HESI CAT EXAM VERSIONS A, B
and C 2026/2027| 300 Questions
with Rationales | Adaptive Test
Prep | Pas
VERSION A: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Question A1
The practical nurse (PN) reports the patterns of urinary frequency and volume for
several patients. Which finding necessitates further assessment by the RN?
A) Voiding 300 ml clear yellow urine q4h
B) Voiding 50 ml cloudy urine every hour
C) Total indwelling catheter output of 1800 ml in 24 hours
D) 400 ml amber urine by straight catheter q6h
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cloudy urine suggests possible urinary tract infection (UTI), pyuria, or sediment.
Combined with low volume (50 mL/hour), this finding warrants further assessment. Clear
,yellow urine (A), 1800 mL/24 hours (C), and amber urine (D) are within normal ranges or
suggest dehydration rather than infection .
Question A2
The mother of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) asks the caregiver if her child's
impaired movements will worsen as the child grows. Which response provides the
best explanation?
A) The most common permanent physical disability of childhood is CP.
B) The outcome depends on the continued development of the brain lesion.
C) The classifications of CP determine the severity of motor dysfunction.
D) The course of CP is variable but the brain damage is not progressive.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive neurological disorder. While motor
symptoms may change as the child grows (e.g., contractures may develop), the underlying
brain lesion does not worsen. Option A is true but does not answer the mother's question
about progression. Option B is incorrect because the brain lesion does not continue to
develop .
Question A3
The caregiver is discussing the use of isotretinoin (Accutane) with a 19-year-old
female patient. The patient agrees to use a second form of contraception and has
had two negative pregnancy tests. What other instruction should the caregiver
provide?
A) If depression occurs, the use of St. John's Wort is recommended.
B) The medication must be taken with food to enhance absorption.
C) Fluids should be limited to sips when swallowing this medication.
D) Serum lipids should be evaluated at the beginning and end of treatment.
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: Isotretinoin must be taken with food to enhance absorption. St. John's Wort is
not recommended and can interact with medications. Serum lipids should be monitored,
but taking with food is the immediate priority .
Question A4
Nursing assessment of a patient with Type 2 diabetes reveals the patient is 5'6"
tall, weighs 238 lbs, works behind a desk all day, does not exercise, and smokes 2
packs of cigarettes daily. In planning care, which intervention is most important to
implement?
A) Discuss changing eating habits with a goal of losing 2 lbs/week
B) Instruct the patient to decrease cigarettes smoked daily
C) Determine the patient's feelings about being diagnosed with chronic disease
D) Encourage other family members to be tested for diabetes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Weight loss is the priority intervention for this obese patient with Type 2
diabetes, as it directly improves insulin sensitivity and glycemic control. While smoking
cessation (B) is important, weight loss addresses the underlying metabolic dysfunction .
Question A5
A woman who recently delivered a normal newborn calls the clinic crying and
feeling overwhelmed. Which information is most important for the caregiver to
obtain?
A) Is there anyone with her at this time?
B) Has she seen a mental health provider?
C) Does she describe herself as depressed?
D) How long has she been feeling this way?
Correct Answer: B
and C 2026/2027| 300 Questions
with Rationales | Adaptive Test
Prep | Pas
VERSION A: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Question A1
The practical nurse (PN) reports the patterns of urinary frequency and volume for
several patients. Which finding necessitates further assessment by the RN?
A) Voiding 300 ml clear yellow urine q4h
B) Voiding 50 ml cloudy urine every hour
C) Total indwelling catheter output of 1800 ml in 24 hours
D) 400 ml amber urine by straight catheter q6h
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cloudy urine suggests possible urinary tract infection (UTI), pyuria, or sediment.
Combined with low volume (50 mL/hour), this finding warrants further assessment. Clear
,yellow urine (A), 1800 mL/24 hours (C), and amber urine (D) are within normal ranges or
suggest dehydration rather than infection .
Question A2
The mother of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) asks the caregiver if her child's
impaired movements will worsen as the child grows. Which response provides the
best explanation?
A) The most common permanent physical disability of childhood is CP.
B) The outcome depends on the continued development of the brain lesion.
C) The classifications of CP determine the severity of motor dysfunction.
D) The course of CP is variable but the brain damage is not progressive.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive neurological disorder. While motor
symptoms may change as the child grows (e.g., contractures may develop), the underlying
brain lesion does not worsen. Option A is true but does not answer the mother's question
about progression. Option B is incorrect because the brain lesion does not continue to
develop .
Question A3
The caregiver is discussing the use of isotretinoin (Accutane) with a 19-year-old
female patient. The patient agrees to use a second form of contraception and has
had two negative pregnancy tests. What other instruction should the caregiver
provide?
A) If depression occurs, the use of St. John's Wort is recommended.
B) The medication must be taken with food to enhance absorption.
C) Fluids should be limited to sips when swallowing this medication.
D) Serum lipids should be evaluated at the beginning and end of treatment.
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: Isotretinoin must be taken with food to enhance absorption. St. John's Wort is
not recommended and can interact with medications. Serum lipids should be monitored,
but taking with food is the immediate priority .
Question A4
Nursing assessment of a patient with Type 2 diabetes reveals the patient is 5'6"
tall, weighs 238 lbs, works behind a desk all day, does not exercise, and smokes 2
packs of cigarettes daily. In planning care, which intervention is most important to
implement?
A) Discuss changing eating habits with a goal of losing 2 lbs/week
B) Instruct the patient to decrease cigarettes smoked daily
C) Determine the patient's feelings about being diagnosed with chronic disease
D) Encourage other family members to be tested for diabetes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Weight loss is the priority intervention for this obese patient with Type 2
diabetes, as it directly improves insulin sensitivity and glycemic control. While smoking
cessation (B) is important, weight loss addresses the underlying metabolic dysfunction .
Question A5
A woman who recently delivered a normal newborn calls the clinic crying and
feeling overwhelmed. Which information is most important for the caregiver to
obtain?
A) Is there anyone with her at this time?
B) Has she seen a mental health provider?
C) Does she describe herself as depressed?
D) How long has she been feeling this way?
Correct Answer: B
