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BSN 246 HESI Health Assessment Complete
Exam Prep (Latest 2025/2026 Update)
Questions and Verified Answers | 100%
Correct | Grade A – Nightingale
Instructions
• This exam prep contains 100 multiple-choice questions.
• Each question has four answer options (A–D).
• Select the best answer for each question.
• The correct answer is shown in blue, followed by a detailed, expert-level rationale.
• Questions are based on the latest HESI and NCLEX standards for 2025/2026, covering
vital signs, physical assessment, system evaluations, and clinical reasoning.
Question 1
The nurse is performing a thoracic assessment on a client with chronic asthma and hyperinflation
of the lungs. Which finding should be expected for this client?
A. Flat chest wall
B. Barrel chest
C. Pectus excavatum
D. Scoliosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chronic asthma can lead to hyperinflation of the lungs due to air trapping, resulting
in a barrel-shaped chest. This is characterized by an increased anteroposterior diameter of the
thorax, a common finding in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Question 2
The nurse is assessing bowel sounds for a hospitalized client and has auscultated sounds in the
right upper quadrant. What action should the nurse take next?
A. Document the absence of bowel sounds
B. Note the character and frequency of bowel sounds
C. Palpate the abdomen for tenderness
D. Percuss the abdomen for tympany
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After hearing bowel sounds, the nurse should note their character (e.g., high-pitched,
gurgling) and frequency (e.g., number per minute) to assess gastrointestinal function.
Auscultation should precede palpation or percussion to avoid altering bowel sounds.
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Question 3
During inspection of a client’s pharynx, the nurse places a tongue blade on the back of the
tongue, causing the client to gag. What should the nurse do next?
A. Continue the examination without documentation
B. Document an intact gag reflex
C. Administer an antiemetic
D. Stop the examination permanently
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The gag reflex is assessed by stimulating the posterior pharynx, and a positive
response indicates an intact cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus). Documenting
this finding is essential for the neurological assessment.
Question 4
When teaching a client about monthly breast self-examination, which part of the breast should
the nurse emphasize for closer inspection?
A. Lower inner quadrant
B. Upper outer quadrant
C. Areolar region
D. Lower outer quadrant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The upper outer quadrant of the breast is the most common site for breast cancer due
to the higher concentration of glandular tissue. Clients should be taught to thoroughly assess this
area during self-examinations.
Question 5
The nurse assesses a postmenopausal client with a BMI of 32, chest measurement of 42 inches,
waist measurement of 45 inches, and hip measurement of 50 inches. What health promotion
message should the nurse prioritize?
A. Increase aerobic exercise to reduce BMI
B. A waist circumference greater than 35 inches increases risk for type 2 diabetes and heart
disease
C. Monitor blood pressure daily
D. Reduce caloric intake to lower BMI
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women is a significant risk factor for
type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as it indicates visceral fat accumulation. This
message is critical for health promotion in this client.
, 3
Question 6
When assessing a patient’s respiratory system, which method is most accurate for determining
oxygenation status?
A. Respiratory rate count
B. Pulse oximetry
C. Auscultation of breath sounds
D. Inspection of chest movement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pulse oximetry directly measures oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the blood, providing
the most accurate and non-invasive method to assess oxygenation status. Other methods provide
indirect or supportive data.
Question 7
During an abdominal assessment, the nurse palpates a firm, fixed mass in the left lower quadrant.
What should the nurse do next?
A. Document the finding and proceed
B. Apply firm pressure to reduce the mass
C. Ask the patient about pain or discomfort associated with the mass
D. Immediately notify the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A firm, fixed mass may indicate a serious condition (e.g., tumor). The nurse should
first assess associated symptoms, such as pain or discomfort, to gather more data before
notifying the provider or documenting.
Question 8
The nurse is preparing to assess cranial nerve VII (facial nerve). Which action is appropriate?
A. Ask the patient to shrug their shoulders against resistance
B. Ask the patient to smile and raise their eyebrows
C. Test the patient’s ability to hear whispered words
D. Assess the patient’s tongue for symmetry
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cranial nerve VII controls facial movements. Asking the patient to smile and raise
their eyebrows tests facial symmetry and strength, directly assessing this nerve’s function.
Question 9
, 4
What is the normal range for an adult’s resting heart rate?
A. 30–50 beats per minute
B. 50–70 beats per minute
C. 60–100 beats per minute
D. 100–120 beats per minute
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The normal resting heart rate for adults is 60–100 beats per minute, as established by
clinical standards. Rates outside this range may indicate underlying conditions requiring further
evaluation.
Question 10
Which finding during a musculoskeletal assessment would be considered abnormal?
A. Full range of motion without pain
B. Asymmetrical muscle strength
C. Symmetrical joint alignment
D. No joint crepitus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asymmetrical muscle strength suggests a neurological or musculoskeletal issue, such
as nerve damage or injury, and is considered abnormal. Other options are normal findings.
Question 11
A client reports a persistent dry cough for six weeks and is concerned about lung cancer. How
should the nurse document this concern?
A. “Client reports a body-wracking dry cough for six weeks, concerned about lung cancer.”
B. “Patient reports a persistent cough with wheezing.”
C. “Client complains of a chronic cough without sputum.”
D. “Patient is worried about a cough lasting one month.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Accurate documentation should reflect the client’s exact words and concerns,
including the duration and description of the cough (“body-wracking dry cough”) and the
specific fear of lung cancer.
Question 12
The nurse is assessing a client with bilateral lower lobe atelectasis. What percussion sound
should be expected?
