BSN 246 HESI HEALTH ASSESSMENT
EXAM PREPARATION 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When performing a physical assessment, in which order should the nurse assess the
abdomen?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Inspection, Auscultation, Palpation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed before
percussion and palpation to avoid stimulating bowel sounds, which would lead to an
inaccurate assessment.
2. A patient presents with a ‘strawberry tongue’ and a high fever. Which condition should the
nurse most likely suspect?
A. Vitamin B12 deficiency
,B. Oral candidiasis
C. Scarlet fever or Kawasaki disease
D. Leukoplakia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A strawberry tongue is a classic clinical finding in both Scarlet
fever and Kawasaki disease.
3. Which cranial nerve is being tested when the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN XI (Spinal Accessory)
C. CN X (Vagus)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve XI, the Spinal Accessory nerve, innervates the
trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, which are responsible for shoulder shrugging
and head rotation.
4. While assessing the lungs, the nurse hears high-pitched, musical sounds primarily during
expiration. How should this be documented?
A. Crackles
, B. Wheezes
C. Rhonchi
D. Pleural friction rub
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Wheezes are high-pitched, musical sounds caused by air flowing
through narrowed or obstructed airways, most common in asthma or COPD.
5. A nurse is assessing a patient’s peripheral pulses and notes that the radial pulse is easily
palpable but can be obliterated with strong pressure. What grade should be assigned?
A. 2+
B. 1+
C. 3+
D. 4+
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A 2+ pulse is considered normal, being easily palpable and
obliterated only by strong pressure.
6. During a musculoskeletal exam, the nurse asks the patient to move their arm away from
the midline of the body. This movement is called:
A. Adduction
B. Abduction
EXAM PREPARATION 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When performing a physical assessment, in which order should the nurse assess the
abdomen?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Inspection, Auscultation, Palpation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed before
percussion and palpation to avoid stimulating bowel sounds, which would lead to an
inaccurate assessment.
2. A patient presents with a ‘strawberry tongue’ and a high fever. Which condition should the
nurse most likely suspect?
A. Vitamin B12 deficiency
,B. Oral candidiasis
C. Scarlet fever or Kawasaki disease
D. Leukoplakia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A strawberry tongue is a classic clinical finding in both Scarlet
fever and Kawasaki disease.
3. Which cranial nerve is being tested when the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN XI (Spinal Accessory)
C. CN X (Vagus)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve XI, the Spinal Accessory nerve, innervates the
trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, which are responsible for shoulder shrugging
and head rotation.
4. While assessing the lungs, the nurse hears high-pitched, musical sounds primarily during
expiration. How should this be documented?
A. Crackles
, B. Wheezes
C. Rhonchi
D. Pleural friction rub
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Wheezes are high-pitched, musical sounds caused by air flowing
through narrowed or obstructed airways, most common in asthma or COPD.
5. A nurse is assessing a patient’s peripheral pulses and notes that the radial pulse is easily
palpable but can be obliterated with strong pressure. What grade should be assigned?
A. 2+
B. 1+
C. 3+
D. 4+
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A 2+ pulse is considered normal, being easily palpable and
obliterated only by strong pressure.
6. During a musculoskeletal exam, the nurse asks the patient to move their arm away from
the midline of the body. This movement is called:
A. Adduction
B. Abduction
