2026 HESI Health Assessment Nursing RN V1 Examination 100 Questions with Answers and Rationales
2026 HESI HEALTH ASSESSMENT
NURSING RN V1 EXAMINATION
100 Questions with Verified Answers and Comprehensive Rationales
Aligned with 2026 HESI Health Assessment V1 Exam Blueprint
Section 1: Health History and Interviewing
Communication, HPI, OLDCARTS, ROS, and Cultural Considerations
Q1: A nurse is conducting a health history interview with a newly admitted patient. Which of the
following is an example of a therapeutic communication technique?
A. A. "Why did you wait so long to come to the hospital?"
B. B. "Can you tell me more about what brought you here today?" **[CORRECT]**
C. C. "Everything is going to be just fine, so try not to worry."
D. D. "You really should have taken your medication as prescribed."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This is an open-ended question that encourages the patient to elaborate on their chief complaint, which is a core
therapeutic communication technique. Option A uses a "why" question, which is non-therapeutic because it can make the
patient feel defensive or judged. Option C provides false reassurance, which dismisses the patient's concerns and discourages
further disclosure. Option D gives unsolicited advice, which is also non-therapeutic and can shut down communication.
Open-ended questions promote patient-centered dialogue and are foundational to obtaining a comprehensive health history.
Q2: When using the OLDCARTS mnemonic during a health history, which component refers to
identifying factors that make the patient's symptoms worse?
A. A. Onset
B. B. Duration
C. C. Aggravating factors **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Radiation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: OLDCARTS stands for Onset, Location, Duration, Character, Aggravating/Alleviating factors, Radiation, Timing,
and Severity. Aggravating factors specifically refer to activities, positions, or exposures that worsen the patient's symptoms.
Identifying these factors is essential for clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis. Onset refers to when the symptom first
began. Duration refers to how long the symptom lasts. Radiation refers to whether the symptom travels or spreads to other
areas. The Aggravating component helps the nurse understand triggers that exacerbate the condition.
Q3: A nurse is interviewing a patient who speaks limited English. Which approach is most appropriate for
conducting the health assessment?
A. A. Speak louder and use simple words to improve understanding
B. B. Use a certified medical interpreter instead of a family member **[CORRECT]**
C. C. Rely on nonverbal gestures and pointing to communicate effectively
D. D. Ask the patient to write down their symptoms in English
Correct Answer: B
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,2026 HESI Health Assessment Nursing RN V1 Examination 100 Questions with Answers and Rationales
Rationale: Using a certified medical interpreter is the standard of care for patients with limited English proficiency. Family
members should not be used as interpreters because they may filter information, omit sensitive details, or misinterpret medical
terminology. Speaking louder does not address a language barrier and can appear condescending. Nonverbal gestures alone
are insufficient for a comprehensive health history and can lead to misunderstandings. Asking the patient to write in English is
inappropriate if they have limited proficiency. Certified interpreters ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and cultural competence
in health assessment.
Q4: Which of the following components is part of the Review of Systems (ROS)?
A. A. Family medical history of diabetes mellitus
B. B. Patient's current occupation and work environment
C. C. Presence of shortness of breath or cough **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Date of the patient's last tetanus immunization
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Review of Systems (ROS) is a systematic head-to-toe inquiry of subjective symptoms the patient is currently
experiencing or has experienced. Reporting shortness of breath or cough falls under the respiratory review, which is a
component of the ROS. Family medical history is documented separately under Family History (FH), not ROS. Occupational
data belongs in the Social History (SH) section. Immunization records are part of the Past Medical History (PMH). The ROS
helps identify symptoms the patient may not have mentioned in the chief complaint but that are relevant to the current health
assessment.
Q5: A nurse is assessing a patient's health literacy. Which method is recommended to confirm patient
understanding of health information?
A. A. Ask the patient if they understand the instructions
B. B. Provide written materials at a 10th-grade reading level
C. C. Use the teach-back method to have the patient explain the information **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Assume understanding if the patient nods during the explanation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The teach-back method is the gold standard for assessing and confirming patient understanding. The nurse asks
the patient to explain in their own words what they have been told, which reveals comprehension gaps that simple yes/no
questions miss. Asking "do you understand?" is unreliable because patients often nod or say yes even when they do not
comprehend, due to embarrassment or health literacy barriers. While providing written materials at an appropriate reading
level is important, it does not verify understanding. Assuming comprehension from nonverbal cues is unsafe and can lead to
medication errors and poor outcomes.
