BSN 246 HESI Health Assessment V1 Exam | Latest Update
2026/2027 | 200 Practice Questions
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. Pectus excavatum
B. Barrel chest
C. Pectus carinatum
D. Funnel chest
Answer: B
Explanation: Chronic asthma with hyperinflation leads to increased anteriorposterior (AP) diameter of
the chest, resulting in a barrel chest appearance. Pectus excavatum is a sunken sternum, and pectus
carinatum is a protruding sternum.
Question 2
The nurse is assessing bowel sounds for a hospitalized client. The nurse has heard bowel sounds in the
right upper quadrant. What action should the nurse take next?
A. Move immediately to the next quadrant
B. Document the finding as normal
C. Note the character and frequency of bowel sounds
D. Notify the healthcare provider
Answer: C
,Explanation: After identifying bowel sounds in one quadrant, the nurse should note their character (e.g.,
highpitched, gurgling) and frequency before moving to other quadrants. This provides complete
documentation of the assessment.
Question 3
During inspection of a client's mouth and pharynx, the nurse places a tongue blade on the back of the
tongue which causes the client to gag. After removing the tongue blade, what action should the nurse
take?
A. Document an intact gag reflex
B. Repeat the procedure to confirm
C. Refer the client for further evaluation
D. Administer antiemetic medication
Answer: A
Explanation: A gag reflex elicited by touching the back of the tongue indicates an intact gag reflex. This is
a normal protective reflex and should be documented as such.
Question 4
When teaching a client how to perform a monthly breast selfassessment, the nurse should tell the client
that it is most important to assess which part of the breast more closely for changes?
A. Upper outer quadrant
B. Lower inner quadrant
C. Upper inner quadrant
,D. Lower outer quadrant
Answer: A
Explanation: The upper outer quadrant of the breast contains the greatest amount of breast tissue and
is the most common site for breast tumors. Clients should be taught to pay particular attention to this
area during selfexamination.
Question 5
The nurse is assessing a postmenopausal client who has a BMI of 32. The client has a chest
measurement of 42 inches, waist measurement of 45 inches, and hip measurement of 50 inches. What
important message should the nurse explain to the client to promote health promotion?
A. "Your weight is within normal limits for your height."
B. "A waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women puts you at higher risk for type 2 diabetes
and heart disease."
C. "Your hip measurement indicates good bone health."
D. "You should focus on increasing your chest measurement."
Answer: B
Explanation: A waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women is associated with increased risk for
type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. This client's waist measurement of 45
inches places her at significant risk.
Question 6
The nurse performs a physical assessment on an older female client. Which change from the prior exam
may be an indication of osteoporosis?
, A. Weight gain of 5 pounds
B. Height reduction of 1.5 inches
C. Increased skin turgor
D. Decreased blood pressure
Answer: B
Explanation: A height reduction of 1.5 inches or more in an older adult may indicate vertebral
compression fractures due to osteoporosis. This is a significant clinical finding that warrants further
evaluation.
Question 7
While conducting an interview to obtain a health history, the nurse notices that the client pauses
frequently and looks at the nurse expectantly. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
A. Prompt the client with the next question
B. Ask the client if they need clarification
C. Sit quietly to allow the client to respond comfortably
D. Repeat the last question
Answer: C
Explanation: Allowing the client time to gather their thoughts without interruption demonstrates
therapeutic communication. Silent pauses give clients space to formulate responses and should not be
filled with unnecessary prompts.
2026/2027 | 200 Practice Questions
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. Pectus excavatum
B. Barrel chest
C. Pectus carinatum
D. Funnel chest
Answer: B
Explanation: Chronic asthma with hyperinflation leads to increased anteriorposterior (AP) diameter of
the chest, resulting in a barrel chest appearance. Pectus excavatum is a sunken sternum, and pectus
carinatum is a protruding sternum.
Question 2
The nurse is assessing bowel sounds for a hospitalized client. The nurse has heard bowel sounds in the
right upper quadrant. What action should the nurse take next?
A. Move immediately to the next quadrant
B. Document the finding as normal
C. Note the character and frequency of bowel sounds
D. Notify the healthcare provider
Answer: C
,Explanation: After identifying bowel sounds in one quadrant, the nurse should note their character (e.g.,
highpitched, gurgling) and frequency before moving to other quadrants. This provides complete
documentation of the assessment.
Question 3
During inspection of a client's mouth and pharynx, the nurse places a tongue blade on the back of the
tongue which causes the client to gag. After removing the tongue blade, what action should the nurse
take?
A. Document an intact gag reflex
B. Repeat the procedure to confirm
C. Refer the client for further evaluation
D. Administer antiemetic medication
Answer: A
Explanation: A gag reflex elicited by touching the back of the tongue indicates an intact gag reflex. This is
a normal protective reflex and should be documented as such.
Question 4
When teaching a client how to perform a monthly breast selfassessment, the nurse should tell the client
that it is most important to assess which part of the breast more closely for changes?
A. Upper outer quadrant
B. Lower inner quadrant
C. Upper inner quadrant
,D. Lower outer quadrant
Answer: A
Explanation: The upper outer quadrant of the breast contains the greatest amount of breast tissue and
is the most common site for breast tumors. Clients should be taught to pay particular attention to this
area during selfexamination.
Question 5
The nurse is assessing a postmenopausal client who has a BMI of 32. The client has a chest
measurement of 42 inches, waist measurement of 45 inches, and hip measurement of 50 inches. What
important message should the nurse explain to the client to promote health promotion?
A. "Your weight is within normal limits for your height."
B. "A waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women puts you at higher risk for type 2 diabetes
and heart disease."
C. "Your hip measurement indicates good bone health."
D. "You should focus on increasing your chest measurement."
Answer: B
Explanation: A waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women is associated with increased risk for
type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. This client's waist measurement of 45
inches places her at significant risk.
Question 6
The nurse performs a physical assessment on an older female client. Which change from the prior exam
may be an indication of osteoporosis?
, A. Weight gain of 5 pounds
B. Height reduction of 1.5 inches
C. Increased skin turgor
D. Decreased blood pressure
Answer: B
Explanation: A height reduction of 1.5 inches or more in an older adult may indicate vertebral
compression fractures due to osteoporosis. This is a significant clinical finding that warrants further
evaluation.
Question 7
While conducting an interview to obtain a health history, the nurse notices that the client pauses
frequently and looks at the nurse expectantly. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
A. Prompt the client with the next question
B. Ask the client if they need clarification
C. Sit quietly to allow the client to respond comfortably
D. Repeat the last question
Answer: C
Explanation: Allowing the client time to gather their thoughts without interruption demonstrates
therapeutic communication. Silent pauses give clients space to formulate responses and should not be
filled with unnecessary prompts.
