. Mathematics, Ratios & Dosage Calculations — 10 questions
3. Reading Comprehension & Reasoning — 10 questions
4. Vocabulary & Medical Terminology — 10 questions
5. Grammar & Written Communication — 10 questions
6. Biology & Cellular Science — 10 questions
7. Chemistry — 10 questions
8. Anatomy & Physiology — 10 questions
9. High-Yield Nursing & Health Sciences — 10 questions
10. Integrated CAT-Style Practice — 10 questions
HESI CAT — Original Exam Mastery 2026 Page 2
, 1. Comprehensive Assessment & Clinical Judgment
1. A patient reports crushing chest pressure radiating to the jaw with diaphoresis. What is the priority
interpretation?
A. Possible acute coronary syndrome
B. Expected indigestion
C. Minor musculoskeletal pain
D. Normal stress response
Answer: A
Rationale: The symptom cluster is concerning for myocardial ischemia. On a CAT-style nursing item, recognize potentially
life-threatening findings before less urgent explanations.
2. A client with asthma suddenly has severe dyspnea and difficulty speaking full sentences. Which finding is
most concerning?
A. Silent or markedly diminished breath sounds
B. Mild nasal congestion
C. Occasional cough
D. Normal respiratory rate
Answer: A
Rationale: A silent chest can indicate critically reduced airflow and impending respiratory failure.
3. Which assessment finding should generally be addressed first in an unstable patient?
A. Airway compromise
B. Chronic mild back pain
C. Long-standing seasonal allergies
D. Stable dietary preference
Answer: A
Rationale: Use ABC priorities: an immediately threatened airway can rapidly become fatal.
4. A patient becomes confused and hypotensive after major blood loss. Which physiologic problem is most
likely?
A. Inadequate tissue perfusion
B. Excess cerebral oxygen delivery
C. Increased circulating volume
D. Isolated hyperventilation
Answer: A
Rationale: Blood loss reduces circulating volume and venous return, decreasing cardiac output and tissue perfusion.
HESI CAT — Original Exam Mastery 2026 Page 3