Q6: During a health history, a nurse asks, "How has your appetite been lately?" What type of
communication technique is this?
A. A. Closed-ended question
B. B. Open-ended question **[CORRECT]**
C. C. Clarification
D. D. Summarizing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: "How has your appetite been lately?" is an open-ended question because it invites the patient to describe their
experience in their own words rather than providing a yes/no or limited-response answer. Open-ended questions are
fundamental to therapeutic communication and health history interviewing because they elicit richer, more detailed
information. A closed-ended question would be "Have you had a change in appetite?" which limits the response to yes/no.
Clarification involves restating what the patient said to ensure accuracy. Summarizing involves condensing the key points of
the conversation to verify understanding.
Q7: A nurse says to a patient, "I understand how difficult this must be for you." Which communication
technique is being used?
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,2026 HESI Health Assessment Nursing RN V1 Examination 100 Questions with Answers and Rationales
A. A. Empathy **[CORRECT]**
B. B. Sympathy
C. C. False reassurance
D. D. Changing the subject
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This statement demonstrates empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person
from their perspective. Empathy is a therapeutic communication technique that validates the patient's emotions and builds
trust. Sympathy differs from empathy in that sympathy involves feeling sorry for the patient rather than understanding their
experience. False reassurance would be saying "Don't worry, everything will be fine" without acknowledging the patient's
actual concerns. Changing the subject would redirect the conversation away from the patient's emotional concerns. Empathy is
a cornerstone of patient-centered care and therapeutic communication in nursing.
Q8: Which of the following is a non-therapeutic communication technique?
A. A. Reflecting
B. B. Active listening
C. C. Giving advice **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Clarifying
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Giving advice is a non-therapeutic communication technique because it imposes the nurse's opinion on the patient
and undermines the patient's autonomy and decision-making capacity. Therapeutic techniques include reflecting (mirroring the
patient's thoughts to promote insight), active listening (giving full attention and providing feedback), and clarifying (asking
questions to ensure accurate understanding). Giving advice can make patients feel judged or pressured and can shut down
open communication. The nurse should instead facilitate the patient's own decision-making process through exploration and
support.
Q9: A nurse is collecting biographical data during a health history. Which of the following is included in
this component?
A. A. Chief complaint in the patient's own words
B. B. Patient's name, age, gender, and date of birth **[CORRECT]**
C. C. History of present illness with symptom analysis
D. D. Review of all body systems for symptoms
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Biographical data is the foundational component of the health history and includes identifying information such
as the patient's full name, age, date of birth, gender, address, phone number, and emergency contact. This information
establishes the patient's identity and provides demographic context. The chief complaint is documented separately as the reason
for seeking care. The history of present illness (HPI) is a detailed exploration of the chief complaint. The review of systems
(ROS) is a systematic symptom inquiry across all body systems. Each component of the health history serves a distinct purpose
in clinical assessment.
Q10: When interviewing a patient from a different cultural background, which action by the nurse
demonstrates cultural competence?
A. A. Making assumptions based on the patient's ethnic appearance
B. B. Asking the patient about their health beliefs and practices **[CORRECT]**
C. C. Insisting that Western medical practices be followed exclusively
D. D. Avoiding discussion of cultural practices to prevent offense
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cultural competence in health assessment involves actively seeking to understand the patient's health beliefs,
practices, and preferences without judgment. Asking about these beliefs shows respect for the patient's cultural background
and provides valuable information that may affect treatment adherence and outcomes. Making assumptions based on
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, 2026 HESI Health Assessment Nursing RN V1 Examination 100 Questions with Answers and Rationales
appearance leads to stereotyping and inaccurate assessments. Insisting on exclusive Western practices disregards the patient's
cultural values and can erode trust. Avoiding cultural discussion prevents the nurse from obtaining a complete picture of
factors influencing the patient's health behaviors and decisions.
Q11: The nurse is documenting the chief complaint. Which of the following is the correct approach?
A. A. Document in the nurse's own clinical terminology
B. B. Document using the patient's own words in quotation marks **[CORRECT]**
C. C. Document the medical diagnosis as the chief complaint
D. D. Omit the chief complaint if the patient cannot articulate it clearly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The chief complaint should always be documented in the patient's own words, enclosed in quotation marks, to
accurately represent the reason for seeking care. This preserves the patient's perspective and prevents misinterpretation.
