Hesi cat exam - cat hesi exit newest 2026 exam questions and correct verified
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HESI CAT Exit Exam 2026 Practice Questions
Comprehensive 180-Question Practice Bank with Answers and Rationales
SECTION 1: SAFE & EFFECTIVE CARE ENVIRONMENT (Questions 1-25)
Question 1
The nurse receives shift report on four clients. Which client should the nurse
assess first?
A) Client with pneumonia who has an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air
B) Client with diabetes mellitus requesting pain medication
C) Client with a new colostomy who needs teaching about appliance changes
D) Client with hypertension whose blood pressure is 148/92 mmHg
Answer: A
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia and represents an
airway/breathing priority. According to Maslow's hierarchy and ABCs (Airway,
Breathing, Circulation), this client requires immediate assessment. The client is
showing signs of respiratory compromise that could rapidly deteriorate. The other
clients have stable conditions that can wait .
,Question 2
A client with terminal cancer has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order but develops
pneumonia. The client states, "I don't want any heroic measures." What should
the nurse do?
A) Initiate antibiotics and oxygen therapy
B) Keep the client comfortable and provide supportive care
C) Call the healthcare provider to discuss the DNR order
D) Transfer the client to the intensive care unit
Answer: B
Rationale: The client has clearly expressed wishes regarding end-of-life care.
Pneumonia is an infection that can be treated, but the nurse should prioritize
comfort measures aligned with the client's wishes. Heroic measures typically refer
to CPR, intubation, and aggressive life support. Antibiotics may still be
appropriate as a comfort measure. The nurse should respect client autonomy
while providing compassionate care .
Question 3
,The nurse is caring for a client who refuses a blood transfusion due to religious
beliefs. The client's family is begging the nurse to administer the transfusion.
What is the nurse's best response?
A) "I will give the transfusion since your family wants it."
B) "I respect your decision and will notify your healthcare provider."
C) "You will die without this transfusion."
D) "Let me call your religious leader to discuss this."
Answer: B
Rationale: Client autonomy must be respected. Forcing a transfusion constitutes
battery. The nurse's role is to support the client's informed refusal and notify the
healthcare provider. The nurse acts as the client's advocate. The client has the
right to make healthcare decisions based on personal beliefs .
Question 4
The nurse is preparing to administer medications and notices that the client has
been sedated. The client signed a consent form for surgery earlier that day. What
should the nurse do?
, A) Proceed with the surgery since consent was signed
B) Notify the surgeon and document the client's sedation status
C) Have the family member sign the consent form
D) Ask the client to confirm consent again
Answer: B
Rationale: Consent must be informed and voluntary. Sedated clients cannot
legally consent. The surgeon must re-consent when the client is alert. The nurse
should notify the surgeon and document the client's sedation status. This is a
legal requirement to ensure valid informed consent .
Question 5
A nurse working on a medical-surgical unit is floated to the critical care unit.
Which action should the nurse take?
A) Refuse the assignment
B) Request orientation to the unit and clarify tasks
C) Ask to be reassigned back to the medical-surgical unit
D) Accept the assignment without asking questions
answers already graded a+ (!)..
HESI CAT Exit Exam 2026 Practice Questions
Comprehensive 180-Question Practice Bank with Answers and Rationales
SECTION 1: SAFE & EFFECTIVE CARE ENVIRONMENT (Questions 1-25)
Question 1
The nurse receives shift report on four clients. Which client should the nurse
assess first?
A) Client with pneumonia who has an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air
B) Client with diabetes mellitus requesting pain medication
C) Client with a new colostomy who needs teaching about appliance changes
D) Client with hypertension whose blood pressure is 148/92 mmHg
Answer: A
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia and represents an
airway/breathing priority. According to Maslow's hierarchy and ABCs (Airway,
Breathing, Circulation), this client requires immediate assessment. The client is
showing signs of respiratory compromise that could rapidly deteriorate. The other
clients have stable conditions that can wait .
,Question 2
A client with terminal cancer has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order but develops
pneumonia. The client states, "I don't want any heroic measures." What should
the nurse do?
A) Initiate antibiotics and oxygen therapy
B) Keep the client comfortable and provide supportive care
C) Call the healthcare provider to discuss the DNR order
D) Transfer the client to the intensive care unit
Answer: B
Rationale: The client has clearly expressed wishes regarding end-of-life care.
Pneumonia is an infection that can be treated, but the nurse should prioritize
comfort measures aligned with the client's wishes. Heroic measures typically refer
to CPR, intubation, and aggressive life support. Antibiotics may still be
appropriate as a comfort measure. The nurse should respect client autonomy
while providing compassionate care .
Question 3
,The nurse is caring for a client who refuses a blood transfusion due to religious
beliefs. The client's family is begging the nurse to administer the transfusion.
What is the nurse's best response?
A) "I will give the transfusion since your family wants it."
B) "I respect your decision and will notify your healthcare provider."
C) "You will die without this transfusion."
D) "Let me call your religious leader to discuss this."
Answer: B
Rationale: Client autonomy must be respected. Forcing a transfusion constitutes
battery. The nurse's role is to support the client's informed refusal and notify the
healthcare provider. The nurse acts as the client's advocate. The client has the
right to make healthcare decisions based on personal beliefs .
Question 4
The nurse is preparing to administer medications and notices that the client has
been sedated. The client signed a consent form for surgery earlier that day. What
should the nurse do?
, A) Proceed with the surgery since consent was signed
B) Notify the surgeon and document the client's sedation status
C) Have the family member sign the consent form
D) Ask the client to confirm consent again
Answer: B
Rationale: Consent must be informed and voluntary. Sedated clients cannot
legally consent. The surgeon must re-consent when the client is alert. The nurse
should notify the surgeon and document the client's sedation status. This is a
legal requirement to ensure valid informed consent .
Question 5
A nurse working on a medical-surgical unit is floated to the critical care unit.
Which action should the nurse take?
A) Refuse the assignment
B) Request orientation to the unit and clarify tasks
C) Ask to be reassigned back to the medical-surgical unit
D) Accept the assignment without asking questions
