HESI Health Assessment and Physical
Examination Comprehensive Practice Exam
Actual Exam 2026/2027 – Complete Questions
and Answers with Detailed Rationales – Pass
Guaranteed – A+ Graded
SECTION 1: STAND-ALONE QUESTIONS (Questions 1-65)
Q1: The nurse is collecting a health history from a client who reports chest pain. Which
of the following questions is structured using the OLDCARTS mnemonic to assess the
"T" (Timing)?
A. "On a scale of 0 to 10, how severe is your chest pain?"
B. "What were you doing when the chest pain first started?"
C. "Does the pain occur at a specific time of day, or is it continuous?"
D. "Does the pain radiate to your jaw or left arm?"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: [CORRECT] The "T" in OLDCARTS stands for Timing. Timing evaluates
when the pain occurs, whether it is constant or intermittent, and how long it lasts. Option
A assesses severity (S). Option B assesses onset/context (O). Option D assesses
region/radiation (R). HESI Strategy: Focus exactly on what the specific letter of the
mnemonic represents to avoid choosing a distractor that simply relates to pain but
doesn't answer the prompt.
Q2: Which of the following statements by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic
communication during a health history interview? (Select all that apply)
A. "Why did you wait so long to come to the hospital?"
B. "Can you tell me more about what you mean by 'feeling tired'?"
C. "I understand that this must be a difficult time for you."
D. "It sounds like you are concerned about your test results."
E. "You shouldn't worry; the doctor is very experienced."
Correct Answer: B, C, D
,Rationale: [CORRECT] B uses an open-ended question to explore a vague symptom. C
demonstrates empathy and understanding. D uses reflection to validate the client's
feelings. A is nontherapeutic because "why" questions often sound judgmental and
cause defensiveness. E is nontherapeutic because it gives false reassurance and
dismisses the client's anxiety. HESI Strategy: Identify choices that block communication
or impose the nurse's opinion as incorrect.
Q3: The nurse is preparing to assess a client's vibration sense. Which piece of
equipment is required for this assessment?
A. Penlight
B. Tuning fork
C. Reflex hammer
D. Ophthalmoscope
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: [CORRECT] A tuning fork (typically 128 Hz) is struck and placed on a bony
prominence to assess vibration sense, testing the dorsal column pathway. A penlight
assesses pupil response. A reflex hammer assesses deep tendon reflexes. An
ophthalmoscope examines the internal eye.
Q4: Place the following steps of a general survey in the correct order the nurse should
perform them upon initially meeting the client.
1. Observe the client's body build and posture
2. Note the client's level of consciousness and alertness
3. Determine the client's apparent age compared to stated age
Observe the client's hygiene and grooming
A. 2, 1, 4, 3
B. 3, 2, 1, 4
C. 1, 2, 3, 4
D. 4, 1, 2, 3
Correct Answer: A
4. Rationale: [CORRECT] The general survey begins the moment the nurse meets
the client. First, the nurse observes the overall state of consciousness and
alertness (2), then moves to body build, height, and posture (1), followed by
hygiene and grooming (4), and finally compares apparent age to stated age (3).
HESI Strategy: Ordered response questions usually follow a head-to-toe or
general-to-specific logical progression.
Q5: The nurse is assessing a 2-year-old toddler. Which finding is considered a normal
age-related variation for this developmental stage?
, A. Anterior fontanelle is closed and non-palpable
B. Presence of nystagmus when tracking an object
C. Ability to hop on one foot without losing balance
D. Ability to state first and last name clearly
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: [CORRECT] The anterior fontanelle typically closes between 12 and 18
months of age, so it should be closed and non-palpable in a 2-year-old. Nystagmus is
abnormal at any age. Hopping on one foot is a 4-to-5-year-old milestone. Stating a full
name typically develops around age 3. HESI Strategy: Focus on developmental
milestones; identify options that are too advanced or represent true pathology.
Q6: A client reports right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Using the PQRST method,
which question should the nurse ask to assess the "S" (Severity)?
A. "Point with one finger to where the pain is the worst."
B. "On a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the worst, rate your pain."
C. "Does anything make the pain better, like resting or medication?"
D. "What does the pain feel like, is it sharp, dull, or cramping?"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: [CORRECT] Severity refers to the intensity of the pain, best measured by a
standardized pain scale. Option A assesses region (P). Option C assesses
aggravating/alleviating factors (a secondary element of Q or P depending on the
specific mnemonic variation). Option D assesses quality (Q).
Q7: The nurse is reviewing the documented assessment findings. Which of the following
are examples of objective data? (Select all that apply)
A. Client reports feeling "short of breath"
B. Skin is warm and dry to the touch
C. Apical pulse is 88 beats per minute and regular
D. Client states, "I have a headache"
E. 2 cm laceration noted on the left forearm
Correct Answer: B, C, E
Rationale: [CORRECT] Objective data are "signs" that the nurse can directly observe,
measure, or test. Warm/dry skin, an apical pulse of 88 bpm, and a 2 cm laceration are
all objective. "Shortness of breath" and "headache" are "symptoms" and therefore
subjective data provided by the client. HESI Strategy: Differentiating subjective from
objective is a fundamental testing concept; look for measurable or observable terms.
Q8: A nurse is assessing a client from a culture that views direct eye contact as
disrespectful. Which action by the nurse demonstrates cultural competence during the
interview?
