BSN246 HESI Health Assessment Exam
V1 – Nightingale College 2025/2026 |
Verified Questions and Correct Answers
(Grade A, Latest Update)
Section 1: Health History and Interviewing (15 Questions)
Question 1: What is the best use of a computer during a health history interview in an outpatient
clinic? (Select all that apply)
Answer: Collect data in a direct, face-to-face manner; Enter data after the narrative is fully
explored
Rationale: Eye contact builds rapport; entering data post-interview prevents disruption.
Question 2: A male client reports occasional shortness of breath, but respirations are regular,
deep, and 14 breaths/min. What is the best nursing action?
Answer: Document the finding in the client's record
Rationale: Normal rate (12-20 breaths/min); documentation establishes baseline.
Question 3: Which statements are true about open-ended questions? (Select all that apply)
Answer: Allow for self-expression; Build and enhance rapport
Rationale: Open-ended questions elicit detailed responses and strengthen trust.
Question 4: The magicoreligious perspective views health as influenced by:
Answer: Supernatural forces of good or evil
Rationale: Differs from biomedical (disease-based) or naturalistic (balance) models.
Question 5: A client reports "feeling tired all the time." What is the most appropriate follow-up
question?
Answer: Can you describe the fatigue and what makes it better or worse?
Rationale: Open-ended questions clarify symptom details for accurate assessment.
Question 6: What is the best practice when interviewing a client with limited English
proficiency?
Answer: Use a trained medical interpreter
Rationale: Ensures accuracy and confidentiality, avoiding bias from family interpreters.
, Question 7: A client reports smoking 2 packs/day for 10 years. How many pack-years is this?
Answer: 20 pack-years
Rationale: Pack-years = packs/day × years (2 × 10 = 20).
Question 8: A client reports a family history of hypertension. What is the priority question?
Answer: Which family members have hypertension and at what age?
Rationale: Assesses genetic risk for targeted screening.
Question 9: Which components are included in a comprehensive health history? (Select all that
apply)
Answer: Past medical history; Social history; Review of systems
Rationale: Subjective data; vital signs are objective.
Question 10: A client appears anxious during the interview. What is the best approach?
Answer: Acknowledge anxiety and offer reassurance
Rationale: Builds trust and encourages open communication.
Question 11: A client reports "stomach pain after eating." What is the priority question?
Answer: Can you describe the pain and its timing?
Rationale: Clarifies symptom nature for accurate assessment.
Question 12: What is the best interviewing technique for an elderly client with mild dementia?
Answer: Speak slowly with simple language
Rationale: Enhances understanding and reduces confusion.
Question 13: A client reports a recent fall. What is the priority history question?
Answer: What were you doing when you fell?
Rationale: Identifies circumstances for risk assessment.
Question 14: A client identifies as transgender. How should the nurse approach the health
history?
Answer: Use gender-neutral language and ask about pronouns
Rationale: Promotes respect and ensures accurate documentation.
Question 15: A client becomes tearful discussing a recent loss. What is the nurse’s best
response?
Answer: Offer a tissue and allow time to express feelings
Rationale: Supports emotional expression without premature intervention.
Section 2: Physical Examination Techniques (20 Questions)
Question 16: A client with bilateral lower lobe atelectasis would likely have what percussion
sound over the lower lobes?
V1 – Nightingale College 2025/2026 |
Verified Questions and Correct Answers
(Grade A, Latest Update)
Section 1: Health History and Interviewing (15 Questions)
Question 1: What is the best use of a computer during a health history interview in an outpatient
clinic? (Select all that apply)
Answer: Collect data in a direct, face-to-face manner; Enter data after the narrative is fully
explored
Rationale: Eye contact builds rapport; entering data post-interview prevents disruption.
Question 2: A male client reports occasional shortness of breath, but respirations are regular,
deep, and 14 breaths/min. What is the best nursing action?
Answer: Document the finding in the client's record
Rationale: Normal rate (12-20 breaths/min); documentation establishes baseline.
Question 3: Which statements are true about open-ended questions? (Select all that apply)
Answer: Allow for self-expression; Build and enhance rapport
Rationale: Open-ended questions elicit detailed responses and strengthen trust.
Question 4: The magicoreligious perspective views health as influenced by:
Answer: Supernatural forces of good or evil
Rationale: Differs from biomedical (disease-based) or naturalistic (balance) models.
Question 5: A client reports "feeling tired all the time." What is the most appropriate follow-up
question?
Answer: Can you describe the fatigue and what makes it better or worse?
Rationale: Open-ended questions clarify symptom details for accurate assessment.
Question 6: What is the best practice when interviewing a client with limited English
proficiency?
Answer: Use a trained medical interpreter
Rationale: Ensures accuracy and confidentiality, avoiding bias from family interpreters.
, Question 7: A client reports smoking 2 packs/day for 10 years. How many pack-years is this?
Answer: 20 pack-years
Rationale: Pack-years = packs/day × years (2 × 10 = 20).
Question 8: A client reports a family history of hypertension. What is the priority question?
Answer: Which family members have hypertension and at what age?
Rationale: Assesses genetic risk for targeted screening.
Question 9: Which components are included in a comprehensive health history? (Select all that
apply)
Answer: Past medical history; Social history; Review of systems
Rationale: Subjective data; vital signs are objective.
Question 10: A client appears anxious during the interview. What is the best approach?
Answer: Acknowledge anxiety and offer reassurance
Rationale: Builds trust and encourages open communication.
Question 11: A client reports "stomach pain after eating." What is the priority question?
Answer: Can you describe the pain and its timing?
Rationale: Clarifies symptom nature for accurate assessment.
Question 12: What is the best interviewing technique for an elderly client with mild dementia?
Answer: Speak slowly with simple language
Rationale: Enhances understanding and reduces confusion.
Question 13: A client reports a recent fall. What is the priority history question?
Answer: What were you doing when you fell?
Rationale: Identifies circumstances for risk assessment.
Question 14: A client identifies as transgender. How should the nurse approach the health
history?
Answer: Use gender-neutral language and ask about pronouns
Rationale: Promotes respect and ensures accurate documentation.
Question 15: A client becomes tearful discussing a recent loss. What is the nurse’s best
response?
Answer: Offer a tissue and allow time to express feelings
Rationale: Supports emotional expression without premature intervention.
Section 2: Physical Examination Techniques (20 Questions)
Question 16: A client with bilateral lower lobe atelectasis would likely have what percussion
sound over the lower lobes?
