BSN 246 HESI HEALTH ASSESSMENT V1
EXAM (LATEST 2026/2027) QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS 100% CORRECT
Comprehensive Study Guide & Mock Test Bank
Table of Contents
Section Description Page
Overview Purpose and target exam concepts 1
Part I Core Assessment Principles & Vital Signs 1
Part II High-Yield Practice Questions & Rationales 2
Part III Important Assessment Terminology 5
Overview
This document is designed to prepare nursing students for the HESI Health Assessment V1
Exam. It focuses on the most frequently tested concepts, including physical examination
techniques, normal vs. abnormal findings, sequence of assessments, and patient history
gathering.
Part I: Core Assessment Principles to Memorize
, 1. The Standard Assessment Sequence
For almost all body systems, the physical assessment follows a strict chronological sequence:
1. Inspection: Visual examination of the body.
2. Palpation: Using touch to assess texture, temperature, and organ location.
3. Percussion: Tapping the skin with short, sharp strokes to assess underlying structures.
4. Auscultation: Listening to sounds produced by the body (usually with a stethoscope).
2. The Abdominal Assessment Exception
The abdomen has a unique assessment sequence to prevent altering bowel sounds before
listening to them:
1. Inspection
2. Auscultation (Listen to all four quadrants first)
3. Percussion
4. Palpation (Palpate last, especially if the patient reports pain)
3. Key Vital Sign Ranges (Adult)
● Heart Rate: 60 - 100 beats per minute.
● Respiratory Rate: 12 - 20 breaths per minute.
● Blood Pressure: Normal is < 120/80 mmHg.
● Temperature: 96.8°F to 100.4°F (36°C to 38°C).
● Oxygen Saturation (SpO2): 95% - 100% on room air.
Part II: High-Yield Practice Questions & Rationales
Q1. A nurse is preparing to assess a patient's apical pulse. Where should the nurse place
the stethoscope to hear the Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI) most clearly?
A) Second intercostal space, right sternal border
B) Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
C) Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
D) Second intercostal space, left sternal border
● Correct Answer: C
EXAM (LATEST 2026/2027) QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS 100% CORRECT
Comprehensive Study Guide & Mock Test Bank
Table of Contents
Section Description Page
Overview Purpose and target exam concepts 1
Part I Core Assessment Principles & Vital Signs 1
Part II High-Yield Practice Questions & Rationales 2
Part III Important Assessment Terminology 5
Overview
This document is designed to prepare nursing students for the HESI Health Assessment V1
Exam. It focuses on the most frequently tested concepts, including physical examination
techniques, normal vs. abnormal findings, sequence of assessments, and patient history
gathering.
Part I: Core Assessment Principles to Memorize
, 1. The Standard Assessment Sequence
For almost all body systems, the physical assessment follows a strict chronological sequence:
1. Inspection: Visual examination of the body.
2. Palpation: Using touch to assess texture, temperature, and organ location.
3. Percussion: Tapping the skin with short, sharp strokes to assess underlying structures.
4. Auscultation: Listening to sounds produced by the body (usually with a stethoscope).
2. The Abdominal Assessment Exception
The abdomen has a unique assessment sequence to prevent altering bowel sounds before
listening to them:
1. Inspection
2. Auscultation (Listen to all four quadrants first)
3. Percussion
4. Palpation (Palpate last, especially if the patient reports pain)
3. Key Vital Sign Ranges (Adult)
● Heart Rate: 60 - 100 beats per minute.
● Respiratory Rate: 12 - 20 breaths per minute.
● Blood Pressure: Normal is < 120/80 mmHg.
● Temperature: 96.8°F to 100.4°F (36°C to 38°C).
● Oxygen Saturation (SpO2): 95% - 100% on room air.
Part II: High-Yield Practice Questions & Rationales
Q1. A nurse is preparing to assess a patient's apical pulse. Where should the nurse place
the stethoscope to hear the Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI) most clearly?
A) Second intercostal space, right sternal border
B) Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
C) Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
D) Second intercostal space, left sternal border
● Correct Answer: C