Documenting in clinical terminology changes the meaning and loses the patient's voice. A medical diagnosis should not be used
as the chief complaint because it represents the clinician's conclusion, not the patient's concern. Even if the patient has
difficulty articulating, the nurse should document what the patient communicates, perhaps with clarifying context from the
interviewer.
Q12: In the OLDCARTS mnemonic, which element assesses the pattern or schedule of symptom
occurrence?
A. A. Onset
B. B. Timing **[CORRECT]**
C. C. Severity
D. D. Duration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the OLDCARTS mnemonic, Timing refers to the pattern or schedule of symptom occurrence, such as whether
the symptom occurs at a specific time of day, after meals, during activity, or at rest. Understanding timing helps identify
triggers and patterns that are essential for differential diagnosis. Onset refers to when the symptom first started. Severity
refers to the intensity of the symptom, often rated on a scale. Duration refers to how long each episode lasts or how long the
symptom has been present overall. Timing patterns can reveal circadian relationships, activity-related triggers, or
disease-specific patterns critical to clinical reasoning.
Q13: A patient says, "I have been having headaches for three days." Which part of the health history does
this statement primarily address?
A. A. Past medical history
B. B. History of present illness (HPI) **[CORRECT]**
C. C. Family history
D. D. Social history
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This statement belongs to the History of Present Illness (HPI), which is a detailed exploration of the chief
complaint. The HPI expands on the chief complaint using the OLDCARTS framework to characterize symptoms fully. The
patient reporting headaches for three days describes the onset and duration elements of the HPI. Past medical history includes
previously diagnosed conditions, surgeries, and hospitalizations. Family history documents health conditions in blood relatives.
Social history covers lifestyle factors such as occupation, substance use, and living situation. The HPI is the most detailed
section of the health history.
Q14: A nurse is using the technique of summarizing during a patient interview. Which statement best
demonstrates this technique?
A. A. "Can you describe what the pain feels like?"
B. B. "So to summarize, you have had chest pain for two days that worsens with deep breathing."
**[CORRECT]**
Page 4
2026 HESI HEALTH ASSESSMENT
NURSING RN V1 EXAMINATION
100 Questions with Verified Answers and Comprehensive Rationales
Aligned with 2026 HESI Health Assessment V1 Exam Blueprint
Section 1: Health History and Interviewing
Communication, HPI, OLDCARTS, ROS, and Cultural Considerations
Q1: A nurse is conducting a health history interview with a newly admitted patient. Which of the
following is an example of a therapeutic communication technique?
A. A. "Why did you wait so long to come to the hospital?"
B. B. "Can you tell me more about what brought you here today?" **[CORRECT]**
C. C. "Everything is going to be just fine, so try not to worry."
D. D. "You really should have taken your medication as prescribed."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This is an open-ended question that encourages the patient to elaborate on their chief complaint, which is a core
therapeutic communication technique. Option A uses a "why" question, which is non-therapeutic because it can make the
patient feel defensive or judged. Option C provides false reassurance, which dismisses the patient's concerns and discourages
further disclosure. Option D gives unsolicited advice, which is also non-therapeutic and can shut down communication.
Open-ended questions promote patient-centered dialogue and are foundational to obtaining a comprehensive health history.
Q2: When using the OLDCARTS mnemonic during a health history, which component refers to
identifying factors that make the patient's symptoms worse?
A. A. Onset
B. B. Duration
C. C. Aggravating factors **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Radiation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: OLDCARTS stands for Onset, Location, Duration, Character, Aggravating/Alleviating factors, Radiation, Timing,
and Severity. Aggravating factors specifically refer to activities, positions, or exposures that worsen the patient's symptoms.
Identifying these factors is essential for clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis. Onset refers to when the symptom first
began. Duration refers to how long the symptom lasts. Radiation refers to whether the symptom travels or spreads to other
areas. The Aggravating component helps the nurse understand triggers that exacerbate the condition.
Q3: A nurse is interviewing a patient who speaks limited English. Which approach is most appropriate for
conducting the health assessment?
