HESI CAT EXAM – CAT HESI EXIT NEWEST 2026
ACTUAL EXAM | COMPLETE 300 REAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS |
ALREADY GRADED A+ (MOST RECENT!!)
Section 1: Medical-Surgical Nursing (Questions 1–60)
Question 1: The nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis.
Which laboratory finding is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Elevated serum amylase and lipase
B. Decreased serum lipase
C. Increased serum albumin
D. Decreased serum calcium
Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated serum amylase and lipase levels are the primary diagnostic markers
for acute pancreatitis. In severe pancreatitis, fat necrosis can lead to the binding of
calcium, resulting in hypocalcemia. A decreased calcium level is often a sign of severe
disease .
Question 2: A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) is receiving oxygen via a nasal cannula at 2 L/min. The
nurse notes the client's SpO2 is 89%. Which action should the
nurse take?
,A. Continue to monitor the client's respiratory status
B. Switch the oxygen delivery to a non-rebreather mask
C. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 6 L/min
D. Notify the provider to request an arterial blood gas (ABG)
Answer: A
Rationale: For clients with COPD, a baseline oxygen saturation (SpO2) between 88%
and 92% is often acceptable and considered normal. Providing too much oxygen can
suppress the hypoxic drive, which is the stimulus for breathing in these clients. The
nurse should maintain the current flow rate and monitor for signs of respiratory
distress .
Question 3: A client is prescribed phenelzine (Nardil), a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Which food should the
nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh green leafy vegetables
B. Aged cheddar cheese and pepperoni
C. Whole grain bread and cereals
Answer: B
Rationale: Phenelzine (Nardil) is an MAOI that can cause a hypertensive crisis when
combined with tyramine-rich foods. Aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented
products are high in tyramine and must be avoided .
Question 4: A client is diagnosed with myxedema coma. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Monitor the vital signs q1h for the next 8 hours
B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
C. Assess the client for further symptoms
D. Administer thyroid hormone replacement
,Answer: B
Rationale: Myxedema coma is a life-threatening complication of hypothyroidism. The
priority is to notify the healthcare provider immediately so that prompt treatment
(including thyroid hormone replacement and supportive care) can be initiated. Vital sign
monitoring and assessment are important but should follow immediate notification of
the provider .
Question 5: A client is admitted with a hip fracture and is placed
in Buck's traction. Which nursing intervention is essential for
maintaining the effectiveness of the traction?
A. Removing the weights for 10 minutes every shift
B. Ensuring the weights are hanging freely off the floor
C. Elevating the foot of the bed by 45 degrees
D. Turning the client from side to side every 2 hours
Answer: B
Rationale: For Buck's traction to be effective, the weights must hang freely and not
touch the floor or the bed frame. Traction should never be removed without a specific
provider order. The nurse should also ensure the client's body is in proper alignment to
maintain the correct pull of the traction .
Question 6: The nurse is caring for a client with a history of
seizures who begins to have a tonic-clonic seizure. Which action
should the nurse perform during the seizure?
A. Insert a padded tongue blade into the client's mouth
B. Restrain the client's extremities to prevent injury
C. Administer oral diazepam immediately
D. Turn the client onto their side if possible
, Answer: D
Rationale: During a seizure, the nurse should turn the client to a side-lying position to
maintain a patent airway and prevent aspiration. Restraining the client or inserting
anything into the mouth can cause injury. After the seizure, the nurse should remain
with the client and document the duration and characteristics of the event .
Question 7: A client who has been receiving linezolid (Zyvox) for
two weeks to treat MRSA-infected wounds requires which finding
to be reported immediately?
A. Ecchymosis
B. Insomnia
C. Tongue discoloration
D. Vaginal discharge
Answer: A
Rationale: Linezolid can cause thrombocytopenia, which presents as ecchymosis
(bruising) and bleeding. The nurse should report ecchymosis immediately because it
may indicate a significant drop in platelet count requiring discontinuation of the
medication .
Question 8: Following the administration of total parenteral
nutrition (TPN) via a central line to a client diagnosed with
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), what outcome should the
nurse expect?
