HESI CAT Exam 2026/2027: Comprehensive Nursing
Assessment Test Bank with 100 Verified Questions and
Correct Answers for A+ Grade
### 1.
A client with heart failure reports sudden shortness of breath and has crackles in both lungs. What is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Encourage deep breathing exercises
B. Place the client in high Fowler’s position
C. Obtain a full set of vital signs in 1 hour
D. Administer a PRN oral diuretic
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Airway and breathing come first. High Fowler’s improves lung expansion immediately.
---
### 2.
A post-op client suddenly becomes confused and restless. Oxygen saturation is 88%. What should the nurse do
first?
,A. Call the provider
B. Apply oxygen
C. Check blood glucose
D. Assess surgical site
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Hypoxia is the priority cause of acute confusion.
---
### 3.
A client receiving morphine has a respiratory rate of 8/min. What is the priority action?
A. Document findings
B. Stimulate the client
C. Prepare naloxone
D. Reassess in 30 minutes
**Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Opioid-induced respiratory depression requires immediate reversal.
---
### 4.
A client with diabetes has a blood glucose of 52 mg/dL and is conscious. What should the nurse do?
, A. Give IV insulin
B. Provide 15g fast-acting carbohydrates
C. Restrict oral intake
D. Recheck glucose in 2 hours
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Treat hypoglycemia immediately with fast sugar.
---
### 5.
A client is admitted with chest pain radiating to the left arm. What is the first nursing action?
A. Administer oxygen
B. Obtain ECG
C. Give aspirin
D. Assess pain history
**Answer: A**
**Rationale:** Oxygen supports myocardial perfusion first.
---
### 6.
Assessment Test Bank with 100 Verified Questions and
Correct Answers for A+ Grade
### 1.
A client with heart failure reports sudden shortness of breath and has crackles in both lungs. What is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Encourage deep breathing exercises
B. Place the client in high Fowler’s position
C. Obtain a full set of vital signs in 1 hour
D. Administer a PRN oral diuretic
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Airway and breathing come first. High Fowler’s improves lung expansion immediately.
---
### 2.
A post-op client suddenly becomes confused and restless. Oxygen saturation is 88%. What should the nurse do
first?
,A. Call the provider
B. Apply oxygen
C. Check blood glucose
D. Assess surgical site
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Hypoxia is the priority cause of acute confusion.
---
### 3.
A client receiving morphine has a respiratory rate of 8/min. What is the priority action?
A. Document findings
B. Stimulate the client
C. Prepare naloxone
D. Reassess in 30 minutes
**Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Opioid-induced respiratory depression requires immediate reversal.
---
### 4.
A client with diabetes has a blood glucose of 52 mg/dL and is conscious. What should the nurse do?
, A. Give IV insulin
B. Provide 15g fast-acting carbohydrates
C. Restrict oral intake
D. Recheck glucose in 2 hours
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Treat hypoglycemia immediately with fast sugar.
---
### 5.
A client is admitted with chest pain radiating to the left arm. What is the first nursing action?
A. Administer oxygen
B. Obtain ECG
C. Give aspirin
D. Assess pain history
**Answer: A**
**Rationale:** Oxygen supports myocardial perfusion first.
---
### 6.