A. Stare intently at the client to show active listening
Examination Comprehensive Practice Exam
Actual Exam 2026/2027 – Complete Questions
and Answers with Detailed Rationales – Pass
Guaranteed – A+ Graded
SECTION 1: STAND-ALONE QUESTIONS (Questions 1-65)
Q1: The nurse is collecting a health history from a client who reports chest pain. Which
of the following questions is structured using the OLDCARTS mnemonic to assess the
"T" (Timing)?
A. "On a scale of 0 to 10, how severe is your chest pain?"
B. "What were you doing when the chest pain first started?"
C. "Does the pain occur at a specific time of day, or is it continuous?"
D. "Does the pain radiate to your jaw or left arm?"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: [CORRECT] The "T" in OLDCARTS stands for Timing. Timing evaluates
when the pain occurs, whether it is constant or intermittent, and how long it lasts. Option
A assesses severity (S). Option B assesses onset/context (O). Option D assesses
region/radiation (R). HESI Strategy: Focus exactly on what the specific letter of the
mnemonic represents to avoid choosing a distractor that simply relates to pain but
doesn't answer the prompt.
Q2: Which of the following statements by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic
communication during a health history interview? (Select all that apply)
A. "Why did you wait so long to come to the hospital?"
B. "Can you tell me more about what you mean by 'feeling tired'?"
C. "I understand that this must be a difficult time for you."
D. "It sounds like you are concerned about your test results."
E. "You shouldn't worry; the doctor is very experienced."
Correct Answer: B, C, D
,Rationale: [CORRECT] B uses an open-ended question to explore a vague symptom. C
demonstrates empathy and understanding. D uses reflection to validate the client's
feelings. A is nontherapeutic because "why" questions often sound judgmental and
cause defensiveness. E is nontherapeutic because it gives false reassurance and
dismisses the client's anxiety. HESI Strategy: Identify choices that block communication
or impose the nurse's opinion as incorrect.
Q3: The nurse is preparing to assess a client's vibration sense. Which piece of
equipment is required for this assessment?
A. Penlight
B. Tuning fork
C. Reflex hammer
D. Ophthalmoscope
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: [CORRECT] A tuning fork (typically 128 Hz) is struck and placed on a bony
prominence to assess vibration sense, testing the dorsal column pathway. A penlight
assesses pupil response. A reflex hammer assesses deep tendon reflexes. An
ophthalmoscope examines the internal eye.
Q4: Place the following steps of a general survey in the correct order the nurse should
perform them upon initially meeting the client.
1. Observe the client's body build and posture
2. Note the client's level of consciousness and alertness
3. Determine the client's apparent age compared to stated age
Observe the client's hygiene and grooming
A. 2, 1, 4, 3
B. 3, 2, 1, 4
C. 1, 2, 3, 4
D. 4, 1, 2, 3
Correct Answer: A
4. Rationale: [CORRECT] The general survey begins the moment the nurse meets
the client. First, the nurse observes the overall state of consciousness and
alertness (2), then moves to body build, height, and posture (1), followed by
hygiene and grooming (4), and finally compares apparent age to stated age (3).
HESI Strategy: Ordered response questions usually follow a head-to-toe or
general-to-specific logical progression.
Q5: The nurse is assessing a 2-year-old toddler. Which finding is considered a normal
age-related variation for this developmental stage?
, A. Anterior fontanelle is closed and non-palpable
B. Presence of nystagmus when tracking an object
C. Ability to hop on one foot without losing balance
D. Ability to state first and last name clearly
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: [CORRECT] The anterior fontanelle typically closes between 12 and 18
months of age, so it should be closed and non-palpable in a 2-year-old. Nystagmus is
abnormal at any age. Hopping on one foot is a 4-to-5-year-old milestone. Stating a full
name typically develops around age 3. HESI Strategy: Focus on developmental
milestones; identify options that are too advanced or represent true pathology.
Q6: A client reports right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Using the PQRST method,
which question should the nurse ask to assess the "S" (Severity)?
A. "Point with one finger to where the pain is the worst."
B. "On a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the worst, rate your pain."
C. "Does anything make the pain better, like resting or medication?"
D. "What does the pain feel like, is it sharp, dull, or cramping?"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: [CORRECT] Severity refers to the intensity of the pain, best measured by a
standardized pain scale. Option A assesses region (P). Option C assesses
aggravating/alleviating factors (a secondary element of Q or P depending on the
specific mnemonic variation). Option D assesses quality (Q).
Q7: The nurse is reviewing the documented assessment findings. Which of the following
are examples of objective data? (Select all that apply)
A. Client reports feeling "short of breath"
B. Skin is warm and dry to the touch
C. Apical pulse is 88 beats per minute and regular
D. Client states, "I have a headache"
E. 2 cm laceration noted on the left forearm
Correct Answer: B, C, E
Rationale: [CORRECT] Objective data are "signs" that the nurse can directly observe,
measure, or test. Warm/dry skin, an apical pulse of 88 bpm, and a 2 cm laceration are
all objective. "Shortness of breath" and "headache" are "symptoms" and therefore
subjective data provided by the client. HESI Strategy: Differentiating subjective from
objective is a fundamental testing concept; look for measurable or observable terms.
Q8: A nurse is assessing a client from a culture that views direct eye contact as
disrespectful. Which action by the nurse demonstrates cultural competence during the
interview?
A. Stare intently at the client to show active listening
