NIGHTINGALE COLLEGE HESI CAT EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM SCRIPT 2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
⩥ The nurse is caring for a client who is admitted to the telemetr unit for
complications related to a myocardial (MI) that occurred 4 days ago. A
12 lead electrcardiogram (ECG) shows right axis deviation and poor R
wave progression. Which assessment findings suggest that the client is at
risk for right ventricular hypertrophy?
A. Generalized fatigue, dizziness, swollen ankles
B. Severe chest pain and shortness of breath
C. Nausea, vomiting, and generalized edema
D. Sharp, non-radiating chest pain and nausea. Answer: A. Generalized
fatigue, dizziness, swollen ankles
⩥ The nurse should question a prescription for docusate sodium
(Colace) for a client with which problem?
A. First day post myocardial infarction
B. Abdominal pain of unknown etiology
C. Two days following a knee replacement
D. History of liver disease. Answer: B. Abdominal pain of unknown
etiology
,⩥ A client with an anterior wall myocardial infarction is admitted to the
intensive care unit with persistently low blood pressure. The nurse
determines the client's pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) is
28 mm Hg and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) is 2000
dynes/sec/cm5. Which classification of medication is likely to optimize
the client's SVR?
A. Adrenergic
B. Vasodilator
C. Diuretic
D. Positive inotropic agent. Answer: B. Vasodilator
⩥ The nurse is evaluating discharge teaching of an adolescent who had a
long log cast applied in the emergency department. Which statement by
the adolescent indicates an understanding of cast care?
A. " I should wrap a cloth around a stick before using it to scratch under
my cast."
B. " I will not be able to take a shower until the cast is removed from my
leg."
C. " I will put adhesive tape around the edges of the cast if they become
sharp."
D. " If my toes are tingling I will elevate my leg above my heart, on
several pillows.". Answer: C. " I will put adhesive tape around the edges
of the cast if they become sharp."
, ⩥ Which technique should the nurse use to assess for manifestations of
erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) in a 4 year-old?
A. Auscultate breath sounds
B. Observe physical appearance
C. Visualize oropharynx
D. Palpate lymph nodes Answer: B. Observe physical appearance
⩥ A client is taking cromolin sodium (Intal) Inhaler for chronic asthma.
Which statement indicates the client understands the medication
teaching?
A. " I will have my liver enzymes checked monthly."
B. " It is more important to take this medication with food."
C. "I should keep my inhaler with me at all time."
D. "I will not discontinue taking this medication abruptly." Answer: D.
"I will not discontinue taking this medication abruptly."
⩥ A female client is admitted to the psychiatric department on an
emrgency commitment. The client's husband asks the nurse, "What is
going to happen to my wife? Can I take her home now?" Which
information should the nurse provide?
A. Discharge can be completed after arrangements with the business
B. Emergency commitment extends to a maximum of 90 days.
C. Hospitalization is mandated until a mental health court hearing is
held.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM SCRIPT 2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
⩥ The nurse is caring for a client who is admitted to the telemetr unit for
complications related to a myocardial (MI) that occurred 4 days ago. A
12 lead electrcardiogram (ECG) shows right axis deviation and poor R
wave progression. Which assessment findings suggest that the client is at
risk for right ventricular hypertrophy?
A. Generalized fatigue, dizziness, swollen ankles
B. Severe chest pain and shortness of breath
C. Nausea, vomiting, and generalized edema
D. Sharp, non-radiating chest pain and nausea. Answer: A. Generalized
fatigue, dizziness, swollen ankles
⩥ The nurse should question a prescription for docusate sodium
(Colace) for a client with which problem?
A. First day post myocardial infarction
B. Abdominal pain of unknown etiology
C. Two days following a knee replacement
D. History of liver disease. Answer: B. Abdominal pain of unknown
etiology
,⩥ A client with an anterior wall myocardial infarction is admitted to the
intensive care unit with persistently low blood pressure. The nurse
determines the client's pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) is
28 mm Hg and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) is 2000
dynes/sec/cm5. Which classification of medication is likely to optimize
the client's SVR?
A. Adrenergic
B. Vasodilator
C. Diuretic
D. Positive inotropic agent. Answer: B. Vasodilator
⩥ The nurse is evaluating discharge teaching of an adolescent who had a
long log cast applied in the emergency department. Which statement by
the adolescent indicates an understanding of cast care?
A. " I should wrap a cloth around a stick before using it to scratch under
my cast."
B. " I will not be able to take a shower until the cast is removed from my
leg."
C. " I will put adhesive tape around the edges of the cast if they become
sharp."
D. " If my toes are tingling I will elevate my leg above my heart, on
several pillows.". Answer: C. " I will put adhesive tape around the edges
of the cast if they become sharp."
, ⩥ Which technique should the nurse use to assess for manifestations of
erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) in a 4 year-old?
A. Auscultate breath sounds
B. Observe physical appearance
C. Visualize oropharynx
D. Palpate lymph nodes Answer: B. Observe physical appearance
⩥ A client is taking cromolin sodium (Intal) Inhaler for chronic asthma.
Which statement indicates the client understands the medication
teaching?
A. " I will have my liver enzymes checked monthly."
B. " It is more important to take this medication with food."
C. "I should keep my inhaler with me at all time."
D. "I will not discontinue taking this medication abruptly." Answer: D.
"I will not discontinue taking this medication abruptly."
⩥ A female client is admitted to the psychiatric department on an
emrgency commitment. The client's husband asks the nurse, "What is
going to happen to my wife? Can I take her home now?" Which
information should the nurse provide?
A. Discharge can be completed after arrangements with the business
B. Emergency commitment extends to a maximum of 90 days.
C. Hospitalization is mandated until a mental health court hearing is
held.
