HESI
CAT Exam | Comprehensive Test Bank & Study Guide
WHAT THIS STUDY RESOURCE INCLUDES
✓ HESI CAT 2026 practice questions
✓ HESI RN CAT exam preparation
✓ Correct answers
✓ Detailed rationales and explanations
✓ NCLEX-style clinical judgment practice
, HESI CAT Exam | Comprehensive Test Bank &
Study Guide
Question 1
At a routine prenatal visit, a client at 24-weeks gestation
complains of nasal stuffiness and occasional nosebleeds.
Which hormone is responsible for these changes?
A. Human chorionic gonadotropin
B. Progesterone
C. Relaxin
D. Estrogen
Correct Answer: D. Estrogen
Rationale: During pregnancy, increased estrogen levels cause
hyperemia and increased vascularity of the mucous membranes,
particularly in the nasal passages. This leads to nasal stuffiness,
congestion, and epistaxis (nosebleeds) due to engorgement of
the nasal vessels. Progesterone primarily causes smooth muscle
relaxation and decreased gastrointestinal motility. hCG is
responsible for maintaining early pregnancy and is the hormone
,detected in pregnancy tests. Relaxin helps relax pelvic ligaments
for delivery.
Question 2
A client who has localized eczematous eruptions on both
hands is diagnosed as having contact dermatitis. What
instruction should the nurse include in this client's discharge
teaching plan?
A. Wear latex gloves whenever outdoors
B. Apply an oil-based ointment to the affected areas
C. Take prescribed antihistamine near bedtime
D. Soak hands in warm soapy water three times a day
Correct Answer: B. Apply an oil-based ointment to the
affected areas
Rationale: Oil-based ointments help restore the skin barrier,
retain moisture, and promote healing in eczematous lesions. They
are more occlusive than creams and provide better protection for
dry, cracked skin. Latex gloves may actually worsen contact
dermatitis due to latex sensitivity. Antihistamines can help with
, itching but are not the primary treatment. Soaking in soapy water
would further dry and irritate the skin, exacerbating the condition.
Question 3
While transcribing a new prescription, the nurse notes that
the prescribed dosage is much lower than the recommended
dosage listed in the drug reference guide. Which client data
supports the dosage reduction?
A. Decreased serum creatinine
B. Increased serum protein
C. Increased liver enzymes
D. Prolonged prothrombin time
Correct Answer: C. Increased liver enzymes
Rationale: Increased liver enzymes indicate impaired liver
function, which affects drug metabolism. Many medications are
metabolized by the liver, and with hepatic impairment, drug
clearance is reduced, requiring lower doses to prevent toxicity.
Decreased serum creatinine would suggest improved renal
function, not a reason for dose reduction. Increased serum protein
CAT Exam | Comprehensive Test Bank & Study Guide
WHAT THIS STUDY RESOURCE INCLUDES
✓ HESI CAT 2026 practice questions
✓ HESI RN CAT exam preparation
✓ Correct answers
✓ Detailed rationales and explanations
✓ NCLEX-style clinical judgment practice
, HESI CAT Exam | Comprehensive Test Bank &
Study Guide
Question 1
At a routine prenatal visit, a client at 24-weeks gestation
complains of nasal stuffiness and occasional nosebleeds.
Which hormone is responsible for these changes?
A. Human chorionic gonadotropin
B. Progesterone
C. Relaxin
D. Estrogen
Correct Answer: D. Estrogen
Rationale: During pregnancy, increased estrogen levels cause
hyperemia and increased vascularity of the mucous membranes,
particularly in the nasal passages. This leads to nasal stuffiness,
congestion, and epistaxis (nosebleeds) due to engorgement of
the nasal vessels. Progesterone primarily causes smooth muscle
relaxation and decreased gastrointestinal motility. hCG is
responsible for maintaining early pregnancy and is the hormone
,detected in pregnancy tests. Relaxin helps relax pelvic ligaments
for delivery.
Question 2
A client who has localized eczematous eruptions on both
hands is diagnosed as having contact dermatitis. What
instruction should the nurse include in this client's discharge
teaching plan?
A. Wear latex gloves whenever outdoors
B. Apply an oil-based ointment to the affected areas
C. Take prescribed antihistamine near bedtime
D. Soak hands in warm soapy water three times a day
Correct Answer: B. Apply an oil-based ointment to the
affected areas
Rationale: Oil-based ointments help restore the skin barrier,
retain moisture, and promote healing in eczematous lesions. They
are more occlusive than creams and provide better protection for
dry, cracked skin. Latex gloves may actually worsen contact
dermatitis due to latex sensitivity. Antihistamines can help with
, itching but are not the primary treatment. Soaking in soapy water
would further dry and irritate the skin, exacerbating the condition.
Question 3
While transcribing a new prescription, the nurse notes that
the prescribed dosage is much lower than the recommended
dosage listed in the drug reference guide. Which client data
supports the dosage reduction?
A. Decreased serum creatinine
B. Increased serum protein
C. Increased liver enzymes
D. Prolonged prothrombin time
Correct Answer: C. Increased liver enzymes
Rationale: Increased liver enzymes indicate impaired liver
function, which affects drug metabolism. Many medications are
metabolized by the liver, and with hepatic impairment, drug
clearance is reduced, requiring lower doses to prevent toxicity.
Decreased serum creatinine would suggest improved renal
function, not a reason for dose reduction. Increased serum protein
