BSN 246 HESI HEALTH ASSESSMENT
EXAM V2 2026 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. During a comprehensive health assessment of the abdomen, in which order should the
nurse perform the physical examination techniques?
A. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
B. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Auscultation, Palpation, Inspection
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdomen, auscultation is performed second because
percussion and palpation can stimulate peristalsis and alter the frequency of bowel sounds.
2. When assessing a patient’s vision using the Snellen chart, the nurse records the result as
20/40. What does this finding indicate?
A. The patient can read at 40 feet what a person with normal vision can read at 20 feet.
B. The patient has 40% of normal visual acuity.
,C. The patient can see objects clearly only when they are 20 to 40 inches away.
D. The patient can read at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can read at 40 feet.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In Snellen results, the top number is the distance from the chart
(20 feet), and the bottom number is the distance at which a normal eye can read that line.
3. The nurse is performing a respiratory assessment and notes a low-pitched, snoring sound
that clears with coughing. Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?
A. Wheezes
B. Crackles
C. Stridor
D. Rhonchi
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Rhonchi (sonorous wheezes) are low-pitched, continuous
sounds often caused by secretions in large airways and frequently clear with coughing.
4. While assessing the carotid arteries, the nurse hears a blowing, swishing sound with the
bell of the stethoscope. This finding is indicative of:
A. A normal heart murmur
B. Ventricular gallop
C. Thrill
, D. A bruit
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A bruit is a blowing, swishing sound indicating blood flow
turbulence, often due to narrowing (stenosis) of the artery.
5. When assessing the cranial nerves, the nurse asks the patient to stick out their tongue and
move it from side to side. Which cranial nerve is being evaluated?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
D. CN VII (Facial)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) controls the motor functions of
the tongue.
6. A patient presents with a ‘barrel chest’ appearance. The nurse recognizes this is often a
compensatory change associated with which condition?
A. Heart failure
B. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
C. Pneumonia
D. Pulmonary embolism
EXAM V2 2026 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. During a comprehensive health assessment of the abdomen, in which order should the
nurse perform the physical examination techniques?
A. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
B. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Auscultation, Palpation, Inspection
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: For the abdomen, auscultation is performed second because
percussion and palpation can stimulate peristalsis and alter the frequency of bowel sounds.
2. When assessing a patient’s vision using the Snellen chart, the nurse records the result as
20/40. What does this finding indicate?
A. The patient can read at 40 feet what a person with normal vision can read at 20 feet.
B. The patient has 40% of normal visual acuity.
,C. The patient can see objects clearly only when they are 20 to 40 inches away.
D. The patient can read at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can read at 40 feet.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In Snellen results, the top number is the distance from the chart
(20 feet), and the bottom number is the distance at which a normal eye can read that line.
3. The nurse is performing a respiratory assessment and notes a low-pitched, snoring sound
that clears with coughing. Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?
A. Wheezes
B. Crackles
C. Stridor
D. Rhonchi
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Rhonchi (sonorous wheezes) are low-pitched, continuous
sounds often caused by secretions in large airways and frequently clear with coughing.
4. While assessing the carotid arteries, the nurse hears a blowing, swishing sound with the
bell of the stethoscope. This finding is indicative of:
A. A normal heart murmur
B. Ventricular gallop
C. Thrill
, D. A bruit
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A bruit is a blowing, swishing sound indicating blood flow
turbulence, often due to narrowing (stenosis) of the artery.
5. When assessing the cranial nerves, the nurse asks the patient to stick out their tongue and
move it from side to side. Which cranial nerve is being evaluated?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
D. CN VII (Facial)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) controls the motor functions of
the tongue.
6. A patient presents with a ‘barrel chest’ appearance. The nurse recognizes this is often a
compensatory change associated with which condition?
A. Heart failure
B. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
C. Pneumonia
D. Pulmonary embolism