A. Afebrile with no purulent drainage from catheter site
B. Hydration as evidenced by tented skin turgor
C. A weight loss of 6 pounds within two weeks
D. A negative nitrogen balance during TPN administration
ACTUAL EXAM | COMPLETE 300 REAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS |
ALREADY GRADED A+ (MOST RECENT!!)
Section 1: Medical-Surgical Nursing (Questions 1–60)
Question 1: The nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis.
Which laboratory finding is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Elevated serum amylase and lipase
B. Decreased serum lipase
C. Increased serum albumin
D. Decreased serum calcium
Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated serum amylase and lipase levels are the primary diagnostic markers
for acute pancreatitis. In severe pancreatitis, fat necrosis can lead to the binding of
calcium, resulting in hypocalcemia. A decreased calcium level is often a sign of severe
disease .
Question 2: A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) is receiving oxygen via a nasal cannula at 2 L/min. The
nurse notes the client's SpO2 is 89%. Which action should the
nurse take?
,A. Continue to monitor the client's respiratory status
B. Switch the oxygen delivery to a non-rebreather mask
C. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 6 L/min
D. Notify the provider to request an arterial blood gas (ABG)
Answer: A
Rationale: For clients with COPD, a baseline oxygen saturation (SpO2) between 88%
and 92% is often acceptable and considered normal. Providing too much oxygen can
suppress the hypoxic drive, which is the stimulus for breathing in these clients. The
nurse should maintain the current flow rate and monitor for signs of respiratory
distress .
Question 3: A client is prescribed phenelzine (Nardil), a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Which food should the
nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh green leafy vegetables
B. Aged cheddar cheese and pepperoni
C. Whole grain bread and cereals
Answer: B
Rationale: Phenelzine (Nardil) is an MAOI that can cause a hypertensive crisis when
combined with tyramine-rich foods. Aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented
products are high in tyramine and must be avoided .
Question 4: A client is diagnosed with myxedema coma. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Monitor the vital signs q1h for the next 8 hours
B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
C. Assess the client for further symptoms
D. Administer thyroid hormone replacement
,Answer: B
Rationale: Myxedema coma is a life-threatening complication of hypothyroidism. The
priority is to notify the healthcare provider immediately so that prompt treatment
(including thyroid hormone replacement and supportive care) can be initiated. Vital sign
monitoring and assessment are important but should follow immediate notification of
the provider .
Question 5: A client is admitted with a hip fracture and is placed
in Buck's traction. Which nursing intervention is essential for
maintaining the effectiveness of the traction?
A. Removing the weights for 10 minutes every shift
B. Ensuring the weights are hanging freely off the floor
C. Elevating the foot of the bed by 45 degrees
D. Turning the client from side to side every 2 hours
Answer: B
Rationale: For Buck's traction to be effective, the weights must hang freely and not
touch the floor or the bed frame. Traction should never be removed without a specific
provider order. The nurse should also ensure the client's body is in proper alignment to
maintain the correct pull of the traction .
Question 6: The nurse is caring for a client with a history of
seizures who begins to have a tonic-clonic seizure. Which action
should the nurse perform during the seizure?
A. Insert a padded tongue blade into the client's mouth
B. Restrain the client's extremities to prevent injury
C. Administer oral diazepam immediately
D. Turn the client onto their side if possible
, Answer: D
Rationale: During a seizure, the nurse should turn the client to a side-lying position to
maintain a patent airway and prevent aspiration. Restraining the client or inserting
anything into the mouth can cause injury. After the seizure, the nurse should remain
with the client and document the duration and characteristics of the event .
Question 7: A client who has been receiving linezolid (Zyvox) for
two weeks to treat MRSA-infected wounds requires which finding
to be reported immediately?
A. Ecchymosis
B. Insomnia
C. Tongue discoloration
D. Vaginal discharge
Answer: A
Rationale: Linezolid can cause thrombocytopenia, which presents as ecchymosis
(bruising) and bleeding. The nurse should report ecchymosis immediately because it
may indicate a significant drop in platelet count requiring discontinuation of the
medication .
Question 8: Following the administration of total parenteral
nutrition (TPN) via a central line to a client diagnosed with
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), what outcome should the
nurse expect?
A. Afebrile with no purulent drainage from catheter site
B. Hydration as evidenced by tented skin turgor
C. A weight loss of 6 pounds within two weeks
D. A negative nitrogen balance during TPN administration
