BSN 246 HESI HEALTH ASSESSMENT
FINAL EXAM V1 COMPREHENSIVE
PRACTICE
1. During a comprehensive health assessment, which sequence of physical examination
techniques is correct for the assessment of the abdomen?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Percussion, Palpation, Auscultation, Inspection
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed before
percussion and palpation to prevent altering bowel sounds or inducing false peristalsis.
2. A nurse is performing a neurological assessment on a patient. Which cranial nerve is being
tested when the patient is asked to shrug their shoulders against resistance?
A. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)
B. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
,C. Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory)
D. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: CN XI (Spinal Accessory) innervates the sternocleidomastoid
and trapezius muscles, which control shoulder shrugging and head turning.
3. While auscultating the heart, the nurse notes a low-pitched, extra heart sound heard in
early diastole at the apex. This finding most likely indicates:
A. A systolic murmur
B. An S4 sound, associated with stiff ventricles
C. A normal S2 split
D. An S3 gallop, often associated with heart failure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: An S3 heart sound occurs in early diastole during the rapid
ventricular filling phase and is often a sign of fluid overload or heart failure in adults.
4. A patient presents with a ‘stabbing’ chest pain that worsens when taking a deep breath
and when lying flat. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Myocardial Infarction
B. Pleuritic Chest Pain (Pleurisy)
C. Angina Pectoris
, D. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Pleuritic pain is typically sharp or stabbing and is exacerbated
by deep inspiration and changes in position.
5. When assessing a patient for pitting edema, the nurse notes an 8mm indentation that
remains for a prolonged period. How should this be documented?
A. 1+ Edema
B. 2+ Edema
C. 3+ Edema
D. 4+ Edema
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: 4+ edema is characterized by a deep pit (approx 8mm) that
remains for a long time and the leg looks very swollen.
6. Which assessment finding is considered an abnormal sign when inspecting the thorax of an
adult patient?
A. Anteroposterior-to-transverse diameter ratio of 1:2
B. Costal angle of 90 degrees
C. Use of accessory muscles during inspiration
D. Symmetric chest expansion
FINAL EXAM V1 COMPREHENSIVE
PRACTICE
1. During a comprehensive health assessment, which sequence of physical examination
techniques is correct for the assessment of the abdomen?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Percussion, Palpation, Auscultation, Inspection
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In abdominal assessment, auscultation is performed before
percussion and palpation to prevent altering bowel sounds or inducing false peristalsis.
2. A nurse is performing a neurological assessment on a patient. Which cranial nerve is being
tested when the patient is asked to shrug their shoulders against resistance?
A. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)
B. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
,C. Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory)
D. Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: CN XI (Spinal Accessory) innervates the sternocleidomastoid
and trapezius muscles, which control shoulder shrugging and head turning.
3. While auscultating the heart, the nurse notes a low-pitched, extra heart sound heard in
early diastole at the apex. This finding most likely indicates:
A. A systolic murmur
B. An S4 sound, associated with stiff ventricles
C. A normal S2 split
D. An S3 gallop, often associated with heart failure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: An S3 heart sound occurs in early diastole during the rapid
ventricular filling phase and is often a sign of fluid overload or heart failure in adults.
4. A patient presents with a ‘stabbing’ chest pain that worsens when taking a deep breath
and when lying flat. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Myocardial Infarction
B. Pleuritic Chest Pain (Pleurisy)
C. Angina Pectoris
, D. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Pleuritic pain is typically sharp or stabbing and is exacerbated
by deep inspiration and changes in position.
5. When assessing a patient for pitting edema, the nurse notes an 8mm indentation that
remains for a prolonged period. How should this be documented?
A. 1+ Edema
B. 2+ Edema
C. 3+ Edema
D. 4+ Edema
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: 4+ edema is characterized by a deep pit (approx 8mm) that
remains for a long time and the leg looks very swollen.
6. Which assessment finding is considered an abnormal sign when inspecting the thorax of an
adult patient?
A. Anteroposterior-to-transverse diameter ratio of 1:2
B. Costal angle of 90 degrees
C. Use of accessory muscles during inspiration
D. Symmetric chest expansion
