,Nightingale BSN 246 Exam 1 | Concepts of Nursing I HESI
Health Assessment (2026) Q&A
1. What is the first step in performing a comprehensive physical assessment?
A) Palpation
B) Percussion
C) Inspection
D) Auscultation
Correct Answer: Inspection
Rationale: Inspection is always the first step in a physical assessment because it
involves the visual examination of the patient's overall appearance, body structure,
and any observable signs. Palpation, percussion, and auscultation follow to gather
further data without disrupting what might be seen initially.
2. During a health history interview, which type of data is the patient's report of chest
pain that occurs with exertion and is relieved by rest?
A) Objective data
B) Subjective data
C) Clinical data
D) Measurable data
Correct Answer: Subjective data
Rationale: Subjective data consists of symptoms and information reported by the
patient, such as descriptions of pain. This data cannot be directly observed or
measured by the nurse.
,3. The nurse is assessing a client for an apical-radial pulse deficit. One nurse counts
an apical pulse of 72 beats/minute while another nurse counts a radial pulse of 88
beats/minute. What action should the primary nurse take?
A) Document the findings as normal
B) Reassess both pulses simultaneously
C) Report the pulse deficit to the healthcare provider
D) Assume the radial pulse is correct
Correct Answer: Report the pulse deficit to the healthcare provider
Rationale: A pulse deficit exists when the apical pulse is less than the radial pulse,
indicating that the heart is not effectively pumping blood to the periphery. This
finding should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.
4. Which part of the hand is best for assessing temperature during palpation?
A) Fingertips
B) Palmar surface
C) Dorsal surface of the hand
D) Ulnar surface of the hand
Correct Answer: Dorsal surface of the hand
Rationale: The dorsal surface of the hand (back of the hand) is more sensitive to
temperature changes than the fingertips or palms. It is the preferred area for
assessing skin temperature during palpation.
5. What is the correct sequence for a physical examination of the abdomen?
, A) Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B) Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C) Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
D) Palpation, Percussion, Inspection, Auscultation
Correct Answer: Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Rationale: For abdominal assessment, the sequence is Inspection, Auscultation,
Percussion, then Palpation. Auscultation must precede palpation and percussion
because manipulating the abdomen can alter bowel sounds.
6. The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A) Obtain and review the client's medical history
B) Auscultate heart and lung sounds
C) Perform the general survey
D) Begin with the head-to-toe assessment
Correct Answer: Perform the general survey
Rationale: The general survey is the first component of the physical assessment and
involves observing the patient's overall appearance, behavior, and vital signs. It
provides an initial impression that guides the rest of the assessment.
7. A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic asthma and hyperinflation of the
lungs. Which percussion sound should the nurse expect to hear over the client's
lungs?
A) Dullness
Health Assessment (2026) Q&A
1. What is the first step in performing a comprehensive physical assessment?
A) Palpation
B) Percussion
C) Inspection
D) Auscultation
Correct Answer: Inspection
Rationale: Inspection is always the first step in a physical assessment because it
involves the visual examination of the patient's overall appearance, body structure,
and any observable signs. Palpation, percussion, and auscultation follow to gather
further data without disrupting what might be seen initially.
2. During a health history interview, which type of data is the patient's report of chest
pain that occurs with exertion and is relieved by rest?
A) Objective data
B) Subjective data
C) Clinical data
D) Measurable data
Correct Answer: Subjective data
Rationale: Subjective data consists of symptoms and information reported by the
patient, such as descriptions of pain. This data cannot be directly observed or
measured by the nurse.
,3. The nurse is assessing a client for an apical-radial pulse deficit. One nurse counts
an apical pulse of 72 beats/minute while another nurse counts a radial pulse of 88
beats/minute. What action should the primary nurse take?
A) Document the findings as normal
B) Reassess both pulses simultaneously
C) Report the pulse deficit to the healthcare provider
D) Assume the radial pulse is correct
Correct Answer: Report the pulse deficit to the healthcare provider
Rationale: A pulse deficit exists when the apical pulse is less than the radial pulse,
indicating that the heart is not effectively pumping blood to the periphery. This
finding should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.
4. Which part of the hand is best for assessing temperature during palpation?
A) Fingertips
B) Palmar surface
C) Dorsal surface of the hand
D) Ulnar surface of the hand
Correct Answer: Dorsal surface of the hand
Rationale: The dorsal surface of the hand (back of the hand) is more sensitive to
temperature changes than the fingertips or palms. It is the preferred area for
assessing skin temperature during palpation.
5. What is the correct sequence for a physical examination of the abdomen?
, A) Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B) Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C) Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
D) Palpation, Percussion, Inspection, Auscultation
Correct Answer: Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Rationale: For abdominal assessment, the sequence is Inspection, Auscultation,
Percussion, then Palpation. Auscultation must precede palpation and percussion
because manipulating the abdomen can alter bowel sounds.
6. The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A) Obtain and review the client's medical history
B) Auscultate heart and lung sounds
C) Perform the general survey
D) Begin with the head-to-toe assessment
Correct Answer: Perform the general survey
Rationale: The general survey is the first component of the physical assessment and
involves observing the patient's overall appearance, behavior, and vital signs. It
provides an initial impression that guides the rest of the assessment.
7. A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic asthma and hyperinflation of the
lungs. Which percussion sound should the nurse expect to hear over the client's
lungs?
A) Dullness