A. A. Speak louder and use simple words to improve understanding
B. B. Use a certified medical interpreter instead of a family member **[CORRECT]**
C. C. Rely on nonverbal gestures and pointing to communicate effectively
D. D. Ask the patient to write down their symptoms in English
Correct Answer: B
Page 1
,2026 HESI Health Assessment Nursing RN V1 Examination 100 Questions with Answers and Rationales
Rationale: Using a certified medical interpreter is the standard of care for patients with limited English proficiency. Family
members should not be used as interpreters because they may filter information, omit sensitive details, or misinterpret medical
terminology. Speaking louder does not address a language barrier and can appear condescending. Nonverbal gestures alone
are insufficient for a comprehensive health history and can lead to misunderstandings. Asking the patient to write in English is
inappropriate if they have limited proficiency. Certified interpreters ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and cultural competence
in health assessment.
Q4: Which of the following components is part of the Review of Systems (ROS)?
A. A. Family medical history of diabetes mellitus
B. B. Patient's current occupation and work environment
C. C. Presence of shortness of breath or cough **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Date of the patient's last tetanus immunization
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Review of Systems (ROS) is a systematic head-to-toe inquiry of subjective symptoms the patient is currently
experiencing or has experienced. Reporting shortness of breath or cough falls under the respiratory review, which is a
component of the ROS. Family medical history is documented separately under Family History (FH), not ROS. Occupational
data belongs in the Social History (SH) section. Immunization records are part of the Past Medical History (PMH). The ROS
helps identify symptoms the patient may not have mentioned in the chief complaint but that are relevant to the current health
assessment.
Q5: A nurse is assessing a patient's health literacy. Which method is recommended to confirm patient
understanding of health information?
A. A. Ask the patient if they understand the instructions
B. B. Provide written materials at a 10th-grade reading level
C. C. Use the teach-back method to have the patient explain the information **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Assume understanding if the patient nods during the explanation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The teach-back method is the gold standard for assessing and confirming patient understanding. The nurse asks
the patient to explain in their own words what they have been told, which reveals comprehension gaps that simple yes/no
questions miss. Asking "do you understand?" is unreliable because patients often nod or say yes even when they do not
comprehend, due to embarrassment or health literacy barriers. While providing written materials at an appropriate reading
level is important, it does not verify understanding. Assuming comprehension from nonverbal cues is unsafe and can lead to
medication errors and poor outcomes.
Q6: During a health history, a nurse asks, "How has your appetite been lately?" What type of
communication technique is this?
A. A. Closed-ended question
B. B. Open-ended question **[CORRECT]**
C. C. Clarification
D. D. Summarizing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: "How has your appetite been lately?" is an open-ended question because it invites the patient to describe their
experience in their own words rather than providing a yes/no or limited-response answer. Open-ended questions are
fundamental to therapeutic communication and health history interviewing because they elicit richer, more detailed
information. A closed-ended question would be "Have you had a change in appetite?" which limits the response to yes/no.
Clarification involves restating what the patient said to ensure accuracy. Summarizing involves condensing the key points of
the conversation to verify understanding.
Q7: A nurse says to a patient, "I understand how difficult this must be for you." Which communication
technique is being used?
Page 2
,2026 HESI Health Assessment Nursing RN V1 Examination 100 Questions with Answers and Rationales
A. A. Empathy **[CORRECT]**
B. B. Sympathy
C. C. False reassurance
D. D. Changing the subject
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This statement demonstrates empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person
from their perspective. Empathy is a therapeutic communication technique that validates the patient's emotions and builds
trust. Sympathy differs from empathy in that sympathy involves feeling sorry for the patient rather than understanding their
experience. False reassurance would be saying "Don't worry, everything will be fine" without acknowledging the patient's
actual concerns. Changing the subject would redirect the conversation away from the patient's emotional concerns. Empathy is
a cornerstone of patient-centered care and therapeutic communication in nursing.
Q8: Which of the following is a non-therapeutic communication technique?
A. A. Reflecting
B. B. Active listening
C. C. Giving advice **[CORRECT]**
D. D. Clarifying
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Giving advice is a non-therapeutic communication technique because it imposes the nurse's opinion on the patient
and undermines the patient's autonomy and decision-making capacity. Therapeutic techniques include reflecting (mirroring the
patient's thoughts to promote insight), active listening (giving full attention and providing feedback), and clarifying (asking
questions to ensure accurate understanding). Giving advice can make patients feel judged or pressured and can shut down
open communication. The nurse should instead facilitate the patient's own decision-making process through exploration and
support.
