BSN 246 HESI HEALTH ASSESSMENT
EXAM STUDY GUIDE
1. When performing an abdominal assessment, which is the correct sequence of techniques?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdomen, auscultation is performed before percussion
and palpation to avoid stimulating bowel sounds or causing pain that might alter findings.
2. A patient has a suspected 10mm dark, asymmetrical skin lesion with irregular borders.
Which ‘ABCDE’ criteria is the most critical to document?
A. Aymmetry and Color
B. Border and Diameter
C. Elevation and Evolution
,D. All of the above
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter >6mm,
and Evolution) is the standard for evaluating potential melanoma.
3. To assess the trigeminal nerve (CN V), the nurse should perform which action?
A. Ask the patient to smile and puff out cheeks
B. Test the corneal reflex and jaw clenching
C. Test the patient’s ability to identify smells
D. Ask the patient to shrug their shoulders against resistance
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: CN V is responsible for facial sensation and the muscles of
mastication (chewing).
4. The nurse notes a ‘thrill’ during a cardiac assessment. This finding is most likely associated
with:
A. A grade IV or higher murmur
B. A normal S1 sound
C. Pericardial friction rub
D. Atrial fibrillation
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A thrill is a palpable vibration accompanying a loud heart
murmur, typically grade IV, V, or VI.
5. Where is Erb’s point located on the chest wall?
A. Second right intercostal space
B. Third left intercostal space
C. Second left intercostal space
D. Fifth left intercostal space at the midclavicular line
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Erb’s point is at the 3rd left intercostal space and is a common
area to hear S1 and S2 sounds equally.
6. Which percussion note is expected over a normal, air-filled lung?
A. Tympany
B. Dullness
C. Hyperresonance
D. Resonance
Answer: D
EXAM STUDY GUIDE
1. When performing an abdominal assessment, which is the correct sequence of techniques?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdomen, auscultation is performed before percussion
and palpation to avoid stimulating bowel sounds or causing pain that might alter findings.
2. A patient has a suspected 10mm dark, asymmetrical skin lesion with irregular borders.
Which ‘ABCDE’ criteria is the most critical to document?
A. Aymmetry and Color
B. Border and Diameter
C. Elevation and Evolution
,D. All of the above
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter >6mm,
and Evolution) is the standard for evaluating potential melanoma.
3. To assess the trigeminal nerve (CN V), the nurse should perform which action?
A. Ask the patient to smile and puff out cheeks
B. Test the corneal reflex and jaw clenching
C. Test the patient’s ability to identify smells
D. Ask the patient to shrug their shoulders against resistance
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: CN V is responsible for facial sensation and the muscles of
mastication (chewing).
4. The nurse notes a ‘thrill’ during a cardiac assessment. This finding is most likely associated
with:
A. A grade IV or higher murmur
B. A normal S1 sound
C. Pericardial friction rub
D. Atrial fibrillation
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A thrill is a palpable vibration accompanying a loud heart
murmur, typically grade IV, V, or VI.
5. Where is Erb’s point located on the chest wall?
A. Second right intercostal space
B. Third left intercostal space
C. Second left intercostal space
D. Fifth left intercostal space at the midclavicular line
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Erb’s point is at the 3rd left intercostal space and is a common
area to hear S1 and S2 sounds equally.
6. Which percussion note is expected over a normal, air-filled lung?
A. Tympany
B. Dullness
C. Hyperresonance
D. Resonance
Answer: D