A. Tympany
B. Dullness
BSN 246 HESI Health Assessment Complete
Exam Prep (Latest 2025/2026 Update)
Questions and Verified Answers | 100%
Correct | Grade A – Nightingale
Instructions
• This exam prep contains 100 multiple-choice questions.
• Each question has four answer options (A–D).
• Select the best answer for each question.
• The correct answer is shown in blue, followed by a detailed, expert-level rationale.
• Questions are based on the latest HESI and NCLEX standards for 2025/2026, covering
vital signs, physical assessment, system evaluations, and clinical reasoning.
Question 1
The nurse is performing a thoracic assessment on a client with chronic asthma and hyperinflation
of the lungs. Which finding should be expected for this client?
A. Flat chest wall
B. Barrel chest
C. Pectus excavatum
D. Scoliosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chronic asthma can lead to hyperinflation of the lungs due to air trapping, resulting
in a barrel-shaped chest. This is characterized by an increased anteroposterior diameter of the
thorax, a common finding in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Question 2
The nurse is assessing bowel sounds for a hospitalized client and has auscultated sounds in the
right upper quadrant. What action should the nurse take next?
A. Document the absence of bowel sounds
B. Note the character and frequency of bowel sounds
C. Palpate the abdomen for tenderness
D. Percuss the abdomen for tympany
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After hearing bowel sounds, the nurse should note their character (e.g., high-pitched,
gurgling) and frequency (e.g., number per minute) to assess gastrointestinal function.
Auscultation should precede palpation or percussion to avoid altering bowel sounds.
, 2
Question 3
During inspection of a client’s pharynx, the nurse places a tongue blade on the back of the
tongue, causing the client to gag. What should the nurse do next?
A. Continue the examination without documentation
B. Document an intact gag reflex
C. Administer an antiemetic
D. Stop the examination permanently
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The gag reflex is assessed by stimulating the posterior pharynx, and a positive
response indicates an intact cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus). Documenting
this finding is essential for the neurological assessment.
Question 4
When teaching a client about monthly breast self-examination, which part of the breast should
the nurse emphasize for closer inspection?
A. Lower inner quadrant
B. Upper outer quadrant
C. Areolar region
D. Lower outer quadrant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The upper outer quadrant of the breast is the most common site for breast cancer due
to the higher concentration of glandular tissue. Clients should be taught to thoroughly assess this
area during self-examinations.
Question 5
The nurse assesses a postmenopausal client with a BMI of 32, chest measurement of 42 inches,
waist measurement of 45 inches, and hip measurement of 50 inches. What health promotion
message should the nurse prioritize?
A. Increase aerobic exercise to reduce BMI
B. A waist circumference greater than 35 inches increases risk for type 2 diabetes and heart
disease
C. Monitor blood pressure daily
D. Reduce caloric intake to lower BMI
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women is a significant risk factor for
type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as it indicates visceral fat accumulation. This
message is critical for health promotion in this client.
, 3
Question 6
When assessing a patient’s respiratory system, which method is most accurate for determining
oxygenation status?
A. Respiratory rate count
B. Pulse oximetry
C. Auscultation of breath sounds
D. Inspection of chest movement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pulse oximetry directly measures oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the blood, providing
the most accurate and non-invasive method to assess oxygenation status. Other methods provide
indirect or supportive data.
Question 7
During an abdominal assessment, the nurse palpates a firm, fixed mass in the left lower quadrant.
What should the nurse do next?
A. Document the finding and proceed
B. Apply firm pressure to reduce the mass
C. Ask the patient about pain or discomfort associated with the mass
D. Immediately notify the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A firm, fixed mass may indicate a serious condition (e.g., tumor). The nurse should
first assess associated symptoms, such as pain or discomfort, to gather more data before
notifying the provider or documenting.
Question 8
The nurse is preparing to assess cranial nerve VII (facial nerve). Which action is appropriate?
A. Ask the patient to shrug their shoulders against resistance
B. Ask the patient to smile and raise their eyebrows
C. Test the patient’s ability to hear whispered words
D. Assess the patient’s tongue for symmetry
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cranial nerve VII controls facial movements. Asking the patient to smile and raise
their eyebrows tests facial symmetry and strength, directly assessing this nerve’s function.
Question 9
, 4
What is the normal range for an adult’s resting heart rate?
A. 30–50 beats per minute
B. 50–70 beats per minute
C. 60–100 beats per minute
D. 100–120 beats per minute
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The normal resting heart rate for adults is 60–100 beats per minute, as established by
clinical standards. Rates outside this range may indicate underlying conditions requiring further
evaluation.
Question 10
Which finding during a musculoskeletal assessment would be considered abnormal?
A. Full range of motion without pain
B. Asymmetrical muscle strength
C. Symmetrical joint alignment
D. No joint crepitus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asymmetrical muscle strength suggests a neurological or musculoskeletal issue, such
as nerve damage or injury, and is considered abnormal. Other options are normal findings.
Question 11
A client reports a persistent dry cough for six weeks and is concerned about lung cancer. How
should the nurse document this concern?
A. “Client reports a body-wracking dry cough for six weeks, concerned about lung cancer.”
B. “Patient reports a persistent cough with wheezing.”
C. “Client complains of a chronic cough without sputum.”
D. “Patient is worried about a cough lasting one month.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Accurate documentation should reflect the client’s exact words and concerns,
including the duration and description of the cough (“body-wracking dry cough”) and the
specific fear of lung cancer.
Question 12
The nurse is assessing a client with bilateral lower lobe atelectasis. What percussion sound
should be expected?
A. Tympany
B. Dullness
