BSN 246 HESI HEALTH ASSESSMENT
FINAL EXAM V1 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. When assessing a patient’s abdomen, in which order should the physical examination
techniques be performed?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Palpation, Inspection, Auscultation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In abdominal assessment, auscultation follows inspection to
avoid stimulating bowel sounds through percussion or palpation, which could lead to
inaccurate findings.
2. A nurse is performing a Weber test on a patient. If the patient reports hearing the sound
louder in the right ear, what is the most likely interpretation?
A. Normal hearing in both ears
,B. Sensorineural loss in the right ear
C. Presbycusis in the left ear
D. Conduction loss in the right ear
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In the Weber test, sound lateralizes to the ear with conductive
hearing loss or away from the ear with sensorineural hearing loss.
3. Which cranial nerve is being tested when the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. CN VII (Facial)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN XI (Spinal Accessory)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory) innervates the trapezius and
sternocleidomastoid muscles; shrugging tests its motor function.
4. While auscultating the lungs, the nurse hears high-pitched, musical sounds primarily during
expiration. How should these be documented?
A. Crackles
B. Rhonchi
, C. Wheezes
D. Pleural friction rub
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Wheezes are continuous, high-pitched musical sounds caused by
air flowing through narrowed passageways, typically heard in asthma or COPD.
5. A patient presents with a skin lesion that has irregular borders, multiple colors, and a
diameter of 8 mm. Which assessment tool is most appropriate?
A. ABCDE mnemonic
B. PQRST scale
C. Glasgow Scale
D. Norton Scale
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The ABCDE mnemonic (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter,
Evolving) is used to evaluate skin lesions for potential melanoma.
6. When assessing the carotid arteries, what is the most important safety precaution for the
nurse to take?
A. Palpate both arteries simultaneously to compare strength
B. Have the patient hold their breath during palpation
C. Palpate one artery at a time
FINAL EXAM V1 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. When assessing a patient’s abdomen, in which order should the physical examination
techniques be performed?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Palpation, Inspection, Auscultation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In abdominal assessment, auscultation follows inspection to
avoid stimulating bowel sounds through percussion or palpation, which could lead to
inaccurate findings.
2. A nurse is performing a Weber test on a patient. If the patient reports hearing the sound
louder in the right ear, what is the most likely interpretation?
A. Normal hearing in both ears
,B. Sensorineural loss in the right ear
C. Presbycusis in the left ear
D. Conduction loss in the right ear
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In the Weber test, sound lateralizes to the ear with conductive
hearing loss or away from the ear with sensorineural hearing loss.
3. Which cranial nerve is being tested when the nurse asks the patient to shrug their
shoulders against resistance?
A. CN VII (Facial)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN XI (Spinal Accessory)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory) innervates the trapezius and
sternocleidomastoid muscles; shrugging tests its motor function.
4. While auscultating the lungs, the nurse hears high-pitched, musical sounds primarily during
expiration. How should these be documented?
A. Crackles
B. Rhonchi
, C. Wheezes
D. Pleural friction rub
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Wheezes are continuous, high-pitched musical sounds caused by
air flowing through narrowed passageways, typically heard in asthma or COPD.
5. A patient presents with a skin lesion that has irregular borders, multiple colors, and a
diameter of 8 mm. Which assessment tool is most appropriate?
A. ABCDE mnemonic
B. PQRST scale
C. Glasgow Scale
D. Norton Scale
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The ABCDE mnemonic (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter,
Evolving) is used to evaluate skin lesions for potential melanoma.
6. When assessing the carotid arteries, what is the most important safety precaution for the
nurse to take?
A. Palpate both arteries simultaneously to compare strength
B. Have the patient hold their breath during palpation
C. Palpate one artery at a time
