HESI RN CAT Practice 2026: Computer
Adaptive Exam Prep & Review Questions with
Correct Answers & Rationales | Pass on First Try
Domain Questions Key Concepts Covered
Hand hygiene, isolation precautions, fall
Safety & Infection
1–30 prevention, PPE, patient rights, DNR, fire safety,
Control
seizure safety
Warfarin, insulin, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-
Pharmacology &
31–60 blockers, statins, PPIs, diet modifications, food-
Nutrition
medication interactions
Active listening, interpreters, nonverbal
46–60
Communication communication, cultural sensitivity, health
(overlap)
literacy
Normal vs. Vital signs, lab values (WBC, K+, A1C,
Abnormal 61–75 creatinine, troponin), oxygen saturation, BP, HR,
Findings RR
Stroke, diabetes complications, AKI, sepsis, PE,
Acute vs. Chronic
66–90 MI, pancreatitis, pneumonia, heart failure
Conditions
exacerbation
Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Muslim,
Cultural Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic, Protestant,
91–119
Considerations Greek Orthodox, African American, Middle
Eastern, Scandinavian, Pacific Islander
Growth & 94–98, Erikson's stages, milestones (12 mo, 18 mo, 24
Development 102–118 mo, 36 mo, 48 mo, 60 mo, 6 years)
,Questions 1–30: Safety, Infection Control & Patient Rights
1. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a patient. Which action is
MOST important to prevent medication errors?
A. Administer medication quickly
B. Verify patient identity using two identifiers
C. Give medication at bedside
D. Skip double-checking for routine medications
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Verifying patient identity using two identifiers (name and date of birth)
is the MOST important action to prevent medication errors and ensure the right
patient receives the right medication.
2. Which isolation precaution is required for a patient with active tuberculosis
(TB)?
A. Contact isolation
B. Droplet isolation
C. Airborne isolation
D. Protective isolation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Tuberculosis requires airborne isolation (negative-pressure room, N95
respirator) because TB is transmitted via small aerosolized particles that remain
infectious in the air.
3. A patient is at risk for falls. Which intervention is MOST effective to
prevent falls?
A. Keep bed in highest position
B. Place call bell within reach and use fall alarm
C. Lock wheelchair wheels
D. Remove all walking aids
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Keeping the call bell within reach and using a fall alarm allows the
,patient to request assistance, reducing fall risk. Bed should be in LOWEST
position for fall prevention.
4. Which hand hygiene practice is CORRECT when hands are NOT visibly
soiled?
A. Soap and water only
B. Alcohol-based hand rub (60–95% alcohol)
C. No hand hygiene needed
D. Antimicrobial wipe only
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Alcohol-based hand rub (60–95% alcohol) is CDC-recommended for
routine hand hygiene when hands are not visibly soiled; more effective and faster
than soap/water.
5. A patient has placed a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. What does this
mean?
A. No medical treatment allowed
B. No CPR or resuscitation if cardiac/respiratory arrest occurs
C. No pain medication
D. No food or water
Correct answer: B
Rationale: DNR means no CPR or resuscitation measures if cardiac or respiratory
arrest occurs; other medical treatments (pain medication, food, water) are still
provided.
6. Which Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is REQUIRED for caring for
a patient on Contact Precautions (e.g., MRSA)?
A. Mask only
B. Gown and gloves
C. N95 respirator
D. Eye protection only
, Correct answer: B
Rationale: Contact Precautions require gown and gloves to prevent transmission
of organisms spread by direct contact (MRSA, VRE, C. diff); mask is not required
unless splashing expected.
7. A nurse notices a patient's oxygen saturation is 88%. What is the FIRST
action?
A. Call the provider
B. Assess the patient and apply oxygen
C. Document the finding
D. Wait and recheck in 1 hour
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The FIRST action is to assess the patient and apply oxygen to improve
oxygenation; then notify the provider if needed. Immediate intervention is critical.
8. Which patient right is protected by HIPAA?
A. Right to refuse treatment
B. Right to privacy of health information
C. Right to choose provider
D. Right to medical records only
Correct answer: B
Rationale: HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protects
the privacy of health information; ensures patient confidentiality.
9. A patient is experiencing a seizure. Which action should the nurse take
FIRST?