Q9: A nurse is collecting biographical data during a health history. Which of the following is included in
this component?
A. A. Chief complaint in the patient's own words
B. B. Patient's name, age, gender, and date of birth **[CORRECT]**
C. C. History of present illness with symptom analysis
D. D. Review of all body systems for symptoms
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Biographical data is the foundational component of the health history and includes identifying information such
as the patient's full name, age, date of birth, gender, address, phone number, and emergency contact. This information
establishes the patient's identity and provides demographic context. The chief complaint is documented separately as the reason
for seeking care. The history of present illness (HPI) is a detailed exploration of the chief complaint. The review of systems
(ROS) is a systematic symptom inquiry across all body systems. Each component of the health history serves a distinct purpose
in clinical assessment.
Q10: When interviewing a patient from a different cultural background, which action by the nurse
demonstrates cultural competence?
A. A. Making assumptions based on the patient's ethnic appearance
B. B. Asking the patient about their health beliefs and practices **[CORRECT]**
C. C. Insisting that Western medical practices be followed exclusively
D. D. Avoiding discussion of cultural practices to prevent offense
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cultural competence in health assessment involves actively seeking to understand the patient's health beliefs,
practices, and preferences without judgment. Asking about these beliefs shows respect for the patient's cultural background
and provides valuable information that may affect treatment adherence and outcomes. Making assumptions based on
Page 3
, 2026 HESI Health Assessment Nursing RN V1 Examination 100 Questions with Answers and Rationales
appearance leads to stereotyping and inaccurate assessments. Insisting on exclusive Western practices disregards the patient's
cultural values and can erode trust. Avoiding cultural discussion prevents the nurse from obtaining a complete picture of
factors influencing the patient's health behaviors and decisions.
Q11: The nurse is documenting the chief complaint. Which of the following is the correct approach?
A. A. Document in the nurse's own clinical terminology
B. B. Document using the patient's own words in quotation marks **[CORRECT]**
C. C. Document the medical diagnosis as the chief complaint
D. D. Omit the chief complaint if the patient cannot articulate it clearly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The chief complaint should always be documented in the patient's own words, enclosed in quotation marks, to
accurately represent the reason for seeking care. This preserves the patient's perspective and prevents misinterpretation.
Documenting in clinical terminology changes the meaning and loses the patient's voice. A medical diagnosis should not be used
as the chief complaint because it represents the clinician's conclusion, not the patient's concern. Even if the patient has
difficulty articulating, the nurse should document what the patient communicates, perhaps with clarifying context from the
interviewer.
Q12: In the OLDCARTS mnemonic, which element assesses the pattern or schedule of symptom
occurrence?
A. A. Onset
B. B. Timing **[CORRECT]**
C. C. Severity
D. D. Duration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the OLDCARTS mnemonic, Timing refers to the pattern or schedule of symptom occurrence, such as whether
the symptom occurs at a specific time of day, after meals, during activity, or at rest. Understanding timing helps identify
triggers and patterns that are essential for differential diagnosis. Onset refers to when the symptom first started. Severity
refers to the intensity of the symptom, often rated on a scale. Duration refers to how long each episode lasts or how long the
symptom has been present overall. Timing patterns can reveal circadian relationships, activity-related triggers, or
disease-specific patterns critical to clinical reasoning.
Q13: A patient says, "I have been having headaches for three days." Which part of the health history does
this statement primarily address?
A. A. Past medical history
B. B. History of present illness (HPI) **[CORRECT]**
C. C. Family history
D. D. Social history
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This statement belongs to the History of Present Illness (HPI), which is a detailed exploration of the chief
complaint. The HPI expands on the chief complaint using the OLDCARTS framework to characterize symptoms fully. The
patient reporting headaches for three days describes the onset and duration elements of the HPI. Past medical history includes
previously diagnosed conditions, surgeries, and hospitalizations. Family history documents health conditions in blood relatives.
Social history covers lifestyle factors such as occupation, substance use, and living situation. The HPI is the most detailed
section of the health history.
Q14: A nurse is using the technique of summarizing during a patient interview. Which statement best
demonstrates this technique?
A. A. "Can you describe what the pain feels like?"
B. B. "So to summarize, you have had chest pain for two days that worsens with deep breathing."
**[CORRECT]**
Page 4