A. Insert oral airway
B. Protect head and turn to side
C. Restrain the patient
D. Give medication immediately
Adaptive Exam Prep & Review Questions with
Correct Answers & Rationales | Pass on First Try
Domain Questions Key Concepts Covered
Hand hygiene, isolation precautions, fall
Safety & Infection
1–30 prevention, PPE, patient rights, DNR, fire safety,
Control
seizure safety
Warfarin, insulin, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-
Pharmacology &
31–60 blockers, statins, PPIs, diet modifications, food-
Nutrition
medication interactions
Active listening, interpreters, nonverbal
46–60
Communication communication, cultural sensitivity, health
(overlap)
literacy
Normal vs. Vital signs, lab values (WBC, K+, A1C,
Abnormal 61–75 creatinine, troponin), oxygen saturation, BP, HR,
Findings RR
Stroke, diabetes complications, AKI, sepsis, PE,
Acute vs. Chronic
66–90 MI, pancreatitis, pneumonia, heart failure
Conditions
exacerbation
Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Muslim,
Cultural Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic, Protestant,
91–119
Considerations Greek Orthodox, African American, Middle
Eastern, Scandinavian, Pacific Islander
Growth & 94–98, Erikson's stages, milestones (12 mo, 18 mo, 24
Development 102–118 mo, 36 mo, 48 mo, 60 mo, 6 years)
,Questions 1–30: Safety, Infection Control & Patient Rights
1. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a patient. Which action is
MOST important to prevent medication errors?
A. Administer medication quickly
B. Verify patient identity using two identifiers
C. Give medication at bedside
D. Skip double-checking for routine medications
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Verifying patient identity using two identifiers (name and date of birth)
is the MOST important action to prevent medication errors and ensure the right
patient receives the right medication.
2. Which isolation precaution is required for a patient with active tuberculosis
(TB)?
A. Contact isolation
B. Droplet isolation
C. Airborne isolation
D. Protective isolation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Tuberculosis requires airborne isolation (negative-pressure room, N95
respirator) because TB is transmitted via small aerosolized particles that remain
infectious in the air.
3. A patient is at risk for falls. Which intervention is MOST effective to
prevent falls?
A. Keep bed in highest position
B. Place call bell within reach and use fall alarm
C. Lock wheelchair wheels
D. Remove all walking aids
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Keeping the call bell within reach and using a fall alarm allows the
,patient to request assistance, reducing fall risk. Bed should be in LOWEST
position for fall prevention.
4. Which hand hygiene practice is CORRECT when hands are NOT visibly
soiled?
A. Soap and water only
B. Alcohol-based hand rub (60–95% alcohol)
C. No hand hygiene needed
D. Antimicrobial wipe only
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Alcohol-based hand rub (60–95% alcohol) is CDC-recommended for
routine hand hygiene when hands are not visibly soiled; more effective and faster
than soap/water.
5. A patient has placed a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. What does this
mean?
A. No medical treatment allowed
B. No CPR or resuscitation if cardiac/respiratory arrest occurs
C. No pain medication
D. No food or water
Correct answer: B
Rationale: DNR means no CPR or resuscitation measures if cardiac or respiratory
arrest occurs; other medical treatments (pain medication, food, water) are still
provided.
6. Which Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is REQUIRED for caring for
a patient on Contact Precautions (e.g., MRSA)?
A. Mask only
B. Gown and gloves
C. N95 respirator
D. Eye protection only
, Correct answer: B
Rationale: Contact Precautions require gown and gloves to prevent transmission
of organisms spread by direct contact (MRSA, VRE, C. diff); mask is not required
unless splashing expected.
7. A nurse notices a patient's oxygen saturation is 88%. What is the FIRST
action?
A. Call the provider
B. Assess the patient and apply oxygen
C. Document the finding
D. Wait and recheck in 1 hour
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The FIRST action is to assess the patient and apply oxygen to improve
oxygenation; then notify the provider if needed. Immediate intervention is critical.
8. Which patient right is protected by HIPAA?
A. Right to refuse treatment
B. Right to privacy of health information
C. Right to choose provider
D. Right to medical records only
Correct answer: B
Rationale: HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protects
the privacy of health information; ensures patient confidentiality.
9. A patient is experiencing a seizure. Which action should the nurse take
FIRST?
A. Insert oral airway
B. Protect head and turn to side
C. Restrain the patient
D. Give medication immediately
